2024 Composition Challenge

New Release

September 21st 2024

Paulin Memorial Church, Windsor, Ontario

It is challenging to sum up the pride and admiration we feel about our students and the contents of this book. These pieces are the final result of many hours of work, creative exploration and challenging bouts of composer’s block.

Pieces range from the first works of beginner students to the latest efforts of award-winning young composers.  Every contributor deserves recognition and gratitude for what they have produced.  

Beyond the pieces themselves, Composing for Good generated nearly three thousand dollars for Stigma Enigma to support youth and young adult mental health. 

Additionally, the remaining food from the bake sale was certainly appreciated by Street Help. Thank you to all the parents that supported this effort. This would have been impossible without the time and encouragement you gave to your children.

Greg and Emily Duff

Duff Piano Studios

All Proceeds Were Donated To:

Listen to Your Artist

Artist

Biography

Michael Grenenda
Age 15

I like gaming and art. I like to compose because I like to be creative.

Nico Gerenda
Age 14

I like gaming and Lego. I like to compose because I like to hear what I’ve created.

Daniella Kate B. Torreon

Age 10

I am 10 years of age with a passion for music, creativity, and family. Playing the piano
allows me to express myself musically, while crocheting showcases my artistic side
through crafting. Singing adds to my love of the arts, and skating keeps me active
and adventurous. Movie-watching gives me a chance to relax and explore new
stories. Family means the world to me, and I share a playful bond with my brother,
always joking around but with deep affection. My life is a blend of music, art, family,
and fun, making every day vibrant and meaningful. I am grateful to God for the
blessings to create music through my compositions and the privilege of being myself.

Tyler Dane B. Torreon

Age 12

I am 12 years old with a range of interests and passions. I am friendly with a helpful
nature, I love spending time with family, whether it's lending a hand to my dad,
playing around with my sister, or just enjoying family moments together.
Beyond family, I like to play piano, that brings music into the home and to anyone
who listens. I also enjoy staying active, playing sports like badminton and volleyball,
which gives me a chance to show off my skills and energy. Alongside physical
activities, I am a fan of computer games, appreciating both the challenge and
excitement they bring.
At heart, I believed in being kind to others and making people feel good. Whether it’s
through teamwork in sports, helping family, or just being nice, brings positivity into every
interaction. I am so blessed for the gift of being who I am.

2024 Composing For Good
Soaring - Michael Gerenda (MISSING)
Walk in the Tall Grass - Nico Gerenda
Lost in the Rain - Daniella Torreon
Evolution - Tyler Torreon (MISSING)

Artist

Biography

Caroline Howitt
Age 17

I like to compose because I get to be creative and have full freedom to express myself however I like.  Piano is a great outlet to express my emotions and gives me something I enjoy in my life.

Daniel Frias
Age 14

I’ve been playing piano since I was 5. I like how you can play any style of
music. I like to compose because you have the freedom to make whatever
you want! Compositions don’t have to be hard, they just have to be what you
like.

Elise Frias

Age 15

I have been playing piano for 8 years. I enjoy reading, playing softball, baking
and spending time with my friends and family. Some words that best
describe me are organized, hardworking, kind and determined.

Jasper Pascual-Leone

Age 9.5

I like to do lots of sports like soccer, gymnastics, parkor, badminton
and lots of others. My favourite colour is red. I like to play video games
and play music. I like to listen to all kinds of music. I love reading. My
favourite food is paella.

2024 Composing For Good
Pillars of Creation - Caroline Howitt
Gamers's Revolution - Daniel Frias
Un Promenade à Minuit - Elise Frias
The Pirates Army - Jasper Pascual-Leone

Artist

Biography

Jake Nichols
Age 11

I love piano because it's adventurous, and I enjoy learning new songs.

Liko Li
Age 15

I love playing instruments, embroidery, art, swimming and snacks. I love to
compose very much! When I compose, I learn different types of music
structures; Nocturne, Waltz, Prelude etc. My favourite composers are
Bach and Chopin.

Livlyn Li

Age 11

I love playing instruments and enjoying music, art, swimming, watching
sci-fi movies. I love to compose because it’s interesting and fun to explore
different harmonies. I personally love minor songs and I like to move
people’s feelings with my compositions. My favourite composers are
Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn.

Maverick Ingratta

Age 8

I love art, building, science and Star Wars. I hope to become an
inventor one day.

