Connie Washburn Piano and Vocal Coaching Studio Performs at Café 322

Playing to a packed house at on the evening of Monday, April 4, with 96 pre-paid reservations, the best and brightest students of the Connie Washburn Studio performed inspired and flawless musical selections to the delight of family, friends and guests.  A sumptuous Italian buffet followed the 95-minute recital hosted as a “private event” by Iliana, Mario and the talented chef Larry. 

Washburn has been teaching in Sierra Madre for the past decade and offers the semi-annual live performance as an ideal proving ground for her talented artists.  “They work hard to prepare polished pieces from the classical composers such as Chopin, Bach, Liszt, Handel as well as access modern composers Kabalevsky, Hamlsich, even Taylor Swift, all from memory and practice,” remarked the proud piano instructor.

At a time when students decide to study music, school and excel in sports, this Spring evening is one of the great rewards and a sense of accomplishment clearly shows on their faces after months of preparation. Building a repertoire of music is one skill but having the confidence and style to do a live performance has distinguished the Washburn studio as a Sierra Madre treasure.

Beginning with an “Early American Medley” by Arabella Woods and followed by Helena Karafils-Spensley who played the Beethoven Sonatina in G Major, the girls definitely moved the audience by their precision and carefree appeal.

Guests were treated to Kristina Jordon’s Tonight from Westside Story while the duo Breanna Rimbach and Gina Reese sang “For Good” from Wicked drew a few tears from the audience.

Connie and Gerald Washburn remarked, “It has been so rewarding to see how far these students have come over the years.” Christopher Alle from St. Francis High School charmed the audience with Mignon’s Opus 3 while his younger brother Greg played Chopin’s Prelude Opus 28 and sister Megan confidently rendered Pete Seeger’s piece “Turn Turn Turn.”  One could not hold back the smiles as Jennifer Brady, A La Salle freshman, interpreted Taylor Swift’s “Love Song” with vitality and verve.

Some adult students are re-discovering music later in life or starting for the first time. Phil Vallicella’s guitar performance and volcals of a Bob Dylan classic showed a well honed skill while Tom Brady’s’ Surprise Trio in a Bach, Beatles medley revealed an appreciation for jazz interpretations. “Since it is never too late to start exploring new ground after the fundamentals, Connie eagerly helps each student take the next step and selects pieces appropriate for each level.

Connie’s passion for musical performance began as a child in the St. Louis, MO area. She relishes JS Bach concerts as much as teaching and has performed weekly church services, Southern California theatre, benefits and special events including tours of Europe and China with the Camerata of Los Angeles.

Washburn’s teaching technique has won her many students usually starting at the practical age of seven when the hands are large enough to reach the notes. Students from local public and private schools have enrolled over the years and recently voice training has become a natural extension of the studio on N. Sunnyside near Mater Dolorosa monastery.

The hills were definitely alive with the sound of music during rehearsal last week when Hannah Rae Finchamp was perfecting her animated piece “Nothing” from Chorus Line by Marvin Hamlisch.  She closed the show with such resounding applause and may find a future on Broadway when not training for the Olympics.

The entire evening featured 24 stunning performances and several parents agreed it was the best ever punctuated by a vast array of talent of all ages.  As the after glow filled the room, visitors could sense an inner sense of pride in some and the fulfillment of a dream for others.