The annual Young Composers Project enrolls youth from music programs in North Lawndale and Garfield Park who receive weekly composition lessons and write a piece for the Crossing Borders Music string quartet.
This year our Young Composers were Myshona, Morgan, Raine, and Lady! Each youth received weekly lessons from teacher/mentor Jessica T Carter. They also heard drafts of their works performed live by the Crossing Borders Music String Quartet, received feedback, and experimented with musical ideas in real time.
The works’ world premieres were shared in North Lawndale in September. Each youth
is paid for their work through the IL Arts Council Summer Youth Employment in the Arts program.
“For two years, I’ve been part of the Young Composers Crossing Borders Music Program, creating original music for a live quartet. Hearing my ideas come alive through talented musicians has been one of the most exciting and inspiring experiences I’ve ever had.” – Kennedy, Young Composers Project participant
