After that playing with a toy piano he took the matter seriously. At 10 he was into composing his first piano piece and playing it as well before an appreciative audience. His composition titled “Tweeleet” earned him a standing ovation a cheers for encore when he performed at a local Toronto piano recital. As an encore, he played his own arrangement of the popular song Chariots of Fire. For that effort he received another standing ovation.
Since then there was no stopping the talented boy. In 1992 his arrangement of “It is Well with My Soul” won him the major prize at the city level of the PAOC Eastern Ontario and Quebec youth convention. It was repeated at the provincial level and on to the regional youth convention. The next year he played another piano piece of his own version of “How Great Thou art” in front of 4000 people at Queen’s University. This time it was another win for the talented boy that was Alexander Michael Gittens.
As a high school student, Alexander Michael Gittens composed original music for the school’s official entry to the Sears Drama festival. His original compositions won an award for the school for original score. The musically gifted student did the school proud. His talent was recognized and was given due accord. This must have probably inspired the youth to advance his musicality. He also played the trombone. He excelled both in two musical instruments, the piano and the trombone.
In high school his talent did not go unnoticed by his peers. They voted for him to act as their conductor for the Junior Band at their annual concert. Not to waste his talent, he also accompanied the Jazz Band. He was great interpreting “Summertime” and “Blue Sky”. It resulted into the Jazz Band being recognized as well. The Band played so well that appreciation for his accompaniment was profuse.
Because he was such a great talent on the piano, Alexander Michael Gittens graced many board functions and meetings of the Durham Board of Education. Playing the music that made him a local favorite. He became a regular fixture at the board office. His presence made a difference. His music inspired and people were very enthusiastic about his musical success and the way it reflected on the local education system.
Today Alexander Michael Gittens still plays the piano with the same fervor he had when he was in his young. He still enjoys playing the piano for family events and occasional celebrations. He was always in the middle of things whether playing the piano or giving out lessons piece by piece.
Alexander Michael Gittens will always have a special place in the hearts of those his music have touched. His music was extraordinary. It reverberated along the corridors, halls, stages where he played. In his home and in the family gatherings of people who always admired his talent. Until now, there iwas no stopping his musical genius. He took responsibility to share and let every one hear and learn from the musical statements he has made.
The true heart of a genius is never outdated. It remains and forever will be remembered.
"This article has been translated into English for the North America and UK audience."
As a high school student, Alexander Michael Gittens composed original music for the school’s official entry to the Sears Drama festival. Alexander Michael Gittens will always have a special place in the hearts of those his music have touched.
