Phenomenal Success in ISA Composition Competition!

The results of the prestigious Independent Schools’ Association annual Music Composition Competition were announced on Monday 6th June and we were delighted to learn that six of the seven pieces entered by Leighton Park were placed by the judge, including three students winning their category. All seven of our entries were considered a phenomenal success and the judge, Flora Curzon provide really positive feedback for all of the students.

Flora is an award-winning violinist, string arranger and recording artist and has significant experience with classical, contemporary and traditional British music performing solo, in chamber ensembles and orchestras as well as a range of well-known performance and recording venues around the world.

Director of Music and Media, Rosemary Scales, enthused, “I am delighted, if a little shocked tbh!” whilst Head, Matthew Judd, commented, “That is brilliant news and great to hear of these results! I am thrilled that the work of the department is being recognised in such a manner.”

Eliza (Year 10) was overjoyed by her success: “My song was based on the idea of a dream, where something seems real but it is just in your imagination.  I was really surprised and pleased to win.”

You can enjoy listening to the successful pieces on our youtube channel:

Eliza with Just a Dream – First Place, KS3/4 Instrument and Voice. Flora remarked, “A very fitting name for this composition, with the mysterious sounding chords. I really like your choice of instrumentation and groove. Fantastic vocal performance as well.”

Finnbar with Another Day – First Place, KS5 Instrument and Voice. Flora noted, “You have created a really beautiful and immediately striking sound world with excellent production. I really like the opening line and overall concept of the song. The words scan excellently throughout.”

Daniel with La Madamoiselle tres Perdu – First Place, KS4/5 Solo Instrument. Flora commented “An excellent entry. I enjoyed the drama and expressivity in this piece, and the clear impressionist feel throughout.”

Oscar with Atomic – Second Place, KS2/3 Instrumental Group. Flora judged this to be  “A very effective and suspenseful piece of music. You clearly have a strong sense of what each instrument brings in terms of timbre and effect. I loved the use of electronic sounds with the acoustic instruments.”

Kabir with Follow You – Highly Commended, KS3/4 Instrument and Voice. Flora considered Kabir’s piece to be “A very beautiful and effective composition. I really like your choice of instrumentation and the production. Well done.”

Esther with Giant – Highly Commended, KS3/4 Instrument and Voice. Flora said, “A very stylish composition. I really like the production and particularly enjoyed the a cappella vocal section.”

Clem with F4 . Flora enthused, “I really enjoyed the production, singing and instrumental performances in your piece. The bold changes in time and key create a very interesting composition. I really enjoyed the build and fade.”

The Music Department, which is currently preparing for its biannual Music Tour, is looking forward to visiting Slovenia with a large number of our Music scholars and students at the start of the Summer holidays. 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. Students have additional opportunities to create and participate in Music through the extensive co-curricular programme.