There's no guarantee of a "Taylor Swift" moment at this year's "Apollo Idol," says creator and director Tara Pangonis, but it's always possible.
After all, says the Apollo-Ridge High School teacher, new talent has to be discovered somewhere and there's no reason why the Friday's student talent show can't be that place.
The event -- now in its fifth year -- raises money for the prom and was inspired by television's mega-successful "American Idol." It's open to the public.
"I think '(Apollo) Idol' is attractive, because it is such a surprise to see what the kids can do," Pangonis says. "Sometimes, a really quiet girl will get up onstage and have this amazingly powerful voice."
In fact, she says, country-pop star Swift wrote "Our Song" for her school talent show.
Pangonis conceived "Apollo Idol" while she was junior class advisor. "I was trying to be creative with our fundraisers, because people get sick of buying candles," she says. She hoped that the student body would be as excited as she was about the idea.
The response was "amazing," she says. "Not only did we have a group of unbelievably talented contestants, the whole community came out to support us."
She says "Apollo Idol" has been a tradition since, with students, staff and the community looking forward to it each year.
"I love it, because it gives students, who aren't normally recognized, a chance to showcase their talents," says the educator. "And it gives the community something fun to do on a Friday night. It's a perfect family night."
She says people will see Apollo-Ridge's most talented students, hear great music, have a few laughs (the show's promotional commercial is always hysterical, she says) and "be entertained by a surprise guest performer everyone will want to see."
There's no cheesy mirrored ball at stake, either. The first-prize winner receives $300; second, $150; and third, $75.
The judges, who are teachers, choose five finalists. During intermission, the audience then votes.
The vocal and instrumental music competition is open to Apollo-Ridge students from sixth through 12th grades. "We used to include other schools, but we found we had so much talent here, we decided to keep it in house. Of course, we welcome students from other schools to come watch," Pangonis says.
She is impressed with the enthusiasm of the audience. "It is a great feeling to see how the students truly support their peers up onstage by cheering, clapping and always giving all the performers respect," she says.
Musician Bill Duff, who teaches chorus, jazz rock ensemble, music history and music theory, and operates the sound system for the show, appreciates that "Apollo Idol" gives students a chance to perform music they choose. "Even though I have many of the students in chorus every day, sometimes they still surprise me, in a good way, when they have a chance to sing music they have chosen and perform solo," he says.
Seniors Taylor Hunker, Krista Williams and Caryn Bottles will sing and dance to the medley, "Halo/Walking on Sunshine" from the television show "Glee."
Although they are veterans of other shows and performances, this is the first time they will entertain as a trio.
"'Idol' is a great opportunity to showcase our school's talent, get students and staff involved and have a fun time while raising money for our prom," Hunker says. "We love to sing, perform and have a great time competing with other talented students."
People love watching these type of events, she says, because "much courage and real talent" is required by the performers. "And it is all live and in person too, which makes it even more exciting," she says.
Sophomore Gregg Murray praises Pangonis' organizational skills with the program. He is lead vocalist and plays guitar in a band named We Don't Have a Name Yet.
They will play Steppenwolf's classic, "Born to Be Wild." "I like that you get to show all of your classmates and teachers your musical talents," he says. Murray has performed in "Idol" for three years. "I plan to continue until I graduate."
Additional Information:'Apollo Idol'
What: Talent show
When: 7 p.m. Friday; doors open 6:20 p.m.
Where: Apollo-Ridge High School, Route 56 East, Kiski Township
Admission: $5; free for age 3 and under
Details: 724-478-6000, ext. 1803
