The previously dark auditorium came alive in a burst of light and powerful rhythms as junior Peter Loughran played the keyboard during the act “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” at this year’s V-Show, Celebration.

Loughran’s passion for music drove him to become involved in a myriad of the performing arts at South, such as the Jazz Band, Marching Band, V-Show, Symphonic Winds, and the choir program. His extensive involvement in these music programs earned him many opportunities to be a part of the V-Show. Loughran’s interest started when he was young, partly due to his environment and home life always being filled with music.

“My dad’s a musician,” Loughran said. “He really likes music, so I was always surrounded by it [growing up]. I played trumpet because one of my friends did it, but the more I started listening to music, and the more my dad started getting me involved in music, I decided to continue doing

band.”

Marching Band has become a prominent part of Loughran’s life in high school. From the week-long summer band camp with its nine-hour daily rehearsals to traveling across Illinois for competitions, the Marching Band has ultimately constructed his identity and high school experience, Loughran said.

“My experience [in Marching Band is shaped by] the people who participate because they’re what make it special,” Loughran said. “You can get these kinds of programs anywhere, but what makes GBS special is the students [and] the directors here. The music department [is composed of] wonderful and incredibly talented people.”

Loughran first became involved in the V-Show after seeing it as a freshman. Inspired by the energy and passion of the performers, he was determined to be a part of a production that brought so many different, spirited people together, he said.

“[The students] performed this one act called “Sunny Side of the Street”, which was a jazz act,” Loughran said. “When I was growing up, I always really liked old-school jazz music, so when I saw that performance, I immediately [realized] I need to do V-Show.”

Participating in the Drumline, a section within the Marching band that required auditioning, since freshman year allowed Loughran to merge his love for it with the V-Show through the “Friday Night Lights” act. Junior Issac Koh, a member of the drumline, collaborated with Loughran to produce this act. Together, they created the choreography and incorporated LED lights onto the drums, crafting a dynamic light show that synchronized with the rhythm of their music.

“[Working with Peter] was great,” