Being a judge of compositions for Steve Goldman and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra's  Young Composers Challenge has been a wonderful experience through the years - and this year was no exception. Fellow composers Steve Goldman, Stella Sung, and Dan Crozier and I judged 44 works from about 3PM to 1AM this morning. First, we each received a score, and a MIDI realization of the work was played. The whole while, we made notes on the scores themselves, on a score sheet that was to be returned to the young composer, and a personal sheet that we kept private. After judging these marvelous works by these 13 to 18 year old creatives, I can say 1) the quality of production is improving every year, and 2) the work is maturing at an alarming rate.

If ANYONE should question the current generation's talent and even hint that classical music has been eroded out of earshot from modern pop and rap music - THEY NEED TO COME TO THE NOVEMBER 1 Concert! Held at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, from 2 to 6pm, the Orlando Philharmonic will perform (free to the public) two chamber works and three full orchestra works. The winners will be on stage discussing their work with Maestro Christopher Wilkins and us judges. How wonderful it is to meet these young winners, ages 13-18, hear what they have to say, and watch their expressions as they hear their work performed by a professional orchestra! Attendence is a must for all music lovers, music students and music educators. Steve Goldman is making history by supporting a veritable "orlando school" of young composers. He wished that such an environment that existed that encouraged young people to engage in writing new classical music when he was young. And he has very generously created this environment to Central Florida. This year was open to seven states of the US Southeast. Next year, he may open the competition to the entire country. Congratulations, WInners of the 2009 Young Composers Challenge!