MOUNT JULIET, TN, November 14, 2024… SONOR Orff and KHS America are thrilled to announce the winners of the Orff Composition Contest, honoring exceptional creativity and musical innovation in Orff-Schulwerk. After a blind review process by a panel of five expert judges, the top submissions were selected from many impressive entries in both the original composition and arrangement categories.
Tim Henry, Brand Manager for SONOR Orff Instruments, shared his enthusiasm for this unique undertaking: “It was so exciting to host this contest. Music educators are doing amazing work that has a profound impact throughout the country, and we wanted to use this as a vehicle to help shine a light on that.”
Grand Prize Winners
- Michael Chandler has been awarded the Grand Prize in the Original Composition category for his outstanding piece, Caribbean Breeze. The judges unanimously selected Chandler’s composition, praising its vibrant creativity and masterful craftsmanship. Chandler expressed his excitement: “I was thrilled to learn that my composition had been selected as the Grand Prize Winner in the SONOR Composition Contest. It was an unexpected and pleasant surprise that ended a difficult week for me. I’m so grateful to SONOR for this honor, and I’m even more excited about the trip to Germany to tour the SONOR factory!”
- Katelyn Zimmer has been named the Grand Prize Winner in the Arrangement category for her brilliant arrangement, Minor Alterations Over the Ocean. Katelyn’s work was lauded for its innovation and artistry, standing out among many strong submissions.
As Grand Prize winners, both Michael Chandler and Katelyn Zimmer will embark on a special trip to Germany next spring. They will join the contest judges to visit the SONOR factory, tour Munich, and explore various cultural highlights.
Commenting on the contest, Henry added, “We were very impressed by the caliber of the many submissions we received. KHS America believes music is essential for everyone, and this contest is one way we can recognize our community and give back.”
Runner-Up Winners
SONOR Orff and KHS America are also proud to recognize the following runner-up compositions:
- Meg Tietz, for her original composition Constellations. Meg’s piece stood out for its innovative structure and emotional depth. She will receive a 150th anniversary alto xylophone and additional instruments for her prize.
- Eric Young, for his arrangement of J’entend Le Moulin. Eric’s work impressed the judges with its creative approach and musicality. As a runner-up, he will receive a special limited edition 150th anniversary alto xylophone and other instruments. Eric shared his gratitude, saying, “It is an honor to be recognized by SONOR for my composition. Elemental composition and arranging is one of my favorite things to do as an educator and musician. Thank you to SONOR for hosting this event!”
“We are so proud to support music educators who are doing such important work,” Henry remarked. “This contest allows us all to celebrate their contributions and showcase their creativity.”
For more information about SONOR Orff and this competition please visit https://www.sonor.com/orff-contest.
About SONOR Orff
SONOR Orff is a leading provider of high-quality instruments and educational resources for music educators. With a long-standing tradition of supporting the Orff-Schulwerk approach, SONOR Orff is committed to fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in music education.
KHS America Contact
Chris Hankes | chris.hankes@khsmusic.com