2026 Annual Spring Concert

2026 Annual Spring Concert

Gig Harbor Washington

Saturday, May 9

On Saturday, May 9, Con Brio Piano Studio gathered in Gig Harbor for our 2026 Annual Spring Concert — an afternoon celebrating artistry, dedication, and musical growth across another beautiful season of piano study.

Below you’ll find the full program along with a few highlights from this special afternoon.

This year’s concert brought together students, families, guests, and members of the greater Gig Harbor community for our highly anticipated end-of-season showcase featuring a wide range of repertoire spanning Baroque, Romantic lyricism, contemporary character pieces, impressionist soundscapes, and even a collaborative ensemble performance.


Steffi Delacruz

Prelude in C Major

J.S. Bach

Emelia Bromberger

Storms on Saturn

Nancy Faber

Wambui Ndegwa

Waltz in A minor, B. 150, Op. Posth

Frédéric Chopin'

Joseph Lopez

Valse Dramatico

Melody Bober

Haakon Kvinsland

Blazing Sunstone Voyage

Nancy Faber

Hope Griffan

Gymnopédie No. 1

Erik Satie

Several students also presented their personal favorite selections from the entire set of Jean Louis Gobbaerts’ 12 Melodious Studies, Op. 63, offering charming miniature works full of imagination and contrast.

Steffi Delacruz

No. 1—A Pleasant Morning

No. 6—Distant Bells

No. 8— Hopscotch Polka

Harper Ryan

No. 9— The Stubborn Rocking Horse

Paysen Hwang

No. 2—March

No. 4—In the Swing

No. 10—A Sad Story

No. 12— Vacation Time

Olivia Marino

No. 3—On The Green

No. 5—Why Hurry?

No. 7—By the Seaside

No. 11— Butterflies

Following the Op. 63 selections presented by Steffi, Harper, Paysen, and Olivia, the program continued with a variety of individual repertoire selections spanning several musical styles and composers.

Stella Morey

Five-Note Sonatina

Oscar Bolck

Christianne Delacruz

Arabesque

Johann Burgmüller

&

Prelude No 4 in F Major

Elvina Pearce

Yifan Monroe

Sonata No.16 in C major, K.545

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

&

Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2

Frédéric Chopin'

Andy Lee

Arabesque No. 1

Claude Debussy

Emelia Bromberger

and Stella Morey

Garden Hideaway

Nancy Faber

A particularly special part of this year’s concert was welcoming back longtime Con Brio student Aspen, who graciously served as our featured guest emcee for the afternoon. Having studied piano at Con Brio for nearly a decade before continuing her musical studies at university, Aspen brought a warm and familiar presence to the event as she shared reflections, welcomed guests, and helped guide the afternoon’s program.

Now home after completing her freshman year at the University of Victoria in Canada, Aspen’s return was especially meaningful for many of our students and families who have watched her grow throughout the years. We love and miss you, Aspen!


Other Spring Semester Highlights

In addition to student performances, the Annual Spring Concert also served as an opportunity to recognize important milestones and accomplishments from the semester.

Earlier this spring, several Con Brio students participated in the Washington State Music Teachers Association Music Artistry Program (MAP), a multi-day musical experience including chapter adjudications, the State Recital Competition, and the Honors Recital.

Throughout the weekend, students prepared and presented repertoire for adjudication, received professional feedback, and engaged with a broader community of young musicians from across the region.

MAP Participants

  • Henrietta DeOra

  • Wambui Ndegwa

  • Steffi Delacruz

  • Christian Delacruz

  • Yifan Monroe

Special Acknowledgments

State Recital Competition | Yifan Monroe — Second Place

Honors Recital

  • Christian Delacruz

  • Yifan Monroe

We are incredibly proud of the dedication, discipline, and artistry demonstrated by all students throughout the semester.


One of the most meaningful aspects of this year’s concert was the strong sense of community present throughout the afternoon. Families, friends, and guests filled the space with encouragement and enthusiastic support for every performer.