2024 Composing for Good
Happy Little Accidents - Jake Nichols
The Doll - Liko Li (MISSING)
Longing - Livlyn Li
Up on the Stars - Maverick Ingratta

Artist

Biography

Myles Mackenzie
Age ?

I began playing piano at eight years old, drawn not just to the music itself,
but to how deeply it makes people feel. Music, whether I'm playing or
listening, is a huge part of my life. I'm passionate about everything from
R&B, Pop and even alternative artists like Frank Ocean and SZA. I also
love exploring the energy of rap and hip-hop as well. Outside of music,
I’ve practiced karate since 2019, which, like piano, has taught me
discipline and focus. I’m also fortunate to have an incredible piano
teacher, Miss Emily, who has been a positive role model and continues to
inspire me as a musician and a person. My dog Molly, a Bernedoodle,
keeps me grounded with her goofy and loving spirit. I value loyalty and
carrying myself with poise, always striving to
be someone others can look up to, whether in music or life.

Marco Moynahan
Age 9

am in Grade 4. I like to play with my friends. My favourite sport
is soccer. My favourite foods are spaghetti, pizza and recital
cookies. I like to practice karate on my mom’s bed. I want to be
a policeman when I grow up.

Mitchel Brown

Age ?

I am a grade 12 student at Erie Migration District High School. I
plan to study computer science and video game development
post secondary. I am an avid video gamer. I enjoy drawing,
writing and composing. I volunteer at the SECC doing yard
maintenance.

Nico Moynahan

Age 15

I am 15 years old in grade 10. I like to play video games with my
friends online. I play basketball and I enjoy golfing. I enjoy
building Lego and solving puzzles.

2024 Composing for Good
Desert Grass - Myles Makenzie
Brain Song - Marco Oliver Moynahan
Crushing Depths - Mitchel Brown (MISSING)
Calm Waters - Nico Moynahann

Artist

Biography

Serena Tse
Age 10

Loves gymnastics, family, friends and Nutella.

Emily Logan-Savic
Age 12

Hi! My name is Emily, I am turning 12 years old in October and I am in
grade 7. I started playing piano last year. I like dogs especially huskies,
pigeons, poutine and the colour blue (especially teal) I have 2 streaks of
blue hair in the front on both sides. I also have a dog named Finnagaen
he is a cocker spaniel and he is a big cuddly teddy bear. I take Finnegan
for a walk every day when I get home from school. I like to rollerskating
and often ride to the park near my house because it has lots of trails,
while skating I'll often stop to read because I really enjoy reading also.
that is everything I have to say about me.

Sofia Tse

Age 13

Loves to experiment in the kitchen with cooking and baking. And
spending time with family and friends.

Theodore Pascual-Leone

Age 8

My name is Theodore and I like to play soccer. I’m the goalie. My
favourite colour is blue. My favourite food is spaghetti with no sauce or
cheese. I like playing video games especially Mario. I am 8 years old
and I have a big brother named Jasper.

2024 Composing for Good
Fun in the Sun - Serena Tse
Puppies - Emily Logan-Savic
The Girl Who Wandered - Sofia Tse
The Black Pyramid - Theodore Pascual-Leone

Artist

Biography

Rhiannon Fraser
Age 15

Rhiannon Fraser is a 15 year old who lives and breathes music. She
loves to play piano and many other instruments. This is her first
composition, hopefully of many, and she hopes to bring a smile to your
face with her creation.
Malcolm

Malcolm Marentette
Age 16

I am 16 years old. My favourite things are geography, history and
listening to music. I enjoy composing music because I like to write new
songs. It’s fun!

Sloane Spencer

Age 13

Sloane Spencer is a creative and curious 13-year-old with a passion
for LEGO and all things Harry Potter. A dedicated pianist since the
age of 4, Sloane took a brief break during the COVID pandemic but
has since resumed lessons with Mr. Greg, eager to refine her skills.
She loves exploring all genres of music, and one of her most
memorable performances was playing Sherlock Holmes. When she’s
not building intricate LEGO creations or playing the piano, Sloane is
passionate about animals, particularly penguins, and she strongly
opposes the senseless killing of these creatures. This year, Sloane is
focused on expanding her musical repertoire, with a special interest
in jazz, and is excited to take her piano skills to the next level.

