Piano Buddies Recital (May 31, 2020)
Long in the making, the Piano Buddies had planned a recital at the University of West Georgia to give our members an opportunity to perform in a grand recital setting.

But when the COVID-19 virus shut down the schools, the Buddies decided to press on and perform a recital in the home of buddies Laurie & Sam.

Using the recommended COVID-19 safety guidelines, the hosts set up a PA system so the audience could sit the recommended distance apart in multiple rooms, and still hear the performance.

As each Buddy completed his and her performance they were presented with a bouquet, borrowed from the hostess' gift.

The Buddies performed beautifully and also made for an appreciative audience. A good time was had by all.

Those in the recital included Amy, Della, Laurie, Sam, Courtney, Jane, Ricky, and Leslie.
Piano Buddy Paul Zampol had been scheduled to perform, but had an illness in his family.
Additional buddies and guests included Bonnie, Vivia, and Will.

Left to right front row: Jane, Leslie, Della, Amy, Courtney
Back row: Ricky, Sam, Laurie

Amy Hilson
Amy took piano lessons from age 7 to 17, taught a few beginners, played piano for her college roommate’s (voice major) voice lessons, and was later a church pianist for 5 years. She played off and on for pleasure for several years and then life derailed her playing for 11 years. She is grateful to have found Piano Buddies who have rekindled her love for playing, challenged her to keep improving, and enriched her life with new piano friends.

Della Riemersma
Della had a few piano lessons in the 3rd grade, which left her wanting more. She has been studying with Phyllis Lafon for about 10 years, but work and other commitments often get in the way of practice. She enjoys her piano teacher and the structure she gets from lessons, and by participating in Piano Buddies she has found extra purpose to perfect her pieces and overcome her fear of having an audience.

Laurie Searle
Laurie is a former Army Band musician and continues to play clarinet in a chamber group and community band. Inspired by her husband, who was a piano performance major at University of West Georgia, she began piano lessons in 2018. She currently studies with Jan Adams, staff accompanist at UWG.

Sam Smith
Sam had a few lessons as a kid but they didn’t take. He restarted piano about 10 years ago after a 30+ year hiatus. He recently graduated from the University of West Georgia, with a piano performance degree.

Courtney Hughes
Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Courtney’s music education began in her elementary school’s chorus. In 6th grade, she began taking private lessons on piano and flute, and continued throughout high school. She then moved to Atlanta and studied at the Music Entertainment Institute c/o the Art Institute of Atlanta, achieving an associate degree in Music Entertainment Management; and Clayton State University, achieving a bachelor degree as a piano major.  She currently teaches flute, piano, and voice to students age 6 through senior adult.

Jane Bahr
Jane is a mother of two sons and grandmother of three preschoolers. She retired from American Airlines after 26 years in 2008 and now teaches piano part-time.  Her mother, who is 87 and still teaches, was her piano teacher while growing up.  Thanks Mom!!!!

Ricky Henson
Ricky hails from Milner, Georgia. He has been learning to play the piano for about 15 years. Ricky has had no formal training on the piano, and is mostly self-taught/self-learned, but admits, “We all learn from others in some form or fashion,” and so he plays just for fun. He also plays guitar, 5-string banjo and violin. 

Leslie Rider
Leslie is a retired music educator having taught piano, voice, elementary music, middle school music and director of children’s choirs for thirty years.  She enjoys singing worship music, leading worship and is also a former longtime member of the Southern Crescent Chorale.