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In
conclusion....Margo
Keyser, Vice President |
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HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AND
ADVERTISERS |
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The 2004 Celebration of the Amateur Pianist and the
Fourth Annual Rocky Mountain Amateur Piano Competition was a great
success and we all had a fantastic time! What incredible pianists we had
to celebrate! I want to personally thank each of you who participated,
for providing us with such sublime music, and for adding to the
wonderful circle of friends we have made through Amateur Pianists
International. |
The sad note, as
most of you know, was that Chuck Cabell, our president, was not able to
be with us. Chuck is an amazing guy–a marvel of organization, dedication
and motivation. This event would not happen without Chuck. Not only did
he conceive of it and initiate it (in cooperation with our fabulous
recitalist, Greg Adams), but he keeps it going. He sets the tone for the
event–he wants a spirit of competition, sure, but more than that, he
wants us all to develop friendships, to be completely comfortable and
have a great experience and enjoy the music. He’s succeeded admirably in
all that, mostly by example. It was daunting to have to take over from
him on short notice, but he had everything so well organized that it
wasn’t as difficult as I expected! We all certainly missed him.
The good news is that he’s doing fine and is well on his way to a
compete recovery. |
I want to again
publicly thank the Board of Directors of API for all they did to make
the event a success. They were everywhere, doing everything, the whole
time, willingly and cheerfully. A person could not ask to be associated
with finer people. (Their names are listed under ‘About API’, and there
is a hyperlink attached to their photo in this year’s array.)
Special recognition is due Dr. Yelena Balabanova, vice president of API.
She is so capable, knowledgeable, hard-working, and pleasant–well, I
can’t think of enough nice things to say, so I’ll just say: Thank you,
Yelena; couldn’t have done it without you.
The volunteers were terrific–better than ever! They picked up any job
they were asked to and did it admirably, often with minimal instruction,
and always with a great attitude.
The jurors were outstanding, giving both compliments and constructive
criticism, and were, in my opinion, fair and accurate in their
judgments. The press jury, as well, was appreciated. Look for the names
of the jurors, listed with the winners of the competition on the API web
page (www.apiano.org).
Our recitalists were extraordinary! Our winners played brilliantly! I’m
so proud of them and of every person who performed; every one was a
winner, in my book. |
Bill and Fay Watkins graciously opened their home to us
for our opening party. Dale Backus moderated a popular seminar. Abi
Romero presented a Sunday morning lecture which was very well received.
Sara McDaniel and Dixie Shipp Napier organized and handled the Carnegie
Room Recital. Anne Kraetzer did so many things–she even took Matthias to
the rodeo! Vladimir Balabanov created all the certificates. Tom Burk did
the recording. Paraprof Laura Whalin was invaluable in so many areas!
Michael Campion did his usual stellar job of producing the program
notes, and is a wonderful Master of Ceremonies. Carol Wilson was always
available to seamlessly turn pages and assure that the stage was swept!
David Scknolnik provided the liquid refreshment for the Friday night
reception and established the Press Jury. Kathie Cummins came all the
way from Texas to be our “Green Room Mom.” Everyone fetched and carried,
brought food, and pitched in wherever needed...
And of course, The Audience! There wouldn’t be much point in this whole
exercise if no one came to hear it! We’re very grateful to those of you
who came and saw and heard and supported! We have events scheduled
throughout the year, so keep your eye on the API website (www.apiano.org)
and join us in all our activities! |
We owe a great
debt of gratitude to Colorado College and the Summer Session for the use
of the facilities (which are perfect for our purposes), and for the
support and cooperation of the staff.
None of this would be possible without the services and the financial
support of our sponsors and advertisers. Individual donors were
acknowledged in the Celebration program, and all donations are most
appreciated, but I want to repeat the names of the companies who have
given us so much, and to encourage you to patronize these businesses as
much as possible. Tell them why you’re doing business with them, too!
You’re all cordially invited to next year’s Celebration! In fact, I
insist that you come! I’d miss you ‘way too much if you didn’t! Those of
you who didn’t make it this year (you know who you are!) were missed,
and we look forward to having you with us next year for our Fifth
Anniversary Celebration.
Many thanks to all of you for making this such a fun event, and for
providing such great music! |
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