Magnet Arts Night to offer eclectic Friday entertainment

Under the new management of Magnet teacher John Kaluta, Magnet students will take the stage yet again in a display of their musical talent at Magnet Arts Night tomorrow evening. The evening will include two acts during which Blazers will play musical instruments, sing, perform skits and demonstrate their artistic capabilities.

Senior Jason Arora, Master of Ceremonies for the event for the third consecutive year, said that the event will offer a variety of musical selection. "It's going to be a good mix of classical music," he said, acknowledging that a jazz band and other non-classical songs will also be featured. The performances will be a representation of the diverse cultural mix among students in the Magnet Program, according to Arora.

The participants began their preparation months in advance to plan their acts for the competitive audition process. "It's a pretty tough audition," Arora said. "There are a lot of students that try out and very few get in."

Magnet teacher Elizabeth Duval, who served as an audition judge, also attested to the plethora of talent that the students exhibited. "It was very difficult to choose among the best of the best," she said. "There was nothing that wasn't well rehearsed and well put together."

Some participants began rehearsal months in advance in order to plan unique acts. Freshman Daniel Hwang worked with three fellow students to plan a performance during which he and his classmates will play one cello simultaneously. "It took about four hours to put it together," Hwang said. "But I think we'll do fine. It's pretty cool."

Arora declared Kaluta's new leadership as a key factor that will contribute to the night's success. "Because of his experience with stage crew, he really knows how to put on a good show," Arora said. Though Kaluta's management has been somewhat different from previous years, Arora is convinced the event will be even more entertaining as a result. "I think this is going to be the best Magnet Arts Night ever," he said.