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I chose to express the theme in the jazz tradition as jazz is a constantly evolving art form where a song is never played the same way twice and therefore, is never perfect. The song represents the two sides of a coin or the dark and light, ying and yang, where opposites create something whole. Positive and negative creates a balance. In the verse section of the song, the more positive melody represents the lighter side and in the chorus of the song, the minor chords represent the darker side and although they are opposites, they create a balance

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n2d5DKmSmOaC2XP0glYGxlCBC85p6o1V/view?usp=drive_link

Outstanding Interpretation Award.
Kai Hosein,
High School,
Eagle Rock Jr./Sr. High School,
Tenth District.

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This is my 2nd song Rainbow Shine or Lucky Fin 2. "Accepting Imperfection" means you should be kind to everybody. No one is perfect, but everyone can be different and special. For example, I am missing 3 fingers on my left hand. But, I can play the piano, do the money bars, and climb trees! I love music because it helps me grow and makes me happy. My song means everyone is lucky and special. "Rainbow rainbow I like your shine. Shining shining you are shining daily. Love me love me for who I am. Shining shining all the time."

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Txy4aiUL6mu2_8WJWsqFM9F242aVj-57/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Excellence Award.
Ramon Madrigal,
Primary,
Apperson St. Elementary School,
Thirty-First District.

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31.CA.Music.Primary.Copy of Rainbow Shine - Lucky Fin 2 -.wav

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Many Imperfections are out of our control, especially the weather. In this piano, violin, and drum composition, a bunch of kids are playing under a sunny day, but suddenly, it starts raining down hard, then comes THUNDER. But even with this weather, one kid looks at the sky and then down at the puddles with a smile, and then starts jumping about! More kids join in and they’re having so much fun by embracing the imperfect weather. Overall, imperfections are all the same, but different in how you view/handle it. So the best is just to ACCEPT IT.
Award of Excellence Award.
Sumyee Kwan,
Intermediate,
Brywood Elementary School,
Fourth District.

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The melancholy beginning of the piece Inflection represents an individual struggling to accept the differences that define them because of the goal of "perfection". The change to a major key represents the eventual acceptance of these differences, the exuberance of "good enough". Inflection can mean "the modulation of intonation or pitch in the voice" or "a change of curvature from convex to concave at a particular point on a curve", representing small differences- imperfections- that are defining of a certain subject. This piece encapsulates the struggle to accept differences perceived as "imperfect" and to find contentment in "enough".

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-aSrr32EZHUkHlRRSlbf__uyheLY6wAh/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Excellence Award.
Sofia Reyes,
Middle School,
Rancho San Joaquin Middle School,
Fourth District.

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4.CA.Music.Middle.Copy of Inflection by Sofia Reyes.mp3

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You can be flexible about imperfection, which can lead to nice things. The song is not perfect, but it is really good. it sounds beautiful, and you should listen to it!
Award of Excellence Award.
Ethan Jones,
Accessible Arts,
Travis Ranch Middle School,
Fourth District.

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4.CA.Music.Accessible.Accessible Arts Ethan Jones - Wonderfully Imperfect - Debbie Venderley.mp3

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I always sing my feelings. I sang the first version of this song when I felt angry with my mom during piano practice. I thought she wanted me to be perfect, and I wanted her to know I couldn’t play perfectly. I was only perfect at being me. After working on it for a while, the song changed to feel more happy and powerful. I think people are not perfect at anything. We are only perfect at being ourselves. Accepting imperfections means you don’t have to do things exactly right, you just have to do your best.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12VXdj5gpsx3spocJsfrnSUTQUN4CXe9P/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Clara Schiff,
Primary,
Center Street Elementary School,
Thirty-Third District.

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My song "Everyone is Unique" relates to the Reflections theme, as this talks about how we all are different and unique in our own way. We should respect how and what people are and love their choices. We are all imperfect and yet beautiful and unique in our own way.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VXgbuhnZ-eCcnLIcTTnrkMRbaZyRkRPf/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Ruhika Gupta,
Primary,
Hidden Hills Elementary School,
Thirty-Second District.

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Freezing Tornado is like when something really hard comes at me, and I don’t feel ready, but I try to be brave anyway. Even if I feel kind of scared, I keep going and try my best. It’s like saying it’s okay to not have everything perfect, as long as I keep trying. The song shows that sometimes, being brave means just facing things, even if you’re not totally sure how.

Award of Merit.
Arthur Zhu,
Primary,
Audubon Elementary School,
Seventeenth District.

