Creatifest: Celebrating Creativity in a Fresh Way
Like a snowflake, an individual’s creativity is unique.
It’s also personal, similar to heat levels in salsa – some prefer mild, and some prefer hot. Does it mean you are a better taster if you like things spicy?
Why does it seem that when it comes to getting creative at the piano or any instrument, a contest or competition must be held to validate or measure something so personal?
Why would I ask that question when I’m the current chair of the Wyoming Federation of Music Clubs Junior Composer contest, have entered student compositions in numerous competitions, and frequently judge competitions?
Answers to question #1:
That’s the way it’s always been done.
Perhaps it’s motivation to get people to be creative and compose.
Answer to question #2
When a composition is complete, sharing it with others, receiving input, and perhaps winning something is nice!
The problem with competitions
Unfortunately, most composition contests disappoint me for three reasons.
No feedback is given. The winners have no clue what made their piece stand out among the others. The losers have no idea why their piece was not selected.
The adjudicator’s comments are vague or biased. Far too many times, my students did not learn much from the evaluator's comments or were clearly “dinged” because of the style of their piece, for example, “too New Age.” Comments were based on taste.
[I do NOT like heat in my salsa; does that mean my taste in salsas is inferior?]
It’s a rare occasion when others get to hear the prize-winning pieces.
I am pleased that disappointment #3 is changing because of technological advances. Audio files and videos are easier to share. The Music Teachers Association (MTNA) posted the winning compositions of their 2024 contest on its Facebook page. After announcing the winners, I posted all the WFMC entries on the Junior Composers competition website.
Why Creative Abrasion is Important
It’s paramount for composers to hear what others are doing because it inspires them. I call this creative abrasion.
How often do your students return to lessons after a recital and declare, “I want to play the piece that So-and-So played!”
Think of the cooking and home decorating shows on your favorite streaming platform. We value seeing and being inspired by each individual’s style and personality. What they share may impact the dinner menu or what tile to choose for the next bathroom project.
Thank you, Charlene Welch, for the photo!
Good friend and piano teacher, Pam Simpson, who lives just down the road, and I decided we wanted to offer a creative abrasion—an event that celebrates—not evaluates— creativity.
For years, Pam has taught piano and composition. She chairs the composition competition for the South Suburban Music Teachers Association, is actively involved in SSMTA, and was recently awarded Colorado Music Teachers Association Teacher of the Year. As you can imagine, partnering with her was a pleasure and a piece of cake.
After a workout at our local gym months ago, Pam and I discussed plans for a Creatifest. The event came to be on April 13, 2024, and afterward, we determined that it was our first ANNUAL Creatifest. There will be more to come in future years.
Above: the flyer we sent and gave to teachers and the program for the event.
the Premise and Details:
Composers and arrangers of all ages and levels (teachers, too!) were invited to perform and sell their compositions and arrangements.
The event was open to teachers and students who are members of the Colorado State Music Teachers Association or the Wyoming Federation of Music Clubs.
Requirements:
Deadline to enter: March 30, 2024.
Pieces must have a title.
The piece may be performed by the composer or by another performer.
Computer-generated ensemble parts are permitted if there is at least one live human performer. A PDF of the score is required for entry, however, if a traditionally notated score is not available, the PDF may be a description or outline of the piece, or a basic scaffold of the elements used.
Maximum of 2 different pieces per composer or arranger.
Participants are invited to sell their work at the Marketplace using their own payment method.
Booths will be supplied.
We made it clear that this was not a competition, but we decided to award unique prizes based on audience choice:
Heartbreaking harmony
Showstopper ending
Memorable melody
Compelling storytelling with music
Aptly titled composition
Unexpected twists and turns
Closely matched cover art
Toe-tappin’ groove
The audience voted by scanning a QR code on the event program that took them to a Survey Monkey link. Pam had entered each award with all the student names beneath. Voters then selected one student for each award.
Opening Words
It seemed appropriate to address the composers and their families before we started by listing the reasons for this Creatifest.
Here’s what I said:
Thank you for first participating and listening today! Pam Simpson and I took a chance on holding this first Creatifest with this mantra--if we build it, maybe they’ll come. With some arm twisting, you are here, and we are grateful for your presence.
This is not your typical recital; it’s a celebration for four reasons.
#1 Creativity elevates the process.
I think most would agree that the creative process is just as exciting as sharing the outcome. What you hear today will be one of many originals to come from these creatives. Creativity breeds creativity.
#2 Creativity promotes connection.
With the significant mental health issues in today’s world, finding a creative voice at an instrument can be a coping mechanism and even a free therapy session. My creative process has connected me with my emotions and given them a place to land.
And, when creatives connect--meet up--and rub shoulders like this, it’s called creative abrasion. We inspire each other.
#3 Creativity spurs originality.
In the typical recital or festival, we practice other people’s music, and the performance is rated and expected to meet certain standards. Today certainly recognizes what came from a diligent process, but the outcome will not be rated or expected to meet certain standards. It’s because we are witnessing new releases—world premieres of original music most of us have never heard before.
#4 Creativity defines who we are.
Human beings are the only creatures on this earth who are hard-wired to create--that is something to celebrate, so let’s get started.
What worked
Pam and I noted what worked and what could be improved for next year.
Thanks to participating teachers Jennifer Waleczek and Charlene Welch, several tables adorned with colorful tablecloths and balloons were available for composers to sell their work.
Composers were thrilled that others bought their work!
The voting option kept the audience engaged and listening.
Things to tweak or add
Many composers prepared lovely cover art, but it was not displayed properly, making it difficult for the audience to vote for this category. In the future, we will ask performers to share their cover art before they perform.
We need to prompt the audience to keep notes during the performances so they can vote after they’ve heard all the compositions. Perhaps asking audience members to complete Compliment cards for each composer that praises something in particular about each piece would help.
We held the event in a church because of its location, reasonable rental fee, and excellent piano, but it felt a little too formal. We have another venue in mind for next time.
Pam and I look forward to our next Creatifest Celebration.
We’d love to know if our endeavor rubs off on you and a group of teachers in your neck of the woods! Or perhaps you’ve held something similar?
Please leave your questions or suggestions in the comments below.
