Piano keys bring students success
By Jenna Spoont, Staff Reporter
After practicing the piano for four hours every day this summer, sophomore Dorsin Chang has finally reached her ultimate goal. On Oct. 29, she will perform in New York City’s most prestigious auditorium, Carnegie Hall.
However, Chang is accustomed to the spotlight since this is the second time she will be performing at the venue. Freshman Suproteem Sarkar has also been invited to attend Carnegie Hall, and he will be performing there for the first time in October. For Chang and Sarkar, their six minutes on stage will bring pressure and excitement.
“It’s nerve-racking to play in front of a lot of people, but at the same time it feels satisfying that you did it and that it was a big accomplishment,” Chang said.
In order to earn themselves a spot on the Carnegie Hall stage, Chang and Sarkar participated in the World Piano Competition in Cincinnati from June 27 through July 17, with sophomore Helen Wang and junior Robin Luo. Both Sarkar and Chang won first place for their solo pieces.
“Naturally, I was really nervous, but I did practice for a long time [because] it was a goal that I wanted to achieve,” Chang said.
Although Luo and Wang will not be performing in October, they have played at the American Fine Arts Festival hosted at Carnegie Hall in the past. Luo considers the festival as an opportunity to showcase his talent.
Carnegie Hall “is a really grand and golden place,” Luo said.
All of the students are taught by piano teacher Joy Kiszely.
Kiszely “caters her teaching to your specific needs, so you always feel as if you’re doing the right thing,” Sarkar said.
The preparation process takes one to two years, and finding the right balance between piano and schoolwork is always difficult. However, Sarkar has a positive attitude.
“If you really have the passion to play, then you’ll find a way,” Sarkar said.
Jenna Spoont can be reached at jspoont@stoganews.com.
To hear the pianists playing various pieces, watch the videos below.
Dorsin Chang played at Jacobs Music Store in Philadelphia on June 17:
