Exeter's Got Talent

As prep Roger Shen stepped onto the Assembly Hall stage, the audience grew silent as the pianist began performing the fourth movement of Prokofiev’s “Sonata No. 2” at the talent show this past Saturday.The event, led by Student Council’s Recreation Committee, featured student acts ranging from classical violin pieces to unique dance performances. Four judges scored each performer and selected three students: Brianna Ko, Roger Shen and Jonathan Lee as the winners of the contest and recipients of Las Olas Gift Cards.Shen, who won first place on Saturday, explained why he decided to participate in the talent show.“There's nothing more fun than getting onstage and playing for friends,” Shen said. “It's everything we practice for, and every performance is a good experience. There's just an incomparable thrill onstage that I can't get in other places.”Senior Deanna Harvey, who presented the only dancing element of the night with upper Muyunji Tembo, noted the key difference between the Talent Show and a regular recital at the Academy.“I think there are plenty of opportunities to perform at PEA, be it music, acting, dancing,” Harvey said. “But I think a talent show is important in order to provide an opportunity for the unofficial talents to perform.”Senior Joe Shepley, who could not perform at the talent show because of a swim meet, believed that events like the talent show are important for the Exonian community.“I wanted to perform because recently I composed a song that I thought sounded pretty cool, so I thought I'd play it for people. I wanted to show people that there's more to me than just being an athlete,” Shepley said. “I think events like these are important for Exeter because it shows people a different side that people might now know and also presents an opportunity for those who are actually incredibly talented at something that might not normally get recognized.”Students, after attending the show, reflected on the variety of talents and the quality of the performances.“It sounds a little cliche, but I loved watching everyone go up there and sing, play, dance their heart out,” lower Cesar Zamudio said. “My favorite part was also seeing such great talent in people I see everyday and not even knowing the potential that they have. It was relaxing and fun and a great experience for all.”

Russell Weatherspoon, dean of Multicultural Affairs and one of the four judges of the talent show, noted that students’ interests in performing in front of their friends has increased over the years. “In the last few years more and more students with strong vocal and musical abilities have stepped up to perform,” he said.“Whether the program continues to evolve toward a showcase of serious talent or wide-ranging ability, attendees will probably continue coming to cheer their friends and challenge the judges and final standings,” Weatherspoon added. “Who could ever get enough of the singing, dancing and spoken word our student performers can do?”Although the show was enjoyable, some students suggested improvements for future shows.“When I go to a talent show, I expect a yo-yo-er, a juggler or a magician,” Harvey said. “Unfortunately this particular show only included performances that could have been showcased at any number of other shows throughout the year. In future talent shows, I hope to see more diversity from the student body—more risks taken—because I know those fun talents are out there.”