Sixty Minutes, Four Teams, One Stage: Students of FET Compose and Perform Original Music Against the Clock

Bengaluru, 8th April 2026: The Department of Student Affairs at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), recently hosted “Originals,” a time-bound creative challenge that brought together music, writing, and performance in a single, high-intensity event. Organised by the Symphony Music Club in collaboration with the Ink in Quills Literature Club and the Cultural Club, the event took place at the university amphitheatre and invited students to create and perform original musical pieces within just a few hours.

Designed in a hackathon-style format, “Originals” challenged 12 participants, divided into four teams, to move rapidly from concept to composition. The event opened with a one-hour creative sprint, during which teams brainstormed themes, wrote lyrics, composed melodies, and rehearsed their pieces. This compressed timeline pushed participants to think on their feet, negotiate ideas collaboratively, and transform abstract concepts into cohesive performances.

As the evening unfolded, the amphitheatre became a live stage for experimentation and expression. Each team presented its original work before an engaged audience, with performances evaluated on creativity, originality, lyrical depth, and stage presence. The diversity of styles and themes reflected not only musical ability but also the influence of literary storytelling, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of the event.

Students described the experience as both challenging and rewarding, highlighting how the format encouraged quick decision-making and creative risk-taking. Faculty organisers noted that such initiatives help bridge artistic disciplines, fostering skills that extend beyond the classroom communication, collaboration, and adaptability.

“Originals” ultimately demonstrated how structured constraints can fuel innovation rather than limit it. By merging music and literature within a real-time creative process, the event offered participants a platform to experiment, perform, and grow. As universities increasingly emphasise holistic skill development, such initiatives point towards a future where creativity and collaboration are as central to education as technical expertise.