by Deborah Parkhill Mullis
Long before American Idol or America's Got Talent, I saw the most entertaining show. It was a talent show for 20-some kindergarten and first grade children. Announcements were sent via book bags about two weeks in advance and the event was scheduled around lunch time - from 1:20 pm to 1:50 pm to be exact. Somehow, I expected to see a lot more than three other parents present for their children's first performances in a school talent show. Granted, this was not a sizable affair - it was only a classroom talent show. Still, I was disappointed by the turnout.
The show was coordinated by the music teacher and was held in the music room. Vivacious and young, the music teacher made the event fun. She also made sure every child had a positive experience.
Picking three children (who were not performing) to be judges, she introduced them by their new names. "These judges just flew in from L.A. and do not know anyone here," explained the music teacher. The judges took their seats to one side of the stage and contestants were told to be sure and introduce themselves before beginning.
Contestant number one got up, plastic Playskool microphone in hand, and sang "Achy Breaky Heart" with Billy Ray Cyrus on tape for backup. Although overplayed by every country music station (at that time) little toe-tapping Tommy with his own special twang managed to make this tune fresh again. He won third place. His mother was there.
Next, poised as any prima ballerina, little Hillary performed to a song about a music box ballerina. Head held high,, she sang "See my little ballerina dance, Won't you just give her a chance, Just wind her up and let her go." Hillary won first place and a chance to compete in the school-wide talent show.
Then there was this assertive little 5-year-old who won second place probably due as much to his boldness as any talent he displayed. This child had all manner of props and was quite outspoken. He didn't hesitate to direct the music teacher. "Put this tape in and make sure it is on side B. Turn it up. Turn it down. That's good," he instructed. "This is a triceratops, that's T, R, I, C, E, R, A, T, O, P, S," he spelled (memorized actually) pointing to a poster-sized illustration of the creature he'd drawn. Next, he sang a song about the dinosaur while holding a small stuffed specimen of the species - squeaking it for emphasis at the end of each verse: "Big and powerful, he fills his foes with dread, Triceratops he carries all his weapons on his head." It was comical - even if it was my son.
Speaking of comical, some kids did stand-up. They told jokes that only another 5-year-old would understand. Others just stood up.
Like the adorable little blonde that greeted the judges and stood center stage. "OK, you can begin," coaxed the music teacher. Giving a smile, the girl tilted her head and tossed her long locks over one shoulder. "Are you going to sing for us?" the music teacher asked. No, the hair said. "Have you prepared anything to do?" Once again, the hair swung from left to right. Personally, I thought she was as good as any Star Search model. She received a blue star as did every child "with the guts to get up in front of their class" including the judges.
There was fancy footwork by five young boys who obviously did their own choreography.
Another country music song closed the show when two cute kids, one minus her front teeth, sang "She's In Love With The Boy" by Trisha Yearwood. Each time the girls came to the chorus and had to sing, "She'd follow Tommy anywhere," they would look at each other before stealing a glance at Tommy of "Achy Breaking Heart" fame, who was sitting on the front row. It was so precious!
All the performances were, but I guess you had to be there.
(This essay was published by The Enquirer-Journal of Monroe)
No comments:
Post a Comment