SKC's Got Talent!

It was wall-to-wall standing room only at last night’s home grown talent show when MC’s for the evening, Ben Riedstra and Hamish Clark, introduced the judges and ten finalists. We were promised an evening of great performances and talent in abundance – they were not wrong!

One of the highlights of Arts Week, this was a student-led initiative spearheaded by Jamie Hofer and Eden Hawkins from the Arts Council. The ten finalists for the evening had been selected by the students themselves from across the age range, after a number of auditions leading up to the night. Actors, singers and dancers gave it their all as they competed for the coveted titles.

A panel of Old Collegians was called on as judges; all former performing arts students themselves and all three well remembered for their own abundance of talent! Last year’s Head Girl, Sharnika Leleni was both a dancer and a singer, gracing the stage in many of our productions. Sharnika is now studying a conjoint Law and Arts degree at the University of Auckland. Sam Rich was introduced as a ‘percussion genius’ a talent uncovered whilst at the Boys’ School and well developed during his College years. Sam is also at university in Auckland now in his second year of a music degree. The final judge is no stranger to the stage either. Pop vocalist, Denelle Bhagwandhin has carried on with a career in singing since leaving College and just released his latest single, ‘Tonight,’

While the judges were deliberating, the audience enjoyed contrasting performances from two of our dance troupes – Hip Hop and Ballet – both giving polished performances and clearly relishing dancing for an audience.

With the wait over, the announced winner for the evening was aspiring singer/songwriter, Brodie MacDonald, Year 12 who performed her own original song about finding your 'spark' - the thing in life that you enjoy, are good at and gives you purpose. Brodie was inspired to write the song after attending a writing workshop to improve her skills. It clearly paid off! Brodie has been placed 3rd and 2nd in the past and was proud to be overall winner last night.

In second place was Year 10 student, Ashley Potter, singing an upbeat ‘Riptide’ by Vance Joy accompanying herself on the ukulele. Ashley enjoys performing publically and has had lead roles in the Middle School productions. In third place was Year 11 student, Isaac Samuels who sang and played his guitar to ‘Lemonade’ by Jeremy Passion. Isaac starting playing the guitar five years ago and is known for his soulful voice. Crowned winner of the People’s Choice Award was Year 13 student, Harry Anyon with a cheeky rendition of a ‘Flight of the Conchords’ number that appealed to the student audience!

The evening was much enjoyed by all involved and the finalists were a strong cross section of the range of talent amongst our College performers. Our thanks to the Arts Council for all their work to make this happen.

Winners:

1st                               Brodie MacDonald         

2nd                   Ashley Potter   

3rd                   Isaac Samuels

People’s Choice   Harry Anyon

Other Finalists:    Greer Ritchie, Sam Waldin, Ethan Jupe, Yi Wen Wong, Emily Young, 
                      Sophie Clarkson