Randall Teaches Piano

The other day, our neighbor, Danielle, was over and Randall was playing his first recital piece, Old McDonald Had a Farm. She encouragingly said he was doing a really good job and he offered to teach her.

He didn't show her the music or anything, just played the notes over and over and then she played them. It was slow going, but they both enjoyed it and kept at it. Both very very patient and were having a great time.

Here, you can see Randall's finger going as he keeps time for her. *grin*


Both were so serious and were having so much fun.


Now, not only can Russ and Rand play Old McDonald over and over, but Danielle can, too. So far, they haven't thought of all three playing together...

Piano Skills Festival 2010

Russ had the first part of his Piano Skills Festival last month and got 2 A's and a B+. This past weekend, he had the second part of the Festival where he had to perform two songs from memory.

As of about a week ago, Russ hadn't even played one of the songs with both hands together. He had been sick the lesson before and hadn't gotten the new assignment. When I realized his Festival was the next weekend, I sort of panicked.

So, for the last week, he's practiced every day and went from not knowing the songs nearly as well as he should to memorizing them and playing them beautifully. I rarely help him with his practicing anymore, but this week, I was like a drill sergeant as I clapped rhythms and reminded him about his dynamics.

At one point, he said, "Why does it matter?" and I said, "Because the judge will be a very good musician and will notice if you do or don't do your rhythms correctly. And they'll definitely notice whether your dynamics were obvious enough." He rolled his eyes (boy, they learn that one early...), but practiced hard and was very proud of himself when he could play both from memory.

When he finished playing Saturday morning for the Festival, his teacher and I asked him how he thought he did and he said, "Okay, but I don't think I got two blue ribbons."

Well, he was wrong. He did get two blue ribbons, meaning two A's. And, those that got 4 A's and one B+ were awarded a medal. He was so surprised when we found out was very excited about the medal.


If he had gotten five A's, he would've gotten a trophy. That'll be the goal next time, but for this time, we were excited about getting the trophy. He worked very hard.

His judge had some very encouraging comments like "Beautiful dynamic contrast! Good contrast in articulation. Excellent legato. Nice attention to note length." And, at the end, she said, "Excellent preparation, Russell! You have an awesome start to your piano study! I enjoyed listening to you play."

He looked a little sheepish when he realized that Mrs. Charity and I were right on the little things we stressed, like dynamics and rhythms.

I video taped him practicing one day, and I finally figured out how to upload videos with our new camera! Yay!

A Piano Playin' Fool

Russell had a Skills Festival last Friday at UT Tyler. He had a friend spend the night and we just made an evening of it. We ate at a Mexican restaurant and then headed to Russ' competition.

There were 3 parts: harmonization, scales and sight reading. And, it wasn't just scales, there was a word for that... Geez, don't I listen well...

Anyway, the students were judged on how well they performed for a judge in a room by themselves. Russell's teacher, Charity, was surprised that Russ wasn't nervous at all. I suppose there are some perks to him not really wanting to do piano--he doesn't feel the stress or pressure some kids might.

As always, he did great! He truly is a natural; which is why he's still taking even though he thinks he needs to quit.

He got 2 blue ribbons and 1 red. That's like two A's and a B+.


The red ribbon was in sight-reading, which is really the hardest part for most kids.

I asked Russ to pose for a picture with his ribbons and after the first shot above, he began simply humoring me. He was very excited to get the ribbons after the competition and that's when I should've taken the picture... obviously...


He's a piano playin' fool! And, we're very proud of him.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Parties and Programs

I'm home from church today with Randall because he hasn't been fever-free for 24 hours. I would feel really badly if someone from church got strep right before the holidays. Slade had a meeting and has to count the offering today, so I had to find someone to replace me in the nursery.

I was afraid we'd be going back to the doctor for Randall because it's been since Thursday night and his fever just wouldn't go away without Motrin/Tylenol. But, we gave him Motrin Saturday morning and haven't had to do it since. He's been his normal self, too, so I think he's on the mend.

