STUDENT STANDOUTS

by stephanie wallace JOCELIN MURRAY OF NORTH KIRKWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

INSPIRED BY AN ONLINE COMMENT, Jocelin Murray wrote the song “Tide.” The North Kirkwood Middle School eighth-grader ended up submitting it to the Creating Original Music Project (COMP), an annual competition through the University of Missouri for young songwriters in kindergarten through 12th grade. From the statewide submissions, Jocelin took home second place in the middle school pop category.

How long have you been interested in music? I’ve been interested in music my whole life, but songwriting is a more recent hobby. I started around two years ago.

Where does your songwriting inspiration come from? It really comes from anything, whether it’s a small thing or a really big issue. The inspiration for “Tide” came from a video my friend posted online. She asked for people to leave comments of support to help her through a difficult time. Someone wrote, “When you can’t fight the hate, I’ll fight it for you.” That stood out to me, and it became part of the song’s chorus.

How did it feel to have your song recognized by COMP? I was surprised. Entering the contest was a spur of the moment decision. I received an email about it and decided to submit a song for fun. I spent less time on “Tide” than other songs I’ve written, so I didn’t expect anything. I’m used to sharing music with my friends, and they give me good feedback, but having someone who doesn’t know me like the song and its lyrics was great. Do you plan to continue pursuing music? Definitely, but songwriting isn’t my main focus. I’m more interested in the business side of entertainment. My dream would be to start a talent agency because I love discovering what other people can do.

What are you looking forward to about starting high school? I’m excited to have more responsibility. It also will be great to have my friends there with me. I’m looking forward to all of the new experiences.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love hanging out with friends. I like to help them with their problems. I’ve learned that I give pretty good advice. I also enjoy dancing as a hobby.&

SPONSORED BY: BACKYARD COURTS BUILT TO LAST...CHAMPIONS START HERE!

AS PART OF ITS SPONSORSHIP, SPORT COURT HAS MADE A DONATION ON BEHALF OF JOCELIN TO THE NONPROFIT OF HER CHOICE.

Creating. Collaborating. Curing.

As we rejoin our neighbors and loved ones, our health care providers continue working tirelessly to keep our communities healthy, safe and informed. You have the power to make a direct and lasting impact on the care that patients receive as well as vital areas of research and innovation, community outreach and access, workforce excellence, emergency response and more. Give to the SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital campaign to benefit these and other initiatives that impact the health of over 50,000 patients in our communities every year: GIVETOSSMHEALTH.ORG/DONATE

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Home 1. Air Comfort Service Heating & Cooling

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Give today to help shape the future of our community’s health by supporting patient-centered initiatives that provide accessible health care to all. 13

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Take Note 11. The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum

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13. Union Avenue Opera

Union Avenue Opera is taking the opera to The Big Top this July with performances of Les contes d’Hoffmann and Il barbiere di Siviglia. Visit our website or call MetroTix at 314.534.1111 for tickets.

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