Tuesday October 18th, nearly 40 Courtice music students attended the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's Compose your own concert event.  Students had the opportunity to experience a world class orchestra reconstruct such classics as Ravel's Bolero, play new music such as Mason Bates' Mothership, and accompany grade nine concerto competition winner Tiffany Yeung in Carmen Fantasy.  Our budding musicians were able to vote on which pieces they wanted to hear the TSO perform through online voting and a very enthusiastic clap-o-meter for the finale.  Respectful, engaged and excited, their eyes and ears soaked up the Debussy, Stravinsky, and Maxime Goulet (who was on hand to explain his composing technique) that filled the impressive concert hall.  There was some groaning that one of the voters choice winners was, Gioachino Rossini's William Tell Overture, as it fills them with dread that they are late to class.  From Tuba mutes to the vibra-slap to flexitone and computer as an instrument, these cougars were inspired to carry on exploring music and reaching for new heights in and outside of band.