What student has fond memories of piano recitals? Not me. With over 80 students, Wally held his recitals in the HUGE sanctuary of a church in NE Portland. As one of his more advanced students (remember, I’d practiced two hours a day during that contest!), I was the last student to play at my later recitals. Though I had practiced earnestly and memorized the assigned pieces, the wait was agonizing. By the time it was my turn to play, my insides churned and I made a last-minute dash to the rest room. But I played my piece with aplomb, made the mandatory bow, and sat down to applause. Relief–over for one more year.
Wally taught his students to improvise. I learned to play the hymns out of the hymn book, but Wally taught me chords for the left hand and fancy variations. By the time I was in seventh grade, I was the church pianist on Sunday night. I wasn’t the best available pianist, but I was church pianist in training. The organist, song leader and other encouraged me, loved me, gave me frequent words of affirmation.
I played for Sunday School singing. I played at Youth Group on Sunday night and for the singing at Afterglows, youth gatherings in homes after Sunday night church.
Playing the piano had practical application in my life, a skill I used and shared with people who affirmed me for doing so.