BRANDON, Vt. – On Saturday, March 28 the Rutland Performance and Arts 4-H Club held a Youth Talent Show at Brandon Town Hall. Open to all area youth, the event was run as a fundraiser to benefit the Community Cupboard, the Rutland Humane Society, and a local family that recently lost their home in a fire. The show’s 21 acts consisted of vocal solos and duets, poetry recitation, keyboard, guitar and singing, hula hooping and dance. Participants ranged in age from 7 to 16. Attendees donated food and purchased concessions to help raise funds.
This annual gala is not just your average talent show. The 4-H slogan, “Learn by doing,” was evident, as the youth learned how to run an entire show from start to finish. During auditions, they handled equipment set up and teardown and also ran and scored the event. As the show approached, they developed a set list based on flow, performer age, and other factors. On show day they prepared the Town Hall, handled equipment set up, performed, and even emceed. Along the way, the youth learned much more than just performance, although they exhibited robust skills in that area, too.
Photo by Lime Light Photography
This year’s acts showcased a wide range of talent. Adeline White and James Shorey opened with a beautiful duet, “Found Tonight.” Veronica Cassarino gave a wonderful recitation of “America for Me,” followed by Hunter Fries’ stunning hula hoop and fan dance to “Summoning the Squall,” with music written by her mother. Elena Cassarino performed a lovely version of the “Narnia Theme” on keyboard, then Madelyn Henderson played guitar and sang a fun version of “Country Roads.” Genevieve Toledano energized the crowd with “One Time,” followed by Izzy Guevin‘s heartfelt recitation of “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” Calliope Reed delivered a moving performance of “My Heart Will Go On.” Josie Fox and Adeline White performed a beautiful and sweet rendition of “Alone in the Universe,” and Evelyn Kowalski made a powerful debut with “Driver’s License.” Remi Barry closed the first part of the show with an emotional “Love is Gone.”
Following a brief intermission, John Crowningshield showcased his vocal and acoustic guitar skills in “Chasing Cars” and “Good Riddance,” followed by deep vocals in “Pointless.” Avery Mullin delivered a striking dance performance to “Me and the Devil,” and Garrett Crowningshield impressed in his debut performance with “How to Save a Life.” Aliza Smith brought her unique style to “Broken” and Josie Fox returned with a moving “Waving Through a Window.” Olivia Guevin offered a thoughtful sign language performance of the Vermont state song, “These Green Mountains.” Adeline White sang a haunting “Forget-Me-Not,” partly in Icelandic, and James Shorey closed the night with an engaging rendition of “Who I’d Be.”
We are fortunate to have so many talented youth in our area. It takes courage to get out there on stage in front of an audience. If you have a youth who is interested in joining the Rutland Performance and Arts 4-H Club, there are a couple of spots open. This is the only Performance Arts 4-H Club in New England. The youth get many opportunities each year to perform, including at Communications Day, upcoming State Day, two chances at the State Fair, the Brandon Carnival, and — if they qualify — at the Eastern States Exhibition.
The Rutland Performance and Arts 4-H club would like to extend a very special thank you to the Brandon Recreation Department for allowing this show to happen at the Town Hall, and for their endless support.
If you are interested in joining the Rutland Performance and Arts 4-H Club, please contact Bethany White at [email protected].
