Saluting the Finest Songs of a Young Nation

(Washington, D.C.) — The American Battlefield Trust is excited to announce winners of the Songs of a Young Nation Music Competition. The contest, sponsored by the Trust and the Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation, called on high school and college-age musicians, as well as independent artists under the age of 30, to craft a song that showcased not only their creativity, but also captured the vibrant spirit of America’s first century, from the Revolution to Reconstruction.

“The creativity and historical reverence of our nation’s young people continues to be inspiring,” said Trust President David Duncan. “These beautiful works of art have provided a deeply meaningful way to connect to listeners of today with the Revolution and honor the bravery and sacrifice of our forefathers.”

Dozens of talented artists submitted moving and original pieces of music, which were evaluated by a panel of judges including country music star and former Trustee Trace Adkins, Tamara Conniff, partner and CEO of Amplified Music Rights, Tommy Skeoch, musician and former Tesla band member, Dr. Billy Coleman of the University of Missouri, and Bret Werb, music collection curator at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. They selected one piece from each category to receive a $3,500 cash prize:

• Best Overall Performance
  “Surge: An American's Dream,” by Anthony Phan of Mississippi
• Best Modern Interpretation
  “Fight 'Till the End,” by Connor Wheat of Ohio
• Best Use of Historical Instruments
  “Franklin in Paris,” by Aaron Gabriel Soriano of California
• Best Historical Treatment
  “Battle Cry of Freedom” by Anastasia Lee of Wisconsin

For more information and complete submission guidelines, visit the Trust’s website.

The Songs of a Young Nation Competition comes on the heels of last year’s Music & The American Revolution Competition, which invited young musicians to showcase their creativity while capturing the vibrant, complex spirit of America’s revolutionary era. In that iteration, three outstanding winners rose to the challenge, composing works that bridge generations and connect us with our nation’s past.

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
 

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