The International Grammar School (IGS) proudly announces the success of its second annual Young Composers Competition and the highly anticipated Vocal Competition, both showcasing the exceptional musical talents of students from Years 5-12.
This competition, with its three distinct categories Junior, Intermediate, and Senior, encourages students to craft original works across classical and contemporary styles, offering a platform for aspiring composers to explore their musical potential.
An exciting creative option for the 2024 competition was the Jingle Competition, which challenged students to compose a short school bell melody. In working with Carmelo Fedele, Head of Sustainability, this innovative category carried the theme of sustainability, with a focus on promoting a school’s environmental initiative, “Leave It Better Than You Found It!” Through this, students were inspired to reflect on how their music could contribute to a harmonious and sustainable school environment and the role they can play when leaving a classroom.
The competition was adjudicated by renowned Australian composer and multi-award-winning saxophonist Nick Russoniello. With his vast expertise across multiple genres, Nick brought invaluable insight and guidance to the judging process, providing constructive feedback to the participants while recognising their unique musical voices.
The Young Composers Competition at IGS is a celebration of the vibrant creative spirit within our community. It supports students not only in developing their technical composition skills but also in expressing their individuality and vision through music. This year’s entries highlighted the immense talent within the school, with students demonstrating both an understanding of traditional compositional techniques and a boldness in experimenting with new ideas.
We congratulate all participants and look forward to seeing how these young composers continue to evolve and contribute to the world of music, both within and beyond the walls of IGS.
The winners of this competition are:
- Junior Open Composition Winner: Kayla V (Yr 5)
- Junior Open Composition Runner Up: Clara G (Yr 5)
- Intermediate Open Composition Winner: Elias P (Yr 8)
- Intermediate Open Composition Runner Up: Isabelle W (Yr 8)
- Senior Open Composition Winner: Giorgio A (Yr 11)
- Senior Open Composition Runner Up: Tomas M (Yr 11)
- Jingle Competition Winner: Kayla V, Margot R and Clara G (Yr 5 – Band name “Tropical Fuzz”)
- Overall Competition Winner: Giorgio A (Yr 11)
Listen to Giorgio’s composition below:
IGS Music Promotes The World of Singers
The IGS Vocal Competition proudly offers an exciting platform for singers in Years 5-12, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents across Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories. This highly anticipated event has become a staple in the school’s music calendar, inspiring students to explore a diverse range of repertoire that spans both classical and contemporary contexts. From the grandeur of classical arias to the emotive power of popular music and musical theatre, participants are encouraged to delve into their personal interpretations of these rich genres.
What sets the IGS Vocal Competition apart is its celebration of vocal diversity. Singers are given the chance to perform works that range from classical masterpieces to modern hits, embracing both tradition and innovation. This approach not only challenges students to develop their vocal technique but also fosters a deeper understanding of different musical styles, helping them grow as versatile performers.
This year, the competition was expertly adjudicated by Helen Saltos, a highly accomplished soprano with an extensive academic and professional background. A graduate of both the University of Newcastle and the prestigious University of Sydney’s Conservatorium Opera School, Helen’s operatic experience includes starring roles such as the First Lady in The Magic Flute and Rosina in The Barber of Seville. Her keen ear for vocal artistry and nuanced feedback provided participants with invaluable insights, further elevating the standard of the performances.
As this competition continues to grow, it remains a vital part of the IGS music program, nurturing the next generation of vocal talent and offering a platform for young singers to thrive in both classical and contemporary musical worlds.
The winners of this competition are:
2024 Vocal Competition
- Junior Division Winner: Akshay S (Yr 6)
- Junior Division Runner Up: Penelope M (Yr 6)
- Intermediate Winner: Miranda H (Yr 7)
- Intermediate Runner Up: Finn M (Yr 8)
- Senior Division Winner: Luella P (Yr 10)
- Senior Division Runner Up: Oscar F (Yr 10)
- Overall Competition Winner: Luella P (Yr 10)