The event was also made possible through the generous support of parent volunteers who assisted with reception coordination, ushering, refreshments, photography, and countless behind-the-scenes details that helped create such a welcoming experience.

Thank you again to everyone who joined us for this special afternoon of music. We are grateful for the beautiful community surrounding our students and look forward to another inspiring season ahead.

See you next year!

2026 Piano Party

Gemstone Keys

2026 Piano Party Recap & Other Spring Semester Highlights

On May 3rd, Con Brio students and families were transported into a world of gemstones, imagination, and musical storytelling for our 2026 Gemstone Keys — and what a magical afternoon it was.

Gemstone Keys invited our pianists to think about music in a different way: not simply as notes on a page, but as something full of color, texture, personality, and expressive energy.

Each performer selected a special gemstone to represent the mood and character of their featured solo, creatively reimagining the title of their piece into something entirely their own. From March of the Obsidian Trolls to Quartz Keys Lullaby and The Flamingo’s Pink Tourmaline, students stepped into the role of artistic storytellers, shaping vivid musical “sound pictures” through performance.

Obsidian Smash

Performed by: Liam Burker

Flamingo’s Pink Tourmalin

Performed by: Grizzly Campen

Slate King

Performed by: Nolan Parisot

Shine on, Diamond

Performed by : Mila Tarasova

Väyrynenite Vista

Performed by Theoren Lachendro

Quarts Keys Lullaby

Performed by: Amelia Montes

Twinkle Twinkle Little Diamond

Performed by: Raelynn Hagen

Limestone Con Brio

Performed by: Maddox Wyckoff-Kirkevold

Emerald Fairy

Performed by: Claire Ruland

Still Waters of Sapphire

Performed by: Cal Ohman

Moonstone Whisper

Performed by: Milava Kochkina

March of the Obsidian Trolls

Performed by: Elliott Bush

Ludwig’s Favorite Ruby

Performed by: Paxton Wyckoff-Kirkevold

Gallop of the Garnet Pony

Performed by: Audrey Gerhardt

Opel Serenade

Performed by: Lily Langley

Red Jasper Joy

Performed by: Kiera Parisot

Another special moment came from longtime Con Brio student Steffi, who served as our featured student emcee. Having studied piano at Con Brio for over half a decade, Steffi welcomed guests and shared reflections about musical color and expression, inspiring many of our pianists who look up to her.

“The piano keys are black and white, but they sound like a million colors in your mind.”

— Maria Cristina Mena


Our Piano Parties are also a place where we celebrate special accomplishments and awards. This time, we recognized students who recently took part in Con Brio’s annual Music Memorization Challenge.

What is the Music Memorization Challenge

During the last week of April, participating students prepared and performed a minimum of four pieces entirely from memory as part of this studio-wide enrichment contest designed to strengthen musical confidence, focus, and performance readiness. The challenge celebrates not only achievement, but the dedication and consistency it takes to connect with music.

We were proud to recognize this year’s Music Memorization Challenge Honorees during the Piano Party and present participants with their results and certificates:

Raelyn Hagen
Audrey Gerhardt
Ryan Nguyen
Nolan Parisot
Keira Parisot
Mila Tarasova
Stella Morey
Paxton Wyckoff-Kirkevold
Maddox Wyckoff-Kirkevold

Students receiving Above & Beyond Honors for preparing six or more memorized pieces included:

Raelyn Hagen
Audrey Gerhardt
Nolan Parisot
Keira Parisot
Paxton Wyckoff-Kirkevold
Maddox Wyckoff-Kirkevold


Watching students begin to think artistically, communicate emotionally through music, and celebrate one another’s creativity is one of the greatest joys of teaching.

We are already looking forward to the next chapter of musical artistry at Con Brio Piano Studio!

About Con Brio

Con Brio is a Piano Studio in Gig Harbor that is dedicated to nurturing a love for music and developing expressive, confident musicians. Founded with a focus on cultivating lifelong music, Con Brio offers a supportive and enriching environment where students of all ages can explore their musical side.

