These kids hit the high notes!
Students from the James Madison High School in Marine Park belted out tunes at the 64th annual Sing! competition on Nov. 21.
This year’s theme was “Be Careful What You Wish For,” and the students shimmied and swayed on stage while performing pieces that matched the humorously ominous theme, said a student advisor.
“It is a student-produced show — they have a theme, they write a script, they make the costumes, they make the props,” said Marla Rutter, who serves as the lead advisor for the program. “Everything comes from the students.”
The students were divided by grade, with teams of freshmen and juniors versus groups of seniors and sophomores. The performers donned colorful costumes and Rutter said the performance gave kids of all skill levels a chance to compete and — most importantly — gain confidence.
“Some kids say, ‘I can’t sing and dance,’ but you don’t have to be the greatest singer, the greatest dancer — we incorporate kids of all levels,” said Rutter. “It really is open to all kids, and they really form a great bond.”
The students who won last Friday’s event will compete in multi-school Sing! competition on March 7 at Edward R. Murrow High School, which was revitalized last year after decades without the musical battle royale.
The big competition raises money for cancer awareness, and last year the show raised more than $20,000 for Relay for Life. Rutter said she hopes spectators are gearing up for another altruistic show.
“It raises money for a great cause,” she said.
