“Enlightening” -Brodie Wuebker, Senior 2016

Approaching the ninth occurrence over the course of fifteen years, Eaglecrest hosted Best of the Nest, a Karaoke and singing showcase which took place in the theatre on September 23rd.

A final rehearsal is held, and students are one by one stepping to the stage to work out any faults before hand. The community is lively and open as student competitors collaborate and talk casually between final beforehand performances, harmonizing and cheering each other along.

Julie Williams, choir teacher and one of the primary advisors for the event,  elaborates to how the event is structured. The auditions are held open, asking students to stop in with a one minute a capella piece for a panel of judges. As this progresses beyond auditions, students are asked to prepare a one minute piece for the beginning round of the competition, along with ten volunteered staff members. A ‘jack in the box’ round is presented to contestants who advance to the second set- a song chosen at random for them to sing. Third is the final round, a personal song as well. Getting the word out was the hardest peak to this whole event after a four year hiatus, and Mrs. Williams knows that homecoming will draw some attention. She hopes that the takeaway for the audience is a sense of inspiration, empowering those who wouldn’t be found in choir or any upfront singing classes in general to show their voice as well. “Hidden singers,”-as she describes – are  ones of significant importance.

Katie Grubb, English Department, is excited to show the audience what she’s made of, and to see the same from other competitors as well. “I would say they’ve got a real surprise… they’re not ready for Katie Grubb,” she announced with confidence, adding that she considers herself to be a fierce competitor, and her strong point is her attitude displaying such. Grubb suspects that the judges will look for someone who is able to liven the crowd, someone who has fun with the performance, and someone who has talent. She thinks that she has all three of these things and is trying to channel a “funky and fun” performance that’s a little on the “silly side,” because Best of the Nest is an opportunity for students to see another side of teachers. Teacherwise, her strongest competitor is Ron Paolucci, because he was a finalist last year. Student-wise, she fears Zoee Jordan, Jalen Martin and Lauren Noble.

Charlotte “Charlie” Lartson, Junior 2017, is excited for the show. During rehearsal, several questions are swimming through her head and racking her nerves – “What if I trip? What if I mess up?” but she reassures herself that she’ll be okay. Charlie advises that when on stage, it’s easiest to pretend you’re alone and your only audience is your best friend. She chose her voluntary performance pieces based on the personal connections she has with them; they relate to things that have happened in her life, and it helps improve her stage presence with an emotional aspect. She believes mainly that all competitors are on equal ground with each other in the first round, but come the second, there will be more at stake. However, it’s not so much about the competition as it is about discovering the talents of others in multiple fields and genres regardless of stereotypes – “It takes a lot to make it this far,” she states. “We’re not looking at who they are, we’re looking at their talents on stage.” In one word, she described the event as “exciting.”

Ericka Swanson, an Eaglecrest counselor, watches the rehearsals with interest. “This is my first time doing this and I’m really nervous,” she says. “We tell our students to take risks, so we should too.” She is building inspiration from the student competitors.

Chloe Aguillard, Freshman 2019, admitted that the hardest part of the competition was choosing a song that fit the timeframe. She comes from a family of singers and musicians who provided helpful feedback to help her grow as a performer. Her choir teacher, Julie Williams, recommended that she were to compete in Best of the Nest. Chloe wished a “good luck” to her competitors. She was somewhat confident in her vocal range before the show, and will definitely participate next year. She suggests that other people do the same and not allow their nerves to get the best of them.

With more word out and advertisement this year thanks to Homecoming week, Mrs. Williams and the competitors anticipated a larger crowd in the audience compared to the 2014-2015 Best of the Nest event – and, as hoped, many more seats were filled with a tentative audience.

There was a generous number of talented singers. The crowd was ecstatic upon hearing a powerful theatrical intensity of the broadway-esque performance of Chris Dinunno, Junior 2017. He dedicated his chosen finalist song, “Unchained Melody,” to his mother. Eric Anderson performed “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, with assistance from the crowd. He dedicated his final round song to his brown-eyed wife with the song “Brown-eyed girl.” There was a surprise Left Shark appearance for a “California Girls,” rendition by Mrs. Collins. After a brief ten minute intermission, the audience returned to 4 boxes on stage labelled by the letters L O V and E. Four children poked their heads out of each individual box. Aubree Wakefield, last year’s winner, performed “Somebody to Love,” accompanied by them, her four younger siblings.

The finalist round was held with Eric Anderson, Chloe Aguillard, Amy Pointer, and Chris Dinnuno. During Chloe’s final time on stage, chills ran through the audience, both in awe and overwhelmed. Cell phones lit up around the aisles, swaying to the song. The crowd had never before cheered louder than they did for Chloe.
When it was time for the winner to be announced, tensions ran in anticipation. Chloe’s name was announced. “I feel amazing right now,” Chloe laughs. After winning, she has newly found confidence in her future singing performances.