Piano Party

Yesterday the girls performed at their Piano Party. This is an idea that I love, a casual celebration and sharing of the kids piano skills. There is no pressure, they can wear pants AND there is the promise of sweet treats at the end. In a few months we will do the traditional recital which is equally important. Bailey's new piano teacher is great and her main focus is that piano playing should be fun. With the knowledge and skills that Bailey gained with her former piano teacher, who we just loved, she has now continued. Jessica has let her pick songs that she has always wanted to play, that are challenging and allow her to continue to utilize the skills she has gained. Plus, we decided to start McKenna on the piano. I was a little worried as she has not learned how to read yet, but we found a book series that is made just for that stage. Yippee!! Meanwhile I continue my role as roadie to my musically talented family. Plus I get to make sweet treats along the way.

I found this idea for cupcakes from a Martha Stewart magazine. Her idea was to make hearts for Valentines cupcakes and I liked it so much that I tucked it away, waiting for a moment to use it. Super cute, super easy. Just melt chocolate chips, put them in a ziploc baggie, snip the corner and go to town. I "drew" my designs on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Then they went into the freezer until we were ready to go. I thought they would be super fragile but they made it to the party in one piece. This has opened up a whole new world of baking ideas for me.

So here are the girls performing their pieces. The first two are their solo pieces and the last two are the duets with their teacher.

McKenna with Magic Tree House:

Bailey with Wild Rider

McKenna with Cuckoo Clock:

Bailey with Prelude: