Erica Booker’s students Amy Huang and Samantha Stephens join for their Stretto Festival debut!

PROGRAM

Amy Huang

Frederic Chopin: Ballade No. 3 in Ab Major Opus 47

Claude Debussy: Reflets dans l’eau

DS 5.5-inch octave grand piano

Samantha Stephens

J S Bach- Partita No 1 in Bb, BWV 825

Praeludium

Allemande

Corrente

Sarabande

Menuet I

Menuet II

Gigue

Kawai GM12 with 6.0 keyboard

Amy Huang is 14 years old and is currently in year 9 at Ravenswood School for Girls. She began her musical journey at age five, when she started learning piano with her Suzuki teacher Christine Collins. After Mrs Collin’s retirement, Amy continued to learn with Erica Booker and achieved her AMusA diploma in 2023. As well as playing piano, Amy also enjoys playing violin, and received her AMusA diploma for violin this year. Amy represents her school in various performances and Eisteddfods and is a member of the school’s symphony orchestra, string ensemble and quartet. In addition to her musical interests, Amy also enjoys swimming, baking and cadets.

Samantha Stephens is 17 years old and is in year 11 at Mount St Benedict College. Samantha began her musical journey at the age of two, attending Suzuki Early Childhood Music classes with Erica Booker. She started learning the piano, Suzuki method under the patient guidance of Gabrielle Donovan. Through Gabrielle’s teaching, Samantha developed a strong foundation in music, with a focus on listening, musical expression, discipline and most of all the love of music. Samantha remembers Gabrielle fondly as the teacher who taught her to play from the heart.

In 2023, Samantha began piano lessons with Erica Booker, who has played a pivotal role in developing her confidence, helping her refine her technique, deepen her understanding of music and develop her musical artistry. In 2024, she completed Suzuki level 9. In addition, to preparing for the Suzuki level 9 graduation, she was busy with the school musical “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” as the second pianist in the school musical orchestra.

Besides playing the piano, Samantha picked up the flute at primary school, playing in the school band, and completing the Grade 4 flute exams with honours. Early last year, Samantha began learning to play the violin recreationally, learning from Rhordan Stephens.

Samantha is currently working on Music 2 and will be playing piano for her High School Certificate next year. Between practice and studies, she enjoys playing netball, playing with her dog, and catching up with her friends.