PianoRama

This Year, William participated in an event called PianoRama which involved several weekends of extra practices and culminated in a performance at an Ohio State School of Music auditorium with 15 pairs of musicians playing duet pieces on 15 pianos... at the same time!

PianoRama really is the best word to describe the spectacle.  William and his partner (also named William) did an amazing job, as did all the performers.

Will's Big Debut

Will has been taking ballet and tap at Balletmet for several years now.  Always in the past, when the year ends, parents are invited to the last class to watch a little here's-what-we've-learned performance.  This year Will was advanced enough in ballet to participate in the Spring Performance- a three performance production put on at the Capitol Theatre to showcase all the levels of dance instruction that go on throughout the year.  And because Will is one of the rare male ballet students, he performed in all three shows in a dance number that included all the boys at Balletmet from Ballet I on up.  

It was really and truly amazing to see Will up on the stage dancing with the other boys.  I got goosebumps, tears came to my eyes, and I clapped and cheered like a maniac when the curtain fell. 

But it wan't just me- everyone in the audience whistled and yelled. The boys' dance was definitely a highlight of the show.  I overheard people talking about it at intermission and before and after each of the shows while my heart swelled with pride.

Best of all- Will loved it! I think he mostly liked hanging out with his buddies down in the dressing rooms when they weren't on stage.  After the Friday night show he couldn't wait to go back for the two shows on Saturday.  Seeing him have such an awesome experience was a memory I hope to hang onto for a while.

A dressing room selfie before the first show 

(mom's weren't technically allowed in the dressing rooms but you know us stage moms)

Will after the second show

Photography was not allowed during the performances, but Soren drew a pretty realistic representation on the iPad

Atkinson Piano Studio Holiday Concert

The Atkinson Piano Studio Holiday Concert was a lovely way to spend a pre-Christmas crush afternoon.

This is Will with his wonderful piano teacher.

(At least, that is the tall, wise, poised, practically grown up person who masquerades as my baby boy these days)

Blogger Catch Up- Spring Performances

Will still does ballet at Balletmet

And tap

And piano at Atkinson Piano Studio

Man, we've got to get Soren into some activities!

Blogger Catch Up- Soccer

Soren played soccer in the spring.  

Here's an action shot of him looking like a little soccer stud.

Pedals, Pipes and Scary Music

Will has always been fascinated by pipe organs.  In October, he got the opportunity to attend a program at a local church where he learned all about pipe organs and even got to play one!  

What a thrill!

Now he is sure we need one.  

In our house.  

He has already scoped out the front hall as a place for the big pipes.  

Keep dreamin', kiddo.

Christmas Concert

Will rocked the house at the Atkinson Piano Studio Holiday Concert, playing rousing renditions of 'Jingle Bells' and 'Once a Year on Halloween'.

Bravo!

Earlier this month, Will performed in his first piano recital.
Since March, he's been taking lessons at Atkinson Piano Studio. We adore Miss Liz and admire her boundless patience. She also knows of some magic spell that enabled Will to overcome his stage fright (as much as we have enjoyed watching Will just stand there during his last two Christmas Programs at school) and perform lovely renditions of 'Twinkle Twinkle' and 'Two Lady Bugs'.

Maybe she whispered to him ahead of time that there was a gift card to Graeter's Ice Cream waiting for him at the end of the show.

Thanks, Miss Liz!