On November 12, 2011, the Roland Piano Festival National Finals was held at Roland U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles, the culmination of a nationwide competition that began in September. Hundreds of piano enthusiasts took part in the multi-tiered festival, including teachers, dealers, and players of all ages. Sixteen finalists performed at the finals, with winners chosen in four different age categories.

Now in its second year, the Roland Piano Festival gives music educators a fun and creative outlet to motivate and inspire their students. Unlike traditional piano competitions and guild festivals, the Roland festival provides a relaxed environment where participants can showcase their creativity alongside their technical abilities. This year’s events were a huge success, with dealer and teacher participation doubling over the 2010 festival. In addition, the 2011 finals event was broadcast worldwide via a live web stream for the first time.

The festival began with local events held in 13 cities across the country throughout the month of September. Over 350 players participated in four performance categories: Youth 1 (age 8 and under); Youth 2 (ages 9-12); Youth 3 (ages 13-17); and Adult Hobbyist (ages 18 and over).

Winners selected in each of the performance divisions at the local events had the opportunity to advance to the semifinals by submitting a video of their performance. Based on the videos, a number of players from each division were chosen to advance to the national finals in Los Angeles.

Roland’s RM-700 digital piano was used exclusively during the entire festival, and participating teachers commented on how pleased they were with its tone quality and excellent playing response. They were also delighted with how the instrument’s many features motivated their students during their preparation for the festival.

On hand to judge the finals contestants were noted orchestrator and pianist Dr. Scott Tibbs, a clinician for Roland U.S.; popular piano educator Scott Houston, who hosts the Emmy®-winning series The Piano Guy, seen on PBS stations throughout the U.S.; and acclaimed classical pianist Yana Reznik, who also performed for the audience on the RM-700 at the conclusion of the finals event. Master of Ceremonies was Simon Robinson, Product Manager of Piano Products for Roland U.S.

Young Gianna Sabatini took top honors in the Youth 1 division with her performance of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Other Youth 1 finalists included Linnea Skold, Nicholas Milan, and Avery Susemichel.

The winner in the Youth 2 division was Madeleine Magana, who played “Hedwig’s Theme.” The competition was extremely close in this division, and Christopher Langan was given a Distinguished Performance Award by the judges for his rendition of “Rhapsody in Blue.” The other Youth 2 finalists were Madison Jones, Audrie Roeder, and Jason Ho.

Leslie Rice earned top honors in the Youth 3 division with her stirring performance of “Over the Rainbow.” Leslie’s competition included Sarah Uhranowsky, Sydney Jarrard, and Arturo Rodriguez.

Amy Koch took the crown in the Adult Hobbyist division with her beautiful rendition of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Other Adult Hobbyist finalists were Sbhai Kamchathphay and Tim Ritter.

The winners in every division demonstrated not only superior playing and technical skills, but also amazing creative abilities utilizing the features of the RM-700. For their victories, each winner received a Roland R-05 handheld recorder and an American Express Gift Card.

Roland wishes to thank the following dealer partners for helping make the 2011 Piano Festival such a success: Capital Music Center in Texas; R.M. Sides Family Music Center in Pennsylvania; Piano Solutions in Indiana; Romeo Music in Texas; Valley Keyboards in Texas; Piano Gallery in Utah; Dunkley Music in Idaho; Prosser Piano & Organ in Washington; M. Steinert & Sons in Massachusetts; Gist Piano Center in Kentucky; The Music Gallery in Illinois; and JML Music in North Carolina.

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