This year’s talent show was a huge success. Students flaunted their talents, the school bonded over jokes, and everyone, including the teachers, shared a laugh. However, for those sitting and watching and for those who performed, the talent show was two very different experiences. Performer Will Wraith gives us his perspective of the talent from on the stage.
Madison Dodger Online: Tell me about your experience with music.
Will Wraith: “I started playing guitar when I was 11. I’ve always loved music since I was a little kid. It’s just something that’s there. I couldn’t picture my life without it.”
MDO: Why did you choose ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis?
WW: “I always kind of take songs and make them harder rock. And I mix that with the acoustic. Many people think the acoustic is kind of soft. I try and make it cool. I chose this song because I knew how to play it before and I thought it sounded really cool. I also thought it would be nice to surprise people. Wonderwall is a pretty famous song and a lot of people knew I was playing it but when I did my version I think it kind of shocked the audience.”
MDO: How do you think the talent show went as a performer?
WW: “I thought it was an exciting experience. A lot of people showed up and it was a great night for me. I thought I did pretty well.”
MDO: What does it feel like to go up there and perform?
WW: “I was really nervous. I was freaking out. Once I got up there I couldn’t really see anyone so then I got in my zone and the nerves went away.”
MDO: Why did you decide to participate in the talent show?
WW: “Well, David Luttinger and I, we came together. We had always wanted to perform together and we sounded good so we tried out and got in. We felt like it was a good connection and that we made a good for a good performance.”
MDO: What did you think about the crowd? How did they affect your performance?
WW: “For the most part, the crowd was pretty appropriate. Although there were a few random outbursts, I expected that from them. That’s what happens at the talent show here at MHS. It’s very natural. The teachers kind of let us do our thing. Being in the crowd last year, it was so rowdy, so I knew it would be that way. That’s why I told my parents not to come because I didn’t think they would want to be around a bunch of teenagers.”
MDO: Besides raising a profit, what do you think a talent show is able to do for the school? As a performer, what was your goal?
WW: “My goal was to connect with the audience, whether it be them making fun of me or them being impressed by me. I wanted any connection, because that is what brings people closer. Overall, I the talent show gave everyone a chance to take a laugh at ourselves and I think we grew closer as a school and strengthened our friendships and spirit. The senior class always comes in and has their stories and it’s really a bonding experience.”
MDO: Unique in this year’s talent show was a performance by a teacher, Ms. Wahle. I know you said that you connected with your audience. Do you think that it allows students to connect with their teachers?
WW: “I don’t know about teachers performing, but I think it’s cool that teachers are there and involved and get the jokes and roll with them and don’t question them. I think most schools would be a little more uptight about something like this – people getting made fun of. It’s cool that the adults are okay with us being able and mature enough to laugh at ourselves. I think it brings the students and teachers closer. I saw Mr. Connolly laugh a couple times. It was a pretty cool sight.”