The initiative for Promote the Piano Day came about through general discussions in the Music School as to ways in 
which we could give our pianists a boost and lift. The first Promote the Piano Day was in 2009 and our guest for the day was Mr Alec Hone, Head of Keyboard Studies at Oundle School.
Alec has been visiting Beeston each year since, to pass on his advice and to guide our budding pianists. He is also an Associated Board examiner with a vast amount of knowledge and experience, all very useful for those with music exams to take either this or next term.
The piano day began with an hour long workshop, during which Mr Hone tutored 4 pupils, all of Grade 4 and above standard. This was followed by a similar structured session, this time involving Grades 2 -3.
Mr Hone heard each of the pieces and then helped to sort out any hiccups, giving suggestions for finger patterns to help improve the fluidity of playing. It was really fascinating to see and hear the progress which was made in such a short space of time.
Whilst Mr Hone was working with the final group, pupils of Grade 1 and 2 standard, the music rooms became alive with the sound of duets and group pieces.
Pupils worked in pairs or in small groups to put together pieces for the concert to follow and it was lovely to hear the Music School filled with the sound of pianos.
The concert began with a short recital by My Hone who started by playing a very modern piece which involved the right hand playing solely on the black keys, whilst the bass clef part was played using just the white keys. In sharp contrast, the second piece was a beautiful Mozart sonata which held the young audience spellbound.
All the pupils who had worked with Mr Hone during the various sessions gave performances of their pieces and the concert finished with the group and duet pieces.
30 pupils took part in the workshops and concert and it was a very valuable experience for them all. It was lovely to hear so many talented pianists and to see the support and encouragement which they were able to give to each other.