About Our Piano Parties

Piano Parties at Con Brio are student showcase celebrations honoring the musicality and pianistic growth of our students as they take the stage for their early recital experiences. For many Gemstone Keys performers, this marked their very first recital!

Thank you to every student, family member, volunteer, and guest who helped make Gemstone Keys such a memorable success.

See you next year!

2025 Annual Christmas Concert

2025 Annual Christmas Concert

Echo Bay Chapel

Fox Island, December 14, 2025

Our 2025 Christmas Concert was held at the beautiful Echo Bay Chapel on Fox Island — an intimate setting that perfectly framed an evening of festive music and celebration.

Below you’ll find the full program along with a few highlights from this special evening.

The program opened with a joyful prelude trio of We Wish You a Merry Christmas, setting the tone for a night filled with holiday classics and heartfelt performances. Students shared beloved favorites, including Jingle Bell Hop, Frosty the Snowman, and Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, alongside selections from The Nutcracker, such as Dance of the Reed Flutes, and Pas de Deux.

Stella, Malee, & Emelia

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Malee Behning

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

Stella Morey

Jingle Bell Hop

Emelia Bromberger

Frosty the Snowman

Joseph Lopez

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Harper Ryan

Favorite Things

Olivia Marino

Star of Wonder

Steffi Delacruz

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Paysen Hwang

Tea (Chinese Dance)

from the Nutcracker

Christianne Delacruz

Pas de Deux

from the Nutcracker

Yifan Monroe

The Gift

Wambui Ndegwa

Dance of the Reed Flutes

from the Nutcracker

Andy Lee

Ordinary Baby

Paysen, Steffi, & Olivia

Carol of the Bells

From playful pieces like Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer to reflective selections such as The Gift and Ordinary Baby, the evening offered a beautiful blend of nostalgia, elegance, and expression.

Thank you to all families and guests who joined us in celebrating the season through music.

Wishing you and yours a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

See you next year!

2025 Christmas Piano Party

Holiday Harmonies

2025 Christmas Piano Party Recap

The 2025 Christmas Piano Party was a heartfelt celebration of music, growth, and community at Con Brio Piano Studio. The evening brought together students, families, and friends for a joyful showcase honoring our emerging pianists and their dedication throughout the season.

Students took the stage to perform beloved holiday selections — from classic carols to playful winter favorites — each sharing a piece they’ve been thoughtfully preparing in lessons. For several performers, this marked their very first time performing for an audience, while others returned to the stage with growing confidence and artistry.

Olivia — Guest Prelude Performer

The evening began with a special prelude by Olivia, whose performance of Star of Wonder beautifully set the tone for our Christmas Piano Party.

With over eight years at Con Brio Piano Studio, Olivia joined the stage not just as a performer, but as a mentor — modeling musicianship, calm confidence, and generosity of spirit for our youngest pianists.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas — Trio

Performed by: Stella, Emelia, & Malee

Deck the Halls

Performed by: Liam

Good King Wenceslas

Performed by: Nolan

Winter Wonderland

Performed by: Ryan

Up on the Housetop

Performed by: Grizzly

O Christmas Tree

Performed by : Mila

Jingle Bells

Performed by: Audrey

Go! Tell It on the Mountain

Performed by: Amelia

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Performed by: Claire

Jingle Bell Hop

Performed by: Paxton

The 24th of December

Performed by: Maddox

Once in Royal David’s City

Performed by: Kiera

Over the River and Through the Woods

Performed by Theoren

Raelynn — Away in a Manger

Performed by: Raelynn

Frosty the Snowman

Performed by: Emelia

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

Performed by: Malee

We extend our sincere thanks to Heron’s Key, and to Katie Anagnost and Marilyn Colyar, for graciously hosting us and helping create such a warm, welcoming setting for our pianists.

Some candid post-recital moments filled with joy, accomplishment, and well-earned celebration.

Following the performances, families gathered for photos at the piano, refreshments, and a festive ornament exchange.

The Christmas Piano Party continues to be a cherished Con Brio tradition — a joyful bridge between early performance experiences and future concert milestones. We are so proud of every student who took the stage and can’t wait to watch their musical journeys continue to unfold.

