On this year’s “Lighting of the M,” I decided to “throw in my two cents” and perform during the entertainment segment. I wanted to do this, simply because I was tired of everyone thinking that the ONLY talents in the world were, singing, dancing, or playing an instrument. Not that it’s not great to do those things, but there are other “talents” out there. But for some reason, people don’t seem to want to express any others. I’ve never been one to just stick to the “status quo,” I wasn’t afraid to be different and do something people just don’t do. Everyone knew I could beatbox from the “Weed N Seed,” but I only did it for 30 seconds. I was hoping that by performing at Lighting of the M I might actually spark a flame in other students, to make them want to try and do something out of the ordinary. This is the reason that I said, “I don’t sing and I don’t dance! I’m a Stereo-head!” in my performance. As for me, I’m not a very popular guy; I know it and that’s exactly why I wasn’t afraid to make a fool of myself. I’m not afraid of what people think, so I enjoy going against the grain…even if it’s by myself.

My original act, was meant to be a beatboxing version of “The Cup Song.” I was going to beatbox, while my friend was supposed to sing the song. At first I would have the cup in my hands and I would attempt the beat for a few seconds, then I would scream, “I can’t do it! Oh! Forget the stupid cups!” Then I would beatbox the beat of the cup instead. I thought it was a good idea, but I could never find a time to practise with my partner. I guess she didn’t want to embarrass herself, because she didn’t even show up to the audition. I wasn’t all that upset though, because I had a back up plan, which was just me beatboxing by myself. Needless to say the judges enjoyed it and let me in the performance.

During my performance, I almost completely forgot what I was supposed to be doing, which is why if you rewatch my performance, you’ll probably notice I did more messing around than actual beatboxing. But I felt taken over by the excitement and electricity in the auditorium. I love be on stages, because the feeling I get is just…phenomenal.

But when the crowd is chanting for you, when they want to see you, a feeling of overwhelming excitement takes over. I love that and I feel like a completely new person, someone who lives in the thrill of that electricity. The first time I felt this, someone gave me the nickname, “FoXtroT.” I guess that’s why I’m so proud of my name.

I hope that, the people who saw me and who read this article, will not be afraid to do what I did. Not beatboxing, but standing against the status quo and doing something unusual, something unexpected, something people don’t see all the time. You can be sure though, that I’m gonna keep this up and do something like this again, at the first chance I get.