Spotlight on BHS talent show and students who performed

The school auditorium hosted a talent show on April 10, 2025. This is where students are able to perform a variety of acts including singing and instrumental solos. Two performers in particular stood out for their dedication and passion for music. A singer and senior Issac Samaniego and a sophomore guitarist Hunter Gaines.

The first performer, Isaac Samaniego sang “Riptide” by Vance Joy. He has been in choir since 6th grade and shared that his love for singing developed more in middle school. “I always liked singing when I was younger, but as I got older, I started to realize I liked it a lot more,” Samaniego said.  

  Now as a co-president of the school’s Bella Voce choir, Samaniego, practices regularly to stay vocally in shape and ready to perform even without formal vocal training.  He sings at a higher pitch that can be described as more bright and almost heroic-esque. This is known as the tenor voice in choir which is also the highest male voice.  

“Riptide is sung in tenor; it is pretty well known, and I like it,” Samaniego said.  To prepare, he uses vocal warmups and breathing exercises he learned in choir along with advice from friends to help manage his nerves.  

Another performer, Hunter Gaines, debuted his guitar playing at the talent show.  Hunter has been playing guitar for about three years and shared that he did not have a specific inspiration for learning the instrument.  

“I never really had inspiration from anyone, but my biggest influence would probably be Pierce the Veil or Scott Holiday from Rival Sons,” Gaines said.  

Gaines faced some challenges. During his preparation, “There were a lot of songs I wanted to do, but my hands kept cramping during practice,”  Gaines said. But despite this, he kept playing even with guitar callouses.  

“I’m terrified that something’s going to happen that I’m not prepared for,” Gaines said. To manage his nerves, he focused on playing his guitar as if he were alone in his room. 

Gaines’ song selection was based on what he enjoys playing and his performance reflected his hard work as it consisted of a good collaboration of Green Day, The Beatles and various other rock bands. 

Both performers faced their own challenges in preparing for the talent show, and if there’s one thing to take away or preparing for a talent show, it would be that it takes a lot of practice, determination and using strategies to get over your nerves with stage fright.