Over the past week, I spent a lot of time performing and playing the guitar. I wanted to write this post as a way to wrap-up all of those performances and share my experience performing with you as well.
1. December 18, 2017
The first performance of my tour was at the Bellevue branch of the Nashville Public Library. The concert was in their meeting room and we were able to open up the beautiful glass window for everyone else in the library to see and hear. I performed a wide variety of music including Brouwer, Turina, and Presti. I had a great time playing for the audience members and even received a few questions during the concert, which I was happy to answer. I like being able to converse with the audience during the concert because I think it allows us to make closer and deeper connections with each other and with the music. I also played a set of holiday tunes.
2. December 19, 2017
As a student and a musician, I know that I am not always able to offer monetary donations to organizations actively working to make communities better. However, I do know that I can provide some of my time and music to help these different organizations. I decided that I would offer to preform at National Health Care in Murfreesboro. (NHC) NHC Murfreesboro provides a full spectrum of healthcare services to patients with varying health needs. I had a wonderful time playing for everyone there!
3. December 20, 2017
On Wednesday, I was asked to play for a first grade classroom at Rockvale Elementary School in Rockvale, Tennessee. I had the pleasure of attending this school during my elementary and middle school days. I was actually invited to play for this particular class because it is my mother’s first grade class. Funny story, when I was in the second grade, my mother was my teacher! Anyways, it was their holiday party and my mother asked that I provide some music while the students and parents were eating. I love teaching and sharing the guitar with kids. They are often my most curious audience members as they tend to ask very creative questions. I played mostly holiday tunes and they sang along as well.
4. December 21, 2017
Thursday was my final performance at the Smyrna branch of the Linebaugh Public Library System. I played the same recital as I did on Monday and Tuesday with the exception of the Holiday tunes. At each of these performances, I asked audience members to choose the Holiday songs that I would play from a list that they were given on the program. I did this because I wanted another way to interact and engage with audience members. This seemed to be the night where the audience members were really engaged with the holiday songs as there were many people who sang along.
I had a great time playing this past week. It was the first time I had ever given three full length solo recitals in one week. I really enjoyed having these opportunities and I will definitely be doing more solo recitals and other performances in the future. If you are interested in guitar lessons or hosting me for a performance, head over to the contact page on my website or email me at ciyadhwells@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
-Ciyadh
Preview of Concert Program
Promotional Flyer from Nashville Public Library
Promotion from Smyrna Public Library
Photo from NHC
Photo from Rockvale Elementary School Holiday Celebration
Photo from Bellevue Public Library Performance
Photo from Smyrna Public Library Performnce