Press release from Rumson-Fair Haven High School

Shannon Corsi, a 17-year-old senior at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, has been awarded third prize in the sixth annual Grammy Foundation and MusiCares “Teens Make Music” contest, for her song “Trailblazer.”

Shannon received two tickets to the 58th Annual Grammy Awards to be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 15. And, as one of the top three prizewinners, Shannon will

attend the Grammy Awards Backstage Experience, a special tour that takes place while artists rehearse on February 12.

Young musicians aged 14-18 were invited to compose or create an original song and/or music video that celebrates life above the influence, or brings attention to the real-life consequences  of drug abuse. “Trailblazer” motivates teens to avoid peer pressure and not follow the crowd.

The original composition by Shannon, who has performed at local venues, includes the words “Stepping away from what will bring you down; being the outlier of the town, can feel lonely  only if you let it. Create the life you want to live, and rise above the influence. Don’t, don’t ever say ‘impossible.’ It’s up to you to be a mover, a shaker, a leader, a trailblazer.”

The top three winners will also have their original compositions posted on the MusiCares and Grammy Foundation websites, the Vans Warped Tour website, and the Above the Influence web site during the month of February.