Piano students of the Clara Woolley Music Studio in Plymouth presented a recital, on May 21st, in the Ancilla Domini Chapel.
The performance was comprised of a sampling of the memorized programs they played for the annual National Guild of Piano Teachers Auditions, an achievement test for piano students, that took place, May 17-18, at the Clara Woolley Music Studio.
After the recital, Clara Woolley presented each student with certificates and pins recognizing their achievement level and years of participation.
Xinlang Fan earned the Composer’s Award for composing an advanced, original work, “The Journey,” that he presented at the recital.
Xinlang Fan and David Tepes earned the prestigious 15-piece International Award for memorizing 15 pieces of advanced music (approximately 45 minutes of playing from memory). In addition, Tepes received the Sonatina Plaque Award for memorizing five, three-movement sonatinas, also approximately 45 minutes of memorized music.
Students playing in the recital who received awards are listed with the number of years they have participated in the annual National Guild of Piano Teachers Auditions (achievement test): Giovanni Baca, 4 years; Xinlang Fan, 8 years; Leighton Lee, 2 years; Max Marohn, 4 years; Olivia Zheng, 2 years; all of Plymouth; Marcus Houin, 5 years, Bremen; David Tepes, 8 years; and Grace Tepes, 3 years; Grovertown; and Emilia Aram, 2 years, Winona Lake. Connor Gal, 7 years, South Bend, also performed in the recital, but due to a school conflict will test at a later date.
The purpose of the National Guild’s Piano Auditions is to establish standardized goals and awards – through noncompetitive auditions – for students of all levels. Students are judged on individual merit, by a well-qualified, music professional, in the areas of accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique. The goal is to encourage growth and enjoyment through the study of piano.
Professional pianist and accompanist Vicki King, Bloomington, who holds a Doctor of Arts degree in piano pedagogy, judged the student’s piano playing and marked their report cards, including helpful comments. King also has piano degrees from Indiana University School of Music and Mississippi University for Women; and a Performer’s Certificate in Piano from the Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria.
Each year more than 100,000 piano students participate in the Guild Auditions at over 800 audition centers worldwide, playing about 180,000 music pieces, adjudicated by about 1,000 professional musicians who travel farther than 6,000 miles to judge.
Photo: Xinlang Fan earned the International Piano Composition Award, studying with Clara Woolley.
Photos and article submited by Mary Jo Finley
Smith looks to claim Parke County Commissioner seat
USDA opens enrollment for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program
Governor ceremonially signs bill co-authored by Baird to combat animal cruelty
New online portal brings transparency to Indiana gas prices during declared energy emergency
Electric vehicle fire training held at Rockville-Adams Township Training Center
Indiana FSSA announces results of HCBS attendant care audits - $200 Million in improper payments
Applications being accepted for Governor’s 2026 Century and Half Century Business Awards
Indiana BMV extending hours for primary election
$675 million impact reported from initial Regional Economic Development funding
PHMS Amazing Shake
Parke Heritage students in competition at FFA District Contest
Indiana's February unemployment rate below national average
Indiana hiring five county executive directors in training positions
Be on the lookout for farm equipment on the road
SW Parke projected to save over a million dollars closing Montezuma Elementary
Changes coming to South Vermillion School Corporation's cell phone policy
Crawfordsville man faces list of felony child sex charges
Domestic incident results in arrest in Parke County
