What is the Composers’ Guild?

The Composers' Guild began as an extension of the Morton High School fine arts department in Morton, Illinois. Founded in 2012 by David Getz, this extra-curricular organization exists for the creation and production of instrumental compositions by MHS students, though it has grown to incorporate students from the greater Peoria area. Since its inception, over 70 student works have been premiered, 3 of them by the Boston String Quartet in May of 2016. The Composers' Guild gives an annual recital each year known as "In Their Own Write." The event has grown to also feature the MHS Drama department which premiers student-written one-act plays as well as productions of student-directed theatre works.

Over the years, the Composers' Guild has partnered with both Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University. Student compositions receive a live performance and professional criticism from experienced faculty members and performers of those elite institutions.

Above: Dr. Mario Pelusi rehearses a work by a student composer while other members of the Composers’ Guild follow along.

Above: Dr. Mario Pelusi rehearses a work by a student composer while other members of the Composers’ Guild follow along.

Above: Dr. Roy Magnuson leads the ensemble from Illinois St. University at In Their Own Write 2019.

Above: Dr. Roy Magnuson leads the ensemble from Illinois St. University at In Their Own Write 2019.