25 Carols of Christmas: No. 19
Of all the music I’ve included in the countdown so far—and that I plan to include in the next week—this is my favorite. And not so much because of the music itself, but because the performer is my 9-year-old son, Kellen, who absolutely nailed his first-ever piano recital last night! To hear it, you’ll have to endure my rather low-tech recording of the event on iTalk using my iPod Touch, which I simply placed on the stage as he was ready to walk out. (You’ll hear a lot of random shuffling noises and some silence before his teacher, Eunice Elie, introduces him. Also, Kellen’s squirmy 2-year-old brother, Keillor, adds a few vocalizations of his own here and there. And then there are some muffled coughs from someone in the audience, as well as a few distracting camera clicks from—ahem—someone else in the audience.) 
The actual Christmas carol, Joy to the World, comes at the end of Kellen’s performance. (His first piece is a medley of children’s songs: London Bridge, Mary Had a Little Lamb and French Children Sing.) The carol is a special finishing touch because he almost didn’t get to play it for the recital. Two weeks ago at his piano lesson, he was struggling with the song, and his teacher decided he wasn’t quite ready to perform it. But instead of just letting it go, Kellen worked really hard to master the piece, and his teacher decided two days ago that he’d gotten it up to par. Whew!
Without further ado, here is Kellen in concert:
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7 comments
Great job! I can remember playing in the living room of our old house in Central Point. He did a wonderful job. He should be very proud of himself. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Bravo! Bravo! Wow! That was wonderful! You are really doing well. Very professional. Keep it up and you will find music will be a great enjoyment to you. Save me a seat for the next performance. One way or another I will be there.
Spoken like a true grandmother!
Thank you, Frances! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas, too!
Love, Sonya
Wow, that was fantastic! Great job, Kellen! Looks like someone is following in Mom and Grandma’s footsteps! I think the accompaniment by Keillor just adds to the charm. Awesome!
–Wendy
You should be very proud of Kellen. I loved listening to him and was impressed that he didn’t try to play his pieces fast as most kids do. I also loved the box under the piano for his feet!! I will send this to all my girls. Maybe Amanda, Eileen’s daughter, will be inspired to start lessons. She certainly has the hands for it. LONG fingers. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Thank you, Aunt Suzy, for the kind words! Love you!
—Sonya
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