"Believe When I Say..."

Last Friday, the ICSB Student Council (StuCo) brought down the house with their annual Talent Show—and what a night it was! The West Chapel came alive with music, laughter, and a dazzling array of student and staff performances.

An endearing MC duo, Ms. Rachel Soderberg and Min Jun K., kicked off the night and ensured smooth and entertaining transitions throughout the night. First up, Zsiga B., Tobin P., Minkyu L., and Joe D. performed "Blue," a calming yet electric earworm by Yung Kai, with memorable guitar harmonies. 

 

 

Students were not the only ones to perform. Mr. Paul Reed dazzled the audience with a cinematic piano medley that included Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean theme. 

 

 

Nikita K. won the audience over with a solo performance of the boy band staple, "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys. His crowd work was on a professional level, prompting the entire room to sing along with him. It was a fun, memorable moment. 

 

 

 

Lana W. and Ryan B. performed another Disney song from the Pixar Animated short film, Lava. Lana played the ukulele, and they both sang. Halfway through the song, the audience also joined them in singing the words "I lava you." It was a lava-ly scene.

 

 

Next up, the audience welcomed two of the newest additions to the Upper School community, soon-to-be 9th graders, Lydia S. and Anna C., performing "Great is Thy Faithfulness" on the flute and clarinet. 

 

 

In a fun, folky group performance that involved both a teacher and students, Ms. Rachel Stowell, Elly K., and Mira T. sang the "Everything Medley" by Noah Kahan and Taylor Swift. Elly and Mira played guitar while they all three sang in beautiful three-part harmony. 

 

 

Michael M. sang "Misty," a stunning Ella Fitzgerald standard, accompanying himself on the piano.

 

 

After Michael's soulful performance, Ryan B., Susie M., Annora K., and Petra B. showcased their theatrical talents in a show-stopping performance of "Satisfied" from the broadway hit, Hamilton, that included everything from Ryan's impressive rapping to such big laughs from the audience it caused the girls to break and burst into laughter themselves, drawing even more smiles. 

 

 

Next up was a piece titled Pray, played by Mira T. on violin, Jiin K. on cello, and Michael M. on piano, a trio whose skillful mastery of their individual instruments tends to leave the audience in awe, and this time was no different.

 

 

In the penultimate act of the night, Zozi H. and Mei Mei H. brought the rhythm and blues in their atmospheric duet, "Best Part" by Daniel Caesar and R&B sensation H.E.R.

 

 

 

To close out the night, Nathan P., Jonathan F., Zsigmond (Zsiga) B., and Noah M. performed "Careless Whisper" by George Michael, with the former two on saxophone, Zsiga on bass, and Noah on drums. Wearing all shades, looking calm, cool, and collected, Nathan, Zsiga, and Noah played the stage. Then Jonathan, walking towards the stage from the stairs leading to the chapel, played his solo and joined Nathan, dueling saxophone style.  

 

 

Such variety, such talent, ain't nothing but a smash hit. The evening was a true celebration of creativity, courage, and community spirit. A huge thank you to all the performers, MCs, the Student Council, and everyone who came to show their support.