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About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (May 25, 2018)
PAGE A8, KEIZERTIMES, MAY 25, 2018 KeizerCommunity KEIZERTIMES.COM McNary sophomore wins talent show By DEREK WILEY Of the Keizertimes Nicholas Weathers was in the fi fth grade when he got his fi rst clarinet from Uptown Music. After winning $1,000 at the fi rst KeizerFest Teen Tal- ent Showcase, Weathers will be able to purchase more music equipment from the Keizer store that sponsored the event on Sunday, May 20. Playing Premiere Rhapsody by Claude Debussy on the clari- net, Weathers, a sophomore at McNary High School, fi n- ished fi rst out of 26 acts from middle and high schools in Salem-Keizer. “It was really unexpected,” Weathers said. “I just went to state playing that piece and I did not do very well. I wasn’t even in the top fi ve. I was re- ally surprised. I thought one of the amazing singers that performed today would have gotten it and defi nitely not me.” Weathers was the only per- former not to sing, which he compared to Mozart fi nding his way into a hip hop com- petition. “I thought I was really out of place,” Weathers said. “It was very different for me.” Weathers wasn’t exactly sure what he would spend his winnings on. But he does have many options. “My dad is a pilot so I’d like to get my private pilot’s license soon,” Weathers said. “I love music. I always love getting instruments. Maybe driver’s ed. That’d probably be logical.” Hannah Wood, of West Salem, and Kourtney Lynn Branchfi eld, of North Salem, who both stood out by per- forming original songs, fi n- ished second and third, win- A C D B E ning $700 and $400. “It was a real confi dence booster,” Weathers said. “It meant a lot. I’ve been going through some hard times late- ly, lots of life things, school. I’ve been so busy I don’t feel like I’ve been able to put time in for myself. I’ve been prac- ticing a lot, AP stuff. It’s nice.” KEIZERTIMES/Derek Wiley A: Teen Talent Showcase winners Hannh Wood (second), Kourtney Lynn Branchfi eld (third) and Nicholas Weathers (fi rst) with Paul Elliott of Uptown Music. B: Whiteaker Middle School students Riley Mahoney, Blake Felbob and Roman Justise. C: Nicholas Weathers plays the clarinet. D: Kennadi Thomas and Jacob Fritts. E: Lilly Purkey BIG PROJECTS – FOR RENT– CATERPILLAR ® M INI E XCAVAT ORS REQUIRE BIG TOOLS CALL RICK OSTROM 503.931.8679
