www.lifhaus.com.sb

17 students studying piano by distance mode traveled in two lots to Bundaberg, Australia in November and December 2009 to sit for their grade 1, 2 and 3 exams set by the Australian Arts & Music Examination Board.  On Sunday 31st January, the students were awarded their certificates with a lot of the students attaining First Class Honours and Honours in both practical and theory exams.

All 9 students in Grade 1 who sat for their practical exams passed with First Class Honours.  Lifhaus was informed that in the practical exams a First Class Honour is the highest accolade you can attain.  "So this has been a remarkable achievement by our new intakes in 2009. In the theory exams, the highest achieved is a Honors."  Most senior students passed with Honors and First Class Honors.  "In comparison to our Australian counterparts, our students are doing remarkably well in these exams with many of them passing with Honors" said Dr. Junelyn Pikacha prior to presenting the certificates.

In explaining the exam format a parent said "The students practise on their own using books provided by their tutor in Bundaberg.  For each grade, there are two exams - the practical and the theory.  The practical is usually sat first while the theory is tested in the following year.  So our Grade 1 students who sat for their Grade 1 practical exams now will prepare for their Grade 2 practical and their Grade 1 theory this year.  The senior students also go through the same process in their respective grades."

Speaking with Lifhaus one grade 1 student explained, "we are taken into a room and then the examiner tests us on different things.  First we are tested on our scales, then we are required to play 3 pieces that we have had to practise all throughout the year.  We basically do what ever the examiner asks us to do."  When asked about her experience, the youngest member of the school, 7 year old Lysandra Wini explained "it was ok because the tutor prepared us before the exams and the examiner was nice."

10 year old Lynnold Wini who is the only Grade 1 student playing Modern Piano explained, "Everyone else had their exams together because they sat for the Classical Piano stream and I was the only one who sat for Modern Piano.  So I went to the exam alone."

During the presentation, each student played a piano piece and all Grade 1 students were outstanding in their performance.  There were exceptional performances from Grade 1 students Aiden Papaol and Demetrius Atu.  A parent remarked "I was very impressed with Demetrius, his performance has improved remarkably since last year and he recieved the loudest ovation."

Senior students Valerie Papaol, siblings Dr. Nola Pickacha and Douglas Pikacha Jnr were also brilliant.  Kabuweina Auto played a popular Beethoven classic which turned out well too.  "I think the students have gained a lot of confidence," said an invited guest who has attended most of the student's public performances.