New Jersey high school students, Harmonium Choral Society invites to register for our 27^th annual Choral Composition Contest. What does BE BRAVE mean to you? Create a short original composition, a cappella or with piano accompaniment, using one of several poems about Bravery provided. Each entry receives constructive comments from the judges and the winner receives $1,000 prize and performance by Harmonium Choir in June. There is no experience necessary.

Artistic Director Dr. Anne Matlack says, “I am so excited that this year’s poems include seven written by Her Words students from the Morris School District and four that are in the public domain for you to choose to set music. Our Her Words collaboration the students were asked to write poems about what BE BRAVE meant to them. I hope they inspire you!”

Students who submit their pieces by the deadline will receive written feedback from composer-in-residence Martin Sedek, and the opportunity to revise their piece(s) with him before the final deadline. There are also runner-up cash prizes awarded.

Her Words is a creative arts and mentoring program offering free workshops in the arts, expressive writing, and wellness for underserved teen girls and gender-expansive youth ages 11-16. They share their stories, shape their future, and are empowered to create change in their lives and communities. Her Words is a partnership program between Morris Arts and Morris School District. For more information about Her Words go to: https://www.morrisarts.org/her-words/

For full details of the contest, to register and to see tips from the judges visit https://www.harmonium.org/choral-composition-contest.

There is no participation fee and the deadline for submission is March 18, 2024