I'm just now getting around to posting about the boys' Thanksgiving/Christmas school happenings. Better late than never, I suppose...

First up, Randall's Thanksgiving Feast at school. It was a very simple affair, but always a fun reason to go have lunch with him.

Sweet little pilgrim.


I love his eyes in this one. So cute.




His paper collar is a little off-center, but I was glad he enjoyed wearing it. He's not usually into dressing up.


I have a few pictures of him from his Feast giving me an "I love you" sign and smile. So sweet.


Next, Randall's Christmas Program at school.

The pretty stained glass window in the sanctuary at the church where his school meets.


The stage before all the classes came out.


Randall was one of the wise men and he was standing just behind the person in front of him so that I never got a great view during the video, but I am glad I could see him in the pictures. He sang so sweetly after the first song or two when he remembered he was supposed to be singing. :-)


Leaving the stage.


My mom and niece, Ally, came and my mom brought her little Beast to surprise Randall. She's inside my mom's purse.


Slade was able to be there, too.


Randall showing off his Christmas card he made. Look at that left eye. Poor guy, he got a bad sty a few days before and it was still red, swollen and sore.


Wearing his crown for a close-up.


Randall's Christmas Party at school.

Showing off an ornament he got from his friend, Luke.


The whole class enjoying their lunch.


Playing the game where you pass a gift to the right/left depending on which word you hear in the story. It took a little while, but they eventually got the hang of it.


Then, I'll add in pictures from Russell's Christmas Piano Recital, too. He did a wonderful job playing Sun of my Soul (the song he played for his Hymn Festival) and Holly Jolly Christmas (which he had only worked on for about 3 weeks and yet he still did great!).

Waiting for the recital to begin.


Mrs. Charity, Russell's teacher.


Playing his first song. That kid never has the jitters. And he even went up onto the big stage at our church in the main sanctuary!




Done!


The recital was on a Sunday afternoon, so we're all still (a little) dressed up.


Then, Russell's Christmas Party at school. It was interesting to see how many parents were there compared to last year at Russell's kindergarten. I wish more parents had been involved there, too.

Mrs. Cole opening her gift and card from Russell and me.


Trying to get the kids to make a circle so they could play the present passing game, too. Everyone was so excited that even making a circle was hard. :-)


Starting the present passing game. There were three big presents and each had a gift for each kid in it. I thought that was a neat idea.


Russell holding a present and waiting for the direction to pass it on.


When the presents finally stopped and got opened, it became a mad house as everyone tried to get one of each. It was crazy. But, the kids had a blast and everyone got their gifts without anyone getting hurt.


Eating and chatting. A poll was taken a few days before the party to determine if they would have cookies, cupcakes or donuts. Donuts won!


Mrs. Cole gave each of the kids a gift and the balloons were a huge hit, as you can see.


She also gave each child a copy of School House Rock! which both boys have loved watching! We got the Election Edition. It was a very sweet gift.

Okay, you made it! And, I did, too. I'm now caught up on my blogging! Until Christmas... Then I'll be behind for weeks! That's how it goes with scrapbooking, too...

Reaping Good Rewards

Russell seems to have turned a corner in the piano practice area. The last few weeks have been very calm and the tears have disappeared. I have watched him react correctly during a difficult song instead of saying he can't do it, it's too hard, etc.

I have been very, very proud of him for doing so well. I don't know if he's doing better intentionally or if he just feels like his songs are easy enough these last few rounds to practice without screaming, but I am enjoying practice times more. I often even leave the room and carry on with whatever I might need to do while he practices.

Here he is practicing for his 10th time, with his present sitting on the piano. Randall picked out the wrapping paper. He wanted green because the toy inside has a lot of green on it.


Russell doesn't seem to notice the coordinating paper and present...


Oh, a car that plays cool music when you "drive" it...


