What it’s like on stage

Nervous and happy: those are the two emotions most students at Patrick M. Villano School feel when they perform at the “O Show”. The show is a mini monthly talent show where students in fourth, fifth and sixth grade can showcase their talents in front of peers, teachers and family members. Fifth grade student, Rylee Sanchez, felt nervous once she stepped on stage but relieved when she heard the applause.

“I love to sing by myself and with other people,¨ Sanchez said. Sanchez has been in the O Show one time in fourth grade, and she also plays the flute.  

One of the show’s coordinators, Amanda Binetti, said the O Show helps with confidence and self-esteem. 

¨From what I have noticed since becoming the O Show Coordinator in 2021, students come off the stage after their performances with a new sense of accomplishment and pride. They are glowing with positive energy and you can tell how good they feel about themselves,” Binetti said.

Binetti, who is also the school’s social worker, focuses on the positive.

“There have been students in past O Shows who were terrified to perform because they were worried that no one would clap for them, or they would be made fun of. After they finished their act and walked off the stage, their whole mindset changed in an instant when they realized that what they just did took so much courage and bravery. Who wouldn’t be confident in themselves after that?,” Binetti explained.

Norah Smith, a fifth grade student, can relate. She admis to feeling butterflies in her stomach at first, but she’s participated in the O Show multiple times last year because she loved it so much.

¨To share my talents with the school.¨ Smith said about her reason to perform. Smith sings and also plays the clarient.

Arya Sontag, another fifth grader, played an instrument on stage.

¨I want to show the beauty of the violin,” Sontag explained, and she said she felt, ¨Kinda, like super happy when everyone cheers.”

¨What makes the O Show so great is that students have the chance to put themselves out there and showcase a talent that they feel passionate about. Most of our performers are forcing themselves out of their comfort zone and that takes a lot of effort,” Binetti explained. “The O Show is a place for students to feel good about themselves while also giving them the opportunity to put smiles on other people’s faces! I couldn’t imagine what Villano School would be like without the O Show every month.”