The two performers, seniors Haejung Park and Colin Ellis, furiously tapped the keys at the same time in blurring speed. Park and Ellis, playing together for the last time, entered a world of comfort with the audience. It is a world that has been central to their lives.

"The key aspect of it for me is that it is something that I can always go to find a place to let go of myself, to express myself," Park said. "I can practice piano for hours and I am in my own world."

It was also the last time that Ellis and Park would be playing piano under the tutelage of their teacher, Sarah Meneely-Kyder. Park and Ellis have been practicing with Sarah Meneely-Kyder for the past four years, which could make the switch to a new teacher difficult. They both said that they don’t know when they’ll have the time to play the piano again.

"Every time I switch from one teacher to another it takes more adjustment," said Ellis, 22, a history major.

Ellis has been playing the piano for 18 years.

Park said she began practicing piano, after not playing it for seven years, because of Meneely-Kyder. She first started playing the piano when she was six.

"Luckily I found my teacher, Sarah," said Park, 22, a economics and mathematics major. "I never thought I’d be able to resume again."

They were also performing at the last concert of the year for the Crowell Hall, which is a part of the Center for the Arts. The center, which holds art-related programs for the university’s students, celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

"By introducing the students to the world of arts, we teach them global competence," Pamela Tatge, director of the center, said. "We feel that the arts are central to a liberal arts education."

Last year, 51,000 people visited the center.

To contact Josh Mrozinski, call (860) 347-3331, ext. 222 or email jmrozinski@middletownpress.com