Emily Kim of West Windsor, a student at High School North, is a finalist in the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Shout Down Drugs competition. She is one of 38 students who will perform their original music and lyrics at the 11th annual concert. Her original song, “Dwindling,” was selected out of entries submitted from high school students across New Jersey.
Kim receives her inspiration from Sara Bareilles and Of Monsters and Men. She enjoys writing songs and performing at community and school events. Her future includes hopes to expand her repertoire and improve her skills in both singing and the guitar.
The lyrics are:
“I’m shaking Can’t catch my breath I was reluctant He said don’t be such a wimp Taking that first step Can’t think straight anymore Taking that first step The powder stains my chapped lips Popping a pill It’s not a big deal, that’s what they say Smoking a joint I’m at a weak point Just feel like dwindling away I’ve taken the wrong path I’ve fallen behind in the race Nowadays all I see is black Round and round it’s all fake Popping a pill It’s not a big deal, that’s what they say Smoking a joint I’m at a weak point Just feel like dwindling away Popping a pill It’s not a big deal, that’s what they say Smoking a joint I’m at a weak point Just feel like dwindling away”
The competition challenges high school students to create original music with lyrics that contain powerful peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention messages. The finalists are invited to perform at the competition which will be held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on Friday, April 17.
The finalists are selected through an online vote and judging panel and represent 14 New Jersey counties. All of the finalists will compete for $10,000 in music contracts to perform their winning song at PDFNJ statewide events. Visit www.Shoutdowndrugs.com to vote and to register for tickets.
Anton Kandalin of Plainsboro received a certificate of excellence for scoring the top mark in New Jersey on the Royal Conservatory Music Development program’s level 5 piano assessment. Kandalin, 13, who studies with Ikumi Hiraiwa, received his prize at a recital and award ceremony at Carnegie Hall on February 28.
Certificates of excellence are awarded each academic year to music development program students who achieve the highest standard of excellence in their respective state. Eligible candidates must score at least 80 percent on their examination and must have completed the co-requisite theory requirements for their respective level and discipline.
The program provides a recognized national standard of success in music study from beginner to advanced levels. It inspires excellence through individual student assessments that are central to the program while also supporting teachers with high-quality and innovative resources. The program allows students to measure and celebrate accomplishment and track their progress across the country. Visit www.MusicDevelopmentProgram.org for more information.
