The Tacoma chapter of the Washington State Music Teachers Association is unique in one startling aspect. For over 20 years they have hired an orchestra every May and done a series of concerts with piano student soloists. This opportunity for a young pianist to work with an orchestra is a once in a lifetime event. To support this venture, the Tacoma chapter is involved in fund raising and one of the main fund raisers is the 4 Piano Benefit Concert which I directed for several years.
To put on the 4 Piano Concerts we usually had from 12 to 16 musicians working in teams. That's a lot of busy professionals donating their time. The concerts came together because of their kindness, generosity, and a definite sense of joy. That's why we call it "playing".
Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel? Spiritual arr. Larry Shackley and L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2 by George Bizet (1838-1875)
performed by
Marjorie Skreen-Dickerson, Timothy Strong, Diana Walker, and Kevin Peterson
Kevin Peterson, tall, dark, and handsome, is one of my former students. He earned a piano performance degree, has his own innovative piano studio and is a church musician. In his copious spare time (that's a joke) he teaches flying lessons. His final goal is to become an airline pilot.
Marjorie Skreen Dickerson is what I call a triple threat musician. She is not only a brilliant pianist, she is a wonderful vocalist and an excellent conductor. At the time she was playing these quartets she was also directing a 40 voice choir for one of the larger churches in the area.
Tim Strong was a colleague on the piano faculty with me at Pacific Lutheran University. He was the general directing our quartet and it's precision and polish is largely due to his leadership. He was an amazing partner for the 2 piano works we did.
It has been my honor and privilege to play with these incredible musicians. What fun!
Granada by A. Lara (1897-1970) arr. John Klein
performed by
Timothy Strong and Diana Walker
Balletto by O. Respighi (1879-1936)
performed by
Marjorie Skreen-Dickerson, Timothy Strong, Diana Walker, Kevin Peterson
Bergamasca from "Ancient Airs and Dances" by O. Respighi (1879-1936)
performed by
Marjorie Skreen-Dickerson, Timothy Strong, Diana Walker, Kevin Peterson
The concerts consisted of duets, two piano works, piano quartets and a big finale with all the musicians taking part. I don't think we ever had a finale rehearsal where everyone was present. That's the kind of thing that can drive a director around the bend, but they always managed to pull it off and we never had a train wreck.
Triana arr. Timothy Brown
performed by
Marjorie Skreen-Dickerson, Timothy Strong, Diana Walker, Kevin Peterson
Paul Twedt, Kaleb Shelton Johnson, Joseph Williams, Reid Wolch
Mary Denzer, Trudy Turpin, Clement Reid, Chris VanBuskirk
Svitlana Smaga, Robin Watson, Una Hwang, Joseph Williams
Norm Seidel, Karen Oleson, Phyllis Twedt
Hoedown By A. Copland (1900-1990) arr. W. Hughe
Sento pioggia di lagrime (A Rain of Tears) By A. Vivaldi (1678-1741) arr. G. Anderson
performed by
Timothy Strong, Diana Walker
This is the only composition we played that uses "prepared piano". My instrument had a felt strip pushed between the strings to alter the sound; that's why it has almost a lute like quality.
Outstanding By K. Olson (1971- )
performed by
Marjorie Skreen-Dickerson, Timothy Strong, Diana Walker, Kevin Peterson
Mary Denzer, Trudy Turpin, Clement Reid, Chris VanBuskirk
Erica Minneman, Kaitlynn Igari, Robin Watson, Gwynne Brown