Nicholas Hughes, 17, of Alexandra Hills is among 13 young Queensland composers as 2018 finalists of Queensland Music Festival’s (QMF) annual film scoring competition Score IT!
Next month the finalists will participate in an array of activities and workshops culminating in an orchestral performance and public lecture at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University on July 27.
Nicholas was chosen as one of four finalists in the senior category for students in Years 11 and 12, with students using The Poet and the King for inspiration. This is the story of a king who attempts to win the love of a court poet with a series of terrible poems. The other finalists were in the junior and plus categories.
A student at Churchie, Nicholas said he was proud that five of the finalists were from his school, with the compositions also counting towards class assessment.
Nicholas said he took his cues from the vibrant colours of the cartoon imagery which was presented along with the story and created two motifs for each main character.
“The imagery was vibrant so I did something that was over the top and a bit exotic. The clashing characters lent themselves to two different motifs – one peaceful and the other loud and harsh. Every time the characters were introduced, I used a variation of these two main melodies,” he said.
“I was quite surprised – pleasantly surprised to be named in the finals,” he said.
Entries were judged by a panel including QMF Artistic Director Katie Noonan, award-winning screen composer Cameron Patrick, industry leaders from Griffith Film School, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Queensland School of Film and Television and PixelFrame.
Ms Noonan said Score IT! showcased the very best of Queensland’s next generation of composers and musical visionaries.
"Each year we’re amazed by the depth of young and talented composers from all corners of Queensland who enter this fantastic competition, dreaming to follow in the footsteps of international composers like Ennio Morricone and John Williams,” Ms Noonan said.
"Score IT aims to be a catalyst for young Queenslanders to explore their passion and the emotional and theatrical connection between music and film.”
Finalists will take part in a number of composition workshops and masterclasses led by Mr Patrick, and also take part in a half-day workshop at Queensland School of Film and Television.
Score IT! finalists each take home a RØDE Microphones complete studio kit amongst other prizes, and the winning Score IT! Plus composition will be performed by students from Queensland Conservatorium – Griffith University at Griffith Film School during the 2018 awards ceremony on July 25.
Composer Cameron Patrick said the talent and quality of entries from Queensland secondary students was inspiring for the judging panel.
Mr Patrick will also present a composing for film lecture on fulfilling the audience’s expectations on Friday 27 July at Ian Hanger Recital Hall, Queensland Conservatorium. For tickets and details are on qmf.org.au.
Nicholas said that he may not study music at university but intended to always continue his musical journey.
“It may be that at university, I join the choir or work in ensembles or in musical theatre. Music will always be a part of my life,” he said.
