Barrie Central’s senior band was hard at work for weeks in preparation for this year’s Central Idol.
Central Idol is an entertaining and fun singing competition in which students compete to be named Barrie Central’s Idol, much like the American TV show American Idol. Central Idol is a fund raiser for Barrie Central’s music department. Contestants compete for the opportunity to sing live at the Holiday Celebration Concert on December 11 as well as to record "O Canada" to be played on the morning announcements.
Open auditions were held in the end of October, at which singers from all over the school shared their musical talents. From the auditions only five were selected by the senior band executive to perform in front of the school in hopes of becoming the next Central Idol. This year’s contestants were Avery Parker (gr.11), Jon Rogler (gr. 12), Matthew Pessah (gr.12), Emily Hoppe (gr.10) and Jenni Bailey (gr 9).
As soon as Audition Week was over, the senior band executive went hard to work making a “backstage” video, making announcements, finding judges, making and selling tickets to make this show one no one would soon forget.
On Thursday, November 28, excitement was in the air as the crowds bought their tickets at the last minute, and as the contestants warmed up their voices. Once period three started, the Auditorium filled with hundreds of students, as the judges took their seats and the emcee's read over their cards one last time.
The show was filled with amazing talent as well as witty comments from the judges. This year’s judges were Gabriel Idol (Gabe Beneteau), Lady Mallori (Mallori Graystone), Mathew Levine (Mathew Graystone), and Jessi Swift (Jessika McLaurin).
This year’s winner of Central Idol was no surprise as he prompted an unbelievable reaction from the crowd and an overwhelming standing ovation. Jon Rogler became the next Central Idol with his performance of "Sweet Child of Mine", rockin' out and singing like no one believed was possible.
When asked about how it felt to have won Central Idol, Rogler said, “I don’t feel like it should have been me. Everyone is so talented.”
This year’s Central Idol competition was one of the most successful in the history of the show. The total amount of funds raised was $936.56. These funds will likely be used to help support Barrie Central’s Senior Band’s activities such as a field trip to see Humber College’s best Jazz ensemble. The money will also cover food costs for their upcoming elementary school tour, and similar expenses. No final decisions have been made of the final usage of these funds.
Laura Cullen, Senior Band president commented, “I'm so glad it was such a success and so proud of everyone who has put so much work into making this one of the best shows yet.”
No one will soon forget hearing the lyrics of "Sweet Child of Mine", echo through the halls as students returned to class.
J. McLaurin