AZFMC Festival 2026

 This year, I had a few more students than last year sign up for the AZFMC Festival. From January to mid-February, I was super busy getting my students ready for it. The kids need to play two pieces, and they both need to be memorized. Ian and Lydia also chose to perform in the organ category again as well. Thankfully, the organ repertoire doesn't need to be memorized. Not only was I busy getting students ready, but I also agreed to be a judge for Saturday (Feb. 21) down in Mesa. I liked being a judge better than being a room monitor (which I did last year). My cut finger was annoying and slowed my writing down but didn't deter me other than that. I sat and listened to lots of other students play. Most of them were pretty good. I gave out all superiors. Afterwards, we had a Cafe Rio lunch. I thankfully only had the morning shift and then got to go home; some teachers were there all day.

All of my students played on Sunday, since that is also the organ day. I had to skip out on church, not that I minded. Ian got a ride there and back with my other students that also go to our ward, since I had to be there early. I didn't judge for this night (for obvious reasons), but I did help out with getting the papers and handouts in order. I enjoyed hearing the students play, they all did a wonderful job. Ian did great too. I was worried about his memorization on the Bach prelude...I think I should have picked an easier piece, but he pulled it off alright. Some flubs here and there, but thankfully they didn't completely throw him off (that happens with some students). The other piece he played flawlessly. His organ playing was excellent, too. I am very proud of all my students--they all received superiors! The judges' comments were...interesting, some were helpful and some were not. I am looking forward to next year, even though it keeps me so busy!

My most advanced student, Lydia, playing both organ and piano

I snapped a pic of my students being engaged in a performance--there were a fair amount of performances this night, but not nearly as many as the Saturday (piano) event.

https://youtube.com/shorts/sxiyvE65RUY

Prelude by Timothy Brown

https://youtube.com/shorts/IQjJN_sIDrI

Bach's Prelude in C Major

Ian Playing "O Wally Wally" on the organ

Ian playing "Redeemer of Isreal". He played it a few weeks later for the opening hymn at church!

 

These are the trophies that the kids can earn (especially if they start super young). They are great incentives to participate in the AZFMC festival! Most students only earn the smallest trophy. Each trophy takes 3 years to earn. I'm hoping Ian can earn the 3rd one by the time he graduates high school.