A total of 16 acts performed during the competition, which is a fundraiser for the high school band. Band teacher Jonathan Thornton emceed the event, which featured many vocalists and included everything from ballads, a capella, and duets to instrument accompaniment. There were also guest performances from Michelle Glover Burstrom, Ryan Lackey and Band of Demons.
Halfway through the night, organizer Ann Thomas recognized Pat Wilson and Joyce Butler, two of the women “who started it all” and began the high school’s band program in 1977 after securing a loan for instruments and uniforms.
All performers brought their best to the stage, especially Shawna Woelke who performed a tricky and technical hula hoop act that had the audience on the edge of their seats, cheering for more. Another favourite was the Band of Demons’ closing performance of The Devil Went Down to Georgia, with Monika Schaefer playing a mean fiddle.
The Activity Centre was so saturated with talent it must have been difficult for the judges to pick only a handful of winners. Habitat for the Arts was supposed to pick an act to perform at their grand opening in the new library, but the decision was impossible. Instead, Marianne Garrah said that multiple performers will be asked to showcase their talents at Habitat’s opening and during other events, like Culture Days in September.
First place went to hula hooper Shawna Woelke of Spiral Motion. Second was awarded to Koh Okazaki and third to Chelsea Lowe, who both performed songs while playing their guitars. Ryan Davis also received recognition as the best new talent.
The event’s judges were Jayden Madsen, Tammy Vathje, Andrew Thomas and Jasmine Payant.
Funds raised by the event will benefit the school’s band programs, said Thornton. The next band fundraiser is the turkey dinner on March 7.
