School: Lincoln Pius X High School

Student: Lauren Schieke

Right from the get-go the 2014 Benefit Concert snagged the audience’s attention this last Monday night in Pius’ loved L-PAC. The proceeds from the concert benefited Pius’ own Club World Aid in their project to aid the relief in the Philippines. Senior vocalist Amanda Reifert felt a special meaning behind Monday night’s performance. “It’s the best feeling in the world,” she said. “It’s always thrilling to perform for a live audience, but it’s even more special because we are helping those in need.” Reifert’s passion for performing was evident in her comedic and sassy rendition of “Funny Honey” from Chicago the musical, performed by fellow seniors Nick Theisen and Stephen Kotopka. The opening act was a group of guitarists with killer vocals who went all-out in a bold, rock-style performance of “Pretend”, a clear foreshadowing of the dozens of Pius talents to come. It was the team of Dean Dalton, Jeff Gabell, Andrew Vaggalis and Matt Sievert. Standout performances dominated the stage all night long, from the soft trills of Carly Moore in “When She Loved Me” from The Toy Story to the comedy of “Lonely Ninja” performed by the senior trio of Katrina Johnson, Mary Benes and Kayla Brion. Senior Alexis Johnson sang a beautiful, gut-wrenching song of her own called Betrayed that blew audience members away with powerful lyrics that resonated with everyone who’s ever been left behind. One of the best vocalists of the night won the audience over with her quick wit and humorous quips throughout the song. Junior Kally Werning sang “Still into You” with senior Tony Connot on guitar. One of the song’s highest notes was followed by Werning’s shoutouts, “Thanks Katie!” and nearer to the end of the song, “I love you too, mom!” sending the audience into a fit of laughter. Perhaps the most captivating performance of all came from an incredible pianist with quick fingers and

a flair for the dramatic. Senior Hyunseok Kim’s “Op. 10 Etude in G Minor” was the only piece of the night to bring the crowd to their feet in a well-deserved standing ovation. Of course, talented senior Bridget Lang punched gracefully through the lines and runs of “Almost There” from the Disney film The Princess and the Frog. “Since it’s a benefit concert, our performances actually have meaning behind them,” Lang said. “You’re performing for more than just yourself.” The night was brought to a close with the popular “Royals” by Lorde sung by the senior girls of Cantabella. “We are encouraged by everybody around us,” senior Cantabella member Abby Goodwin said. “I mean, what makes you feel better than raising money for other people?” With one outstanding performance after the other, audience members were engaged and enthralled for the entirety of the two-hour show. And, in appreciation, the talented Pius ladies and gentlemen who braved a live audience, microphone faultiness and their own nerves exited stage right to a truly thunderous applause.

Best Picture:

American HustleActor in a Leading Role:

Leonardo DiCaprioActress in a Leading Role:

Sandra BullockActor in a Supporting Role:

Jonah HillActress in a Supporting Role:

Jennifer LawrenceAnimated Feature Film:

Frozen

EntertainmentJanuary 31, 2014 9

Annual Benefit Concert packed with standout student performances

Staff’s Pick: The Oscars The 86th Acedemy Awards are scheduled for

March 2 and will be hosted by Ellen DegeneresKate Rawlinson

Editor-in-Chief

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