FC Musical Coterie enjoys performances in ‘Keyboard Synergy’

Keyboard Synergy was the theme for the March meeting of Musical Coterie, held Monday, March 18, at the Forrest City Civic Center.

Susie Jones led the program and Becky Lawson was in charge of decorations.

When opening the program, Jones shared a quote with the group, saying, “Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.”

Pam Jones began the performances by playing an “It is Well with My Soul” melody on the piano.

“She played beautifully,” said Opal Chapman, with Coterie.

Joy Harrison sat at the piano next, playing a jazzy rendition of “When We All Get to Heaven,” before performing “I Can Only Imagine.”

“Ms. Joy plays so well and with such feeling. It was just so lovely,” said Chapman.

Vicki Skelton was next to take the seat at the piano, playing “How Can I Keep from Singing?”

“It was a wonderful Christian hymn from the 19th Century written by Robert Lowry,” said Chapman. “Vicki played with confidence as she touched each note. It was delightful to hear.”

Emily Uptigrove, a young woman who has received a scholarship from Musical Coterie, stepped up to play a piano duet with Susie Jones, who is also her teacher. They played “The Merry Go Round of Life.”

“It was a song that spoke of the ups and downs of life and the importance of cherishing each moment, finding solace and beauty even in times of sadness,” Chapman explained. “They played together well and sounded so pleasing.”

Chandler Freligh sat at the piano where he played Frederic Chopin’s Valse in B Minor Op. 69 No. 2 with poise and assurance.

“He is very gifted,” said Chapman. “Chopin wrote this when he was 19 years old in 1929, thinking it wasn’t any good. It was published in 1855 by his friend. Chopin hoped it would be burnt at his death.”

To end the program, Janet Duffel, Susie Jones and Janet Northcutt sat together at the piano and played “Mamma Mia.”

“They played with six hands going up and down the keyboard and you could tell they were really enjoying themselves. It was fast and enjoyable,” said Chapman. “It was a delightful program of piano playing talented members and guests. If you missed it you missed a really good time.”

Submitted Photos Musical Coterie held its March meeting recently with the theme, “Keyboard Synergy.” Those performing during the program, from left, are: Joy Harrison, Janet Northcutt, Janet Duffel, Vicki Skelton, Pam Jones, Chandler Freligh, Susie Jones and Emily Uptigrove. Becky Lawson, below left, was in charge of decorations. At left, Lawson is pictured with her childhood doll, "Betsy," playing her piano. The photo at bottom right shows the tables decorated with the theme of spring and rabbits.