The recognition of Amyra, Kai, and Lucas at the state level shows what students can accomplish given the tools, time, and trust to create, says music teacher John Churchville
Three AAPS students recently had their musical compositions featured at the prestigious 2026 Young Composers of Michigan Premier Concert in Grand Rapids—a remarkable achievement made possible by an innovative music program that puts creativity in students’ hands.
Amyra Singla, Kai Zammit, and Lucas DelProposto, now sixth graders at Tappan Middle School, were recognized for compositions they created while at Pattengill Elementary. Though winter weather prevented two of the three students from attending the concert in person—along with many other young composers—their work was still celebrated through video performances of their pieces. All three received plaques honoring their accomplishment.
“I spent a few months on it, trying to perfect it and make it as good as possible for the composers’ event,” said Amyra. “I’m really grateful and happy that I won.”
A piano and French horn player, Amyra plans to compose more instrumental pieces in the future.
Lucas was equally amazed by his selection. His advice for achieving success? “I worked hard for a few months, just thought: What could I do to make it better? And then I just kept improving it until I was like, `Okay, I think I’m done. I got this.'”
For Kai, the program sparked a genuine passion for composition. When asked for advice to aspiring young composers, he recommended starting with accessible tools.
“It’s really good to start with software called Soundtrap,” he explained. “It’s really fun because there are so many loops you can choose from to create a song that sounds really good. So it’s really fun to play around with.”
Kai has continued composing since his recognition, making many songs in Soundtrap because “it’s so fun, and it’s really good practice.”
Asked about the honor, he replied: “I think it’s really, really incredible, and I’m very grateful to have been chosen.”
It all started at Pattengill
The success of these young musicians reflects the unique approach of Pattengill’s vocal music program, led by John Churchville, who also teaches at Pittsfield Elementary School. Unlike traditional music classes focused primarily on performance, Churchville’s program dedicates significant time to original composition and creative exploration.
“Mr. Churchville was a very big influence because he was just like there in helping us out in giving us ideas and how to make it sound better,” Lucas said, highlighting the teacher’s supportive role in the creative process.
“The vocal music program is a unique experience for students for one main reason,” Churchville said. “The program gives them ample time to create and develop their own music.”
The program operates in two phases. First, students learn proper techniques for various instruments, including ukuleles, hand drums, percussion, Orff instruments, keyboards, and voice. Then comes what Churchville calls Creative Days, when students are free to compose their own music using a district-provided program called Soundtrap.
With this digital audio workstation, students become multi-track producers, recording live performances, creating digital beats, or drawing from thousands of pre-recorded loops and sounds. Some fifth-graders even use the platform to create practice tracks for their band and string instruments, while the class records concert rehearsals for immediate feedback.
“Basically, the students at Pattengill are learning 21st-century music-making skills in a project-based environment that they have nearly total control of,” Churchville says. “As their teacher, I am constantly in awe of their creativity and expression. It is no surprise that these students are getting recognized for their work on the state level.”
When asked about his pride in these students, Churchville was emphatic, noting that there were more than 170 entries from across the state.
“Oh, I’m incredibly proud just for their courage in sharing their music with not just their fellow students, but with people from all over, and getting feedback from professional composers was just wonderful to see,” he said. “We even posted the feedback in our (Pattengill) room. So they are continuing to inspire the students that are in the classroom now.”
For Churchville, the impact extends beyond individual achievements.
“Not only are they making great music, but they are also inspiring those coming after them,” he said. “At Pattengill, we are curating a creative culture that only grows stronger and more advanced. It is truly something to behold, and I feel lucky to be a part of it.”
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