Monroe-Woodbury high school students earns highest score in international piano exams

Monroe - Julienne Abad of Monroe was awarded a Mark of Distinction and named New York’s highest scorer in the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Practical Musicianship Examinations held this spring in New York City for Grade 8 Piano. One judge described the 16-year-old Monroe-Woodbury High School student as a gifted musician of “splendid virtuosity” who “plays with panache and compels the listener.” Another commended on her beauty of touch, technical proficiency and mature command. Julienne, who will be a senior in the fall, also was the only Grade 8 pianist invited to perform at the ABRSM High Scorers’ Concert at the Flushing Library Auditorium, where she played Beethoven’s Sonata in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2, Third Movement: Presto agitato as the concert’s finale number. (In the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exams, Grade 8 denotes the highest level for pre-collegiate music students rather than an academic grade level. What follows is the Diploma Level, participated in only by college students and professional adult musicians.) “I was surprised at being named New York’s highest scorer because this was my first time to take an ABRSM practical exam,” Julienne said. “Unlike most of the other candidates, I did not have the opportunity to take the exams every year starting at the Grade 1 level. I thank God for helping me achieve this unexpected honor.” Based in London, ABRSM is the world’s leading music examining board. Every year, more than 600,000 students in more than 90 countries take board’s rigorous vocal and instrumental practical examinations. This year, Julienne was one of 600 candidates who took the examination in New York City. A Mark of Distinction is awarded only to students who exhibit musically authoritative playing, a high level of technical assurance and an instinctive and communicative sense of performance. This year, Julienne received a perfect score with Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu in the New York State School Music Association Spring Festival for Level 6 Piano, the highest level for high school students. Julienne also won this year’s competition sponsored by the Rockland County Music Teachers Guild. She will be performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto with the Rockland Symphony Orchestra in the fall. Julienne also gives pro Deo performances to benefit the community. Last summer, she performed at Music for Missions, a solo piano concert to raise funds for overseas medical missions. She also has launched the Classical Café, a weekly program for residents at the Elant Goshen nursing home. Editor’s note: When this story originally appeared in the July 4 edition of The Photo News, it contained several errors The story has been amended to correct those mistakes. We apologize for the inconveniences.