See you next year!

2025 Music Olympics

Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 Music Olympics!

On November 15th, Con Brio Piano Studio shone brightly at the 2025 Music Olympics, hosted by the Gig Harbor Music Teachers Association. It was a weekend filled with music, learning, and celebration, and we couldn’t be prouder of our students’ achievements!

Congratulations to all twenty-four Con Brio Piano students for their outstanding passion and excellence in piano!

〰️ 🎶 〰️

Congratulations to all twenty-four Con Brio Piano students for their outstanding passion and excellence in piano! 〰️ 🎶 〰️


About Music Olympics

The Music Olympics is an annual event designed to nurture well-rounded musicianship. Participants are challenged in nine essential disciplines, from performance, theory, and rhythm, to scales, chords, arpeggios, sight-reading, and much more!

FOR THE STUDENT

The Music Olympics provides students with a valuable framework for growth and celebrates their dedication to their craft.

Comprehensive Musicianship

Students develop skills across multiple musical disciplines creating well-rounded pianists.

Goal Setting and Achievement

Preparing for the event sharpens student’s ability to set specific goals and see tangible results, boosting their confidence and self-discipline.

Personalized Feedback

Adjudicators provide detailed feedback, helping budding pianists identify strengths and areas for improvement to guide their proficiency and growth.

Friendly, Supportive Competition

Students are motivated to strive for personal excellence in a positive, encouraging environment, fostering a healthy sense of accomplishment.

Increased Confidence

The experience of performing and being evaluated helps students build self-assurance in their abilities.

Sense of Community

Participants interact with peers who share their passion for music and the piano, building friendships and a sense of camaraderie.

Resilience Under Pressure

Performing in front of judges and peers helps students manage nerves and develop poise under pressure, a skill that extends beyond music.

Recognition of Effort

Earning rankings, certificates, or trophies reinforces the value of hard work and consistent practice.

Encouragement to Explore Music Further

Participation often ignites greater enthusiasm for music, inspiring students to tackle new challenges in their studies.

Long-Term Inspiration

Students carry the lessons and experiences from the event into future musical and non-musical endeavors.

One of my favorite things about Music Olympics was getting the opportunity to exercise my talents in all different areas like theory and performance. I enjoyed mastering the different disciplines and having the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from adjudicators. It helped me grow because it required me to be disciplined and focused on specific aspects of good musicianship. Also, winning a trophy truly made me feel accomplished and made me see all my hard work pay off!
— Award Winning Music Olympian, Aspen Greene

Acknowledging All Our Music Olympians

A huge round of applause goes to:

Claire Ruland, Grizzly Campen, Mila Tarasova, Haakon Kvinsland, Ryan Nguyen, Theoren Lachendro, Nolan Parisot, Maddox Wyckoff-Kirkevold, Liam Burker, Harper Ryan, and Joseph Lopez.


“Music Olympics benefits the student by giving them a goal and then showing them how much they actually have learned and retained. It reinforces that studying piano can be abstract and there can be a healthy competition even against themselves.”

~ Music Olympian Parent

Until next time…

Thank you to the Gig Harbor Music Teachers Association for hosting such an inspiring event!


It was great to see the process of the Music Olympic tournament. My son learned to be more focused and driven. The confidence in him is palpable! It’s everything I wanted him to experience in learning piano.
— First Time Music Olympian Parent

2025 Summer Session Highlights

Summer Certification Success

A Season of Achievement at Con Brio Piano Studio

July - August 2025

This summer was one of remarkable growth and milestone accomplishments for our musicians. Across two major performance evaluation paths — Faber Performance Certificates and Royal Conservatory of Music Exams — Con Brio students showed what steady practice and artistic expression can achieve.

We are thrilled to celebrate both groups of certificate earners and the incredible results they achieved.


