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Catch the Stars of U-46 at TalentFest on March 12
March 5, 2019
School District U-46’s talented high schoolers will get to showcase their skills at the ninth annual TalentFest on Tuesday, March 12, at The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin.
The contest features 10 acts, made up of two finalists chosen from each of the five District high schools – Bartlett, Elgin, Larkin, South Elgin and Streamwood. After these 10 final acts perform, the audience will vote for their favorites. The top five acts advance to the second phase of the night where they will perform again. A panel of judges will select the first, second and third-place winners.
Winners receive a cash prize as well as a commemorative plaque. In addition, the school whose acts receive the most total votes during intermission will be awarded the traveling TalentFest Trophy. Last year’s winners were from Larkin High School.
“Each year, TalentFest provides an opportunity for the creativity of our high schoolers to be showcased on a professional stage in front of family, friends, peers, and community members,” said TalentFest Coordinator Jeff Grosser. “It’s always a fun night for the audience because they can be a part of determining the winner as they appreciate the talent of our students.”
This year’s TalentFest will also feature a performance from Mariachi Joya Dorada de U-46, directed by U-46’s Fine Arts Coordinator Jaimie Giraldo. The mariachi ensemble has grown each year since it formed in 2009 and is made up of students from Elgin High School, Canton Middle School, Ellis Middle School, Larsen Middle School, and Tefft Middle School.
Tickets for the 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12 event are $5 and can be purchased through the Hemmens online box office, by phone at 847-931-5900 or at the door. TalentFest is made possible with the support of the U-46 Educational Foundation and the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission.
This year's celebrity judges are Bud Wilson, Chairman of the U-46 Educational Foundation, Jaimie Giraldo, U-46 Fine Arts Coordinator, and Warren Anderson, Director of the Demoss Center for Worship in the Performing Arts at Judson University.
The acts this year include a vocal duo and dance duo from Larkin High, a vocalist and a drummer from Streamwood High, two vocalists from Bartlett High, a rock band and classical guitar duo from Elgin High, and a vocal/guitarist and vocalist from South Elgin High.