Barrett Boys Awarded For Piano Achievements
Aydan Barrett of Shamong is a student first and an athlete second, according to his father Bryan, but he still finds time to excel in music.
Aydan also has quite the sense of humor.
“When picking an instrument, I chose the piano because we have one in our house and somebody needs to play it!” he said.
Aydan began playing the piano at the age of 4 and recently competed in the National Federation of Music South Jersey Junior Arts Festival where he won his second gold cup in seven years.
In addition to piano, Aydan does drama, swimming and plays soccer, lacrosse, baseball and basketball.
Though it can be difficult at times with school and all his other activities, Aydan shoots to practice each day for 20 minutes.
“He often practices at home, and we also bring him to his instructor once a week for lessons,” Barrett said. “We found Cathy Daub through a couple people and have been very pleased with her work, as she has produced multiple gold cup students.”
Aydan typically competes about once a year in larger competitions that include an array of towns.
“He has performed at the South Jersey National Music Federation and other South Jersey music clubs like Jacobs Music in Cherry Hill,” Barrett said.
Aydan views his piano career as something useful and relaxing he can do on the side in addition to his sports and education.
“I don’t really ever get nervous before I compete,” Aydan said.
He admitted to his first gold cup being his favorite memory from his piano career thus far because it was something he had never done before.
Aydan’s younger brother Logan also plays piano. It is something he seemed to pick up on his own, not necessarily being encouraged by his older brother.
He competed in this year’s National Federation of Music South Jersey Junior Arts Festival as well. Logan was able to come home with a state trophy for performing more than three pieces in one year.
He has been playing the piano for two years now and is also very into sports like his older brother. In addition, Logan is also a part of Cub Scout Pack 47 in Shamong.
Both brothers attend St. Mary of the Lakes School and plan to focus more on their athletics down the road in high school.