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This is the story of a young girl, whose emotions flow unpredictably, much like a river's changing currents. It begins softly, echoing deep sadness and fear of never fitting in, with each note capturing the weight on her chest. But as melody evolves, warmth emerges, revealing that imperfections in her playing—whether intentional or accidental—bring powerful emotions that make the music relatable. The rhythm grows stronger, reflecting acceptance, as she realizes that true friends love her just as she is. In the final burst of joyful notes, her spirit lifts, reminding her that flaws make her beautifully one-of-a-kind.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y4nEpyvQDA_KtBAFEMX_4ru7m1zafq2L/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Avianna Janjam,
Intermediate,
Evergreen Elementary School,
Sixth District.

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6.CA.Music.Intermediate.Beautiful In My Own Way - Piano Music by Avianna Janjam - Sathish.wav

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I was inspired after watching Simone Biles, the queen of  gymnastics, compete at the Paris Olympics. Starting in A minor, the music reflects her challenging childhood. Shifting to A major, it celebrates her numerous triumphs. The switch between major and minor mirrors the emotional rollercoaster of her experience at the Tokyo Olympics. Biles withdrew from several events to prioritize her mental health, demonstrating an acceptance of her limitations. The final E major section portrays her newfound balance between sports and well-being. Her recent victory and admiration for other athletes highlight the spirit of sportsmanship: embracing imperfections and striving for excellence.

Award of Merit.
Mason Liu,
Intermediate,
Parkmont Elementary School,
Ninety-Ninth District.

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I always sing my feelings. I sang the first version of this song when I felt angry with my mom during piano practice. I thought she wanted me to be perfect, and I wanted her to know I couldn’t play perfectly. I was only perfect at being me. After working on it for a while, the song changed to feel more happy and powerful. I think people are not perfect at anything. We are only perfect at being ourselves. Accepting imperfections means you don’t have to do things exactly right, you just have to do your best.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12VXdj5gpsx3spocJsfrnSUTQUN4CXe9P/view?usp=drive_link
Award of Merit.
Clara Schiff,
Primary,
Center Street Elementary School,
Thirty-Third District.

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Imperfectly Me, is a song that tells us, you aren't going to always be perfect, but that's okay. It also matches the theme because it took so many tries, and even though what I came up with wasn't absolutely perfect, it made me so happy. This song's story of chasing perfection and not making it, but then realizing that perfect is boring, and that makes you original.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/179Z1wW_J8rHUayaaVRntpGuRq_RxWY0K/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Phoenix Gondelman,
Intermediate,
Silver Spur Elementary School,
Thirty-Third District.

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This work was inspired by my journey as an artist who used to constantly struggle with insecurities.  Ever since I started writing music, I hid my works from others, afraid of what they would think.  Later on however, I met so many new people who inspired me to share my passion for writing music with the world.  I learned that it didn't matter if my work was perfect or if it was good enough for others-  It only mattered that I was doing what I loved to do, and that I knew that it was good enough for ME.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_GY0yogjt79My3XN-9y901zVva9VBrTn/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Sakura Fushimi,
Middle School,
Carmenita Middle School,
Thirty-Third District.

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Music is a metaphor for life and so-called imperfections lead to innovation. Chopin-inspired "Finding Stars" symbolizes the journey of accepting imperfections, beginning with sorrow and rising to D major with how imperfections are a part of us, and least of all, imperfect. The second piece explores opening your "Infinite Horizons," encourages embracing flaws to break self-set barriers, ending unresolved to signify limitless possibilities. The final piece uplifts with a major key, representing sharing the journey of "Finding Stars", opening up "Infinite Horizons" and reaching "Peaceful Peaks".  Everyone can find their own path to success by reframing their mindset of imperfections.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E-MxHsddNpYS3wq60T3Xkel5xjt608Ks/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Gwen Narvasa,
Middle School,
Black Mountain Middle School,
Ninth District.

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This song is about how it feels sometimes when I’m writing music or drawing; I feel like something’s imperfect, so I go back again and again to “fix” it.  It gets to the point where I have to accept that it’s imperfect and move on. What helps me do that is remembering that I have a lot of people who love and appreciate me for who I am - whether I make “good” stuff or not - and that helps me stop worrying about it.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/188xFQPceDi6NCZ7VuWFTMDuoZNkU39JM/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Sage Low,
Middle School,
Eagle Rock Elementary School,
Tenth District.

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Reflecting on my high school journey filled with ups and downs, "Coda" captures the importance of embracing flaws and uncertainties. As graduation approaches, I draw strength from these experiences, using them as a foundation for the future. This composition symbolizes how imperfections can lead to growth and resilience, shaping a nuanced path ahead.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fOeo2dy9cKloUBUpGyCOAYbxou4t2CFQ/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Claire Su,
High School,
Las Lomas High School PTSA,
Thirty-Second District.