FABER PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES

2025 Award Recipients:
Emelia Bromberger • Harper Ryan • Malee Behning • Olivia Marino • Paysen Hwang

Faber Performance Certificate evaluations assess student playing across five key musical domains:

Notes • Rhythm • Dynamics & Expression • Posture • Technique

Each category is scored as Excellent, Very Good, or Developing, with feedback designed to be positive, helpful, and thoughtfully coach-guided. Students prepare three performance pieces which are evaluated by a certified Piano Adventures Exam Coach.

One highlight of the program is The Bravo Board — a national recognition gallery featuring performances that demonstrate standout artistry, rhythmic confidence, beautiful technique, and expressive playing.

Every Con Brio student who completed the Faber Performance Certificate was nominated to The Bravo Board.


RCM CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

2025 Exam Graduates
Christianne Delacruz • Yifan Monroe • Wambui Ndegwa • Aspen Greene

The Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum is one of the most rigorous and globally respected music evaluation systems. Exams include technical work, repertoire performance, musicianship skills, ear training, and sight-reading. Students receive a numerical score as well as a designation.

RCM Scoring:
Distinction 90+ • First Class Honours 80–89 • Honours 70–79 • Pass 60–69

This year, Con Brio participants earned First Class Honours or First Class Honours with Distinction — the highest levels awarded.

These results reflect countless hours of work at the keyboard, attentive practice routines, and strong foundational development. We are proud of the professionalism and maturity each student demonstrated in preparing for such an intensive assessment.


A Season to Celebrate

Both certificate pathways represent not only achievement, but also growth — discipline built slowly, confidence earned, and musicianship strengthened day by day.

To every student who stepped into certification work this year:
We see your effort. We celebrate your progress.
And we are so proud of you.

Here’s to even more music, courage, and beautiful playing ahead.

2025 Annual Spring Concert

2025 Annual Spring Concert Highlights

Presented by the students of Con Brio Piano Studio

Saturday, May 17, 2025 · Gig Harbor, Washington

Our 2025 Annual Spring Concert was a beautiful afternoon of music and celebration. Students performed an inspiring mix of classical selections, contemporary works, collaborative, and personal favorites, filling the day with artistry and energy.

A Peek at the Program

Senior Spotlight Showcase

A highlight of the afternoon was the Senior Spotlight Showcase, where Aspen Greene and Christianne Delacruz shared three milestone works that traced their journey from their earliest recital memories to the repertoire that defines them now. Their reflections were heartfelt, inspiring, and a beautiful reminder of the impact long-term musical study can have on a young artist’s life.


Watch & Celebrate

Experience the concert as if you were in the audience! Enjoy the full recital, cheer for your favorite performers, and share in the pride of their accomplishments.


Our Annual Concerts celebrate the artistry and growth of every student at Con Brio Piano Studio. From first experiences to polished performances, each recital moment reflects dedication, creativity, and the joy of making music.

Wishing everyone a wonderful start to summer!

2025 Music Fashion Piano Party: Keys & Couture

Keys & Couture: 2025 Music Fashion Piano Party Recap

Presented by the students of Con Brio Piano Studio

Saturday, May 10, 2025 · Gig Harbor, Washington

If there was ever an event that radiated personality, sparkle, and joy — this was the one.

On May 10th, we transformed the performance space into a runway-meets-recital hall for our Keys & Couture Music Fashion Piano Party, where performance was only half the show — the style, creativity, and bold self-expression made the day unforgettable.

Students arrived dressed in outfits that oozed music, color, and confidence. And the music? Every piano player showcased with heart, joy, and artistry, proving that confidence shines best when music meets self-expression.

What is a Piano Party?

Piano Parties at Con Brio Piano Studio are joyful showcase celebrations honoring the dedication and growth of our students as they take the stage for their early recital experiences. For many of these students, Keys and Couture marked their very first performance!


The Fashion Contest.

Students could win in two categories:

Most Musical Outfit

Best Piano-Themed Look

Winners received a trophy of sweet treats + a new piano performance book to expand their music libraries.

But here’s the part no one knew until the end…

〰️

But here’s the part no one knew until the end… 〰️

There Were Secret Judges in the Audience!

