All of last week, I attended a composition camp at MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis. No where have I ever seen so much talent in one room before.
I can't name names (unless you identify yourself in the comments) but I can share stories.
On the second day, I sat down at the piano and began to play a composition I call "For Sarah". As I finished the piece, a boy we'll call Forrest, asked me to stop and start again, this time with guitar accompaniment. Not missing a beat, two boys, José and Israel, began to beatbox to the song.
The next day, Forrest got out his violin and fiddled to the tune of my song. José jumped onto the nearby drum set and another boy, Paris, started strumming on the guitar.
As I said, no where have I ever seen so much talent and dedication to music in one room before.
One girl, Cameron, composed, in my humble opinion, the best piano, violin, and cello piece I have ever heard. The humility of these people astounded me. I don't believe she understood how amazing, beautiful, and emotional her piece was. She simply shrugged off praise. So, Cami, if you're reading, know that your piece touched my heart.
Another girl, Georgiana, was sick and was unable to finish her piece before the concert. It was vocal and some parts of the text had to be spoken. It was stunning and very dramatic. She was embarrassed by the piece. I can say, it was one of the best pieces there.
Why am I going on and on and on about this? Why am I not writing some deeply thoughtful post about my experience? Because, the kids I'm writing about are 8-10 graders. I'm older than most of them. And yet, these composers created music that rivals some of the best, professional works I've heard.
If this is what the future of music holds, I am extremely proud to be a part of this era. But I am more proud to call these amazing people my peers.
