Mona Rejino, the composer for whom you may submit interview questions, has written a number of original pieces and arrangements for all levels of students. Her most recent pieces include “In the Groove” and Disney Film Favorites.
For this post, I asked Mona the following question:
What are your favorite pieces and why?
Early Elementary
On the early elementary level I would have to say that “Wishful Thinking” from HLSPL Piano Solos Book 1 and the HLSPL Adult Method Book 1 is one I am especially proud of. It is challenging to write interesting pieces on such an early level, and this was one of my first compositions. The solo itself spans six notes and uses only stepwise motion. However, the teacher accompaniment uses a large harmonic vocabulary to enhance this simple and haunting melody. Many of my younger students have performed this on recitals and find it provides a satisfying musical experience.
Elementary
On the elementary level my favorite would have to be “Feelin’ Happy”, which was published in 2008. The lyrics were inspired by my young students who come to their lessons telling me all the great things that have happened to them that week. These might include winning their soccer game, making a good grade on a test, or having a sleep over with their best friend. By using syncopated rhythms at a peppy tempo and by employing some simple harmonies, students tend to really enjoy performing this one.
Late Elementary
“American Sonatina” was published that same year, and is my first attempt to compose a sonatina. This piece is a good supplement for late elementary pianists who are beginning to play triads and move slightly out of five-finger patterns. It is a three-movement work, so students learn how to change musical moods within one selection. One of my seven-year old boys was preparing this for the recital last spring. The first movement was accurate but lacked pizzazz, so I told him the following story:
Imagine living in the eastern U.S. in the 1800’s. Your family is about to venture west seeking a better life. Who knows, they might even strike gold in California! The first theme captures the spirit of excitement they feel as they begin this long-awaited journey.
The second theme represents some of the hardships they face along the way…terrible snowstorms in the Rocky Mountains, a dying mule, and food shortages. They even begin to question whether they will ever arrive on the west coast and find that beautiful piece of farmland. Well, during the development section one person thinks he sees the promised land so he tells another, and that person tells another, on and on. In the recapitulation you hear the jubilation and celebration they all feel as they reach their destination and begin to realize their dreams.”
Needless to say, the student had a whole new appreciation for the emotion behind the black ink on the page, and he played this piece with marvelous color and feeling!
Don’t forget to submit your interview questions to Mona by Monday, September 27th on this Composer Interview post.
Coming tomorrow…Mona’s favorites from the intermediate level.
how do you pronounce Mona Rejino’s last name?
Good question! It’s rah-HEE-no
Does that help?