Local pianists share their gift of music

Recently two local piano recitals were held in Cape Girardeau and Jackson to celebrate years of music education by local teachers.

About 250 people attended a Jackson recital on Sunday held at St. Paul Lutheran Church. The event honored piano teachers Julia PaPierre and Susan Venable.

Pianists Pat Palisch, Christy Shinn, Joe Melchior and Matt Palisch all performed, with selections ranging from traditional compositions like those of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms to more contemporary numbers and finishing with a patriotic favorite, "The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa.

Also on Sunday, longtime Southeast Missouri State University professor Dr. John Shelton performed his own piano recital at Chateau Girardeau. In celebration of his 85th birthday, Dr. Shelton entertained friends and family in style.

Music is a wonderful gift. It's something that cannot be taken from you and lasts a lifetime. You won't find a football field at a nursing home. Or a gymnastics bar. Or a baseball field. But a piano, that's a common theme. That's yet another reason why children should learn. It inspires a lifetime of music appreciation.

It's a joy to hear local musicians share their talent. To each one, thank you for sharing your gift with us.