More than a dozen students performed at the Feb. 27 talent show. The annual event, sponsored by senior events teacher Robin Russo, featured singers and bands.

Luis Ortega, Carlos Hayes, and Li Nguyen performed “Grenade” by Bruno Mars.

Luis Ortega, Carlos Hayes, and Li Nguyen

“I was a bit nervous, but my nervousness went away after a couple seconds of being on stage,” Luis said.

He thinks his group should have had a little more practice, but overall they did great.

“After the performance, I felt relieved and excited at the same time,” Luis said.

Li said she had originally wanted to perform a solo act, but instead joined Luis and Carlos.

She had advice for others who may perform in the next talent show: “Have confidence in yourself, eat food, and enjoy the music.”

As a new performer, Carlos got past the anxiety of being on stage and enjoyed the excitement of having a crowd of people feel his music.

“Before the show began I was really nervous, but after I started playing I gained confidence,” he said. “This was my very first time performing in front of people. I think I could have played a little bit better. I feel it wasn’t my best because I was nervous.”

Carlos said he will definitely participate again. He said that even though the talent show was fun and gave him a new experience, it was hard work. “It took a lot of practice, I had to practice for a very long time,” he said..

Junior Isabella Rios sang “If I’m James Dean” by Sleeping with Sirens with junior Koya Scott, who played the guitar.

Isabella has performed before but this time the song was more special to her. Both she and Koya picked this song because they enjoy listening to this band.

Koya Scott and Isabella Rios

“My boyfriend Brandon Roman inspired me to do this song and I dedicated it to him,” Isabella said.

Koya taught herself to play the guitar. She has been playing since she was nine years old.

“Everything she’s done, she’s done on her own — guitar, skateboarding, attitude,” junior Edmund Dones said. Edmund and another friend Ferna gave Koya flowers after the performance.

Koya and Isabella had practiced their act since last fall.

”I wasn’t nervous,” Koya said. “People should embrace their talent, show their stuff.”

Both Koya and Isabella dressed up for the show.

“I went shopping two hours before the talent show at Mandee and Forever 21,” Koya said.

Her mom and sister were in the audience, enjoying the performance. “My mom cried because she was amazed,” Koya said.

Junior Ivory Banks performed “Can’t Raise a Man” by K. Michelle. She was nervous, but received amazing applause when she finished. So, of course, she performed great with a “lil’ bit” of butterflies.

“People always told me I could sing and I know I can blow,” Ivory said

Ivory Banks

Sophomore Kienna Bariso did a ukulele cover of Sheryl Ann Padre’s song “Distant Romance.” Kienna has been in the talent show for the past two years. She said she feels like the crowd keeps on getting better.

“The crowd was amazing,” she said.

Kienna Bariso

This article (and additional reports and photos from the talent show) was published in the March-April 2014 Steinmetz Star. Other reporters included Elizabeth Pineda, Asia Sims, Luis Avila, and Brandon Smith.