CMW 2023 Student Composer Competition Winners

CATEGORY "A" CLASS 1: Joshua Han

Category A 11 and under Class 1 Joshua Han for “March in C Major” $75 prize

Hello, I am Joshua Han, I am now 11 years old. I have been studying piano since I was about 4 years old, and I have a passion for it. I have been studying piano recently with my new piano teacher: Mrs. Petroni. I also study piano theory with Mrs. Douglas, it is very interesting.

I like dolphins very much, they are my favourite animal, I like them because they are smart, friendly, and cute. Dolphins were partly the inspiration for my piano piece, dolphins can make a variety of different sounds, from soft, to loud, that’s how I decided to put changing dynamics into my piece. They are really quick, so I put some fast 16^th note patterns into different parts of my piece. I really like my song, March in C major, and I will keep composing others too.

Teacher: Ruth Douglas

CATEGORY "B" CLASS 1: Favour Adelani

Category B 15 and under Class 1 Favour Adelani “The March of the Mighty Trees” $100 prize.

Hi! My name is Favour Adelani, and I’m 13 years old. The piece I submitted for this year’s competition is titled “The March of the Mighty Trees”. I’ve always enjoyed composing pieces. I’m really glad I won this competition! A big thank you to the MRMTA for selecting my composition, and to the adjudicator for sharing insightful feedback. The one-hundred-dollar award is greatly appreciated. I would also like to appreciate those who have helped me on my musical journey so far: my dad, mom and sister. In addition, I specially thank my current piano teacher, Mrs. Jane Petroni and former teacher Mrs. Lana Ribakovas. Above all, I thank God for inspiring me to compose songs. I look forward to entering and submitting another composition next year!

Teacher: Jane Petroni

Category "C":  Heidi Reimer

Category C 19 and under Heidi Reimer “Betrayal”

Heidi Reimer is 16 years old, who is completing grade 11 at Linden Christian School. She started playing piano at the age of 5 and her passion for music was evident from that young age. Other than piano, she plays clarinet, and tenor saxophone in her school's band and jazz band and sings alto in her school's choir and vocal jazz group.

Heidi would like to thank her piano teacher, Ms. Karla Fillion, and her Harmony and Counterpoint teacher, Mrs. Tracey Sawatzky for encouraging her love of music. She started composing during the pandemic in response to a challenge to learn something new, and found that creating compositions was a way to express a variety of emotions and colours by creating music.
Teacher: Karla Zolinksi

Category D Open WINNER: Heidi Reimer
Category D Open WINNER Heidi Reimer “Falling Stars” $250 prize.
Heidi Reimer is 16 years old, who is completing grade 11 at Linden Christian School. She started playing piano at the age of 5 and her passion for music was evident from that young age. Other than piano, she plays clarinet, and tenor saxophone in her school's band and jazz band and sings alto in her school's choir and vocal jazz group.

Heidi would like to thank her piano teacher, Ms. Karla Fillion, and her Harmony and Counterpoint teacher, Mrs. Tracey Sawatzky for encouraging her love of music. She started composing during the pandemic in response to a challenge to learn something new, and found that creating compositions was a way to express a variety of emotions and colours by creating music.
Teacher: Karla Zolinski

OUR ADJUDICATOR:

Lorna is a well-known composer of music for student musicians and has multiple books of music published through Fredrick Harris Music Co. Ltd. Her pieces belong to the curricula of multiple music conservatory syllabi. She is an active teacher, clinician, and examiner with even more publications under way. She has a keen understanding of what a young musician can produce and offered a wonderful blend of constructive criticism, encouragement, and fresh ideas to each of our competitors. Learn more at www.lornapaterson.com.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Category A: Claire Enns “Seasons”, Filip Markov “Want to Play Soccer?”, Judah Epp “Peaceful Turquoise”, Salomé Grenier “Haunted House”

Category B: Alex Plougman “Breakthrough”, Amelia Nichol “Meadow Dance”, Brooke Prins “Mystere en Hiver”,Isaac Nichol “Frosty Morning”, Sari Reider “Blue Lagoon”, Seniru Kothalawala “The Mysteries of Ancient Rome”