Bryson's 30-point Piano Solo Cup

Bryson decided at the end of school last year that he wanted to stop taking piano lessons. Larry and I weren't very excited about that, but after several discussions with him, agreed to let him do so, once he completed a couple of things. One of those was to earn his 30-point Solo cup.

Cups, in Federation Festival programs, are earned by performing in front of 3 judges and receiving a score from 1-5, with 5 given when the piece is performed as closely to perfect as possible. At the end of last summer, Bryson had 29 Solo points, earned over 6 years, which means he had received a 5, or "Superior" rating 5 years and a 4 or "Excellent" rating one year. A score of "1" is given when a student performs poorly, and our kids' piano teacher won't even let them participate in the Festival if they aren't prepared to at least a performance level of 4.

Bryson prepared his number, albeit with some foot dragging and grumbling - because he was SURE he wanted to quit piano, went to Festival, received another "5", and promptly quit. Our piano teacher is also a secretary at his high school. Rather than have him come back several months to an awards and recital night after he stopped taking lessons to "present' his cup to him, which he didn't want to do, she brought it to school and he brought it home.

So, finally...now...he has his 30-point cup.

He plays the piano beautifully. It is a joy to listen to his music, and at times he will also sing along, which we enjoy.

And last month, after taking some time on his own to reflect on what matters in his life....

he wants to take piano again.

(Can you hear the smile of both "knowing" as well as relief and gratitude coming from his mother's heart? He doesn't think he can fit it into his schedule right now, but I hope this summer he'll really try to make room for it. It is a talent that will bless his and others lives forever.)