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Author: Andrea Shipp,12th Grade 2005 |
| As I paced worriedly on the creaking auditorium floor, I barely heard the hundreds of voices chattering beyond the stage. Why am I playing another pointless piece? Piano is not my college major. Piano has no place in my future. Eleven years of lessons—wasted. The auditorium lights dimmed, and the spotlight blinded my eyes. I unhurriedly walked to the black grand piano, and sat down, my back to the audience. Exhaling slowly, I adjusted the bench as I had done for years. Finally, when the whispering ceased, my right hand struck the first concentrated notes of Chopin’s “Valse”. My fingers, hands, wrists, arms, and body swayed almost automatically, instinctively, in response to the poignant melody. The usual struggle to recall the first few notes dissipated as the escalating emotion of the piece poured through me to the audience. I built up the music with a crescendo to a loud accent, its sharp note lingering in the air, and brought it back down with a shimmering multi-tone scale, my arm gliding down the keyboard. My fingers danced smoothly in specific progressions: thumb-middle-ring-pinky-ring-middle-thumb-middle-ring-pinky-ring-middle-thumb. As my left hand played its chords and my right hand sang out its charming tune, it seemed that Chopin had cast me under a magic spell. A vision of a dance floor waltzed before me; the twinkling arpeggios in the melody became the twirl of skirts over the floor, and the rhythmic harmony became each partner’s delicate step. Every nuance provided an outlet for my emotions and stresses: the pressure of performing and worry about upcoming tests, essays, and homework. All evanesced, at least for that short, but peaceful time. I was transported beyond, and I returned, refreshed. Have you ever heard someone play notes? Have you heard someone play music? What is the difference? Playing notes involves a simple transfer: See the notes. Comprehend the notes. Play the notes. A scientific, mathematical process. Playing the piano can be like solving objective, unexciting math problems; there is always a definite note to play, rhythm to heed, chord to strike. But music requires emotion; without it, both piece and performer are drab, lifeless. The same goes for life. To attain a 4.2 GPA and balance countless extracurricular activities dictates daily stress and pent-up emotions. Although I am reserved at heart, I have learned through playing piano that releasing emotion can be cleansing and relaxing. Whether I am a college freshman, graduate student, doctor, or mother, I will remember to complement my other blessings with my own feelings. |
