Abesgami Senior A Finalist In NJ Music Composition Competition
Big things are happening for one Absegami senior who achieved a huge honor by being named a finalist in a prestigious music composition competition the state holds to seek out the best that NJ high schools have to offer in terms of musical talent.
This isn't just any music competition, however. A composition competition means that each competitor is responsible for composing (writing) their submission pieces themselves. According to the Press of Atlantic City, senior Connor Morrissey is the first student to be chosen as a finalist in the New Jersey Music Educators Association Young Composers Competition in ten years. The last finalist from this area was selected back in 2011.
The piece Connor chose to enter is called "Providence" and written for wind instruments like the clarinet, flute, and saxophone. It was reviewed by a panel and selected out of the three entries submitted for this round. Connor spoke with a panelist from whom he says he learned a lot.
When speaking about his musical education at Absegami, Connor credits Director of Bands Patrick O'Keefe for all of his support throughout the process. This honor speaks volumes of O'Keefe's tutelage and style of instruction. Connor says he's pleased with the groundwork he's been able to lay at Absegami for his career in music and credits O'Keefe with getting him there.
As you may have guessed, Connor does not plan on giving up music after high school. In fact, he plans to earn a degree in the very thing he just entered the competition for: music composition. Regarding where Connor plans to obtain that degree, he hasn't stated.
Source: PressOfAtlanticCity.com