Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / May 10, 2012, edition 1 / Page 3
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Performers vie for chance to shine BY LAYLA GARMS THE CHRONICLE The lighthearted banter in the hallway outside the audition room dropped to barely a whisper as 12-year old Nicholas Brown's clear, bright voice rang out just beyond the doors at the Arts Council Theatre Tuesday night. Fellow candidates for the North Carolina Black Reparatory Company's first ever Marvtastic Talent Extravaganza paused to hear ?- the Paisley Magnet School sixth grader overcome his walking pneumonia 'to belt out an impressive version of the late Whitney Houston's "1 Look to You." Nicholas, who took home the third place award in the 2011 National Black Theatre Festival's talent showcase, was one of more than a dozen locals who came out to wow NCBRC officials Mabel Robinson, Gerry Patton and Sylvia Sprinkle Hamlin with song, dance and spoken word, in hopes of landing a slot in the Extravaganza, slated for June 1-3. The winner of the event will pocket $500 and perform during the 2013 National Black Theatre Festival. Patton, the NCBRC's executive direc tor, said she conceived of the contest to highlight the Twin City's wealth of local talent. "We have all this talent in this community and I feel that they're just waiting for an opportunity to be seen and heard," she remarked. "We just wanted to make that a reality." T.. ? J iwciuy-iuui ycai-uiu Shirika X showcased her unique blend of African and hip hop dance. "I'm very inspired by the hip hop movement, as well as the African dance," explained Shirika. "In order to connect with people of different generations, I like to combine hip hop with the African dancing." She was out of breath but grinning from ear to ear after her audition. Singer/songwriter Monica Clark and her fiancde Tika Douthit gave their hearts and souls during an impassioned performance as the duo Klevah Flavah. Clark banged out an i original tune on the keyboard and lifted her voice to the rafters as flautist Douthit played along. "We're both just musi cians by trade," Clark said of their motivation to try out for the Extravaganza. "We've really been wanting to put our creativeness out into the atmosphere." Tamaya Arnette, a sev enth grader at Mineral Springs Magnet, called the experience "nerve racking." Yet, Tamaya, who has audi tioned for "Triad Idol," where she made the cut sev eral times, and "The X Factor," said she can't resist the urge to share her gift. "I just like seeing people, how they react when I sing and how they get touched by the words 1 sing," said the 13 year-old* who rendered a gospel piece in a powerful voice far beyond her years. The Marvtastic Talent Extravaganza will begin on Friday, June 1 with an 8 p.m. Hip Hop/Spoken Word com petition, and continue on Saturday, June 2 with events ?^?^?^1^??1 highlighting Gospel and Opera performers, followed by R&B, Pop and Jazz com petitions. Audience mem bers will vote to decide which contestants will move on to the final "Best of the Best" round on Sunday, June 3. Tickets are $8 for June 1 & 2 performances and $10 for the Best of the Best com petition, and are available online at www.ncblackrep.org or at the NCBRC office, 610 Coliseum Dr. For more information, call 723-2266. Phoios by Layla Garms Nicholas Brown with his mother, Christie. Tamaya Arnette gives it her all. Dancer Shirika X Judges (from left) Sylvia Sprinkle Hamlin, Mabel Robinson arid Gerry Patton take in a per formance. Photo by Layla Garms I From left: Attorney A. Stanley Mitchell, Ehren Allen, Attorney Eric Ellison, Latoia ' Hawkins, Juane Morris, Jalen Hatton, Attorney R. Todd Mclver, Attorney Travis Simpson, Chloe Wilborn and Attorney Stacey Rubain. Essays from page A1 nantly black Winston-Salem Bar Association. Principal Richard Watts believes the partnership has been benefi cial to his students. "I think it encourages them to see role models, to see professionals who are giving back to the communi ty," said Watts, the 2011 2012 Principal of the Year for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. "Hopefully, it will instill in them when they get to that level in their career that they will give ac mall " I'UV rv ao nvn. District Court Judge Denise Hartsfield founded the contest after presiding over a particularly bad day of juvenile delinquency court. Hartsfield said she was inspired to ask the WSPA students to write about the importance of hav ing a good attitude. Hartsfield said the con test is about much more than who wins and loses. "My hope is that they'll understand and see that there is a community of folks who care about them, who want them to do well," she said of the contestants. "We are not buying into the negative press that we see about our young folks." Morris, an aspiring phys ical therapist, said the essay topic resonated with him. "The topic inspired me because I think it's really important to smile and to try to reach the youth of today," he remarked. "I thought it was important for me to do the essay and really express how I feel. Whether I won or not, I could be heard. Smiling, as a I said in the essay, it can be contagious, but it's up to you to spread it." ki :? i u_ ? ... _r morris noius a variety 01 leadership positions at his school. He serves as presi dent of his class, the Crosby Scholars program and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). As a stu dent leader, he says he is compelled to set a positive example for his peers. "It's part of my job to basically try to be influential so that's what I try to do," he commented. "You never know how it will affect somebody's day just to smile and say good morning." Many of the other final ists also wrote about the dif ference a simple smile can make. "We should counter the effects of a bad attitude with a smile," wrote Allen, a jun ior. "...Having a smile is the best way to overthrow any negativity in your life." Hawkins, a sophomore, said she works hard to main tain an upbeat outlook on life. "Many people try to tell me I can't do something, but I smile and say, 'Anything is possible,"' wrote Hawkins, who plans to study sports medicine in college. "...We are too blessed to be stressed. We should just be thankful for what we have." Hartsfield praised all five winners, each of whom received a $100 check from a WSBA member. "These were all well written; my heart was happy," said Hartsfield, who added that good writing skills are becoming rare in the era of text messaging. "I had a stack full of folks who can still write, and you should really be proud of that." The sponsors will contin ue the relationships beyond the contest by serving as mentors to the students, Hartsfield explained. w^m helped me grow my | business through direct I connections with new stomers! www.ggccakes.com PH: 336.287.8218 ?i pMimrp Becoming a member is easy! vlUMDCn Contact us today to find out A M if Mm how the Chamber can help your business thrive! www.winstonsalem.com 336.728.9200 FOR SALE Office Building 3100 Square feet 1334 Patterson Avenue Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Call Richard Davis 760-4709 ? ? ......... j move, groove, enjoy.
Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
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