Barrhead 's got talent

Barrhead has talent.

From the opening lyrics of Pink’s “Dear Mr. President” sung by Alexandra Kopf in the drama theatre at Barrhead Composite High School’s 5th annual “Small Town-Big Dreams” Feb. 16, whose take on the pop-songstress’ 2006 single produced the first of many thunderous applause breaks, to the beautiful rendering of “My Heart Will Go On” as a piano duet by Andrew Van Hecke and Kayla Nanninga and Jessie Hardy’s delivery of “Can’t Stop This Feeling,” the night was full of surprises says music teacher Kerri-Lee Kostiw.

One of biggest, she said, was Brittney Blonjeaux’s memorization and theatrical delivery of the 17-paragraph poem “The Highwayman”, written by Alfred Noyes in 1906.

“She [Blonjeaux] struggled a little bit in the middle, but with the help of her friends, Brittney made her way through to the end and it was great,” Kostiw said, adding in her opinion it was impressive to see.

Cassidy Gauthier’s quiet rendering of “I’m Yours,” who sang while playing a guitar for the first time, Kostiw said, was inspiring.

“This was our fifth annual show,” Kostiw said, adding the name “Small Town-Big Dreams” was borrowed from a similar event held in Westlock she believed reflected the idea behind the BCHS talent show.

“It has become something that people look forward to as performers and audience members and I love that it gives kids a chance to show their gifts,” she said.

“Many people say ‘Wow! I never knew he/she could do that’, but it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and perform. It is definitely character building, but in a safe and supportive space.”

By sharing our gifts we can move people, Kostiw said.

“Through our songs, our music, our dance, we are able to make people feel something, even if it is only for a moment, and that’s a pretty special human quality in my opinion,” she said, adding it is something the world needs more of.