Piano Land with Stanford

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Join hosts Vicky and Rithik on the Tompkins Orchestra podcast as they welcome Stanford, a freshman piano player at Tomkins. This episode explores the unique experience of what it’s like to be a piano player in orchestra.

Stanford, who transitioned from playing violin in middle school, discusses the rewarding aspects of his new role, noting that while the piano supports the orchestra, its scarcity (usually only one or two pianists per orchestra) brings attention. Learn how orchestra pianists often serve as "filler," supporting the ensemble by playing instruments like the celesta, bells, organ, and triangle.

Stanford also provides insight into the high school region piano audition process, highlighting the difference between the competitive atmosphere of region violin and the smaller, more harmonious community of pianists. He emphasizes that the orchestra piano experience is unique, requires a strong focus on rhythm, and offers astronomically more opportunities than middle school piano

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