Marlyn Francesca R. Nicolas from BSIT-WMA-1C strike the right chords as she cliched 4th runner-up in the Instrumental Piano category during the 2023 Regional Culture and the Arts Festival on November 23 held at the Pampanga State Agricultural University.
With only a month of preparation for the contest, Nicolas rose to the occasion as she played her musical piece during the competition, striking the right chords with the judges and securing herself the award for the said competition. “I actually didn't expect that I'll receive a 4th place on my first time in a piano competition, it was surprising and I'm happy with it.”, she said.
Thanks to the guidance and support from her coach, Sir Aris, having a strict and consistent coach during her training helped unlock her potential, enabling her to play at the highest level she could ever achieve. “Having Sir Aris as my coach during training was a wonderful moment”, she added.
“Having a week of rigid training was tense for me, polishing the piece that I've learned was not that easy it actually takes some time to master the piece”, said Nicolas. “It was my first piano competition and I have never been performing by myself in a (huge) crowded place. I was too afraid and trying to overcome this fear that I have, but I'm glad I made it and got 4th (runner up).”
She also mentioned that despite feeling nervous about being on stage, she experienced a surge of excitement and emotions, driven by the desire to express herself through the power of music. “I always tell that I only play for myself, but after experiencing that moment, I felt the joy inside me, and it made me want to perform in front of the crowd again.”, she added.
