Malachi Yoder, a junior at Antilles School, shared his immense talents as a classical pianist during his junior recital on Saturday at Prior Jollek Hall. This concert was the culmination of Malachi’s musical repertoire throughout his life thus far.
The consensus of the night certainly rested on amazement as Yoder walked the audience through several beautiful songs by dignified artists such as Chopin and Rachmaninoff. Yoder was supported by many family members, friends, and Forum members who understood the talented pianist’s dedication and potential.
The room followed his more solemn opening as the young artist performed songs such as “October, “ “From the Seasons,” and “Etude Op. 25 No. 9,” which hold darker, heavy tones before shifting into a series of lighter songs. His final pieces held a mix of calming notes that balanced the emotions of the night. Malachi’s final song of the night, “Malagueña,” added a very personal touch to the recital as he explained his unique ties to it. The music program was well-received by the audience.
Yoder began playing around the age of five, being inspired by a musical his dad played for him to attempt learning the songs on his family’s electric keyboard. “I heard it, and so I went up to the keyboard and started figuring it out by ear,” Yoder explained before he was promptly enrolled in piano lessons by his mother. “It worked,” he added, though much of Yoder’s skill on the piano was self-taught. Ever since, Yoder has been practicing and fine-tuning his technique, leaving many with even more respect and appreciation for his craft.
The night of the recital, Yoder’s teacher and band instructor at Antilles School was heard describing the piano as an “instrument for smart people,” and in all honesty, that is exactly what Yoder is. He transfers his gifts with the keys to many different parts of his life, leaving his family and peers amazed and incredibly proud of his intelligence and good spirit.
