Eight talented Lassen High students, finalists chosen from more than 30 entries, competed in front of the entire student body at the school’s “Lassen’s Got Talent” competition Friday.
Freestyle rap, original guitar compositions, drum solos, vocalists, violin and piano were all a part of a program that was scored by a panel of judges which included noted composer and vocalist Kolby Van Camp. Van Camp was in town for a special performance with the Susanville Symphony Society.
First place in the show went to Autumn Brooks for her guitar and vocal performance of the song Youth by Daughter. Brooks also took home the People’s Choice Award which was voted on by students who saw the show.
Chase Roby, a member of the LHS Drumline, took second place with a drum cover of Rush’s YYZ.
Andrew Duerksen, also from the Drumline, took third with an original drum solo.
The show, according to Lassen High Music Instructor Ben Wade, was designed to shine a spotlight on the students and the work they put into their chosen talent by giving them a chance to perform in front of an appreciative audience.
“I wanted to demonstrate the culmination of our student’s efforts and put together a talent show where they could be showcased,” explains Wade. “To see the empowerment that the student body gave the finalists was incredible.”
At the end of the competition the finalists all performed as a team.
According to Wade the interest in Lassen’s music program has grown in the last six months and plans are in the works for an expansion of offerings for musically minded high-schoolers.
Students will soon be able to take a Commercial Music class focusing on recording, producing, writing, composition and music creation.
A Drumline class will be offered and, as a hands-on marching band, it will be good for PE credit.
Wade’s music program will also include a Symphonic Band that will be featured as a ‘Pep Band’ at athletic events.
