Karaoke Showdown to benefit AERO school
AERO Special Education Cooperative opened a new campus on the former Queen of Peace High School site in Burbank last year, but the facility still needs funds for extra supplies and special events.
Luckily, staff and students at AERO’s namesake schools, Argo, Evergreen Park Community, Reavis and Oak Lawn Community high schools, like to have a good time.
That intersection of necessity and entertainment resulted last year in the inaugural Karaoke Showdown, a fundraising competition between the schools hosted at Reavis High in Burbank. It was a hit, and competitors will return to the stage for the competition’s second year at 7 p.m. Jan. 31, this time at Evergreen Park Community High School’s Marshall
Batho Auditorium.
Tickets for the event are $5, with proceeds directly benefiting AERO, along with funds raised from concessions and T-shirt sales. There also will be a split-the-pot raffle.
Amy Kazin, the activities director at Evergreen Park Community who also leads Fine Arts, World Language, and Industrial Technology departments along with the choir, said the Karaoke Showdown was a welcome addition to the school’s programming because it “showcased kids who don’t always perform in this way.”
“We have two or three kids from AERO who will perform that night as well, which I love to see,” Kazin said. “Their energy is amazing.”
Helping AERO’s programs through music was also important.
“As a music teacher, I love being able to make music for a good cause,” she said.
The showdown features three contestants from each of the four schools, who will compete for prizes. Reavis holds the traveling trophy from last year and will be back to defend their championship.
But for many contestants, it’s more about fun than winning.
Evergreen Park student Rosebud Summers, 17, sang in last year’s event and is giving it another go this time. “I had the time of my life,” she said. “And of course it felt awesome knowing I was helping to raise money for a great cause!”
Teammate Erin Wade, 16, is making her competitive debut at the even, though she’s an experienced karaoke participant.
“I joined the Karaoke Showdown this year because karaoke is one of my favorite pastimes and it allows you to have freedom with singing,” Wade said.