BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 December 23, Monday)
Maverick’s Dad, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
The students of Maverick Harrold presented their 2024 Winter Recital tonight. The Congregational Church in Blair was packed from 6:00 PM to approximately 7:00 PM.
This was not only the largest recital Blair has seen in years, but I believe it also showcased the highest quality of playing. Students of every age and experience level excelled in various areas. The recital moved smoothly, with each performer promptly taking the stage, playing their chosen pieces, and returning to their seats amid applause.
Among the eleven pianists who performed, each demonstrated unique strengths. There were several standouts: Zoey Havlat, played “Deck the Halls” with remarkable confidence and skill. Tanner Mahr and Donovan Maggio showed equal proficiency through their three pieces (Donovan’s selection included Ludovico Einaudi’s “Nuvole Bianche” – a piece he first played last year and has continued to develop).
Ben Anderson’s selections (“Angels From the Realms of Glory” and Beethoven’s Sonata #31 in A-Flat Major, Opus 110) displayed what his teacher, Mr. Harrold, calls his “musicality.” Ben is emerging as a bright star among local pianists. This was my second time seeing him perform live, and he’s the kind of player you’ll want to experience in person. His pedal work, ability to halt precisely after cascading notes, and masterful use of quiet moments set him apart. Maverick was first to stand for Ben’s performance, and I followed. Ben’s truly that good.
From my seat in Maverick’s row, I noticed his hands moving through invisible keys as his students played – the same motion I used to watch him make when he first touched a piano at age 1.
Tonight, I sat proudly watching my son, who proudly watched his students, whose parents proudly watched their own children. When I mentioned to Maverick how moving it was to see him leading students just slightly older than he was when he started with Mr. Irwin here in Blair, he quickly added, “Mrs. Mount, too.”
That’s Maverick’s nature – he loves his students and honors those who helped shape him.
When he says Ben Anderson is a name to watch and a player to hear, and when he praises all his students – every single one – it’s because he genuinely loves what he does, who he does it for, and those who helped him reach this point.
For those who claim there’s nothing to do in Blair, I recommend watching for Maverick’s students’ next recital. We have both budding and prodigious players in our midst.
After the performance, I spoke with Ben Anderson, reminding him that a year ago he seemed uncertain about his future with piano. Though he plays other instruments – as a guitarist, he enjoys playing Metallica – tonight he told me he’s focusing on piano.
This means, if you’re fortunate, you can catch him – along with all the rising talents Mr. Harrold teaches – at their next recital here in Blair.