Can't you tell how excited he is...


After a few minutes of playing with the car, he asked if there was a way to turn the music off. It is kinda loud and it doesn't play a complete song, but the little tune starts over every time you move the car. He felt like he couldn't just drive it around because you had the starting and stopping of the music. I can understand how that would be irritating (for everyone involved), so I agreed to take out the batteries.

I thank God for small blessings when piano practice goes smoothly and no one ends up crying.

Piano Bummers and Yippees

We have had quite a time of it with piano lately. The words "piano practice" have the power to transform a relatively happy little boy into a whining, frowning, throw-yourself-on-the-ground kinda kid and I was at my wit's end. I had tried the patient approach, I had tried the spanking approach, I had tried the screaming approach (that one, needless to say, worked the worst of all...) and nothing was working. I was ready to call it quits and hope he wanted to go back to taking lessons on his own when he got older.

We had about two weeks where we didn't even really practice at all between lessons. I felt terrible.

My mom has a sweet friend, Nina, that has taken a personal interest in Russell's piano progress. She teaches on a college level and I believe she teaches private lessons, but also teaches teachers to teach. Try saying that 5 times fast...

Anyway, she called my mom out of the blue and asked, "So, has Russell hit the 'I don't want to practice' wall?" I had called my mom at the end of my rope just the week before, so she was able to say, "Well, as a matter of fact..."

Nina said that it was perfectly normal and that Russell had actually made it longer than most kids his age. She gave my mom some ideas, as well as some links to pass on to me.

One idea that we implemented immediately (with a few changes) was a reward chart. The idea Nina gave was that for every 10 days of daily practice, you get a prize. Then at the end of 100 days of every single day practice, you get a big prize. We adapted it a little because we don't practice every day. So, I decided to do a small prize at the end of 10 practices (not in a row, necessarily) and then, instead of waiting for 100 practices for the big one, he will get to choose a big prize at the end of 5o practices.

The small prizes will probably be a small car of some sort. Whether a matchbox car or a new pencil or something, he will think it's great. I will have it wrapped and waiting on the day of his 10th practice. He will have to wait until the end of that day's practice to open it. He has already chosen what he wants his big prize to be--the whole family going rollerblading/skating together one evening.

What a different week of practice this week as compared to the last few weeks. He even got in four practices this week like he's supposed to. He hasn't done that in a very long time. When practices four times in one week, he gets to pick a small prize from Ms. Charity's treasure box.

I so appreciate Nina's advice and help. I have never met her and she has been such a huge help and encouragement.

She also recommended that we get the DVD Sparky's Magic Piano. We found it on Amazon.com and it should be here any day. I want to use the movie as a part of a Family Night of some sort. I want to celebrate Russell's accomplishments, as well as encourage him to continue on and persevere. Any ideas of something fun to do for a Piano Night? Maybe those little tuxedo strawberries since great pianists dress up for concerts?

I am feeling encouraged and energized and I'm ready to take on the piano practice monster again. Actually, the monster seems much smaller now, thanks to Nina's help.

A picture from practice this week. Don't worry, this pose only lasted through one song.

Bookworm Song

I forgot to update that Russell did a great job at his piano competition Saturday morning. He got a 5, which is Superior. He also got a blue ribbon. If he gets a Superior score 3 years in a row, he gets a trophy. He can't wait for that.

I didn't know if he would be nervous since he was playing in front of two judges, but he didn't seem to even give it a second thought. He played it before we left and it was absolutely perfect! Here he is after we got home and there are a few small mistakes, but he did great. Sorry about all the background noise; Slade's mom and younger brother were here and I didn't realize how much chatting was going on while I recorded Russ. Oops.

You can see on the piano some train cut outs and a little money bank. Those are some of the tactics we've used to help him enjoy practicing. He gets to choose a certain number of train cars based on how well he plays (and his attitude when he messes up). We also had a day where he got dimes for each song, depending on the same criteria. That money is supposed to go to his Sunday School class, but we forgot to send it yesterday.