Devon Rabideau

Age 17

Devon Rabideau is a 17 year old who likes bowling, reading, dance,
theatre and piano. She loves piano because she gets to compose
beautiful songs and use her creativity to learn new pieces.

2024 Composing for Good
Sunshine and Rainbows - Rhiannon Fraser
Melody in A Minor - Malcolm Marentette
Creepy House - Sloane Spencer
Sonatina in A Minor - Devon Rabideau

Artist

Biography

Meredith Nhan
Age 10

Hello, my name is Meredith. I am 10 years old. Some things you
should know about me are I love sports and being active, and
some of my favourite sports are swimming and running. I have
been swimming since I was 8. I am on a swim team called WAC.
My favourite colour is blue. I also have 5 fish and 4 baby fish.
Lastly, I have two younger sisters who also play piano.

Molly Nhan
Age 8

My name is Molly. I am eight and I love to play soccer. My
favourite colour is purple. I play tennis and swim.

Matilda Nhan

Age 5

I am Matilda. I love my Dad. I have dark brown eyes and brown
hair. I like dogs and I am allergic to cats. I like swimming. My
favourite colour is red. I have a pet fish. I am 5. I love my mom.

Scarlett Abbas

Age 8

My name is Scarlett and I like soup - all kinds of soup that my mom
makes me. My favourite colour is blue, pink, white and purple. I
like to play downstairs with my little sister. I am 8 years old and my
birthday is in April. When I grow up I don’t know what I want to be
yet.

Brian Abbas Oliveria

Age 9

My name is Brian. I am 9 years old. I like anime and my birthday is
in August. I like to play Blocks Fruits. I don’t have a favourite
colour. My favourite food is lemon honey chicken and I also like
bacon and sausages. When I grow up I want to be a veterinarian
because I like animals a lot and I like when animals love me. My
favourite animal is a wolf.

2024 Composing for Good
Cobra - Meredith Nhan
At the Cottage - Molly Nhan
Marmalade the Cat - Matilda Nhan
Magic Starfish - Scarlett Abbas
The Sinking Pirate Ship - Brian Abbas-Oliveira

Artist

Biography

Miri Pennylegion
Age 8

I am 8 years old. I love to bake especially chocolate chip cookies.
I also like to draw. My favourite food is Neapolitan ice cream.
When I grow up I can’t decide if I want to be a professional
gymnast or have a bake shop.

Rowan Loncke
Age 5

I am 5 years old. In three days, I am turning 6. I like cats,
especially my cat Amelia. I like my family. I like my mom because
she has blue eyes like me. I like my dad because he is funny. I like
my sister, Simone, because she plays with me. I like myself
because I have brown hair and I like it. My favourite thing about
playing piano is playing my recital songs.

Simone Loncke

Age ?

I like making music, by playing piano and singing. I also really enjoy
dancing. The first time I was interested in music was when I was 4.
I was 7 when I started ukulele lessons. I was 5 when I started
piano. My dream is to be a singer. My favorite song ever is "Back to
December" by Taylor Swift, which is my birthday song. My birthday
is December 2nd. At school, I sometimes sing in front of the whole
school. I have a cat named Amelia.

Oscar Allan

Age 10

I am 10 years and in grade 5. I like to build legos. I would love to
build the Statute of Liberty Lego set. My favourite food is pizza with
jalapeños and cheese and hot sauce. I love the colour turquoise
(just like Miss Emily). I want to be a music teacher when I grow up.

2024 Composing for Good
Sunny Smiles - Miri Pennylegion
Nightmares - Rowan Lonke
The Flower Meadow - Simone Lonke
Zombies Smelling Flowers - Oscar Allan

Artist

Biography

Ysabella Balbin
Age 12

I am 12 years old. I go to St. Anne’s French Immersion. My
favourite food is Korean corn dogs. My favourite colour is blue. I
like to draw and talk to my friends or watch anime with my sisters.
My favourite subject in school is art.

Ella Mastronardi
Age 10

Hi, my name is Ella Mastronardi. I am 10 years old. My hobbies
are pickleball, swimming and making slime and painting. My song is
about my dog named Winnie. Enjoy!

Natalia Comartin

Age ?

Natalia Comartin I have taken piano lessons for 7 years and through
practice, I have developed an appreciation for classical compositions
and contemporary pieces. I have performed at local recitals and
school events. This past summer I was certified as a lifeguard. I like
drawing, reading and annoying my younger brother. I aspire to
become a psychologist when I am older but see myself still playing
piano.

