Concert day was a hit with the kids and kinfolk alike!

It was a scorching hot Sunday afternoon in Macgregor’s cozy creek-side serenity village of Belmont Gardens, with mercifully few burnouts taking place on the street. The ‘guard’ dog Laika was prepped and preened, soft drinks were chilling and those who came even brought snacks! Hooray.

The punters streamed in and took their place in a full house.

Soon enough all entrants were present, and after some brief housekeeping, biscuits and beverages, the music began.

ACTION

Chris volunteers to lead off with a stirring rendition of Rasputin on the old Beale piano. An epic performance of this dancefloor classic, with powerful bass hand driving the groove. Top stuff!

Darcy is next up on guitar duties. He treats us to a funky blues pickin’ version of People are Strange, before launching into a swaggering Blackbird. Excellent to see some self-directed study.

Max is on his feet for his first of 2 pieces and gives the crowd a warm introduction to his piece Tribal Celebration, in A major, played note perfectly at a stomping tempo.

Arwen rises to the occasion with gusto, but unfortunately is thwarted by the old missing music book trick. Nevertheless, he bravely gets on with an endearing left handed version of Hot Cross Buns, in the sub bass octave of the piano. “One a penny two a penny hot cross buns!!!” A pure gold performance on this all-time favourite. Next time: Ode To Joy.

Joel steps up prepared with a selection of 3 pieces. He delights us first with Baroque Boogie, a tasteful swing in the bass, blending into the complex counterpoint of the second, straighter movement, then taking it home with bravado! A ballad named I Remember follows, which contrasts well in it’s softness, close harmony and lolling melody. Perfect for this hot dreamy day.

—Break time—

Bring on the snacks and a top up of GB or AJ, scrumptious cheese and strawbs, brownies, cOOOkIEs (courtesy of Rory and Nicole) also; tasty pastries . So delicious. Go team.

—end break—

And we’re back for part 2, Any takers for the floor? not yet? There’s still time.

Max is well up for a second crack. He launches into Song of the Court Jester, with the teacher, caught off guard and forgetting to join in for the duet (apologies to Max), but it rocks anyway and is another banger well done! Very nice staccato.

Next up, Chris treats the audience to a movement from Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar. It’s a very exciting piece, full of rhythmic wizardry.

Returning from the grandstand, Joel delights us with the final song in the book – Gestures, an intriguing piece which he plays with an easygoing beat and melodic acumen. Congrats on the next instalment – you’ve won a free book!!! Keep it up.

The pressure is on Harper now, and a kind request from an audience member prompts her into action. Her piece Victor’s Song (from Corpse Bride), another fine example of self-directed dedication – thanks youtube. She begins, the familiar chord sequence, the mysterious melody fills the room. We are transfixed – the piano humming marvelously, until it’s all too much for the rickety old Beale and a crucial A flat key gives out the dreaded ‘thud!’. Not to be put off, Harper relocates the final refrain down an octave and lands it handily. Quick thinking, great strategy – winning!

What a stunning finale.

On that note, many kind parting remarks are made, the crowd departs, full of cheer, nibblies and musical memories.

Epilogue

Thank you so much for an extraordinary day to all who attended, performed, listened intently, cheered on, encouraged, or simply ate and drank. I didn’t get any photos, but if you are happy to share any in the comments, please do so.

Yours sincerely,

Liam O’Connell, music tutor.