Students at Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) showed off their creative side during a talent show that brought many a strong ovation.
The talent show, reinvigorated by music director Cam Hinton, was held Friday, April 15 and started with singing from first nations drummers Red Bow, along with demonstrations of traditional Cree dancing. Among the demonstrations were the Chicken Dance and Traditional Dance, which brought enthusiastic response from students.
The talent show was a way to recognize students’ efforts who enjoy their creative sides. The school rented a stage backdrop, sound and lighting equipment to give a more professional feel to the talent show. Auditions were held over three different days with the final group of performers getting on stage and showing their skills.
“We selected a variety of acts that we thought would be suitable,” explained Hinton.
The biggest challenge for students, said Hinton, was encouraging them to have confidence and faith in their abilities. It’s easy to get cold feet just before a performance.
Hinton was pleased to see everyone made it to the stage and that the rest of the student body was supportive of the young performers. “People recognize what an effort it takes to do that.”
His hope is that younger students will gain some extra confidence to perform next year. Any way to bring the arts to a rural community is a good thing, he added.
Former Ponoka Elementary School teacher Althea Lewis and up-and-coming country singer Jamie Woodfin were there as honorary judges. Woodfin concluded the show with a few musical numbers.