Jax Mastronardi

Age ?

My name is Jay Mastronardi. My hobbies are playing basketball,
volleyball, pickleball, and video games. My song is about the dark
souls of ghosts. Enjoy.

2024 Composing for Good
Harp Song - Ysabella Balbin
Winnie - Ella Mastronardi
Waltz in D - Natalia Alves Comartin
Darkness of Souls - Jax Mastronardi (MISSING)

Artist

Biography

Cole St. Pierre
Age ?

I am 12 years old. I go to St. Anne’s French Immersion. My
favourite food is Korean corn dogs. My favourite colour is blue. I
like to draw and talk to my friends or watch anime with my sisters.
My favourite subject in school is art.

Kyle St. Pierre
Age ?

My name is Kyle and I am 11 years old. One of my hobbies is
playing hockey and baseball. My favourite food is tacos. I want to
be a woodcarver when I grow up. My favourite colour right now is
yellow.

Sophia Catrini

Age 14

I’m Sophia Catrini, 14 years-old, I enjoy playing piano and
volleyball, and my favourite thing to do is spend time with family and
friends.

Alyssa Sauve

Age ?

I have been playing piano since I was 5 years old. I enjoy
composing my own music as well as learning pieces in my RCM
repertoire. I am working toward becoming a lifeguard. I enjoy
playing piano, swimming, taking pictures, and I love Christmas.
When I grow up I aspire to enter a helping profession, either as a
lawyer, nurse psychologist or teacher.
􀯿􀰂

2024 Composing for Good
Dungeon - Cole St. Pierre
Green Socks - Kyle St. Pierre
Dancing with C - Sophia Catrini
Echoes of the End - Alyssa Sauve (MISSING)

Artist

Biography

Brett Vermette

Brett Vermette is a recreational intermediate piano student who
began his journey at Duff Studios approximately three years ago. During
this time he has advanced his technical and theoretical knowledge and
learned a number of pieces including Bach’s Prelude in C Major, Tierson’s
Comptine d’un Atre ete, Tchaikovsky’s In Church, and most recently
Einaudi’s contemporary classical Novole Bianche. Brett has also
composed two pieces: Transitions in Time and this year’s The Seedling
and performed at two Duff Studio recitals. Next up for Brett in his learning
journey are Beethoven’s Fur Elise and a contemporary version of Simon &
Garfunkel’s Sound of Silence.

Freya Robson
Age 8

I am 8 years old. I like to play with Barbies and stuffies with my
parents and I like to play Minecraft. I like to eat blueberries and
raspberries. I like all of the colours of the rainbow. I like to do art
and drama at school.

Paige Jankowski

Age 12

I am 12 years old. I like to sketch, write books, compose music and
listen to music. My favourite food is dumplings, I really like Chinese
dumplings but I also like pierogis. My favourite colour is peach.
When I grow up I want to be a publisher of children’s fiction books.

2024 Composing for Good
Happy Meadows - Freya Robson
The Midnight Moth - Paige Jankowski

Artist

Biography

Silas Bertoia Shepley
Age 11

I am eleven years old. I enjoy playing piano. I like to build lego in my free
time. My favourite food is sushi. When I grow up I want to be a veterinarian.

Latsistaw^lye John
Age 11

I am 11 years old and I like to play video games (Blade And Sorcery
Nomad VR is my favourite). I like playing piano - it’s fun. I love sushi and
the colours lavender, purple and black. Family is really important to me. I
think I’d like to be a tattoo artist like my mom when I grow up.

Sophia Doug

Age 10

I am 10 years old and I like to draw, especially people. I really like
composing music with Miss Emily. My favourite colour is purple. My
favourite food is pasta. When I grow up I want to be a lawyer.

Will Greguol

Age 11

In his spare time, he plays basketball, floor hockey and games on his Nintendo
switch and phone.  He loves his 2 golden retrievers (Riley and Charlie) and his cat, Freya. He loves
listening to music so enjoys playing the piano and making his own songs.

2024 Composing for Good
Jiggly Puff's Adventure - Silas Bertaia-Shepley (MISSING)
The Medieval Knight - Latsistas^lye John
Playing at Recess - Sophia Doub
The Lonely House - Will Greguol