Young Composer Hits the High Notes

Published on isbi School News dated Thursday 3rd of November 2011

Old Swinford Hospital student, Matthew Eden, aged 14, received high praise from the adjudication panel at the City of Birmingham Brass Band Young Composers Competition 2011, when he was placed runner-up to a 22 year old maths and music graduate.

The competition was open to young people living in the West Midlands area up to the age of 25. They had to compose a 10 minute piece of music for a full 28 piece brass band, including percussion.

After hearing all the the competitors' pieces, chair of the adjudication panel, Elly Tobin, Principal of the Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College said 'This was a very difficult competition for us to judge. If we had been able to award a joint winner, then Matthew's piece, Fantasia for Brass, would have won that award. He is an extremely gifted and talented young musician and I am sure we will hear more from Matthew's pen in the not too distant future'.

Matthew plays piano and trombone and is a member of the School's concert band, swing band, symphony orchestra and choir. He has recently formed his own small jazz combo - Out of Time.

Commenting on his recent success Matthew said: 'I have been writing music for around 18 months and it was fantastic to hear my composition played by an experienced band. Although I had listened to the music on my computer it was invaluable to hear the music played live. I hope to pursue a career in music, perhaps composing or in cinema and television.'