Composers of the Future 2016
February 7, 2016 was Super Bowl Sunday, but at Songcatchers it was known as "Super Composer Sunday." This was the day that 9 of our After-School Music Program students had their compositions performed by the Symphony of Westchester. What a wonderful musical afternoon it was!
Each of the student Composers were selected by Songcatchers Staff for the program, and started writing their music in October 2015. They met weekly with Avery Griffin, a composer, singer, and educator who currently serves as Young Composer Advocate of the NY Philharmonic. This year, Avery was assisted by Sam McKay, a New Rochelle High School senior and Songcatchers clarinet teacher who has done some composing himself. The Composers learned about theory and composition throughout their sessions. In addition, members of the Westchester Symphony came to teach the children about their instrument and its capabilities. After writing their music, the Composers worked with Avery and Sam to orchestrate and notate their piece for the orchestra. On February 7, the children, their parents, and members of Songcatchers came to Iona College to hear the premiere of these wonderful pieces during the Symphony of Westchester's Winter Concert. Before stting on stage with the Symphony to listen to their piece, each Composer introduced him/herself and told the audience about his/her piece and what to look for in the music. Each piece was unique -- titles included "The Meadow", "A Haunted House Piece", and "Butterfly Circus." Special thanks to Barry Charles Hoffman, director of Symphony of Westchester, for this wonderful opportunity for our students. We also wish to thank Avery Griffin and Sam McKay for working with the students to help them find the music within themselves. Bravo, Composers -- may you continue to write more music in the future! 
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