Eastside MTA
Student Essay Event
Sharon Van Valin ~ Chair
Topic: Compare and contrast any 2 pieces in a suite or 2 movements in a Sonata or Concerto.
Students from 7th-12th grades are encouraged to enter this year’s essay event. 15 students will be able to present their essays at the 2023 general meetings. Our goal is to expand student’s listening skills while encouraging them to experience music from the heart.
Suggested Guidelines
Give ONLY a small paragraph of biographical information.
Spend time on saying why you like or dislike various sections of the piece.
If you understand the form of the piece, that can help you discuss the sections.
Is the piece in Major or Minor and does it shift around? How does this affect your reaction to it?
Can you give us a picture of what you see in your mind when you listen to it?
What kind of moods do you hear? Do the dynamic ranges affect the moods?
What is your overall impression; would you want to hear this piece again?
Students cannot receive a scholarship for two consecutive years. All students are encouraged to participate and will be recognized even if they are ineligible to receive a scholarship this year. Essays need to be between 500-700 words.
In order to receive monetary awards, qualifying entrants’ essays must be submitted along with this application form to Sharon Van Valin by November 27, 2023. Students with qualifying essays will also be required to make a video of themselves reading their essay to be submitted before January 15 to Sam Beckert (sdbeck@hotmail.com). Essay videos will be presented at the January 22, February 26 or April 23, 2024 general meetings of the EMTA chapter.
Presentation time will be 10:00am – 10:30am
Notification that your student’s essay has been accepted will be given before the end of 2023.
Eastside MTA
Essay Repertoire List
J. S. Bach: Any Toccata
L. V. Beethoven: Any Cello Sonata
G. Bizet: Childrens Games
W. Bolcolm: Any 1 of 3 Ghost Rags
J. Brahms: Symphony # 4 in E Minor, Op. 98
F. Chopin: Choose any 2 Etudes
E. Coats: London Agani Symphony
S. Coombs: Carnival at New Orleans, Op.275 (2 pianos)
G. Faure: Masques and Bergamasques
H. Hanson: Nymphs and Satyr Ballet Suite
B. Harback: The Soul of Ra
F. J. Haydn: Clock Symphony
J. King: March of the Goblins
E. Kruger: Prelude and Fugue
L. Lehman: Cobweb Castle
L. Leibermann: Concerto #1 for Flute
Gargoyles Op. 29
F. Liszt: Any Transcendental Etude
Un Sospiro
F. Mendelssohn: String Symphony in F
W.A. Mozart: Any Viennese Sonata
M. Ravel: Alberado del Gracioso
S. Rachmaninoff: Any Prelude from Op. 32
O. Respighi: Notturno for Piano
S. Rondino: Symphony #2, Andaram
D. Scarlatti: Any Sonata in D Major
F. Schubert: Unfinished Symphony
R. Schumann: Fantasy Op. 12
J. Sibelius: Kyllikki for Solo Piano, Op. 41
R. Strauss: 2001 Movie Score
J. Stravest: Music of the Spheres
I. Stravinsky: Firebird Ballet Suite
G. P. Telemann: Any recorder Suite
R. Wagner: Ride of the Valkyries
Registration Form
In order to receive monetary awards, qualifying entrants’ essays must be submitted along with this application form to Sharon Van Valin by. November 27, 2023. Students with qualifying essays will also be required to make a video of themselves reading their essay to be submitted before January 15 to Sam Beckert (sdbeck@hotmail.com). Essay videos will be presented at the January 22, February 26 or April 23, 2024 general meetings of the EMTA chapter.
Presentation time will be 10:00am – 10:30am
Notification that your student’s essay has been accepted will be given before the end of 2023.
general info & inquiry
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