ISA Composition Competition Success!

Thursday 15th June saw celebrations in the Music Department as the results of the ISA Composition Competition 2023 arrived. The team, led by Director of Music and Media, Rosemary Scales, entered five compositions, of which three were placed by the judges. “This is fantastic news!” commented Rose.

Alana (Year 9) achieved a Highly Commended in KS3 for her work, “Wait for Me” which she performed on voice and piano. Alana explained:

“My piece was inspired by the feeling of not belonging and longing for a sense of normality in life. I think this is a feeling that many people will be able to relate to. For the lyrics in particular, I took a lot of inspiration from the metaphors which artists like Mitski and Phoebe Bridgers use in their songs as I enjoy the way which these metaphors leave room for interpretation in their songs.

I am very happy with my success in the ISA Composition Competition. The song I submitted, ‘Wait For Me,’ is one of my favourite compositions and I appreciate the positive response and feedback which I have received from the adjudicator. As I was writing the song, I used a variety of melodies and chords which I had never used before – such as during the pre-chorus where two notes are repeated over a bass line. I think that my success has proved that I can only develop as a songwriter by making varied decisions with my pieces.

In the future, I think that this achievement will encourage me to continue to pursue music as a form of expression. I look forward to writing more songs in the future and hearing responses from people, whether that be friends / family or adjudicators in future competitions.”

Eliza (Year 11) achieved joint first place in the KS4/5 category with her piece ‘Fallen’, impressively playing every instrument recorded on the track! Eliza was overjoyed by the news: “I am a big fan of the work by Jeff Buckley and wanted to capture his unique style of writing. I also took inspiration from the Eagles in how they tell a story through their lyrics. I am very grateful and excited for placing in the competition as songwriting is such an important part of my life. I am hoping to study songwriting and performance at a conservatoire in the future.”

Eliza pipped fellow composer Finn (Upper Sixth) to the win with Finn coming in second place in KS4/5 with the aptly named ‘That’s OK’. The two are clearly evenly matched as last year they were in different age groupings and both achieved first place!

The Music Department, which is currently preparing for its annual al fresco extravaganza, Music for a Summer’s Evening, is looking forward to including a number of original composition at the event on Saturday 1st July. The involvement of over half the school in individual music lessons delivered by 27 peripatetic teachers is a testament to the popularity of and enthusiasm for the subject at Leighton Park. The facilities provided by the stunning Michael Malnick Centre for Music and Media are of professional standard and include a Live Lounge Recording Studio. Our extensive musical offering through our co-curricular programme, our educational partnership with Yamaha as a flagship partner school, our Education Partnership Programme with Sontronics microphones and our status as a Steinberg Training Centre, all provide unparalleled opportunities for students.