Listen to Charlotte’s original composition submitted with her entry.
Charlotte Leamon [Age 19, NSW]
Composition: Wandering Star
My name is Charlotte Leamon and I am a 19-year-old composer studying a Bachelor of Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium under the Chandler Scholarship. My musical background consists of completing AMEB grades in piano, clarinet and voice from a young age. I have participated in many musicals and plays, further enforcing my love for the performing arts and music. At Monte Sant’ Angelo I was a piano and soprano soloist whilst actively participating in chamber and choral groups through my role of Choral Captain, where we competed and placed in Sydney eisteddfods. My passion for composition started at 15 years of age when I had my first composition showcased for the school. From here, I was taught composition under the guidance of Damian Barbeler during my completion of Music Higher Level in the International Baccalaureate. I have completed work experience at Sydney Theatre Company in the Young Wharfies educational programme, Sydney Dance Company and Australian Theatre for Young People. I currently teach young students piano, participate in the Sydney Conservatorium’s Ad Lib Choir, have a business with peer Molly Ryan named Mc Musica Duo, volunteer at the Belvoir Theatre, and write reviews for Theatre Travels.
Composition Inspiration
Wandering Star is a fanfare inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote, “only in the darkness can you see the stars.” This quote was my source of inspiration as I discovered that through much of my writing I pressure myself to create something I feel worthwhile. In much creative block, I restarted this fanfare with Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote in mind and found the material flow as I was writing to make myself proud, and not others.
I titled the piece Wandering Star as each individual is a lone star, wandering to find their place in the world or universe. Furthermore, the ostinato represents the star and constant source of hope apparent throughout the chaos surrounding it. Overall, I aim to capture a chaotic and ambiguous beginning which resolves to hope and happiness with a change from a minor, to major tonality within a resolution of material. I hope the audience listens to this fanfare with hope and motivation if they are struggling with any aspect of life.