On Saturday, May 19, a group of 10 young island pianists played in the annual R.I. Solo and Ensemble Ratings Festival at Rhode Island College. The Festival, attended by more than 2,300 students from Rhode Island who play band and orchestra instruments, vocals and piano, gives the students an opportunity to perform a composition they have learned and be evaluated on areas such as tone, rhythm, technique, interpretation, and presentation.
Island musicians were well prepared. They earned nine As and one B for music in levels one and two, and each student earned a medal for their high marks.
Attending the festival were pianists Campbell Coviello, Barrett Evans, Akie Fontanilla, Finn Heinz, Jenna McQuaide, Bailey Payne, Kiley Ryan, Haley Conant, Abigail Willi, and Amira Veldman-Wilson.
There is another chance to hear the pianists on Wednesday, May 30 when the students of Carrie Todd present the annual Spring Piano Recital at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew Parish Center. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the students performing their favorite selections.