Zoic#1 just got her violin Grade 8 result. She got a distinction, which she was convinced she couldn't possibly have done because one of the pieces didn't go very well. I hope you don't mind my yelling about it here - I just wanted to 
all the blood, sweat and tears she has shed!
Congratulation to Zoic#1 I can imagine the worrying and despairing before the result came in. 
A distinction at Grade 8 is something she (and you ) will always be proud of - hard to come by, handed out strictly to the best - she must have impressed that examiner from the start (they think in 'bands', so I am told - so that when they heard Zoic play they thought 'this is a distinction class candidate' - no matter if one of the pieces didn't go quite to plan!)
That's wonderful news, it really is - !
wd zoic#1 - that very good indeed.
I have no talent for music at all but have been interested enough to try to learn in the past. So I have great admiration for those who can play music as I realise how very talented they are.
Distrinction is indeed excellent and very well done.
Part of being able to play well is being able to cope when things don't go to plan isn't it.
Mr Merry said on his Christmas Webpage that my piano performance was 'amateurish'.
Thank you so much for the lovely kind words! 
(I am a bit relieved for her, really!)
I shall tell zoic#1, who is still recovering from the shock 
One thing I can say with absolute certainty about Merry's piano-playing is that it's better than mine ...
Mr Merry said his performance was amateurish as well 
it a bit difficult to get a good tune out of Xmas cracker handbells.