NEXT TIME:
End-of-Year Blowout
Wed, May 5
Program to include Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries!
and other operatic excesses...

[mostly on hiatus since 2012]

View demo videos here

Friday, March 27, 2009

Piano Hero 4 Recap

Here's a taste of what Piano Anti-Hero looked and sound like:




Read more about it here.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Level Four: Piano Anti-Hero


We're back this week, after a two-week hiatus, with Aaron Copland's wonderful arrangement for two pianos of music from his ballet, Billy the Kid. As an added bonus, we'll be taking on the famous "Hoedown" from Rodeo. If you don't know the "Hoedown" by name, you've probably heard it as used in the "Beef: It's What's For Dinner" commercials. But everyone loves it, even vegetarians.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Piano Heroes at Rest

We took last week off for Spring Break, and it turns out we'll be taking this week (3/18) off as well. The truth is, we met to rehearse a piece this morning and just didn't like the way it sounded on piano. If we're not enjoying, why make others come suffer along.

So, check back soon. Hopefully, Piano Hero will resume on Wednesday, March 25...

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Level Three Completed

Piano Hero will be off this coming Wednesday, for Spring Break. Stay tuned for information about the next performance, likely to be on March 18. In the meantime, here's a quick video excerpt from this past Wednesday's takedown of Beethoven's "Eroica." Read more about it here.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Piano Heroica

Yes, Piano Hero is back for Level Three this week with, appropriately enough, Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, the "Eroica." Many have asked to have these performances start a little later than noon, since classes get out at 12:25. The "Eroica" is a long symphony though (at least 45 minutes), and we have to be done by 1pm, so this week we'll plan to start at about 12:10. As always, the doors will be open and you're free to come for as much or as little as you'd like.

We'll be projecting the score (if all goes as planned) this week, so you'll be able to see exactly what our pianists are seeing and (hopefully) playing. And, for the first time, Michael and Nathan will each get his own piano. That's twice the Steinway for your money (free admission).  If you want a sneek peak, here's what the score looks like. Now the only question is, can they beat the score? Come find out.

Beethoven's Symphony No.3
Michael Monroe and Nathan Skinner, pianos
Wednesday, 12:10pm
Phillips Recital Hall