A THRILLING WIN AT THE SECOND ANNUAL LIP SYNC BATTLE

By KATRINA CHIN

It’s not typical to see teachers out of their comfort zones performing outside the classroom in front of the student body.  On December 22, 2016, the class of 2018 held their Second Annual Lip Sync Battle.  The teachers and faculty members of Washingtonville High School battled it out on the stage as they lip synced to different songs.

The night started with music such as “Don’t Let Me Down”, by The Chainsmokers, and “Timber”, by Pitbull, playing in the background as the crowd filed in.  The event was hosted by Mrs. Lynch, the advisor for the Class of 2018, along with class officers: Alexa Siciliano, Lauren Merchant, Tony Witte and Maya Diaz.  Junior Brendan Hogan was Washingtonville’s Ryan Seacrest for the night.  The judging panel consisted of four senior student judges: Bella Cosentino, Tom Lawless, Lavonte Footman, and Taylor Hackett.  They were joined by this year’s special guest judge, Ms. Cooney, who left Washingtonville earlier this year and was the classes advisor before leaving.

KATRINA CHIN FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

Ms. Constable kicked off the night with a performance of Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic”.  Following her performance, Ms. Held fired up the stage with a mashup of “I Want You Back”, by The Jackson 5,  and “Beat It” and “Thriller” by Michael Jackson.  Next up, was Mrs. Connolly, Mr. Clough, Mr. Bruscino, Mr. and Mrs. Cerar, and Mrs. McNally.  They were dressed as the one and only, Justin Bieber.  Audience members with “Bieber Fever” were treated with a mashup of songs from the beginning of his career like “Baby” and “Never Say Never”, and songs from his most recent album such as “Love Yourself”, “Sorry”, and “What Do You Mean?”.  The night continued as Mrs. Davis performed “Vogue”, by Madonna, and the first country song ever performed at the Lip Sync Battle was by Mrs. Thirsk as she did “Wasted Time” by Keith Urban.  Not unlike last year, Mrs. Lynch and the Class of 2018 officers wrapped up the performances with a performance of “Party In the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus.  Afterwards, the results were finally announced, and Ms. Held clinched first place.

Last year, according to Ms. Held,  her group planned the choreography based on what Beyonce did in her “Move Your Body” music video.  “This year we wanted to create our own multilayered theatrical act in just five minutes.  The idea for this performance came to me in a flash of inspiration last year shortly after the first Teacher Lip Sync Battle.”  The dance moves that were performed this year were inspired  by Michael Jackson’s moves and they made it their own with the help of some local dance instructors.  She emphasized it “was more of a creative exploration and expression.”  Her group wanted the audience to think they were only performing the Jackson 5 number and then wanted them to think they were wrapping up the act with “Beat It.”  Held claims, “the ‘Thriller’ dialogue and lip sync/dance was intended to be the crescendo of the performance, surprising the audience with an epic finale.”

Ms. Held’s team consisted of about twenty students, an alumni from last year, and three teachers, including Ms. Held herself, and one of BGTV’s own, Mr. Leonard.  She had students in charge of costume changes, the zombie makeup, music editing, lights, and sound.  They started planning and rehearsing as early as September being that they were only able to practice one afternoon a week.  Ms. Held wouldn’t reveal any secrets about next year's performance, but says they have some ideas up their sleeves. 

Congratulations to Ms. Held and her team, and good luck to next year’s performers!  Will Ms. Held “beat it” again and retain the title of Lip Sync Battle Champion?  Be on the lookout for next year’s Lip Sync Battle to find out!