Robert Banuelos, 19, fire technology major and Nancy Trigio, 20, nursing major perform at Mt. SAC's Got Talent. Amanda Van Oudheusden/MOUNTAINEER
Lights shining bright, the mic on full blast, the hot spotlight on the artist. From singing a ballad and rocking out with the band to breaking out into dance, students showed off their skills at the first ever Mt. SAC’s Got Talent.
Students gathered around the 9C patio area to see the show and eat free food. The audience and the surrounding area was filled with enthusiastic students screaming and cheering for the performers.
Planned by Associated Students Vice President of Activites, Kenneth Baca-Lacure and the Activities Committee, Baca-Lacure was very happy with the outcome of Mt. SAC’s Got Talent.
“I have to admit that I got super nervous the day of the event thinking that nobody was going to come but when I saw those big lines of people getting food, the seats filled, and people pushing others trying to see the show, it felt amazing,” said Baca-Lacure.
He is grateful to the committee for the show’s success.
“I thanked every single one of the students that [are] seated on this committee a million times, we worked hard for this event because we want the best for the school,” said Baca-Lacure.
The performers were judged by professors with an extensive background on the arts such as theatre and folkloric dance, Manuel Castillejos, professor of Spanish and Arnita Champion, professor of counseling. Also judging was the school mascot, Mountie Joe.
Out of 60 to 70 people that auditioned, only nine talents were chosen to fill up the two hour show. While some students were motivated to be part of the show for monetary reasons, some were in it to honor loved ones.
Such is the case for Angel Delgado, 19, music education major and Ivan Perez, 20, music education major who sang the song “If I Die Young” by Band Perry, in memory of their friend.
“We dedicated our performance to our friend Arnold who passed away a few weeks ago.[Delgado] picked the song because it fit well with what we feel,” said Perez. The two said they were nervous, but were able to get over it. “We were nervous but we just looked at each other and said a little prayer,” said Delgado.
Spectators were surprised at the performance quality of the artists. “When you look at them, they look normal, but its shocking to see so much talent,” said 18 year-old Briana Lopez, kinesiology major.
Judge Anita Champion, on the other hand, was not surprised. “Mt. SAC has tons of talent. There is a lot of variety, students are not afraid to take risks; I love it,” said Champion.
The entertainment did not stop for a second. While the judges’ scores were being tallied, students went on stage and showed off their dance moves to the music blasting in the background. Even Mountie Joe jumped in and danced.
Third place was awarded to 19 year-old Eric Rojas-Gonzalez, psychology major who recited an original poem written by himself called “Gravity of the Streets.” Rojas-Gonzalez said he was the quiet kid in the back of the classroom but thanks to poetry and music he is now able to express himself.
“I wrote because I wanted to inspire people and show them that there’s more to life than a little city, “poetry showed me that change in a person starts with themselves,” said Rojas-Gonzalez.
Placing second were break dancers Rocky Reyes and Robert Torres, whose crazy dance moves left the audience cheering wildly.
Raquel Ortiz, 19, psychology major and Quinton Peron, 19, communications major, another dancing duo took home first place.
Although they trained hard for the show, it was a surprise to them that they won.
“Its amazing to be Mt. SAC’s first talent winner, in fact we didn’t even know we were the first,” said Ortiz.
The duo, who has been dancing for 15 years and four years respectively, already had in mind to what the hard earned cash price will benefit.
“We’ve been dancing together for two years and most likely the money we won will go to saving up for nationals, which will be in Florida,” said Peron.
Spanish professor and talent judge for the night Manuel Castillejos encourages students to take the bull by the horns when it comes to their talents.
“The students that performed have all kinds of talents, it is important that they take advantage of the arts classes they can take here to cultivate there talent,” Castillejos said.
- Suzy Hernandez
Multiculture Editor
Loading...
