Photo feature: Mastering the keys

Published 12:00 am Sunday, March 17, 2013

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — It may have been the Alcorn State Piano Competition Saturday, but it was anything but for the four piano players who were playing in the adult amateur division. Local pianists Liz Dantone, far left, Bazile Lanneau Jr., far right, and Rita Bean, second from right applaud as Lafayette painist Donovan Keith Ceasar rises to accept the first place trophy.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — It may have been the Alcorn State Piano Competition Saturday, but it was anything but for the four piano players who were playing in the adult amateur division. Local pianists Liz Dantone, far left, Bazile Lanneau Jr., far right, and Rita Bean, second from right applaud as Lafayette painist Donovan Keith Ceasar rises to accept the first place trophy.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Local pianist John Elliot Ward plays Schumann's Little Study from Album for Young.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Local pianist John Elliot Ward plays Schumann’s Little Study from Album for Young.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Leona Crasi, a student from the Alabama School of the Arts, plays Beethoven's Sonata Op. 53. Crasi won first place in the teen division of the Alcorn State University Piano Competition.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Leona Crasi, a student from the Alabama School of the Arts, plays Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 53. Crasi won first place in the teen division of the Alcorn State University Piano Competition.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Winners of the 13-years-old and younger competition are Eiliza Folkert — first place, Victoria Gong and Emilia Folkert — tied for second place, and Matthew Yin — third place.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Winners of the 13-years-old and younger competition are Eiliza Folkert — first place, Victoria Gong and Emilia Folkert — tied for second place, and Matthew Yin — third place.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Donovan Keith Ceaser, right, won the Amateur Adult portion of the competition.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Donovan Keith Ceaser, right, won the Amateur Adult portion of the competition.