songwriters of Columbia

Prep School songwriter Sophia O. ’24 takes home top honors at the New York State School Music Association’s 2021 Creator Competition

By Ruth Kornblatt-Stier

Your next favorite singer songwriter may be picking out a new tune here at CGPS. Over the summer, Prep School students Sascha H. ‘24, Ben K. ‘23 and Sophia O. ‘24 won the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) 2021 Creator Competition with their original contemporary-style songs. NYSSMA recognizes only ten songs in its annual competition, and, impressively, four out of those ten spots were awarded to CGPS students last year. Sascha won with her song “Better Without You,” Ben won with his song “Wouldn’t Have to Fear” and Sophia won with not one but two songs called “Haze” and “Valentine.” In December, the three songwriters were honored with the chance to perform in a prestigious songwriting showcase at the NYSSNA All-State Conference.