I was not certain what to expect from the Midwest Keyboard Performers Challenge, but I was impressed by what I observed. Brenda Huang put together an amazing opportunity for the students to perform, hear other performances and to receive feedback from the judge. The student I entered gets very anxious when he plays. He has difficulty if he makes any errors. He loves playing the piano and practices every day. I explained that he didn’t have to enter, but he said he really wanted to do it. His parents supported his decision, but I am certain they were concerned for him. We arrived early, so he could get used to the surroundings. There were about ten students performing in each recital. He performed his first piece, the judge thanked him and he bowed and returned to his seat. When the recital was over, the students were excited to see the results on their comment sheets. My student looked at his score and asked how many points were possible. When he found he had a perfect score, he was excited and looking forward to his next performance. After the next performance, he checked his score immediately. He could not contain his pleasure. He listened to the other performers with the biggest grin. He performed in a third recital and floated out of the room.

He collected his trophy as if it was precious. When he went to spend his points at the “Award Store” he made a purchase and told me he’d like to share his points with others that needed more. The next week, I asked if he had put his trophy on his piano. He said he preferred to put it next to his bed so he could look at it every morning and every night.

A week later his parents were telling others about their experience. They explained that the Challenge was perfect for their son. They told how he was bursting with pride, sending secret thumbs up to his father. It was his proudest moment. He had worked hard to prepare and then found the “pot of gold” at the end of his rainbow. I am almost certain he will be hoping that NWSMTA sponsors another Challenge in the future. I think he will be up for it.

I am sure others had similar experiences. Brenda’s vision was completely out of the box for competitions or recitals. She provided inspiration joy and a new wonderful experience for many performers. A big thank you to Brenda, the rest of her committee and all the helpers that made this happen for the performers. Big dreams and support from members of NWSMTA who worked on MKPC created an entirely new way of supporting our students.