Mississippi University for Women music composition major, Charles Weathersby, was awarded first prize in the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Composition Competition for the state of Mississippi.
Competing against students from other universities across the state, the Wesson junior emerged as the top composer, showcasing his unique voice and talent. With this win, he will go on to represent Mississippi at the Southern Regional competition, where he will compete against the winners from Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Virginia.
The winning piece, titled “Reflections,” was composed for a chamber ensemble over the summer while Weathersby participated in the Composer Sandbox Music Festival in Upstate New York. This festival offered a dynamic environment for creativity and mentorship, where he was able to refine and experiment with his composition in collaboration with other young composers and musicians. The piece impressed the MMTA judges with its originality, depth and expressiveness.