Whitefield students performed in over 20 acts during the bi-annual talent show called The Bean held in the Lower School Student Activity Center on Thursday, March 31.
The Bean line-up included numerous musical performances by violinists, pianists, guitarists, and even a saxophonist. Students also sang solos or duets accompanied by the piano or guitar. Musical genres varied during the evening with performances of popular songs such as Home, played and sung by Scott Hellier and favorites like The Pirates of the Caribbean, played on violin by Tomi Oderinde.
Performances were not limited to music, however. Maddie Fry, Ebonie Riles, and Nyah Britt, all recited original poetry.
There were several newcomers to the stage this time around, but other performers were familiar faces, having been a part of The Bean for multiple years. Zachary Justice once again sang to the ukulele, performing, Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright. The rock band, Leonidas & The Smyrna Revival performed Fever.
Although many of the students who participate in The Bean are also members of Whitefield ensembles such as the jazz band, orchestra, or marching band, The Bean offers ALL students a chance to share ANY talent. The Bean has been a tradition at Whitefield since 2001, and was started to provide students with an opportunity to share their talents in a casual setting - much like a coffee shop.
“The whole idea is to create a relaxing atmosphere where students can have fun, and even stretch themselves artistically, because there is no performance pressure,” said Stacy Quiros, fine arts director “Everyone is really there to support the kids and cheer them on in a safe and loving environment. Through the years, we have discovered remarkable talent just by letting kids be themselves.”
Individual performances included Chase Blackwell (vocal), Nyah Britt (original poetry), Annie Edwards (vocal/guitar), Avery Fassnacht (vocal/guitar), Maddie Fry (original poetry), Will Fulks (rap), Scott Hellier (vocal/guitar); Temi Ijiwoye (vocal), Kaitlyn Johnson (vocal/guitar), Daniel Justice (vocal/guitar), Zachary Justice (vocal/ukulele), Caroline Kern (vocal), Justice League (vocal/instrumental), and Derek Nickels (saxophone). Group performances included Kaitlyn Johnson and KaMarie Jones (vocal duet); Kaitlyn Johnson and Misha McDonald (vocal duet); Elaina Henriquez Quallo, Kyra McCurdy, Chloe Troutman, and Addison Bennett (vocal quartet); and Lenoidas and The Smyrna Revival Band (Anna Kate Peterson, Ethan Powell, Michael Baldwin, and Daniel Justice).