Gamma Pi Annual Talent Hunt Once Again Showcases the Best Youth Talent in the County

Contestants join in curtain call

They really do have talent in Prince George’s County, and every year, the high school youth who participate in Gamma Pi chapter’s Omega Talent Hunt showcase the exciting talent of local youth. That was on display again this year as parents, and friends joined members of the chapter for an entertaining Talent Hunt program on March 12.

A total of 27 students participated in this year’s event, covering four areas of performance: instrumental classical, vocal contemporary, dance contemporary and art. Aston Woolery, of Suitland High School, was named the overall winner of the Talent Hunt. He performed Prelude in C# Minor by Rachmaninoff. He has participated in Gamma Pi’s Talent Hunt before.

Winner Aston Woolery (center) with chapter leaders

The atmosphere was very much reminiscent of the old variety shows that were popular on television in the 1960s and 1970s, when numerous performers would appear on one show. The sky-high voices, the sounds of finely tuned instruments, the captivating dance moves and the riveting artwork, all made for an exciting scene that made you think you were in the audience at the old Apollo Theater in New York.

As always, Gamma Pi’s Talent Hunt team of judges was comprised of music and arts professionals and educators, including professors from nearby Bowie State University and the University of the District of Columbia, and the manager for the popular Rhythm and Blues supergroup, Earth, Wind & Fire. Bro. Dr. Leroy Barton, a music educator, chairs Gamma Pi’s Talent Hunt. “It never ceases to amaze me the level and kind of talent we have among our high school students in Prince George’s County.”

Gamma Pi Vice Basileus Tony Lee, standing in for Basileus Brian K.Long, served as Master of Ceremonies. True to form, Bro. Lee kept the audience entertained in between the performances with his well-known stand up routine that included a little falsetto singing. Other category winners of the Talent Hunt are listed below. (Photos by Bro. Raphael Terrell)

Brothers tallying up the judges' scores

2016 CATEGORY WINNERS

Vocal Contemporary

Olowabukola Odediram

Visual Art-Photography

Terris Johnson

Dance

Tianna Robinson

Instrumental Contemporary

Langston Hughes II

Classical Piano

Aston Woolery

Instrumental Classical

Graceson Moore

Visual Art – Drawing

Jakema Washington