Student talent show coming fast

Pick your best song, practice your juggling or work on your dance moves - the annual Parks and Recreation student talent show is coming fast.

Tryouts for the Dec. 12 finals will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Carson City Community Center on William Street.

"We draw talent from the entire area, including Carson Valley and Dayton," said organizer Joyce Lancaster, special events coordinator for the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

The event is open to all students - from public schools, private schools and home schoolers, too. There is no entry fee.

All entries in the Dec. 2 tryouts should last no longer than two minutes. Remember to bring you backup music CD or tape - unless you want to play the ivories.

"A piano will be available," Lancaster said.

There will be six divisions: dance solo, dance group, vocal solo 12 and under, vocal solo 13 and over, musical instrument solo and variety.

What about groups of musicians?

"That falls under variety," Lancaster said. "Everything that doesn't fit somewhere goes in variety."

First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded in each division at the final event. First place will win $100, second will win $50 and third gets $25.

Lights and microphones will be provided for each performer. Mayor Ray Masayko will act as emcee.

"He always does such a good job," Lancaster said.

Lancaster will notify the 36 students who qualify for the finals by calling them the day after tryouts.

A rehearsal for those who make the finals will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 9.

The talent show is sponsored by the Carson City Recreation Division, the Community Counseling Center and the Jaycees.

Admission for the final contest will be $3 for adults, $1 for students.

The talent contest is funded mostly by dances held throughout the year for middle school students, Lancaster said.