On Friday, Jan. 17, OHS presented their annual talent show at Nottleman Auditorium. The performance included nine OHS students presenting talents such as singing, piano and guitar playing, and dancing. Each individual performance was scored by a panel of judges to determine who would win the cash prize. 

The selection process begins at the end of the first semester when students audition in the OHS choir room before a panel of teachers. However, there are no conventional rehearsals for the acts that get chosen.

“The only time we meet again after auditions is about two hours before the show when we do our sound checks. The kids are responsible for preparing their own acts and having everything that they need,” choir director Emily Smith said.

The original date of the performance was scheduled for a week earlier, but due to unexpected extreme weather conditions, the show had to be rescheduled.

“Once we found out about the AMI days, we waited until after school activities were called off and decided to push the performance back to one week later,” Smith said.

However, some students benefited from the rescheduling of the performance.

“It benefited me greatly because I was very sick last week. I could barely speak, let alone sing, so I am so happy that it got postponed because now I can actually perform,” singer Erena Resuli (12) said. 

Others used the extra time to further prepare themselves before the performance.

“I completely forgot about the show until it was canceled a week ago, and then I practiced every night since,” pianist Tristan Carnaghi (12) said.

The performances were ranked by a panel of three judges, all with backgrounds in music and fine arts. Each of the judges had particular components they were looking for when judging.

“I look for evidence of lots of preparation, intention and improvised moments that are appropriate to the song,” former OHS choir director Paula Martin said.

All of the judges agreed with these qualities among others.

“I’m looking for stage presence, confidence and storytelling. I want to know that you know what you’re singing about and I want to feel that, too,” choir teacher Veronica Rice said.

At the end of the night, classical guitarist Vincent Badami (10) won the grand prize of $100 for his performance of “Danza Brasilera” by Jorge Morel. 

“I felt pretty good. I didn’t exactly expect to win because there were a lot of good performances. I’m excited to perform next year,” Badami said. 

Throughout the process, many students strengthened bonds between one another and supported each other during the show.

“When I won second place, I was very excited because I have competed before but never placed,” performer Jester Earp (11) said. “I was just really happy to be part of the performance.”