Students at West Hartford’s Aiken Elementary School performed Thursday night for family and friends in the school’s second annual talent show.

Aiken’s Got Talent. Photo credit: Jen Knox

Submitted by Meredith Springer

On Thursday, Nov. 8, Aiken Elementary School held its second annual student talent show, “Aiken’s Got Talent.” Approximately 40 children in grades two through five participated in the fun-filled evening which featured group acts as well as solo performances.

Nearly 300 family and friends enjoyed a variety of entertainment ranging from classical piano to contemporary song and dance numbers. Participants also showcased their talents on the drums, guitar, keyboard, and saxophone. Additionally, there was a magic show, recitation of the “Gettysburg Address,” and a student who quickly solved three Rubik’s Cubes in a row! The audience even received a brief history lesson from one student who performed colonial drum calls and provided background on each one.

The date for the talent show is announced at the beginning of the school year and students work throughout September and October finalizing their acts. Participants attend a couple of after-school rehearsals, but most practicing is done at home.

Aiken parents Abiah Ruel and Kara House co-organized this year’s event and served as the evening’s emcees.

“This wonderful night gives students an opportunity to show off talents that our school community may not otherwise get to see,” said Ruel, who is also Aiken’s PTO president. “We are so proud of the diverse interests of our student body and we’re happy to give them a chance to perform in front of a large group, which teaches important confidence-building skills.”

Principal Shannon Mlodzinski echoed similar sentiments in her welcome, noting how much courage it takes for students to perform on stage.

Second-time participant Quinn Knox, a fifth-grade saxophone player, said that he was a little nervous to be on stage, but much less so than last year. Overall, he really enjoys performing. “I like how people get to see your talent,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

For techno dancer Ben Melchor, who is also in fifth grade, participating in the show is a way of expressing his interests. He likes how music and dance can evoke emotion in people. “I love sharing my love of music with everyone,” he said. “It [music] can put feeling into others. It can make people happy or sad; it can make people care.”

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Aiken’s Got Talent. Photo credit: Jen Knox

Aiken’s Got Talent. Photo credit: Jen Knox

Aiken’s Got Talent. Photo credit: Jon Moss