MusicNotes: From the desk of Jennifer Henning
Summer/Fall 2023
I think the expression is "It's been a minute"! While it has been quite
a while since I updated my website, Henning Music has been alive
and well with students learning more and more about music and playing
the piano! The time has come to fill you in on all the details.
The Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs held in-person District
Festivals again starting in February 2022. They were able to secure
Concordia University-Wisconsin as their venue. They were also able
to re-start holding a State Festival at the University of Wisconsin-
Milwaukee beginning in May of 2022. Most of my students performed
in the District Fesitval and several chose to also perform at the
State Festival. My students performed in the Piano Solo, Piano
Concerto and Music Theory categories and the majority of them
earned the highest rating (Superior) for their efforts.
The Wisconsin School Music Association was able to hold in-person
festivals starting in Spring of 2022. Several of my public
Middle and High School students took part in these contests.
Qualified Class A contestants were able to go on to perform at the
State level festivals. Most of my students earned First Division
ratings at both the District and the State level. They played in
the Piano Solo and Non-Improvisational Jazz Piano Solo categories.
During 2021 we were able to have recitals, of a sort. Thanks to
the help of one of my tech-savvy older students, we produced two
virtual recitals and posted them for students and families to
view. It was a great way for students and families to feel
connected and share their music with one another.
I'm happy to say we have since had three in-person recitals.
The first of these was in the Spring of 2022. The next was
just before the 2023 Federation District Festival, and the
third was in June of 2023. There's nothing like performing live
for family and friends (and the punch and cookies at the post-
recital reception aren't bad either!).
Perhaps the biggest change for Henning Music has been our new address!
Late last Summer, I moved to a new house which lends itself
quite well to having an in-house piano studio. There is ample
parking, a student entrance, a practice keyboard, family waiting
area, even WIFI! A digital piano is available for regular lessons,
but the good old Steinway A is just a few rooms away and used
for special occasions and in preparation for festivals. An
added bonus has been watching the deer and turkeys that wander
through the yard!
Speaking of the Steinway, just before Christmas 2022, we had a
Holiday Piano Party. At this informal recital, students played
music of their choice for their family and friends during a two
hour Open House and then enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies.
Amazingly, over 60 people attended this afternoon event!
Lessons will continue through the Summer, which I have always said
is a good time to spend learning more about playing piano. It
adds a little structure to students' days and practicing helps
fill the extra hours available. Plus, just playing music can
help calm and relax the player!
Looking back at the last few years, yes, there were changes for all
of us, some challenging, some empowering, some devastating.
I'm not sure how we will view those years through the lens of time,
but we made it. Remote piano lessons worked. Students learned to
play, and I learned a lot more about my computer! I am glad that
things have again become rather normal, and I have really come
to appreciate that normalcy.
All the best to students and families. Looking forward to seeing
you at lessons this Summer or hearing about your Summer when I
see you again in Fall. I do have openings for new students, and if you
know anyone who is interested, please share my information with
them. Thank you.