Composition Competition 2017 Report

Ten NVMTA teachers entered a total of 10 students in the competition, postmark deadline March 9, 2017. Students ranged in age from 11 to 17. Composers were from the studios of: Sheila Epstein, René Johnson, Maribeth Frank, Silvia McPherson, Sean P. Mahon, Silva Blasquez, Yi Shan, Marjorie Lee, Elaine Gallo, and Margarita Gramaticova.

McLean Symphony Maestro Dingwall Fleary and symphony clarinetist, librarian, and stage manager Davyd Breeskin will choose one entry to be performed at their spring concert in 2018. The February 17, 2017 McLean Symphony Family Concert at Montessori School of McLean, featured 2 compositions taken from the 2012 youth concert–Alex Worley, former student of Rebecca Salt -composition “Irony” and Karen Ma, former student of Sheila Epstein–composition “Coral Fantasy”. The April 2 McLean Symphony concert held at Vienna Presbyterian Church featured a composition, “Overture in c minor” from the 2013 family concert, composed by Luke Waddell, former student of Yi Shan.

Judges for this year’s competition were Jo Lombard and Dr. Jesse Guessford. Regan Brough assisted in selecting this year’s Jo Lombard Award recipients.

First place and $150 went to Kevin Su, student of Marjorie Lee, for “Infernal Drums.”

Second place and $75 went to Kyle Gatesman, student of Margarita Gramaticova, for “Journey.”

Third place and $50 went to Sean McLaughlin, student of Silvia McPherson, for “Pearl.”

Ethan Epstein received the Willis A. Bennett Technology Award and a check for $150.

All entrants were invited to perform their original compositions on the annual Honors Recital, which was held Sunday, April 30, at the Arlington Woman’s Club. Libby McConnell and Sheila Epstein emceed the recital, which was well attended. After the performances, competition chairs Sheila Epstein and Libby McConnell congratulated performers and distributed awards and certificates. The recital program is attached below.

Respectfully submitted,
Libby McConnell
NVMTA Composition Competition Chair