As school begins in Middle Tennessee, so does a new round of our Student Composer Fellowship.

These four students will study composition throughout the school year with their mentors, and they will be provided with notation software by Finale. While the fellowship is planned to include chances to meet composers who visit Nashville, this year plans are in place for virtual meetings, which has allowed for some exciting opportunities that may not have been possible in the past. In June, the students will each have the chance to premiere their own composition via 91Classical.

This year’s vocal music fellows will study with Dave Ragland.

Student Composer Fellow Ethan TinsleyDavid Tinsley

Ethan Tinsley, a rising 8th grader at Aaron Academy.

Ethan began composing at age 10. He studies piano with Allyson McIntyre at W.O. Smith. He likes to write music with an “ominous, off-kilter feeling” and dreams of composing for a full symphony orchestra.

 

 

Student Composer Fellow Vasilios EkimogloyNanette Ekimogloy

Vasilios Ekimogloy, a rising 9th grader at Franklin High School

Vasilios is both a classical and jazz percussionist, studying with Johnny Richerson. He has been performing in theatre from a young age, and is looking forward to learning to be more expressive in his music writing.

 

 

 

Instrumental music fellows will study with Cristina Spinei.

Student Composer Fellow Benjamin DondanvilleTiffany Dondanville

Benjamin Dondanville, a rising 12th grader at Independence High School.

Benjamin is a member of the Curb Youth Symphony and the Philharmonia Orchestra at Blair Academy. He has also attended Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, and was a member of the Great American Marching Band at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He studies trombone with Nicholas Laufer.

 

Student Composer Fellow Sylvia RappJeremy Rapp

Sylvia Rapp, a rising 9th grader at Hendersonville High School. 

Sylvia has 8 years of experience at the piano, and plays cello in school. She studies with Andie Smith, and has been a member of the Midstate Honors Orchestra. Sylvia is looking forward to turning her knowledge of music theory toward learning about musical forms.

 

 

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