No, you weren’t dreaming. You did hear “Party in the USA” being sung in the auditorium by a hundred or so middle schoolers and their teachers last Friday. Loud and clear.
Thanks to the effort and dedication of Mr. Joe Gibbs and Mr. Bill Ullman, students performed at the newly-created Gibbs-Ullman Variety Hour. There was music, science, and some really wild ear wiggling.
But why?
Mr. Ullman stated, “It [the show] is designed to be welcoming and encouraging for students to demonstrate something they like to do and hopefully get some recognition from their peers and staff.”
While truly entertaining, it seemed like something more casual than an annual talent show, and Mr. Ullman offered that “…our goal is for this to happen more frequently (like maybe once a quarter eventually) but for now we will see how it goes.”
So how did it go?
Serving as emcee, eighth grade student Jacob Aying introduced an assortment of acts ranging from scientific to musical.
The science portion contained an explanation of Newton’s Cradle from Chloe Sinisi, and a demonstration of weighing mass by Joshua Varghese, while members of the Robotics Team (Robo Cavos Joshua Varghese, Aaron Soohoo, and Liam Graulich) introduced the audience to their robot (12853) and shared details about their club and their challenges.
Minnow Kahofer and Gabriela Calafiore sang, no, absolutely crushed Avril Lavigne’s 2002 hit “Sk8er Boi” accompanied by Brandon Johnson on drums, and Kristian Waples on guitar.
Emerson’s own Mr. Ponchak performed a lovely piano interlude (“The Knuckle Song”) and showed his ear (specifically the left one) for music.
Not to be outdone, Ms. Murphy played drums!
Mr. Deo’s students joined in a heartfelt rendition of “What a Wonderful World”, and sang in blissful union or, at least, of one.
The event closed with a celebratory karaoke session of Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” and Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”.
Everyone left in good spirits, and eager to embrace the weekend (and maybe some of us were singing Avril Lavigne songs the next day).
If you’re interested in performing and/or presenting, see Mr. Ullman – and then be seen yourself!
