Dr. Jana Schwartz, Interim President | Paradise Valley Community College
Dr. Jana Schwartz, Interim President | Paradise Valley Community College
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) has announced the success of its students in the 2024-2025 Maricopa County Community College District's Artist of Promise Music Composition Competition. The annual event showcases student talent across various music genres, including acoustic, electronic, and songwriting. This year, PVCC students Kevin Lewis and Jessica Peterson were among the winners. Lewis secured first place in Electronic Music Composition with his piece "SunRise," while Peterson earned third place in Songwriting for her composition "Truth on My Sleeve."
Chris Scinto, director of PVCC’s Fine and Performing Arts division and this year's competition coordinator, praised their achievements: "I couldn’t be prouder of Kevin and Jess. Their tremendous achievements highlight the extraordinary talent we have at PVCC and reflect the dedication of our faculty to nurturing creativity and artistic excellence."
Lewis shared insights into his creative process: “I was always curious about the technologies involved in the genre of electronic music... With a huge passion for movies since childhood, I thought I would take this class from the perspective of scoring rather than the traditional club scene.”
Griffin Law, professor of Electronic Music and Sound Design at PVCC, expressed admiration for Lewis: “Kevin is the perfect example of the type of students that every teacher hopes to have... His genuine intrigue and drive to understand the programs... constantly pushed his musical creativity.”
Peterson reflected on her recognition: “I am extremely proud of myself. I chose to be really vulnerable with my song... Winning third place in the contest has sparked an even deeper, fiercer fire of motivation in me with my music.”
Bradford Knights, music faculty at PVCC, commended Peterson's efforts: “Since discovering her passion for songwriting, Jess has expressed the inexorable pull toward songwriting as a career... I am so proud she dug deep to become vulnerable with her song.”
The competition featured judges Dr. Jody Rockmaker (Acoustic Music), Samuel Pena (Electronic Music), and Holly Pyle (Songwriting), who ensured a rigorous selection process.
PVCC invites everyone to celebrate all participants' accomplishments at this year's Artist of Promise Music Composition Competition.
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