Editor’s Note: As we pause to celebrate the holidays and reflect on the year, we are shining fresh light this week on some of the brightest good news stories of 2018. The stories have been updated to include new developments since their original publication. The following is an update of a story that appeared on the front of the local section on Sept. 3. The original story is included below the update, by reporter Jeff Wilkin.
Caroline Skrebutenas’ piano skills earned her a spot on the local version of the PBS series “Celebration of Music,” a talent-search program initiated by well-regarded teen pianist Ethan Bortnick.
Twenty-seven young musicians were part of Bortnick’s Oct. 28 concert at the Massry Center, on the campus of the College of St. Rose. The contestant who received the most votes was named the winner at the show, with all musicians appearing on stage with Bortnick.
While Skrebutenas did not win — guitarist-singer Conor Walsh of Poughkeepsie received the most votes, and pianist-singer Annie Scherer of Voorheesville won producer’s choice — she still enjoyed the experience.
Of late, Skrebutenas has been collecting feminine hygiene items and diapers at Niskayuna High School, the Edwin D. Reilly Jr. Niskayuna Town Hall and her home. The collection program is run by Schenectady’s Women’s Junior League.
****
Some people have songs in their hearts.
Caroline Skrebutenas has songs in her head.
The 15-year-old sophomore at Niskayuna High School has been playing piano since age 6 and has been composing her own music for years.
People have noticed. Skrebutenas recently appeared on the PBS series “Celebration of Music,” a talent-search program initiated by well-regarded teen pianist Ethan Bortnick. Skrebutenas, along with other local musicians, appeared on the local version of the show that aired recently on WMHT.
The program’s musical segments, from 27 contestants, all were recorded on video. People can vote for a single favorite, and the winner from the “Celebration” show will perform on stage with Bortnick during his Oct. 28 concert at the Massry Center on the campus of the College of St. Rose. People also will be able to vote the night of the concert, up until intermission.
All contestants are expected to attend the concert. While only one will win the chance to perform, all will join Bortnick on stage during the finale.
Anne Skrebutenas, Caroline’s mother, said she knew early on her daughter had talent.
“When she was a little girl, she said she heard songs in her head,” she said.
Caroline’s early musical education began with ballet. She was part of a local presentation of the Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker,” and found she really loved the music. That led to piano lessons.
Young Skrebutenas shared her first original song with her teacher, Elizabeth Mac-Farland, and was asked to play the piece at a recital. Skrebutenas’ first public performance took place when she was 10, when she played her original composition “Reaching Higher” at her fifth-grade graduation ceremony.
Songs travel from her head to her fingertips.
“I fiddle around when I’m on the piano,” Skrebutenas said. “Sometimes, I’ll even land on a wrong note and I’ll say, ‘That sounds cool,’ and I’ll build off of that. So a lot of times, it’s just by accident because I’m just kind of having fun.”
MacFarland said Caroline has always been able to come up with musical ideas.
“She’s just very, very exquisitely musically sensitive,” said MacFarland, who lives in Cornwallville in the Catskills and teaches at a Schenectady studio and at Union College. “She feels things very deeply, and she’s able to communicate her ideas.”
Skrebutenas is also improving.
“To be honest, she’s never been all that keen on learning how to read music. She’s very ear-oriented, and that’s a gift, and she’s using that gift very well,” MacFarland said. “Now, it’s starting to come together for her, so she’s actually beginning to really read well, too. I just see her growing into this complete musician, which is really nice.”
Skrebutenas also listens to people famous for their compositions and their careers. Composers Philip Glass and George Winston are favorites. She likes Adele, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, Carole King and Norah Jones.
Anne Skrebutenas said her daughter — in addition to composing and playing — is a quick study when she hears something she likes.
“Caroline can hear a song on the radio and just bang it out,” she said. “She has that kind of natural ear; she’s been doing that since she was 8 or 9 years old.”
Caroline, who also sings in the Ladies First treble choir at school and has played violin and guitar, said friends are sometimes surprised to hear about her piano accomplishments. A lyrical composition, “Awakening,” so impressed the Ladies First choirmaster that student and teacher are working to arrange the piece for the choir’s spring concert in 2019.
Skrebutenas expects there will be more compositions.
“Something I’m really interested in doing is writing for musical theater,” Skrebutenas said. “I’ve definitely been experimenting with writing lyrics and more of a story line behind music. So a goal would be to try to write a musical one day.”
At 14, there is room for other interests. Skrebutenas is also a competitive swimmer and enjoys art, acting, cooking, the outdoors and just hanging out with friends.
Contact Daily Gazette reporter Jeff Wilkin at 518-395-3124 or at [email protected]
GAZETTE COVERAGE
Ensure access to everything we do, today and every day, check out our subscribe page at DailyGazette.com/SubscribeMore from The Daily Gazette:
Capital Region school districts, including Mohonasen, Saratoga Springs, react to hoax shooter calls ...
Bald eagle found near lifeless in Gilboa, now recovered, released back into wild in Schoharie County...
State Sen. Tedisco calls for state budget transparency with proposed legislation
For saving Damar Hamlin's life, Buffalo Bills staff among athletic trainers honored at state Capitol...
Saratoga Springs schools, police investigating incident on West Circular St. Tuesday
Categories: News
