Miles' "Reflections" Entry

Miles has composed a piece of music he calls "Diverse Chords" for the National PTA Reflections Program.  The topic for this year's program is 'Diversity.'

Miles' artist statement:

"Diversity means that while we have some things in common, we also have some special differences.

In my piece, Diverse Chords, I tried to represent diversity in three different ways:  1) I used two main chords: the F major chord, and the Bb major chord. They are similar because they both utilize the note ‘F’.  But they are also unique because F major chords contain an ‘A’ and a ‘C’, while the Bb major chord uses a ‘Bb’ and a ‘D.’ 2) I began the piece with many lower notes, but I also used arpeggios to reach higher notes.  3) I also used dynamics (loud and soft) to represent diversity. 

The chords I chose, the range I played in, and the dynamics I used represent human beings. We have many things in common, but we all have special differences that make us unique."

To hear Miles' piece, go to:

http://www.box.net/shared/f4fri6dyy90n7s2hodox

House of the Rising Sun

Click here for video of Miles practicing "House of the Rising Sun" on September 11, 2011.

Tango & Chopsticks

Congratulations to Miles and Emery for their great performances today at Ms. Hudson's Spring Piano Recital.

The video begins with Miles' DG Music Club Honors Recital performance last weekend, and then continues with today's performances at First United Methodist Church.

Click here for the video.

Hillcrest Vareity Show 2011

Congratulations to Miles & Emery for two terrific performances tonight at the Hillcrest Variety Show.

Emery performed "Firefly", and Miles performed "Got Those Boogie Blues."

Click here for the video.  It may take a moment to load fully.

Emery Begins Piano

Emery had her first piano lesson today, and returned from Mrs. Hudson's home all smiles!

Hillcrest Variety Show 2010

Miles performing in tonight's Hillcrest Variety Show.  Click here.

Piano - and Perspective

Today Miles participated in the Downers Grove Music Club's local piano competition.  He prepared two pieces and performed them from memory for a judge.  Miles came out of the performance feeling like he did a great job, and he was very proud of his performance.  

Because he did well in this competition last year, I think he has high-hopes for doing well again this year.  As we were cleaning up the dishes tonight after dinner I asked him how he would feel if he was NOT picked for the honors recital this year.  I loved his response.  He said, "I would be okay with that because I'm proud of how well I did today."  Perfect.  I couldn't ask for a better perspective from an eight year old.

This is a performance of "Sonatina", one of the two pieces he played today.

Practicing Piano

Click on the screen shot below to hear Miles practicing the "Little Drummer Boy."

Miles' Fall Piano Recital

Click on the image above for a video of Miles' Fall Piano Recital performance.

Spring Piano Recitals

Miles had a busy piano weekend. On Saturday he played in the recital that his teacher, Ms. Hudson, puts together each Spring. Then, today, he played in the Downers Grove Music Club's Piano Honors Recital at the First Congregational Church. This was a result of his participation in the DG Music Club Piano Festival a few weeks ago. We did not really know - compltely - what to expect this afternoon for this event. When we got there we found out Miles had placed 1st in his "Level 1" division, and was the final pianist to perform in his group of five. He seemed to have a great time performing, and is very, very proud that he was given a trophy. Try as we might - as parents - to down-play the trophy ... it's obvious that this gesture on the part of the Music Club was meaningful to him, and very affirming.

Click here, or on the video box below, for video of the two recitals this weekend.

Daydream

'Daydream' is the first piano piece that Miles has learned to play and sing. He was not assigned the singing part, but yesterday - as I was sitting in the family room - I heard his voice coming from the living room. He had taken it upon himself to read/sing the melody and play at the same time. Seeing all these skill sets merging for Miles is fascinating.

Miles describes this music as "the most beautiful piece of music I can play."

To see/hear it ... click here or on the picture.

Great Grandmother Visit

We sepnt some time this afternoon at Tiger Place, visiting Gigi.  Miles did a mini-piano recital in the lobby for Gigi, Gran, and several bingo players in the adjoining room.  

Piano Lesson (outside observer)

Piano Recital - Fall 2008

Miles participated in his second Piano Recital today, performing:

• Dinosaur Stomp
• Lightly Row
• Turkish Dance

He did a great job. Click here, or on the image to see the video.

Aside from the music, I loved how he would finish his song, and then turn his head slightly to his right to see if anyone was going to clap. Fun stuff.

I went back and looked at his first recital video today, and realized he's made some progress in a pretty short time.

Ode To Joy

Miles has really been working hard on piano this summer. In some ways, it's hard for me to believe how far he is coming in a pretty short period of time.

This piece, an arrangement of the "Ode To Joy" was something he heard a friend play, and then picked up by ear. It has been interesting to watch him practice this independently - asking for help occasionally - but wanting to figure it out mostly by himself.

Click on the image to see the video.