Fairfax County – Composition Contest

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About

Each year, students in Fairfax County can participate in the PTA Reflections program. This program offers students a chance to explore and create works of art. All students are encouraged to create their own musical composition and to submit their original piece to their school PTA. The deadline for each school is different so please double check directly with the school. Most deadlines are around the beginning of November.

How It Works

Students begin working on creating their original compositions in the Spring. Once their piece is complete, they must write the notes on the piece. For younger students, this is done at their lesson with the help of their teacher. Older students are encouraged to write out the notes at home and show their progress at lessons.

Students can use the following notation software:

  • Notion – Ipad App
  • Muse Score
  • Finale Notepad
  • NoteFlight

Once the piece is notated, students begin working on their Artist Statement. This is just a few words describing how the piece relates to the theme. After this, all that is left is for students to turn in the completed form, score, and a recording of their work. The recording is done at the student’s lesson.

Themes

  • 2018-2019 Theme: “Heroes Around Me”
  • 2017-2018 Theme: “Within Reach”
  • 2016-2017 Theme: “What Is Your Story?”
  • 2015-16 Theme: “Let Your Imagination Fly”
  • 2014-1015 Theme: “The world would be a better place if…”
  • 2013-2014 Theme: “Believe, Dream, Inspire”
  • 2012-2013 Theme: “The Magic of a Moment… “
  • 2011-2012 Theme: “Diversity means… “
  • 2010-2011 Theme: “Together We Can”
  • 2009-2010 Theme: “In Celebration: A Past to Remember, Beauty Is…”
  • 2008-2009 Theme: “Wow!”
  • 2007-2008 Theme: “I Can Make a Difference by…”
  • 2006-2007 Theme: “My Favorite Place”
  • 2005-2006 Theme: “I Wonder Why…”

Forms

Students are encouraged to get the entry form from their school because it will have all the necessary information filled out.

Fairfax County Reflections Form

Reminders

  • Audio Recording
    • Max Length – 5 minutes
    • Audio must be in mp3 or mp4 format.
    • Two seconds of silence before performance.
  • Score Notation
    • A notated score is required for Middle and High School divisions.
    • Must be on 8.5 x 11 paper
    • No mounted or bound scores.
  • Submission Packet should include
    • Audio CD
    • Score
    • Completed Entry Form

Past Student Compositions

More About MEA Piano Studio

MEA Piano Studio offers piano lessons in Fairfax, VA, piano lessons in Washington D.C., and the entire NOVA area. We’ve grown to 60+ weekly students by providing consistently valuable instruction and making lessons fun – we offer piano lessons that your child won’t want to quit. If you want to sign up for a free trial lessons, please get in touch.