Congratulations Eden!

Eden Burch will be graduating from Brandon Valley High School next month.  Eden began her piano studies at the age of 6 with Stacy Stahl, and I began teaching Eden in the summer of 2011.   Eden has been an active member of the arts and music scene at her school and in her community.  She also studies the (French) horn and was a member of the All-State Band for the past 3 years.  At school she has participated in a one act play, symphonic band, pep band, jazz band, and has been a section leader of the marching band for 3 years.  Eden’s school activities include track & field, National Honor Society, First Priority student leader, Mu Alpha Theta (math club), Spanish Club, Student Council, and a volunteer with SALSA (Serve & Learn Student Association). 

As a piano student, Eden is always well prepared for her lesson and eager to learn new pieces encompassing a wide range of Classical and Modern Styles.  Two of Eden's favorite composers are Chopin and Debussy.  Eden will play La Cathedrale Engloutie (The Engulfed Cathedral) by Debussy on our May recital.  This piece is based on an ancient Breton myth in which a cathedral, submerged underwater off the coast of the Island of Ys, rises up from the sea on clear mornings when the water is transparent. Sounds can be heard of priests chanting, bells chiming, and the organ playing, from across the sea.  Accordingly, Debussy uses certain harmonies to allude to the plot of the legend, in the style of musical symbolism.

Eden will study nursing at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA and has received substantial music and academic scholarships.