Student of the Week for November 17 - 21, 2014

The Principal's Pick this week for Student of the Week is Louisa for the following reasons:

Louisa is an exceptionally positive and resilient student who lights up any room with her infectious smile and enthusiasm. Even though the school calendar is becoming increasingly full and somewhat hectic as we all start to approach major deadlines at the end of the first semester, Louisa’s blithe energy and can-do attitude help everyone in  our close-knit school community endeavor to “Keep on the Sunnyside. -Ms. Rudio, English teacher

On Sunday, December 7 the Unalaska High School Auditorium was filled to standing room only with 150+ community well wishers and family of 30 talented young pianists. I am a local piano teacher and happy host of the occasion, and gave opening remarks and introduced the first performer. 

Sydney Mahoney (age 14), after a sizzling, lively rendering of Albert Pieczonka's  Tarantella in Aminor (early advanced level), treated the audience to her own piano/vocal arrangement of Jule Styne's 1954 classic Christmas Waltz. Mahoney, who had the added benefit of Alyssa McDonald's professional voice and performance coaching, gave an exceptional performance and set the stage for the afternoon. 

Up next, I introduced 16 year old Ethan Mahoney, who began mentoring young piano students as his primary "after school" job in September, 2014. After a distinguished and brief opening statement, he introduced his six students, aged 4 to 8, one by one. Each gave lovely performances showing the excellent instruction and enthusiasm of their young teacher. 

I took the stage from there, presenting 24 students (including Ethan, now in the role of student), ranging in age from 5 to 16. The theme of the afternoon was "Journey Through the Classics" and featured classical music selected from the book of the same title, 98 masterworks compiled edited by my editor Jennifer Linn. Each student played one classical piece and one Holiday piece. There were many highlights of the recital. From enthusiastic bows to brilliant smiles at their own beautiful delivery, each student gave outstanding performances. What is truly extraordinary about this group is that, without exception, every student pushed forward, even those few with a few little issues with nerves, finished their piece with a smile, their head held high and a completely professional attitude. They showed gorgeous class, grace and talent. In that regard, I am confident in saying that this is one of the best recitals we have ever presented.

The concert ended with a radiant Caitlin Rowland (age 15), dressed in a Greek-inspired flowing gown, performing Claude Debussy's Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum, which, loosely translated, means "steps to Parnassus", one of the highest points in the Greek mountain range, a significant place in Greek mythology and the arts.  For the final piece, Tammy Rowland joined her in a dynamic and difficult "Fire Dance Duo" by Donna Gross Javel. The piano recital ended with the fun prize drawing, group portrait, and pot luck reception in the foyer.

The performers were bright stars in every way. And, just as a beautiful Christmas gift is wrapped with care, each student was dressed in their finest. There were many stunning, velvety, sparkly, flowing, coiffed young ladies and handsome well dressed young men at this, Unalaska's formal Winter Piano Recital. Spring's annual semi-formal "Jazz, Fun and Duets" piano recital will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2015. 

A special thanks is extended to the Unalaska City School District for their support of this beloved bi-annual tradition.

Samuel Ralph Švarný died at his home in Unalaska on Monday, Dec. 8. He was 88 years old.

A funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church of Unalaska on Thursday, Dec. 11. U.S. Army personnel will be there to fold a flag for Sam. Visitation will be at 1:30 p.m., with the service at 2:00 p.m., and a potluck reception at the Father Ishmael Gromoff Senior Center at 6 p.m.

Read on for more about Sam's life and to hear clips of a 2009 interview with him.