The Road We Walk On

84 | Competition (2)

1:00PM, Michael Paul Hall, Juilliard School

Exactly on the dot at 1pm, the lights deemed; the competition had started. Rona felt a nudge on her elbow and looked to her left. Stephanie leaned over and whispered.

Over there, that's Gabbie's parents.

Rona followed the direction of where Stephanie had indicated and sitting about 3 rows from the stage were a couple - Rona could see where Gabbie got her looks, she looked almost identical to her father except she inherited her mother's hair. Out of the order, it seems Seungho was the first of the friends to perform, he would be performing right after intermission.

The competition was underway, many students opted to perform more classical pieces, those who were more bold went for rearranged classical pieces. They had hoped that by rearranging a famous piece in their own style - it would help to showcase their colour more to the judges. About 2 and a half hours later, the first half of the competition was; a short 10 minute break was given to allow guests to stretch their legs or go to the toilet.

Do you need anything Rona?

No I am good, you go ahead. Yoo Jung and Steph headed to the toilet while Ryo, So Hyun and Rona remained in their seats. The competition so far is going well huh?

Yeah, there are some really talented pianists. It's rather amazing to see how even though they have similar techniques their colours and habits are all different.

Well that is the arts, it is the same but actually different depending on the person.

Steph and Yoo Jung returned from the toilet, Rona noticed that Yoo Jung had a dazed look about her. What happened to Yoo Jung?

I am not sure, on her way out of the toilet, I saw that she bumped someone. I couldn't see his face but it sort of left her flustered a little bit.

Oh? Then the lights dimmed again and Rona returned to her seat.

The first person up was Seungho. He walked onto the stage, bowed to the audience before proceeding to sit at the piano. Rona nudged So Hyun who was sitting to her right. I know. She replied, Rona giggled and went back to focus her attention on Seungho. Seungho chose to play a piece from one of the greats - Beethoven.

Each note was clear and consistent, over the 9 weeks of the semester, Seungho had improved his technique greatly due to the 1-1 lessons he had with his Professor. He was confident and unfazed, he focused on his technique and tempo to ensure he was playing well. From start to finish, there was not one mistake made by Seungho, he kept to the correct time, and made sure each note or each movement was seamless. After he had finished, he received the loudest applause thus far.

Rona looked over and saw that So Hyun broke out into a soft smile. Seems he did well. So hyun's smile disappeared quickly. Yeah, it seems so. Rona laughed silently, and it looked like Seungho was beginning to break down her walls. The 20th performance was Gabbie. She was wearing a long green dress, it was simple yet elegant.