Performances from Top Student Musicians Showcased at 18th Annual Michigan Music Conference – January 21, 2023

MCC Student’s Composition Selected for ‘Young Composers of Michigan Premier Concert’  

(Muskegon MI) – A composition created by Oscar Justian will premiere at the Michigan Music Conference on January 21, 2023.  Justian is a freshman at Muskegon Community College (MCC) and plays violin II in the MCC String Quartet. His piece, “Magic,” will be performed by a string quartet comprised of fellow MCC music students. 

His composition was selected by the Michigan Music Education Association, which assembled a panel of professional musicians to select the winning compositions.  Justian explained that he approached composing “Magic” as a way to “learn how to structure music.”  He submitted the composition in 2022 while attending Mona Shores High School.  

“I’m really excited,” said Justian.  “It’s a great chance to have a live performance, get publicity, and to get a glimpse into the world of how this would be as a career.”   

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Oscar Justian, MCC Student

“Oscar is a wonderfully gifted musician and young composer,” explained Daniel Meyers, director of music at MCC. “His dedication to music, composition and performing is extremely admirable and we are so proud of his efforts and accomplishments.”   

Justian, who started playing viola in fifth grade, plans to transfer to Western Michigan University to study music composition after completing his studies at MCC.  “It’s fun and more advanced,” said Justian of his experience in the MCC music program. “It’s a great opportunity to learn and grow.”    

The Young Composers of Michigan Premier Concert will take place at 11am Saturday, January 21, 2023 in the Pantlind Ballroom at the Amway Grand Plaza hotel in Grand Rapids.  The Grand Haven High School Chamber Orchestra and The Mona Shores High School Wind Ensemble also earned the honor of performing at the conference. Ticket information is at https://michiganmusicconference.org/tickets. 

In addition to 85 areas of study, MCC offers the opportunity to participate in two vocal performance groups, four instrumental performance groups, dance classes, and theater opportunities. Muskegon Community College, which was founded in 1926, has locations in Muskegon, Ottawa, Newaygo, and Grand Traverse Counties. Visit www.muskegoncc.edu to learn more.