Putting the fun into competition

Middle and high school students sang, danced and played for a packed house on Saturday at Johnson-Williams Middle School for the fifth annual community talent show.

Participants were divided into vocal and variety categories.

Blue and red tie-dye clad dance variety group The Lucky Charms said they attained their name while eating the sugary cereal.

The 14 girls performed a dance mix which included a vocal medley of pop, rap and dance music by the artists Britney Spears, Soulja Boy and Cascada.

"We did a lot better than last night," said Lucky Charm Lauren Carlisle, referring to their dress rehearsal the night before the performance.

The girls agreed that the main challenge they faced was getting everyone to go along with the routine.

"Making sure everybody knew what to do, timing, everything," said Maris Mulroney.

Still, they were confident about their performance.

Mulroney's father, Pat, said watching his daughter perform was exciting. He added that he was "a little nervous for her."

Winning wasn't necessarily on the minds of the Lucky Charms, who said that if win they would donate their modest prize to the mother who made their shirts.

Instead, the point was to have fun.

"What are we trying to do tonight?" asked Wendy Oesterling, the music director.

Oesterling said that the focus shouldn't be on winning, but having fun, adding that "every performer is a winner."

Oesterling added that the talent show "opens up the opportunity for the kids to branch out."

The talent show gives them the courage to perform outside of Clarke County High School and pursue their own musical talents, she said.

Three bands performed original songs that members had written themselves.

Auditions for the show were held Jan. 2, and the students had three weeks to perfect their act for rehearsal night.

Oesterling said the only requirement was that the songs and dance moves were family oriented and G-rated.

Ken Moulden stepped in as sound man for the auditions, rehearsal and the performance.

This is the first year the show has been split between junior and senior performances due to high participation.