Teachers and families who would like children to participate can submit a recording and three written copies of the child’s music by March 1
Through the Young Composers Project, VOICES is offering a composition contest designed for children 5 to 12, with the support of a parent or music teacher.
The process includes: A master class with other young composers and their families; socializing with other families with similar educational and music focuses; individual music notation sessions with students from The College of New Jersey; and discussion with and written encouragement from an established composer.
To begin the process, children are invited to compose a piece of music with a vocal element. This can be for voice alone — often the first effort is a simple one or two line song. The music can be written down in any kind of notation, formal or invented. Parents, piano teachers, and music teachers are invited to support, but not edit, the child’s composition, as children hear things in their own imaginations differently from adults.
”This can be the start of a personal interest to last a lifetime. Children who have participated for several years may write for a soloist, duet, or chorus — often with piano, guitar, or drum parts,” said a spokeswoman.
. Children do not need to know anything about music notation in order to enter a piece. A child can compose something, write down the words, record the music on a cell phone or other device, then send the music and MP3 to VOICES.
Teachers and families who would like their children to participate can submit a recording and three written copies of the child’s music by March 1. Entries should include the child’s name and age, assisting adult’s name, phone number, address, and child’s background in music and a $12 processing fee, to: VOICES Composition Contest, P.O. Box 404, Pennington, 08534.
Email submissions of scanned music and MP3 files can also be accepted. For more information, email VOICESchoralevp@aol.com or call Shirley Piercy, 215-598-0783 or 215-350-0682.
Children are treated to an informal master class with other children their age. This is followed by a public performance for family and friends on April 16.
The children can choose how their piece is performed — by themselves, by soloists from VOICES, or by the chorus or any combination of the options.
Following last year’s concert, two 11-year-old composers were seen dancing and giggling on the porch of Music Together in Hopewell Township, where the concert takes place.
Additionally several youth composers were highlighted in the fundraiser in May. :Everyone was delighted that the program highlighted one of the premier programs of VOICES for youth. It was clear to all that the program had been a success,” said a spokesman.
VOICES’ Young Composers Project “is an opportunity for children to develop their musical talents and get positive feedback from peers and professional composers, “ said Lyn Ransom, music director of VOICES Chorale.
”Every child who learns to talk has the ability to sing, given the opportunity. Every child who has musical opportunities can compose a song. Sometimes all children need is an occasion—a birthday, a new pet, the best food. This composition contest provides an occasion for many children to compose, and to learn from other young composers,” she said.
”VOICES is dedicated to supporting the musical ideas of young children and youth, to recognizing each child’s effort, and to help create a peer network so young composers have fun sharing and planning for future pieces,” Dr. Ransom added.
Fore more information, visit: www.VOICESChorale.orgwww.enewsarchive.com/VOICESVOICESchoralevp@aol.com .