Dash Wilson, a junior at Victor J. Andrew High School, has been awarded first place in the 2025 Illinois Young Composer Contest for his original composition, Echo of a Raindrop. This annual contest is open to all high school composers residing in Illinois. This recognition underscores Wilson's exceptional compositional abilities and his potential for future success in the world of music composition.

In addition to his first-place honor, Echo of a Raindrop received an honorary mention at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Student Composition Contest in the Senior Instrumental Large Ensemble Category. Wilson's composition was lauded for its "inventive melodies," and he was commended for his strong sense of "musical drama and pacing throughout."

Wilson composed Echo of a Raindrop while participating in a nine-month composition seminar, an enrichment program offered exclusively to student musicians of the Chicago
Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO). The seminar, led by Eric Malmquist, has helped foster Dash’s compositional growth and artistic development.

“I’m grateful to so many people who have supported me on this journey, especially my composition teachers Eric Malmquist and Mario Pelusi,” said Wilson. “Being part of both
CYSO and the Victor J. Andrew music programs has allowed me to perform a wide range of incredible music and work with inspiring directors who have helped me grow as both a musician and a composer.”

At the age of 16, Wilson has already composed nine original works, demonstrating his growing talent as a young composer. He plays oboe and English horn with the Philharmonic Orchestra and Windy City Quintet Chamber Ensemble through CYSO, in addition to being an oboist in the Victor J. Andrew High School Wind Symphony.

Upon hearing the news, Mark Iwinski, Victor J Andrew Music Director, said "I'm so impressed with Dash's unique voice and consistent development as a composer. I'm
excited to work together with him on a piece for full wind ensemble as we enter his senior year. This bright composer has an exciting future. Look for great music from Dash Wilson down the road."

Dash Wilson is also one of 19 elite students from our district selected as All-State Musicians who performed at the ILMEA All-State Convention in Peoria, earlier this year. He
was part of the Honors Orchestra, showcasing his talent alongside other top musicians from Illinois. To learn more about Dash Wilson and hear his music, visit his website DashWilson.com.