A lively and fast moving piano recital was given by the students of Mary Wallace Goodwin last Friday in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Clinton.

A bumper crop of 24 of Mrs. Goodwin’s students, ranging from age seven to adult, performed 48 selections in little more than an hour. An appreciative audience who had braved an early evening thunderstorm was rewarded with a variety of musical styles that included classical, sacred and swing. Several students took part in duets, either with a parent or with Mrs. Goodwin herself.

Following the performances, Mrs. Goodwin recognized students who had received awards and honors during the year. They included 27 winners in the 2009 National Piano Playing Auditions: at the National level - Anna Burgess, Lindy Bustabad, Alexandra Cowand, Brandon Draughon, Samantha Draughon, Ga Kay Gao, Allison Green, Jie Eun Ha, Johnnah Belle Hobbs, Mary Johnson, Gloria Kim, Jin Kim, Min Kim, Philip Kim, Daniel Ko, Shannon McLamb, Lynn Povazsay, Angela Ruggles, Melanie Ruggles, Ga Mei Erica Zeng, and Ying Mei Leah Zeng; at the State level - Wesley Cowand, Danny Johnson, and Sydney Norris; at the District level - Ralph Piercy and Ching Mei Chloe Zeng; and at the Local level - Darlene Burke. Five Year National Winners in this group included Brandon Draughon, Ga Kay Gao, Daniel Ko, Lynn Povazsay, and Ying Mei Leah Zeng, and Jie Eun Ha was recognized as a Nine Year National Winner.

Mrs. Goodwin’s students were also recognized for their participation in the North Carolina Music Association Festival, held at UNCW. In various advanced competitions, Angela Ruggles, Lynn Povazsay, and Jie Eun Ha each placed as state runners-up. Ms. Ruggles was also state winner in the Elementary F Solo Event. Lindy Bustabad and Allison Green were District winners, and Daniel Ko and Leah Zeng were District runners-up.