Hosted by Jazz Band and AP Music Theory instructor Ian Grimshaw, the 15th annual AMHS Talent Show on Wednesday, March 4, highlighted Magnet’s aptitude for music, dance, and performance. About 300 students, parents, teachers and more entered the Rose Maree Myers Theater to the spirited beat of the Dirty Birds, Magnet’s tribal drum team.

Taylor Swift, Lorde, Amy Winehouse, and Etta James were a few of the artists represented. Between the show’s sixteen inspiring acts of singing and comedy, MCs Caleb Ouellette and Deidra Ward lightened the mood with jokes, puns, and audience-written shoutouts ranging from prom-posals to a Toyota Prius’ complaints about its owner. Afterwards, the Charleston Vibes from the College of Charleston, led by assistant teacher Damia Alkan, sang a cappella. Meanwhile, the  judging panel of teachers decided on the awards. Senior Colleen Christensen choreographed and performed a traditional Irish dance, which received an honorable mention. Beach Ghost, consisting of Evan Camp, Matt Calonius, Ben Sewell, and Sarah Vane, received third runner up for their lively performance of “Tento Potentially,” which they composed. In second place were Nathan Bradley and John Pavlides of In Progress for their emotional rendition of Foy Vance’s “Make It Rain.” Finally, the first place prize was awarded to Maddie and the Steenrollers, a musical power group with Nathan Bradley, Gypzy Carrigg, Blake Farrell, Janelle Green, Kat Koval, John Pavlides, Tony Reda, and Maddie Steen, for their thrilling performance of “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” by Cage the Elephant.

“Overall I would say I’m just really humbled by the amount and variety of talent that everybody brings,” reflected Mr. Grimshaw. The Talent Show is special to him as an opportunity to work with his own students, as well as students he may not normally encounter, outside the classroom context. It also highlights the presence of the arts in Magnet culture. Every day, one can see fellow students practicing guitar in the art gallery, playing piano in the lecture hall or cafeteria, and even singing in the halls or in class. Though the Academic Magnet is a stronghold for scholarship, it also embraces students’ wide-ranging skills in the arts and beyond.

On Friday, March 20, a Magnet student will sing the National Anthem and the Dirty Birds will perform at the Stingrays’ hockey game against Indianapolis. Contact Melissa Caprice at (843) 744-2248 X1213 by noon on Thursday, March 19 for tickets ($13). The game starts at 7:05. We hope to see you there!