The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra (with parent organization the Mariposa County Arts Council, Inc.) is now accepting entries for the 2010 MSO Young Master Composers Celebration.
The annual contest is open to all students aged 8—18 resident within Mariposa County. Many talented, developing young composers have been 'discovered' in Mariposa County over the past through years through this program. Students are encouraged to learn about and then create their own 'classical' music following guidelines and rules created by the MSO's Founding Music Director and Conductor Les Marsden. Marsden adjudicates all entries and selects ONE Young Master Composer winner from each of three Age Categories. The winners and winning compositions will be announced at the May 1 & 2, 2010 “Welcome Spring!” Concerts of the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra in Mariposa and in the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley. In addition to the cash awards, Marsden will orchestrate the three winning musical entries and each musical work will receive its world premiere performance at the MSO's June 26th 2010 “Independence Day Spectacular” Concert, conducted by Marsden. Attendees of previous years' 'Young Master Composers' premieres have been amazed by the talent of local students - and as well, have witnessed the pleasure of those students upon hearing THEIR very own music performed by THEIR Mariposa Symphony Orchestra.
Only one entry per student may be submitted. Participation is by Age Category with the entrant’s age determined as of April 23, 2010—the deadline for entries. No late entries accepted.
Age 8—11 “Child Prodigy” Composer $50 Cash Award
Age 12—15 “Teen Wonder” Composer $50 Cash Award
Age 16—18 “Noteworthy Young Adult” Composer $50 Cash Award
FULL guidelines, examples and (required) entry sheet is available from the Mariposa County Arts Council, Inc.'s offices: (209) 966-3155 (Monday - Friday, 9/AM-5/PM) at 5009 Fifth Street (adjacent to The Pizza Factory) in beautiful, historic downtown Mariposa. A .pdf set of the full guidelines, examples and entry sheet is also available electronically via e-mail and may be requested by sending an e-mail to MSO@sti.net with the subject line "Young Master Composers Forms."
