Facilitator:
About Composition Clubs
Composition Clubs are a hands-on way for music students to learn about composing music. Alongside Canadian composer Christine Donkin, participants work together to compose pieces of music which are commissioned by music teachers and directors, and then given premiere performances by music students across Canada and beyond. To date, Composition Clubs have composed music for string orchestra, band, choir, chamber ensembles, and soloists.
The Clubs focus on:
- process and product in equal measure - as well as learning how to compose music, students cultivate cognate skills such as open-minded listening and creative thinking;
- collaboration rather than competition, with an emphasis on teamwork, and all participants contributing as they are able;
- education through experience - students’ understanding of the composition process expands through level-appropriate challenges as well as teacher demonstration;
- connections and communities - students compose music for their peers to perform, either locally or further afield.
Christine teaches Composition Clubs in Victoria BC, and gives Composition Club workshops across Canada.
Here are a few compositions that have been created by Composition Clubs and premiered by the ensembles that commissioned them: