March 17, 2023 - Over 35 students took center stage at Southview School’s annual Talent Show. The theme this year was “Protect our Future.” Acts included drum and violin solos, duets, video slideshow, and a rap performance sung by 11th grader Marcus Mason. Marcus has been practicing for weeks, at home and at school. He creates beats in his free time and thought that rapping to one of his favorite artists would make for a great show. 

“I sang “Rap to a Better Way,” said Mason. “I gave it a remix to make it my own and two of my teachers played the guitar. I wasn’t nervous, only a little. It was a lot of fun to perform in front of an audience.”

To prepare for the big day, Southview Music Teacher Greg Heaney, who is also the director and producer of the show, works with students throughout the school year to uncover their musical interest. Based on their input, he matches students with instruments and songs. He believes that music is an amazing opportunity for all young people to improve their self-advocacy and express themselves. 

“What my students can learn from this experience is huge,” said Heaney. “Many students get nervous or develop stage fright, but to see them overcome that and still get on stage and perform, it’s one of the best experiences I can offer to them personally.”

Heaney would like to give a special thanks to Sherry Skarstad, stage designer, Anna Stiffler, costume designer, Ben Oelzen, co-producer, and Katie Bardol, art designer.