You know the school year is drawing to a close when they schedule the open talent show...
This afternoon a dozen brave middle schoolers sang, tumbled, danced, and played their way through their acts in front of a hundred or so of their peers. While I always admire their courage, this year I really wondered what in the world they were thinking for most of the performances.
Along with a pretty good Riptide ukulele number and some interesting contemporary dance, there were stunningly awful renditions of Bohemian Rhapsody, If I Was Your Man, and My Fight Song. Middle school kids are not known for their empathy, and despite a direct reminder to be kind and respectful, my stomach churned a bit in the dark with the crack of each flat note as I noticed the growing restlessness of the crowd.
I needn't have worried though. What started as an ironic show of support-- shining phones held aloft in waving arms by snickering kids, turned into a real rescue when the audience picked up the melody and sang along, elevating the performance itself with their voices.
And the applause at the end of every number was genuine.
This afternoon a dozen brave middle schoolers sang, tumbled, danced, and played their way through their acts in front of a hundred or so of their peers. While I always admire their courage, this year I really wondered what in the world they were thinking for most of the performances.
Along with a pretty good Riptide ukulele number and some interesting contemporary dance, there were stunningly awful renditions of Bohemian Rhapsody, If I Was Your Man, and My Fight Song. Middle school kids are not known for their empathy, and despite a direct reminder to be kind and respectful, my stomach churned a bit in the dark with the crack of each flat note as I noticed the growing restlessness of the crowd.
I needn't have worried though. What started as an ironic show of support-- shining phones held aloft in waving arms by snickering kids, turned into a real rescue when the audience picked up the melody and sang along, elevating the performance itself with their voices.
And the applause at the end of every number was genuine.
A great afternoon event! It never disappoints!
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