On Thursday, October 25, McIntosh High School held its 4th annual “Quest for Talent” show.
Hannah Beth Potter, the choral director, holds the yearly talent competition to showcase the many gifted students at McIntosh. This year’s host was witty and charming senior, Saharra Griffin.
Though many of the students perform vocally, others showcase different talents. Senior Kevin Bourne, for example, performed a dramatic and heartfelt monologue that he said has a deep meaning for him. Senior Parker Bradford performed a beautiful original piece, which he played on the piano. Freshman Kyle Hamlin showed off his multiple talents by playing not one, but two different instruments in his rendition of Wicked’s “For Good.”
Some artists mixed vocals with their other musical abilities. Sophomore, Jackie Gray, sang and played piano to her original piece which can be downloaded on iTunes.
Maria McCranie also played piano while she sang the song “Almost Lover”, originally by A Fine Frenzy.
The Tawpies opened the second half of the show as they danced, sang, and played along to Fun’s anthem, “Some Nights.” This group included senior Logan Austin and junior Spencer Obsitnik who both played guitar while juniors Kelly McCarty and Jonah Wagoner sang. Altogether, the group contained twelve members.
Freshmen Michael Campbell, Owen Miller, and James Nylund gave a surprisingly spectacular instrumental performance of “Dani California,” which included a number of impressive guitar solos by the band’s lead guitarist.
Sophomore, Shelby Bock, was also a dual performer as she sang and played guitar to her original composition called “Every Road (Adriana’s Song).”
Solo vocal performances ranged from classical to pop and included everything in between. Mikeila McQueston began the solo performances with her performance of “How Are Things In Glocca Morra.” Junior, Madison Johnson, sang “I Wonder,” a song customarily performed by country artist, Kellie Pickler.
Juniors Katie MacKeil and Brandy Williams were also a crowd pleaser as they sang their versions of their favorite songs. MacKeil, for example, sang “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” as heard in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera”.
Junior Katy Laughlin then belted Adele’s song, “To Make You Feel My Love,” and before the intermission, senior Brandon Robinson debuted his eccentric version of “Spiderman,” which included a frequent flash of light and ended with a roaring cheer from the crowd. Before the intermission, junior Sammie Eskew, accompanied by Spencer Obsitnik, sang “Black and Gold.”
After the intermission, Jonah Wagoner sang a slightly different version of Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team.”
Later, senior Taylor Smith performed “Rather Go Blind,” and senior Daniel Griffin sang Neon Tree’s “Everybody Talks.” Then sophomore Gabby Aku sang “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” from the famous musical, Grease.
Spencer Obsitnik followed the singers by giving an eclectic portrayal of the song “Wayfaring Stranger” in the style of Ed Sheeran. He used a device that repeated what he sang and recorded over it, which allowed him to harmonize with himself.
Sophomore, Jenane McCulloch, sang “Cry Me A River” in the style of Michael Buble. Jenane said she chose this song because it was out of the ordinary. Jenane said, “I usually like to choose songs that most people haven’t heard of. What really made me love Michael Buble’s version of ‘Cry Me a River’ was actually the background music, it sounded so cool!”
Finally, junior Marguerite Murrell finished to vocal performances with her hilarious rendition of “Alto’s Lament.”
As the awards approached, the crowd, as well as the performers became nervous and excited for the results. Spencer Obsitnik placed 3rd, and Marguerite Murrell, 2nd. The Tawpies crowded the stage as they accepted their award for the “People’s Choice.” Finally, Ms. Potter proudly handed the 1st place trophy to McIntosh’s new talent show winner, Jenane McCulloch. When asked about winning, Jenane said, “I was shocked and ridiculously happy at the same time. My goal was to win the talent show by the end of my high school experience, so it felt so amazing that I won it in my sophomore year!”
The night was an overall success and, if you missed it, you can go online to the McIntosh Trail website to see many pictures of the acts.