The only comment from the judges was that he could/should have slowed down at the end, but the music didn't say to and he is new enough to piano that he just simply played/memorized exactly as it was written. Luckily, that didn't count against him.

When we were in the car heading home after the competition, he said with a big grin, "I knew I'd get a blue ribbon." He didn't say it like he was bragging or showing off, he just knew he had practiced hard and that he was able to play it really well. I'm glad he felt good about the time he'd put into it.

Christmas Piano Recital

Russ had his Christmas piano recital today. It was a lot of fun. Charity has quite a few students now and I think that adds to the kids' excitement.

Here's Russ' pre-recital face in the van. Can you sense the nervousness?!


Peggy, Slade's mom, is smiling in the back.

Randall's sweet smile. (Notice the built-in carseat that Randall is in? It can be down to be used as a carseat or can fold up into the seat so that a non-carseat person can sit. One of our favorite features of the van!)


Russ played Good King Wenceslas and Away in a Manger. He did a great job! He was calm and not at all nervous. When he finished playing his first song, he sat down by me and whispered "No mistakes."

I took pictures during his first song and recorded a video during his second. We brought our video camera, but, of course, the battery was dead. Should have checked that a few hours earlier, eh?... If I had been thinking, I would have recorded him playing Good King Wenceslas because it was a little more difficult, but I didn't think of that.

Getting his music ready.


Playing Good King Wenceslas. No jitters...


Done with his first song.


Playing Away in a Manger.



All of Charity's students (with Charity in the back, on the right).


A close up of a sweet, smiling boy.


A close up of a silly, goofy boy.


The piano cake Charity made for the reception after the recital.


Russ realizing it was a cake.


It was fun listening to all of the children and seeing how many of them have improved since the last recital. Charity has a lot of young students and beginner students, so their progress is a lot easier to hear.

The entertainment was fun and the food was tasty. What more could you ask for?

Piano Practice Trains

Up until lately, Russell has always reminded me when it was time to practice. Ms. Charity has a reward system where if you practice four times in between lessons, you get to choose a prize from the treasure chest. That has been great motivation for him! He's gotten fun pencils, bubbles, erasers and mini notepads, to name a few.

Lately, though, we've been so busy, that we've all forgotten about practicing. Then, we end up not getting four practices in and he's frustrated because he doesn't know his songs and the practice is discouraging.

So, I pulled out my secret weapon. My mom has a friend, Nina, who I have mentioned before. She is a professional musician and actually teaches other musicians how to teach music lessons. She recommended the book, Mommy, Can We Practice Now? It contains great, creative ways to make practicing fun. It has ideas that would work for any instrument and really for anything that you want your child to cooperate for and do. You could adapt it to work for a child who is disagreeable about something like getting dressed in the morning, getting your child to do schoolwork/homework, etc. It has some neat ideas in it.

The other day, just for fun, I decided to use one to help get us jump started for practice. I chose a page of train drawings and I used our handy dandy printer that can also be a copier to copy them onto cardstock. When Russ got home from school, he had a blast coloring the trains in. He probably spent 30 or more minutes just on that. He loves coloring!

Then I cut them out and had them in a pile while he practiced. If he played a song perfectly, he got to choose one of the train cars that had something in it. If he played a difficult song with only one mistake (and he kept going and didn't stop and bang the keys *grin*), he could still choose a car, but it had to be just a plain car. He loved it!

Here he is in the middle of practice and we're running out of trains because he was doing so well!


Near the end of his practice time, I started being even more picky about when he could choose a train. He liked that, too. He likes a challenge.


He loved setting them up while he practiced and if he got frustrated, he knew better than to bang the keys because his trains would all fall. He did great!

Randall had a set to color, too, and they both enjoyed playing with them.

If you would have any use for a book like this, I highly recommend it!