Yesterday, I had the honor of serving as a juror in the Semi-final Round of the National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance.
Listening to such accomplished playing alongside my colleagues Jonathan Gregoire, Scott Cantrell, Yoon-Mi Lim, and Larry Palmer was a joy, and happily, the high quality made our job as jurors difficult.
Having been a judge and competitor--sometimes a "winner" and sometimes not--I am reminded it is always best to PLAY WITHOUT FEAR.
Prepare well, take risks, show us YOUR unique perspective and love of the music you perform, and most importantly, MAKE IT COME TO LIFE! *If* you do that, you have the best chance of moving someone, and THAT always makes you a winner.
Best wishes to all who played yesterday!