As school was coming to an end, I did my last volunteer performance of the year at at the Brightview Senior Home last Saturday. This performance was special to me because it was the first time I performed duets with my sister Boya.
Compared to solos, playing duets require close coordination between two pianists, and the reward is that the music is much richer with many layers, and we need to be more attentive to how each one’s voices come together. For this performance, my sister and I chose two duet pieces with contrasting styles. The first was a Mozart sonata, a lively and march-like piece that showcased the energy and coordination required in duet playing. The second was Bach’s Sheep May Safely Graze, a calm and lyrical piece that provided a peaceful conclusion to our program. It was rewarding to perform these pieces together and to see how much the residents enjoyed them.
Performing at senior homes has helped me become more confident as a pianist because I am playing for an audience outside of competitions and recitals. Having studied piano for over six years, I spend a lot of time preparing for performances and competitions, but McLean Melody offers a different experience. Over the past two years, I have grown more comfortable performing in front of others while also bringing enjoyment to the residents. The audience is always supportive, applauding and encouraging every performer regardless of age or skill level. I am looking forward to another year of performing for the seniors!
