Hudson Patch Whiz Kid: Jacob Gillingham, 13
School:
Accomplishment: Seven years of piano lessons paid off for 13-year-old Jacob Gillingham at the State Music Festival in Eau Claire earlier this spring as he earned top honors. He was the only seventh-grader from Hudson who qualified for the ompetition among two other middle school students and many high schoolers. Additionally. he doesn’t limit his musicianship to piano, he also plays violin and percussion in the school band.
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Key to awesomeness: Jacob said the feedback he got from the judges after his rendition of “Maple Leaf Rag,” indicated he “had good balance between his hands ,” and he “played accurately.” Jacob said what makes him a successful pianist is his confidence and dedication to practicing – which he does about five days a week for 30-40 minutes each day. The influence of his proud family also fosters his musicality; his father Todd plays piano, too, mom Kristen plays the flute and 19-year-old twin brothers David and Benjamin play violin, trumpet and saxophone. Like his piano-plating hands, he also balances his life out with football, golf and cross country skiing, which helps him diversify his life.
