Piano Party 2009

We had a Piano Party at our house to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the progress that our piano students have made this past year. Each of the students performed their Christmas pieces to a packed yet cozy audience in our front room. After the piano playing, we all gathered in the living room for some audience participation as we played sticks, bells, triangles, and shakers along with a musical percussion arrangement set to "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and "Russian Dance" from "The Nutcracker". It was a delightful evening.

Just look at my twins! What a smashing picture by my photographer friend, Letricia. Aubrey and Austin are 9 years old and counting down to their 10th birthday in March. They can hardly wait for the double digits to arrive. Yikes.

Aubrey performed a lovely version of Silent Night and another of Jingle Bells. She has learned to incorporate some excellent sensitivity into her piano playing. She is so graceful with her dainty fingers on the keyboard.

Aria, in her matching sparkley dress, enjoyed all of the festivities including the music, friends and even a good book. What a doll.

Here's Austin grinning big after accompanying the entire assembly in the full-length version of "The 12 Days of Christmas". I asked is her was sure that he wanted to do ALL 12 verses and he assured me, "Oh, yes, Mom!" It was SO much fun seeing Austin turn into a little accompanist.

I love this action shot of Alister! Somehow, he ALWAYS manages to find a drum! We didn't even use drums on this night. We had pulled out all the sticks, bells, triangles and shakers, but I think DRUM is in Alister's blood.

There's a first for everything, yes, there are 6 smiling faces in this one picture! THANK YOU, Letricia!!!