I really like the illusion you captured. In addition to having that note in there I like how you can see this as a bunch of straws or as a bunch of tiny balls stacked together. The color also works pretty well as just an abstract even if you don't notice the note framed by it. The composition is also on target.
The only thing that seems a little odd to me are the straws that make up the note, which are not as sharp as the others.
In terms of improving your score in the challenges, I would suggest going with a cleaner look and by that I mean having those straws that define the note as sharp as the others. That's really it. I like abstracts and this is a good abstract.
creative idea - love the note you have here - of course my eyes went buggy trying to pick it out thank you. That's right, you messed with a color blind person. Happy now? lol
This is a great idea, but I would hve scored it much higher, if the straws had been arranged in some secquince to give a more rhythmic wave pattern.....
I'm always a sucker for bright and colorful, and this definately fits that. A little time arranging the straws could really of reinforced the rhythm theme, seems a little random the way they are now.