At 7 p.m. Jan. 8, friends of mine in the Garfield High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble performed at Jazz Alley alongside Alan Merrihew, a popular jazz saxophonist and a proud father of a 2006 Garfield graduate. I was lucky enough to have been invited by a friend of mine in the choir. After being poked and prodded for the entire preceding week by said friend, I finally got around to asking my parents about going the day of the performance. Surprisingly, they eagerly agreed.

I didn't know the details about what I was about to attend, but I was eager to see my friends perform. Having played a sport for all four years of high school and being an active drama club member, I know the value of having friends in the audience.

The concert was both overall amazing and incredibly eye opening. The night was begun by a solo by one of my fellow Volleydogs (Garfield volleyball player) - a sophomore opening a concert at Jazz Alley! I was nervous for her! She pulled it off beautifully, setting the stage for several more vocal jazz classics and dazzling solos broken by an intermission and highlighted by Alan Merrihew performing several songs from his new CD, "Angels at Play." (A portion of the CD's sales will be donated to the Garfield High School music program so please consider purchasing this auspicious new jazz CD.)

I was held in thrall, my jaw dropping as I listened to my friends on stage. A girlfriend of mine - also a tremendous actress - stunned me into awed silence with her powerful solo. Another girl with a geeky, unnoticeable look that quietly whispered, "move on, nothing to see here," caught everyone off guard with her rich, smooth, almost chocolaty tone. We would've been satisfied just listening to her sing warm-up scales.

Sheldon Botler, a good friend and 2006 Garfield graduate, sang with Merrihew: first "The Secret World of Lilcabeanja" from the CD (Sheldon is on tracks 2 and 5) and then "Misty." His second performance was so artful and beautifully delivered that my mom was brought to tears.

Merrily Scruggs-James, another 2006 Garfield graduate, sang a professional quality "Stormy Monday." She attacked the song from the get go and didn't let up until it was over. And vocal Jazz teacher, Carol Burton, gave a rare performance of "Poinciana" that crowned her the night's queen of scat.

The greatest joy I experienced, however, came through watching all of these classmates or former classmates shine on stage. It was obvious that they were enjoying themselves, gently rocking out to each beat or not-so-gently jerking to the scat rhythm that sang in their hearts (Sheldon's air guitar sequence comes to mind). I watched the pressure build within their bodies as the music just kept coming, finally released through their voices and dancing bodies.

It's the kind of awe I always feel when faced with people of great talent magnified 100 times over because I knew them. Do you understand my meaning? You can know someone for years before you discover his or her hidden talent (or talents, as the case may be). These truly gifted people don't brag or flaunt their talents, as they are simply parts of each of these people's lives. Instead, they are just themselves - maybe not even knowing their greatness - quietly and confidently passing through life until it's time to perform.

Talent's other side may be the confidence that being accomplished can give. Having the confidence to climb onto that platform and show your stuff can also be what allows these people to be themselves without becoming arrogant or shy.

It just goes to show that when you only look skin deep, you can miss so much.

Kyra-lin Hom may be reached at kl_hom@yahoo.com