Junior in High School - Amazing Solo
- Rating
- Posted by
- Clayton Robinson
- Date Posted
- 12/15/2018
For anyone that has a strong understanding of the four-mallet technique (steven's, burton's, traditional, etc. any work and I used steven's), I would strongly recommend this piece if it fits your style. On December 13th, 2018, we had our Winter Concert at my high school, and I played this as a stand alone solo in the middle of the concert. I'm known for being a quiet and shy kid that doesn't like a lot of attention and last year I found a solo for our small ensemble concert at the end of the year on Musescore, and people loved it. This summer I bought it and learned it (in about 3 weeks because I changed pieces) and received a standing ovation and the loudest applause that night. Anyone looking for a piece to develop their hand independence, this will do it. It certainly changed it for me. The piece is melodic, peaceful, calming, in a weird way, and simply enchanting, as the name implies. If you do have the opportunity to play this piece, I strongly recommend that you do. This was my first ever real solo, and I will always love it for the beauty that it is and hold this piece in my heart always. It goes to show what a little encouragement from your friends and peers can do.This piece can truly change your understanding of vibraphones, at least if you're in high school, as I am. It is a good difficulty for upper high school students, if you put your mind to it, and may even change your entire playing style. And if there's a few things I can give as some personal advice to some of the people reading this: 1) If you're in high school, take this challenge and crush it. 2) Don't be afraid of playing too lightly on this piece. It's the quiet dynamics people never emphasize. 3) Play pieces you love, that fit your style, and love yourself. Good luck to all people out there playing this piece. Stay strong, and play on.