Spellmasters (Seniors Division)

I am still getting used to the idea that someone with a bo-chap attitude who doesn't go out of the way to prepare for a competition can nonetheless do well.

Miss B is teaching me that there is more than one way to succeed.

Today, she came in 2nd at the Spellmasters Senior Division, losing out to a Year 9 boy over the word "muesli". The judge and I reckon she knows the correct spelling but was in too much of a hurry. She inverted the "u" and the "e".

So she now has a berth in next month's finals in both the Junior and Senior divisions.

Considering she didn't mug for the rounds except when randomly tested by hubby and me (usually just before entering the competition hall), I have to say she's done pretty well.

Maybe she's one of those who rises to the occasion, buoyed by a sudden burst of adrenaline.


For the last few years, she has managed A's in her AMEB piano exam despite the often inconsistent amount and quality of practice time.

2012 has been the annus horribilis in her 5-year musical journey, with her steadfastly refusing to practise an exam piece more than once per session.

No sense of urgency. No fear of malu if she can't deliver on exam day. No pride or self-motivation.

Scales are still not perfect.

Neither are her three pieces.

And exam day is in 11 days.

I just cannot understand it.

If it were me, I would've made sure I practised every day, did as my teacher told me to, and perfected every technical and dynamic requirement long before exam day.

If she gets anything above than a 'B', even though I'm her mum and ought to be happy and relieved, a part of me will feel it's somehow unfair that the hare beat the tortoise, if you know what I mean.