NAfME 2020 Student Composition Competitions

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2020 Composition & Songwriting Competition

Every year the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) sponsors a student composition competition providing students the opportunity to submit original songs for future performance. Cash prizes were awarded to winners and honorable mentions and all entrants received written evaluations of their compositions. This year, NAfME added a Student Songwriters category for K–12 students. 

Several California student entries received Honorable mentions, as well as a winner in the Electronic Music Competition category. Let’s congratulate our CMEA students and teachers for their recognition on a National stage!

Click on the titles to listen to the music

Student Songwriters Category

High School Honorable Mention
Chole Borsody
Icarus
Oakwood School, Gilroy, CA
Steve Potter, teacher

Electronic Music Composition Category

High School Honorable Mention
Madeline Cahill
Time Machine
New Roads School, Los Angeles, CA
Stephen Billington, teacher

Collegiate Winner
Estevan Olmos
Cali-Mexup
California State University, Fresno

Collegiate Honorable Mention
Daniel Cobo
You’ll Never Get To Heaven
Azusa Pacific University

Student Composers

High School Honorable Mention
Krishna Mandal
Pacific Voyage
Benicia High School, Benicia, CA
Patrick Martin, teacher

Learn more

CMEA Response to California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Update

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On October 14, 2020, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) posted updated guidelines regarding singing and playing wind instruments. The CMEA response to this update is below and available to download as a PDF by clicking this link.

CDPH Update:

California Department of Public Health Schools Guidance updated on October 14, 2020 

“….. outdoor singing and band practice is permitted provided that precautions such as physical distancing and mask-wearing are implemented to the maximum extent possible.”

Does this guidance allow for singing or playing instruments?
“Yes, outdoor singing and band practice are permitted, provided that precautions such as physical distancing and mask wearing are implemented to the maximum extent possible. Playing of wind instruments (any instrument played by the mouth, such as a trumpet or clarinet) is strongly discouraged. School officials, staff, parents, and students should be aware of the increased likelihood for transmission from exhaled droplets during singing and band practice, and physical distancing beyond 6 feet is strongly recommended for any of these activities.”

CMEA’s Response

Please note that playing and/or performing is one of four artistic processes in the California Music Standards, in alignment with California State Education Code, Section 51210 and 51220.  For outdoor only, CMEA recommends: see references below for guidance on each point:

  • to only sing or play wind instruments outside with the correct PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) and physically distanced six feet or more.
  • wearing correct fitting masks for singers, all instrumentalists of all ages, instructors, and instrument covers are required. 
  • correct face masks and bell covers with MERV 13 for singing and playing wind instruments. 
  • teachers use a voice projection system to avoid voice and aerosol projection. Limit talking. 
  • to identify an outside location where spit valves can be emptied safely with physical distancing
  • to maintain hygiene.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  2. NAfME Guidance for Music Education
  3. NFHS Aerosol Study – Round Two 
  4. NFHS Preliminary Recommendations
  5. NFHS Aerosol Study FAQs