Great Achievements in Music by Local Kids

Three young pianists, students at a local Piano Studio of Aliso Viejo, were recognized for their musical achievements at the annual Branch Honors Recital held April 17 at the Laguna Hills Community Center. This Orange Coast Cities Branch event is part of the Music Teachers’ Association of California Certificate of Merit program.
To be chosen to play on this event the kids should first go through the Certificate of Merit testing earlier in March and only the students who meet the high standard of requirements and prove their exceptional abilities performing their musical works are offered a Branch Honors Performance opportunity. To qualify, the students must demonstrate a well-rounded musical foundation.They must receive high scores on all elements such as repertoire performance, technique, sight reading, music theory and aural skills during an intensive evaluation.

11 year old Ryka Vahidi, Laguna Hills resident, student of Carter Academy was chosen to play on this honorable event. He beautifully performed a peaceful work composed by Aram Khachaturian " Ivan Sings".

Also 10 year old Ruslan Fennessy and Vanessa Fennessy of Aliso Viejo, students at Oak Grove Elementary School were chosen to perform their well polished and exciting duet piece of contemporary composer, Kevin Olson" Ode to the Bass Player". They have also been chosen to perform their solo pieces at the Music Teachers Association of California State Convention held at the Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles this summer July 1st through the 5th.