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| Joe, WAB Idol 2008 |
Last Friday's WAB Idol 2008 showcased the extraordinary talents of WAB's diverse student body, ranging from Joe's winning rendition of "Hallelujah" to Veronica's athletic routine of rhythmic gymnastics. The community spirit was further elevated by a surprise performance
from WAB's incoming Director, Robert Landau, who performed a rocking
version of "Mustang Sally" alongside David Wood, HS Assistant
Principal, and several other WAB teachers and staff.
The talent show was organized around the format of the popular American TV show "American Idol." After each performance, judges commented on the style, quality and presentation of the performers.
Following Joe's winning performance, HS Art Teacher Tamara Palmer said, "With Ethan's performance, we talked about how he was so fully present in his
song, and he owned it. But I think you're on top now... You chose an
incredibly difficult song. You could have chosen something easier but you didn't. And you fully owned it."
The runner up to Joe for this year's WAB Idol was Siria, who was told, by the judges, "You're going to be tough competition for all other singers."
Other wildly applauded performances included a modern dance by Annie and Vegard, Sasha and Danish singing and playing guitar, and Ethan singing and playing the piano. Grade 12 student Tripp, a jack of all arts, managed to showcase his talents as a pianist, singer, filmmaker and skateboarder all at once! Tripp, who won the Golden Buddha Award at the 2007 Beijing Schools Film Festival, played piano and sang while screening an original movie, including coverage of himself skateboarding, that he shot in Beijing. The judges' commentary on Tripp's piece included: "It was a good movie because it made people sit and think." HS HPE Teacher Courtney Bailey said, "I was moved, and I'm not easily moved [laughter]. You were really focusing, taking your time."
The house was full on Friday night, with additional guests gathered around a live feed TV screen set up outside of the theater. Applause and cheers were generous for all participants, but a special round of applause was offered to incoming Director Robert Landau, who performed a rousing rendition of "Mustang Sally" in a band comprised of WAB teachers and staff.
Before striking the opening chords, Robert addressed the audience, "I've had a fantastic week at this school...the performance tonight blew me away. This is going to be an amazing school for me and my family."
Congratulations to all participants in this year's WAB Idol, and to all those students who took the risk of trying out, and congratulations to the following award recipients:
Runner up: Siria (vocals)
Silky Sounds: Ethan (piano & vocals)
Smooth Moves: Veronica (rhythm gymnastics)
Rising Star: Clara (vocals 'Let It Be')
People's Choice: Joe (Hallelujah, vocals & guitar)
Caleb Liu, WABX Coach and organizer, said, "The 3rd annual WAB Idol was fantastic! Thank you to everyone involved in making it such a success incluing Friday 'Nite Lites', our fabulous MC's, the student council, all of the performers, the indefatigable light/sound/video crew, our generous sponsors, volunteer judges, enthusiastic audience, and our special guest performer, Robert Landau. Well done to everyone for putting on such a talented show."
Select coverage from the evening is available on the High School portal, but log in is required.