April 16th, 2026 Local News
Columbia, Mo. (KFMO) - A North St. Francois County High School student is receiving statewide recognition, earning top honors for an original musical composition that will be showcased at a major Missouri festival.
Allison Scott, a student at North County High School in Bonne Terre, has been selected as a top winner in the 2026 Creating Original Music Project, also known as COMP. Her original piece, “Walk On By,” was chosen from hundreds of submissions across the state.
Scott’s work is among just 38 student compositions selected for recognition in the 21st annual COMP Festival. The event will take place April 18 at the Sinquefield Music Center’s Sheryl Crow Hall on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia, where her piece will be performed live. Scott is expected to attend the performance.
The competition features student composers and songwriters from kindergarten through 12th grade, representing 13 communities across Missouri. Participants submit original works in categories including instrumental music, songs with lyrics, jazz, electronic music, and more.
The Creating Original Music Project is sponsored by the Mizzou New Music Initiative and the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation. The program aims to promote creativity and provide young musicians with performance opportunities, recognition, and educational experiences.
Winners receive cash prizes and, for high school students, priority consideration for the Missouri Summer Composition Institute, scheduled for June 6-13, 2026 on the Mizzou campus.