Song of the Travellers will be performed at the Season of Festivity concert on Dec. 13

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Allison Winn might not have a favourite Christmas song, but she does have one or two of her own.

The nine-year-old West Hill resident recently tied for first place in the Amadeus Choir's 22nd annual Christmas Carol writing competition. Her piece will be performed at the Season of Festivity concert on Saturday, Dec. 13.

"I was really excited," she said was her reaction when she found out. She placed first in the competition in 2005, too.

Her piece is called "Song of the Travelers." The words and the music are based on her poem. She isn't sure where her inspiration comes from for her compositions.

"Sometimes I just kind of get tunes in my head so I get my mom to write them down for me," Allison said, who is in Grade 4 at William G. Miller Junior Public School.

Her mother, Julie, is involved with her own musical pursuits and passed her interest on to her daughter.

Allison said once she has a tune she'll make up words "that make sense" to go with it.

Her interests run beyond the musical, she is also a sports fan playing basketball, hockey and soccer on a team.

"We consider musical education as important as physical education or academic education," her mother said, adding participating in the contest helps build Allison's confidence. And she was thrilled when she won, responding with an "awesome!" to the news.

"It's a really big deal for her," Winn said.

Allison won't be just a guest at the concert though, she'll also be performing. She is a member of the Bach Children's Chorus, which will perform as special guests at the concert. The show takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St.

For ticket information, visit www.amadeuschoir.com.