‘When I was onstage, the first few minutes were extremely nerve-racking, but when everyone was singing along, it gave me a lot of confidence.’

Emma Kim, East Norwich

“I first realized I enjoyed performing when I was in the third to fourth grade. I was Moana for a revue, and I was so happy about it that I kept trying to improve my voice so I could get a big role in a full production — and I did! In sixth grade, I got the role of Moana in ‘Moana Jr.’ at [James H.] Vernon School. My favorite moment onstage was when I sang the lyrics ‘I am Moana…’ in ‘Song of the Ancestors.’ When I was onstage, the first few minutes were extremely nerve-racking, but when everyone was singing along, it gave me a lot of confidence.

“I was also Jasmine in ‘Aladdin’ at Cultural Arts Playhouse in Syosset. I love to play music, too. In my house we have a lot of different instruments, including acoustic, electric and bass guitars, a piano, a cello, a drum set and a xylophone. I’ve tried to play all of them. I started cello in school, and I ended up really liking it because it has a smooth sound. I have gotten into all-county for cello and twice for my artwork. I love drawing anime.

My advice for other kids is that if you’re not good at things at first, you’ll get better without realizing it. You should always keep trying.

“Through all of my art, I have realized I really like the feeling of working hard and getting stuff right. When I finally get it, I forget about the times I completely struggled. I’ve learned that it’s important to try many different things because you have to find what you like most and keep doing it. It’s a lot of pressure if you stick to one thing your whole life; everyone will be expecting you to be amazing at it. You don’t want to be stuck doing it. It’s good to experiment, experience a lot and have fun.

“The Oyster Bay-East Norwich schools fine and performing arts program has helped me realize this. I see how my older brother and sister have practiced really hard and performed at school, and I see how good they got in everything. I like how our schools have a ton of programs, and everything is on a really high level. When I grow up, I think I want to use my enjoyment for drawing to become an architect because I like how your work has to be exact and you have to achieve perfection. I’m only in the seventh grade now, so I have time to think and explore. My advice for other kids is that if you’re not good at things at first, you’ll get better without realizing it. You should always keep trying.”

Interviewed by Iris Wiener