Argus

Midwood Idol Contest Showcases Talents

              Five girls eagerly and anxiously awaited their fate. They were armed with their angelic voices, good looks, and papers.
“There is so much talent in Midwood that we never get a chance to hear about or experience,” said Mr. Jhai Martin. Midwood presents to you the Midwood Idol contestants: Victoria Lopez ‘15, Kristina Adolpne ’15, Jody Wong ‘15, Kayla John ‘15 and Widzar Weche ‘13.  They all went through the nerve wracking auditions, gave it their all and hoped that they would be one of the few to make it. And they did. The girls received an email confirming their acceptance, and from that day forward everyday was lived in excitement.
Midwood Idol is on a mission to expand the music and arts department and provide more opportunities for students to shine. This year, Midwood Idol presents itself as a pilot program in hopes of becoming an annual program next semester.
“After SING there is no other outlet for these talented students,” said Mr. Jhai. “We’re trying to provide one.”
         Mr. Jhai, coordinator of this program, is a cultural planner and alumnus of Midwood. According to an email from him, he is working with “Dr. Ernest Pysher to plan, create and initiate new workshops.” He hopes that this will “utilize the technical resources at Midwood as well as unite the students involved in media production, video production, gospel choir, step, singers, dance and writers of poems and songs.”
          “In working with the arts and technology departments at Midwood, I’ve realized that new creative ideas could be introduced to the students and collectively, we would develop future programs that unite the aspiring young performers continuously throughout the school year,” he said.
          The contestants are currently working to put together original songs. Their task is to provide the lyrics and melodies while the students who work in music production provide the beats and the students in video production capture the moments on film. Under the mentoring of Mr. Jhai, The girls are taught lessons in song writing, and told to make it their own. Although they are working collaboratively, there can only be one Midwood Idol, and every girl anticipates that it will be her.
     This year, since only a pilot program, contestants are using this time in Midwood Idol to become familiar with the ‘ins and out’ of writing and recording song. The plan is to record present the girls at the Midwood Spring Concert.
             “It’s an experience, and it’s great to be able to experience and be exposed to the arts,” said Kristina ’16, a Midwood Idol contestant.
            When Midwood Idol becomes finalized next semester, winners will have the chance to go beyond that and pursue their passion in a “functioning workshop” about twice a week. There they can manufacture, write and record their songs.
          “It’s a fun way to experience different parts of the school like the video production and music room,” said Jody ’16, “and since I’m a freshman, it’s a great way to make new friends.”
         Look out for this opportunity to be involved in Midwood Idol. You never know how far the experience can take you. Maybe it could even launch you into a musical career you never would have had an opportunity to be engulfed in.