Winter Recital, courtesy of Lynda Lybeck-Robinson

The winter piano recital for students of Lynda Lybeck-Robinson took place on Sunday, December 1st, in the high school auditorium. 22 pianists performed the songs they had been rehearsing for months on a stage festively decorated with a tree and holiday ornaments. The recital began with a chorus of 'Wee Play Music' on the bells performed by five young students. 

Many students chose to play holiday or Christmas themed songs along with a few familiar classical pieces. Additionally, three students played pieces written by Lynda Lybeck-Robinson herself. Lybeck-Robinson recently received the high honor of having her music published by the Hal Leonard Corporation. Her volume, titled "Alaska Sketches," includes eight intermediate piano solos meant to capture the striking impressions and scenes of life in Alaska. The final song in the collection, "Williwaw," was selected by the National Federation on Music Competitions (NFMC) as a recommended piece for early intermediate competitions on a national level for the years 2014-2016. The volume can be purchased at online music venues internationally.

After all of the students' performances, Lybeck-Robinson spoke to the audience on behalf of her non-profit organization, the Hearts and Hands Project. The organization's mission is to plan, coordinate, promote, and develop community service, scholarship, and music education opportunities for the benefit of Unalaska music students, which are not otherwise available in the Aleutian Islands. She presented board members Tammy Rowland and Chris Bobbit (not present) with plaques commemorating their ongoing service to the organization. Finally she thanked all those in the community who support the piano program, including parents of her students, and members of the Unalaska City School and Parks, Culture, & Recreation. The recital was followed up by an array of delicious desserts while congratulations were given to the young pianists on their hard work and dedication.