Watch In Their Own Write 2022!

“It's something that I wish I had when I was in high school. The earlier we can promote music composition as a real, genuine, possible career, the better. I think it's marvelous that the Guild promotes hands-on writing, getting live performances, Q&A's with professional composers, and so much more. I hope more schools and students around the world establish their own groups inspired by The Composers' Guild!”

-Tony Manfredonia, Composer

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.