Men Flex Their Artistic Muscles in Talent Show (Video)

A little modern, a little old school and all male.

held its first ever Men of Note talent show Tuesday, featuring the men of the school.

"It was developed to create a platform for male vocalists and musicians to showcase their talents," said John Wilson, high school choir director.

From renditions of John Legend's "Ordinary People" and Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely?" to Cee Lo Green's "Forget You" and even an original number, the male musicians brought out their talents, both singing and playing guitar and other instruments.

Students performed and then were judged based on overall musical effect, with first, second and third places being named. The first place winner received $100.

"This show was designed to create solo opportunities for students with a range of musical experiences," Wilson said. "Some students who performed are going to college as music majors and others are beginning to try out their talents."

And senior Rob Novy—one half, with Kevin Shoemaker, of the first prize winning team that performed "Forget You" by Cee Lo Green—this was a chance to show off his talents as he moves on to the New School for Jazz Contemporary Music in the fall, where he will major in jazz guitar performance.

"I love Cee Lo Green," he said of his song choice. "And I'm going to school for music [so this was a good opportunity]."

And sophomore Nicolaus Schrum—who received third place for his rendition of Tom Lehrer's "I Hold Your Hand in Mine"—said he just thought the performance would be fun.

"It was an opportunity and I thought I might as well take it," he said.

The talent show featured three judges, high school teacher Keith Shapiro, and Laura Cantwell Guth and Ryan Guth, voice/acting coach and managing director, respectively, for VoiceWorks, an organization that provides vocal, acting and dancing courses for those looking to pursue careers in these fields.

Wilson said he hopes this program becomes an annual endeavor, and is something that both students and parents can attend and enjoy.

"It is my hope that this experience will serve as confirmation for those students who have a wealth of experience, while providing incentive and motivation for those who are just beginning their work as musicians," he said.

And, Wilson said, he hopes this talent show brings about a shift in the attitude toward singing, particularly among the male students.

"It seems that all too often, boys at BRHS do not see how singing could be a relevant activity in their lives," he said. "I believe that some students are reluctant about the prospect of singing in front of people, others have doubts about their talents and others feel singing is something that doesn't 'fit' with their image."

"A true renaissance man is a possessor of knowledge that is academic, artistic and athletic," he added.