Hidden among students and guests were discreet evaluators who selected stand-out students for additional surprise honors. These awards captured the fun, personality, and individuality of each performer.

Some of the categories below

(Just a few examples pictured — there were more!)

Seeing students laugh, cheer for friends, and receive uniquely personalized awards made the room glow. The certificates were playful, light-hearted, and celebratory — the perfect finish to a showcase filled with joy.


Guest Student Recitalists

We also welcomed a set of advanced guest performers, sharing polished works including:

Burgmüller's Arabesque, Op. 100 No. 2
Chopin’s Waltz in A Minor
Chopin’s Waltz in C# Minor, Op. 64 No. 2
Beethoven’s Alexander March Duet!

These guest students joined us to encourage and inspire our newest pianists—demonstrating how steady dedication over time blossoms into artistry.


A Day of Music, Style & Joy

The Keys & Couture Piano Party reminded us that music is not only technical — it is playful, personal, artistic, and wonderfully fun.

Our students didn’t just play pieces — they told stories, took risks, expressed themselves, and owned the stage.

2024 Annual Christmas Concert

2024 Christmas Concert Highlights

Presented by the students of Con Brio Piano Studio

Our 2024 Christmas Concert was a magical evening filled with music, joy, and unmistakable Con Brio sparkle. Students from across all programs took the stage to share the holiday selections they’ve been polishing all season.

A Showcase of Dedication and Joy

The historic Wurlitzer Manor, with its extraordinary backdrop and musical legacy, provided the perfect setting for a night of artistry and celebration. From festive favorites to elegant classical works, every performance reflected weeks of dedication, growth, and musical pride.

Here you’ll find a full concert program and a few photo highlights from the evening.

Thank you to all parents, families, and guests who joined us in celebrating our musicians—your support made the night truly special.

A huge congratulations to all of our performers for their dedication and passion—you made this holiday season magical!


A Celebration of Firsts

Holiday Harmonies

A Celebration of Firsts at Con Brio Piano Studio

This December, we celebrated the season in the most heartwarming way possible—with our 2024 Christmas Piano Party! Held on December 8th in beautiful Gig Harbor, Washington, this event marked a milestone for many of our students as they took the stage for their very first recital. The festive atmosphere, coupled with inspiring performances, made this celebration a resounding success.

A Showcase of Dedication and Joy

The program was filled with delightful holiday classics, lovingly prepared by our first-time recitalists. From Malee’s lively rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to Amelia’s cheerful "Jingle Bells", each performance brought smiles to the audience. Paxton’s “Up on the Housetop” and Claire’s “I Love My Candy Cane” reminded us of the joy and whimsy of the season, while Nolan’s “Rudolph’s Little Brother” and Dominik’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” kept the festive energy alive.

Paxton’s “Up on the Housetop” and Claire’s “I Love My Candy Cane” reminded us of the joy and whimsy of the season, while Nolan’s “Rudolph’s Little Brother” and Dominik’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” kept the festive energy alive.

The program also featured beautiful moments of reflection, such as Emelia’s touching “Silent Night” and Ryan’s graceful “Winter Wonderland.” The crowd enjoyed a laugh during Liam’s playful “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” and Maddox gave a joyful performance of “Deck the Halls.”

Inspiring Performances from Advanced Students


To complement the first-time recitalists, our advanced guest performers—Wambui and Yifan—added an extra layer of inspiration. Wambui’s stunning rendition of “O Holy Night” showcased her artistry and poise, while Yifan’s elegant “Snowman” brought a modern touch to the program, leaving the audience in awe

A Community Celebration


The event concluded with a music theme ornament gift exchange and refreshments, offering students and families an opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate the season together. The Piano Party was more than just a recital—it was a testament to the hard work, growth, and community spirit that make Con Brio Piano Studio so special.

As we prepare for the upcoming Annual Christmas Concert at Wurlitzer Manor, this Piano Party served as a perfect kick-off and a celebration of our students' progress.

A huge congratulations to all of our performers for their dedication and passion—you made this holiday season truly magical!