Ivory keys lead young pianists to Las Vegas
Gary Armano didn’t just teach his students how to play the keys, he must’ve taught them how to win. Three of Armano’s students won first place in their division in October at the Piano Performance Competition in Sandy.
The winners include piano performance major Brandon Lee, Davis High School senior Weiyi Le and Bear River Charter School eighth grader Trenton Chang.
Brandon Lee
Lee was named winner of the Young Artist division competing against other students from Weber State, University of Utah, Brigham Young University and Southern Utah University.
“I felt my preparation level was extremely high, and I felt very pleased with how my performances came across,” Lee said.
He said he performed a 50-minute solo program consisting of works by Schubert, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Barber and Ravel. The winning advanced him to a regional level competition being held in Las Vegas.
“Should I be selected as the winner, I would move on to the national competition finals held in New York City in March,” he said. “Very prominent musicians have been competitors, adjudicators, lecturers and presenters at the national conferences.”
Lee said his preparation for these competitions and his passion for the instrument helped him come out on top.
“I’ve played the piano for over 20 years now,” Lee said. “I have at times put in more hours of practice in a day than sleep. It was never difficult for me to find motivation to practice. It was always a passion and joy for me at the piano.”
Lee said he dreams of a future as a pianist.
“I would love to perform as a soloist in concert halls, in concerto and ensemble settings, but can also envision myself teaching in a university setting, as well as privately,” he said. “I am also well trained and proficient as an accompanist — a skill that can be used to provide a steady income.”
Lee said the most important thing about playing the piano for him is sharing it with others.
“The true fruits of my labor are not just in awards I receive or the competitions I win, but in my ability to share my love of music making with others,” Lee said.
Weiyi Le
Le said he was a student of the USU Youth Conservatory piano program. He won in the senior division.
“It felt great (to win). I was very grateful to my teacher, parents and the judges and organizers of the competition,” Le said.
He said he performed works by Liszt, Ravel, Haydn and Chopin.
“I enjoy composers from the Romantic Period, including Chopin and Liszt,” Le said.
Like the other competition winners, Le said he had an arduous daily practice schedule.
“When school is not in session, I try to practice three to four hours a day; otherwise, I try to squeeze as much practice time into my busy schedule as possible,” he said. “I feel very lucky to have had such great a piano professor to help me cultivate my potential.
“I have many paths and opportunities before me, of which to take I am still unsure. However, music will always be a great possibility.”
Trenton Chang
Chang, also a student of the USU Youth Conservatory piano program, won in the junior division.
“I felt happy because all that I practiced paid off,” Chang said. “I won the chance to compete in the Southwest division.”
He said he performed Bach, Chopin and Ravel.
“My favorite composer is Liszt; not that I have played it yet,” Chang said.
Like the others, Chang said he tries to stick to a strict practice schedule.
“I try to practice everyday, but sometimes my homework prevents me from doing that,” he said.
Lee, Le and Chang unanimously agreed that their work had paid off and each is excited to attend the regional competition in Las Vegas in February.
– wes.king33@aggiemail.usu.edu
TRENTON CHANG PLACED first in the junior division at the Piano Performance Competition in Sandy. Chang will advance with two others to regionals held in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Trenton Chang (Trenton Chang)