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To move forward from our mistakes, we must first accept ourselves and our errors, sometimes with a little help from our friends. Our imperfections can eat us from the inside, but with determination and embracing ourselves, and our imperfections, we can move forward. Imperfections can give us anxiety and dread, overwhelmingly intense, like a sea of drums beating in our minds. Clearing our mind is no easy feat. Even if a storm passes, another may come, but our resilience, sometimes with a little help from others, will help bring clarity back.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/194TVFyThT-3vsBStMcnjdc83pxJqcRe-/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Felipe Toledo,
High School,
Albany High School,
Ninety-Ninth District.

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I wrote the piece “Painted in Grey” whilst grieving the death of one of my peers. This composition has five movements, each depicting a stage of grief, and will walk you through each stage through my perspective. Many of these movements will evoke contradicting emotions to their title as I wrote it to reflect my own emotions. This fits the theme “accepting imperfections” as it shows how grief can be displayed in many different ways, whether it sits the social norm or not.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zik6mtBvO1nw9GKEuT-eHV4RKoMAr0hA/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Sofia Madrid,
High School,
Granada Hills Charter High School,
Thirty-First District.

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31.CA.Music.High.Denial - Painted in Grey.mp3

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I made this song for Reflections.  I wrote words for it but then I didn't want to put them in. Some parts aren't perfect, but the song is still nice.  The tempo isn't perfect, and that's okay.  I had fun making this song, and the best part of music is making music.  It's better to have a song that isn't perfect than no song at all.

Award of Merit.
Maxwell Simon,
Accessible Arts,
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School,
First District.

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Artist Statement written by the composer artist, using voice to text. "Violin music is my favorite. I was thinking of Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons because it's my favorite because it's so tricky. I heard my own sounds in my head and wrote them down. I want to write music like Vivaldi so I just do it. I taught myself. It's not perfect but I keep practicing and learning."

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/168FbGUMMA3T68zX7jI9UuMXomPHo-rVs/view?usp=drive_link

Award of Merit.
Keith Hamer,
Accessible Arts,
Redlands School,
Fifth District.

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I am not perfect but I always try my best

Award of Merit.
Pranav Dhaulakhandi,
Accessible Arts,
Sunnyvale Middle School,
Sixth District.

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The song I have written is about accepting imperfections in  different things that we do daily.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n94cL2_897XzGZlzzgVRH0Pi7BekYZKB/view?usp=drive_link

Convention Display.
Tvarika Mahesh,
Primary,
CORDES Elementary School,
Eighth District.

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Ducks are usually born with two legs but this duck was born with four legs. He accepts that little imperfection and uses it as a superpower to swim very fast.

Convention Display.
Lukas Long,
Primary,
Vieja Valley Elementary School,
Fifteenth District.

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I made music with different instruments and talked using a robot voice and an alien voice. Each part was different and I wanted to change it. When I mixed them all together, I really love the song I made. That is what makes my song perfect.

Convention Display.
Xavier Valenzuela,
Primary,
Woodcrest Elementary School,
Twenty-Third District.

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23.CA.Music.Primary.Happy Hop 2 - Webmaster Twenty-Third District PTA.wav

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My song, "I'll Be Fine," is about learning to accept that life isn’t perfect. It talks about how things change, and sometimes love doesn’t last, which can be hard and make you feel sad. Even though things aren’t always easy, the song shows how I’ve learned to live with those imperfections. By saying “I’ll be fine,” I remind myself that it’s okay if life isn’t perfect—I can stay strong and keep moving on.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Usd-1gr0uaPWXl5WofCXshBjLUx-Equ7/view?usp=drive_link

Convention Display.
Andrew Francis,
Middle School,
Sutter Middle School,
Third District.

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3.CA.Music.Middle.2024-11-16 I'll be Fine - AMF 003 - Ron Francis.mp3

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When i think of music I think of drawing a peaceful story,
or setting. When I think of Accepting Imperfections, I instantly had an idea of what I was going to do. Music can be perfect if you only want it too, but people can never be perfect, it's not something in our power. It gives a sad story, but then becomes an interesting victorious art piece. The begining is about how we fail and give up, but if we ever gave up we wouldn't be where we are today. So the middle and ending is the part where you tried again and finally get accomplished what you wanted to do.

Notation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A4B1kcjGC0SmT1BznnJ0rj7iRsT2Cgb6/view?usp=drive_link

Convention Display.
Nicolas Said,
Middle School,
Hillview Middle School,
Thirty-Fourth District.

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The song is about being ok that life is imperfect and remembering to do our best.

Convention Display.
Lucas Friedman-Fernandez,
Intermediate,
Lafayette Elementary School,
Second District.

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“I wrote a song called ‘Pieces’. Each piece has a different emotion in it. My song is not perfect, but I am happy with it.”

Convention Display.
Eli Harris,
Intermediate,
Olive Elementary School,
Sixteenth District.