Composition CompetitionThe IMEA Composition Competition is an annual competition that offers young Indiana composers (grades six through college) the opportunity to have their work evaluated by established composers/educators who provide written feedback. This event is designed to help these young composers learn and grow as creative musical thinkers. The winning composers are recognized at the Professional Conference in January. 2023 Gold Rating RecipientsName: Zishan Hyder Composition Title: “The Angst of Love” Sample of Composition: Recording Division: 2023 High School Division, String Orchestra School: Indiana Academy Teacher: Elisabeth Ohly-Davis Bio: Zishan Hyder is a sophomore who attends the Indiana Academy. At age 6, he picked up the violin which sparked his musical journey. He has studied with many violin teachers and has participated in many different orchestras such as the Indiana All State Orchestra and the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra. Zishan’s interest in composing began when he started wondering how the music from his favorite movies and video games was constructed. This transitioned into him wanting to create music that resonates with people the same way music has impacted him. He specializes in string quartets and string orchestra. Name: Jack Nesser Composition Title: “Sunshine River” Sample of Composition: Recording Division: 2023 High School Division, Full Orchestra School: West Vigo High School Teacher: Christiana Wittenmyer Bio: Jack Nesser is an award-winning young composer from West Terre Haute, IN. He attends West Vigo High School and has won awards through the American Prize, Heidelberg University, and Appalachian State University. Recently, Jack has had many works premiered locally with Indiana State University and ensembles at his school. He was a member of the 2021, 2022, & 2023 IBA All-State Honors Ensemble and is a regular community musician with local ensembles. Although he has never studied formally, Jack has had his works reviewed by composers Cait Nishimura, Dr. Michael Schelle, and Kevin Day. Name: Noah Strawhacker Composition Title: “Nocturne in Db Major” Sample of Composition: Recording Division: 2023 High School Division, Chamber School: Fishers High School Teacher: Julie Armey Bio: Noah Strawhacker was born and raised in Indiana. Surrounded by music from a young age, he began to compose at the encouragement of his junior high school orchestra teacher. He plays the cello, and his music includes works for piano, string orchestra, pit orchestra, and a variety of other ensembles. He strives to add a modern flavor to his compositions while still writing music accessible and enjoyable for all audiences. Name: Noah Tannas Composition Title: “Unnatural Light” Sample of Composition: Recording Division: 2023 High School Division, Instrumental Solo School: Pendleton Heights High School Teacher: Chris Taylor Bio: Noah Tannas is a recent graduate of Pendleton Heights High School. He began taking piano lessons when he was five and started playing trumpet in sixth grade. In addition, he was a drum major during his senior year of marching band. He began by studying classical piano but started learning jazz piano in seventh grade, which has heavily influenced his compositional style. Noah has participated in the IMEA and IBA All-State Bands, as well as the IBA and IJEA All-District Bands. Name: Leo Schunn Composition Title: “The Legend of Light and Dark: DELTARUNE Medley” Sample of Composition: Recording Division: 2023 Collegiate Division, Percussion Ensemble School: Ball State University Teacher: Dr. Ann Hicks Bio: My name is Leo Schunn, and I'm a Music Education major at Ball State University. I taught myself piano when I was 7 years old so that I could learn video game music by ear, but now I'm constantly composing and arranging video game & orchestra music. Although I am mainly a pianist, percussion is my love. I inspire to profess music theory, but writing percussion ensemble shows and composing game soundtracks on the side would be my dream. |