Young Composers Challenge 2008

This is why Isabel's party was moved up a week: The Young Composers Challenge, hosted by the Orlando Philharmonic. The picture should take you to their site.

Jake's music teacher handed a flier out to her students. Jake was the only one in his school to attend! It was free. He spent the entire day learning about composing, writing, and the technology of music creating.

I drove him there at 9 a.m. for registration. It was not really at the Bob Carr like the web site said. It was as Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, a UCF school, right across from the Bob Carr. It was beautiful inside. They had the entire day structured and would take care of him including breakfast, lunch and snacks. Did I mention free?? We signed him in (cause you had to pre-register on-line), he got his badge and goody bag consisting of music writing program demos, 0utlines of the day's classes, granola bars and other cool stuff, and then I left. Around noon-time, I got a text message that said "Very Cool" from him.

He had to register (check), attend the workshop (check) and now has to compose a score. Quote from the site:

Spend the summer of 2008 writing an original score—either for full orchestra or for a chamber ensemble. All compositions should be no longer than 5-minutes long. Full orchestra compositions should be written for complete standard instrumentation, and chamber ensemble compositions should be written for some number of standard instruments. Standard instrumentation consists of: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 4 French Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 2 Percussionists, 1 Harp, 1 Piano, 9 Violins (1st), 7 Violins (2nd), 5 Violas, 5 Cellos, and 3 Basses.

He then submits his piece and they pick winners. Depending on what type is written (Full Orchestra or Ensemble) they can win $1000 and $500 for their music teacher, or $500 and $250 for their teacher, PLUS their piece gets played by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert!

How cool is that? No pressure; it's his first year and he can do it until he's 18 years old.

Everyone wish him Luck!!!