Chopin Society of Atlanta

In
keeping with our mission statement of promoting music, culture,
and the arts in the metropolitan Atlanta, especially among the young
people, an essay contest was held for all students of the North
Fulton Music Teachers Association. Each student was required to
write a minimum one-page essay on Chopin’s life. For their
efforts, each student received a free ticket to the Ilya Itin concert
on November 6, 2004, at the Roswell Cultural Arts
Center and the opportunity to win a gift certificate to Barnes &
Noble. Each essay was judged by an independent panel, according
to age appropriate criteria, originality, and demonstrated effort
in researching deeply into Chopin’s life.

More
than 100 of students participated. This year’s winners are:

First Place

Michael Egan

Katherine Chew

Second Place

Elizabeth Moore

Melissa Creviston

Honorary Mention

Hannah Gillchrist

Anjana Kallarackal

Natalie Bohdan

Anna Moore

Mathew Egan

Students
presented details from Chopin’s life in Poland and France;
they noted his stormy personal relationships and struggle to make
a living :“During day he taught piano lessons and at night
he played concerts” (Melissa Creviston, age
7). But most of all, students wrote about Chopin’s music,
trying to analyze it and showing great appreciation for his genius:
“When there was war he put his sadness in his music”
(Michael Egan, age 7); his music “shows the
spirit and loyalty he felt for his home country” (Katherine
Chew, age 14); “He may have lived hundreds of years
ago, but his music lives on” (ElizabethMoore,
age 10).

Thank
you to all the music teachers and students for your involvement
and participation. Check our website for future contest announcements
and opportu