All music evokes memories and classical pieces are no exception. Many piano students have wondered what prompted Edward MacDowell to write "To a Wild Rose." Listening to "The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens, so tender, helps us channel our inner ballet dancer. "Evening Prayer" from Engelbert Humperdinck's opera Hansel and Gretel recalls the story of two scared children lost in a forest. And it's no surprise that the melody of Alexander Borodin's "Polovetsian Dance No. 1" was a perfect fit for the popular song "Stranger in Paradise" from the Broadway musical Kismet.

About the arranger: Brenda Dillon is best known for her contributions to the Recreational Music Making movement. She served on the RMM Committee that designed the RMM Track for MTNA's Pedagogy Saturday. She also presented group piano and RMM sessions throughout the U.S. In addition to serving as a teacher trainer, she has written extensive articles on both group piano and RMM teaching. She has publications with Hal Leonard and Alfred Music listed on her website (www.brendadillon.com).

Christmas Time Is Here was written by Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi for the 1965 television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Recorded by a lengthy list of singers, there is also an instrumental version by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. The lyrics evoke emotion with these words: "Christmas time is here, we'll be drawing near. Oh, that we could always see, such spirit through the year."

About the composer: Brenda Dillon is best known for her contributions to the Recreational Music Making Movement. In addition to her contributions to the RMM Track for MTNA's Pedagogy Saturday, she also presented group piano and RMM sessions throughout the U.S. As well as serving as a teacher trainer, she has written extensive articles on both group piano and RMM teaching. She has publications with Hal Leonard and Alfred Music listed on her website. (www.brendadillon.com).