History
PPYC was founded by Leonard Rhodes in 1995 initially as a regional competition that quickly gained interest from young composers throughout the state of Colorado. With the introduction of its website in 1999, PPYC opened up the competition internationally and today receives entries from throughout the US, Hong Kong, Chile, Canada, and the UK. Many composers entering the competition study at such prestigious schools as the Juilliard Prep School, the New England Conservatory, and Berklee College of Music. PPYC's judges and faculty are professional composers and educators drawn together to support the work of the next generation of composers. PPYC’s credibility has been maintained by the strength and caliber of its uniquely qualified judging panel and faculty. In 2001 PPYC became a Colorado Non-profit 501(c)(3); and was also recognized as a unique entity in an NPR interview and broadcast that same year.
Mission
The mission of Pikes Peak Young Composers is to encourage young people, K-12, to compose music. The organization is dedicated to providing education, professional evaluation, performance and other relevant opportunities for the development, advancement, and preservation of music composition.
Goals
To make available to non-collegiate musicians (grades K-12) the following:
- professional training limited in public schools
- evaluation by qualified individuals and working composers
- continuing education at a higher level
- performance opportunities
Objectives
- to support the future of new and serious music
- to preserve the craft of composition in written form
- to encourage music of substance and quality
- to preserve through music the culture of its time
- to foster the next generation of audiences for new music