VOICES is holding its 23^rd annual music composition contest for children and a free song writing workshop for children 5 to 12.

"...a great opportunity for children to develop their musical talent and get feedback from a professional composer."

Vacation time is over and it is back to school, with pencils and books! However, there is still time for young children to participate in VOICES' Music Composition Contest for children and, at the same time, have fun doing it!

Parents, piano, and music teachers are invited to encourage children ages 5 to 12 to compose a piece of music with a vocal element between now and October 8, the deadline for this contest! They may support the process, but not edit the child's composition, as children hear things in their own imagination often very differently from adults. This contest is a great opportunity for kids to develop their musical talents, get feedback from a professional composer, and perform their final composition at VOICES' Young Composers Concert on November 8 at Music Together in Hopewell, NJ.

The music may be written down in any kind of notation, either formal or invented. Those entering the contest should submit a recording and three written copies of the child's music with the child's name and age, assisting adult's name, phone number, address, and the child's background in music, together with a $5.00 processing fee, to:

VOICES Composition Contest, P.O. Box 404, Pennington, NJ 08534.

Deadline for submissions is October 8, 2010.

Download and print the contest poster!

Download and print the entry form!

Established composers will review all entries, and children will receive written feedback and encouragement on their pieces. Because the goal on the contest is to encourage composition, most children are declared gold or silver winners. And all children receive a pint of ice cream for their creativity and performance!

During most years, VOICES offers free Song-Writing Workshops for children and their parents prior to VOICES' Young Composers Concert. Dr. Lyn Ransom, VOICES' Music Director, leads the discussion, assisted by VOICES music staff and often the composer/adjudicator who will review each child's work. During this workshop, the children are invited to try out the stage area and to play or sing their pieces for each other. They are also be asked what they thought was particularly interesting or beautiful. Says Dr. Ransom: "The children often respond with astute comments, uncannily appreciating each other's age, experience, and composition."

For additional information, or to register for the free workshop, please contact Debbie Gwynne, Program Chair, at 609-397-0756 or email dgmusica@comcast.net.

Winners of VOICES' 23rd Young Composers Competition, November 2010

Winners of VOICES' 22nd Young Composers Competition