Darien Young Composers Event

                        Darien Young Composers Opportunity


Due to the extended closure of our schools, the Darien Young Composers event has been postponed to a future date to be determined. Subsequently, the deadline for original music submissions, which was today, March 16th, has also been extended until further notice. Our Music teachers are still encouraging students to take advantage of the extra time they might now have to create and submit their original music.

More information regarding our Young Composers program and guidelines for submission can be found on our Music Department website located on the DPS main page, go to Departments, then to Music or:  Darien Young Composers Guidelines 2020

Here are a couple suggestions to encourage our students to become involved in the creative process of making and presenting their own original music.

1. Speak positively about the opportunity and experience and how great it would be to actually create and perform some original musical ideas.

2. Have students collaborate with their friends online using notation software flat.io. This keeps them on track and adds a social element to the process.

3. Inform a student’s private music lesson teacher about the opportunity and have them work it into their weekly music lesson.

4. Have students start with a small, short musical idea and then develop it over time. This can begin with a catchy phrase, an idea, a life event, or a saying or rhythm that will eventually be the basis for their original music.

5. Students can get ideas by listening to songs and musical compositions by professionals and then imitating their style, form and overall presentation. Many great composers and musicians have “borrowed” ideas from other great composers. It is almost an expectation to build on the work of others.

6. Give students space and time to think creatively and complete the task. We all have different “triggers” that may inspire us to be more creative. Some of us need a more structured methodical approach and some of us are more motivated to create when the “muse” strikes.

7. Sometimes the most difficult part is simply getting started.  Being aware of a deadline for completion and submission always seems to be somewhat of a motivator.

8. If students have an idea for a song, but are not sure what to do with it, they can always email one of their music teachers for guidance, advice and direction.

Our Darien Young Composers Concerts have always been positive, successful and somewhat amazing events where we can hear and experience the musical ideas of our young people. Although our 2020 program has been postponed, we encourage all of our students to continue to create their own music.