Check out those size 13/14 feet.$20,000 and a grand piano is the prize for this competition.
Most people dressed nice, dressy casual, lots of black. Parents and teachers hovered over their 18 year olds. They would glance over at us trying to assess by our clothing, hair, shoes, how serious of a competitor Noah would be. The grandparents were more friendly than the parents, they didn't feel nearly the stress so they would saunter over and chat Noah up, asking him questions about his music, his plans for college, compliment him on being so tall. Noah deals with this kind of stress by laughing and joking around, so it is fun to be with him.
The kids that compete at this level are impressive. After listening to a few of his competitors Noah told me he was pretty sure we would go home empty handed (dang). He told me who would win the competition before everyone was finished playing. It was the same guy that beat him at state this spring. We had to wait 2 hours before they announced the winner (only one winner - no 2nd or 3rd place consolation prizes) so we snuck back into the performance hall where Noah could play the amazing piano (see videos below).
They called us all together in the main hall, you could smell the anticipation, you could feel the hope, there is always hope you will win, maybe. Noah correctly predicted who would win.
I was pleased with the way Noah conducted himself. I was proud.
As we walked into the cool early evening he said, "I can't wait to get started on my new music!"
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Here is 1 minute of Noah performing Rachmaninoff at DU:
This next video is about 1 minute of his latest composition - still pretty rough:
9 comments:
He'll go far in life. Such talent and commitment is not found in many of our youth these days. I think you should keep him.. LOL
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
My Dad LOVED classical music. Rachmaninoff was one of his favorites. Dad also loved some really modern off the wall classical stuff. He would have enjoyed Noah and his talent and tastes. It must be so stressful yet rewarding to have such a talented son. Listening to your recordings of his performances makes me happy and sad at the same time.
That is most impressive! You must be so proud of him.
What a wonderful boy that he would work this hard at this age in his life.
You are a good mom.
Awesome music. I like the composition.
I wish I could have gone to the competition. I would have brought one of those loud airhorn things and when Noah sat down to play I would beep it loud and yell "GO NOAH!"
Who knew watching a video of someone playing the piano could be so interesting?
I really liked the second piece. It had so many contrasts and was exciting to listen to.
That boy of yours is an amazing talent.
Jane and I watched together. Then she went and sat down practiced the piano. :) Noah is amazing, in more ways than just his talent! Give him hugs for us. xoxoxo
Oh Robin! He is so great. I am grateful for music and the skilled people like your son who will share it with us! here is love for you and that amazingly talented giant boy.
PS that is a really great picture.
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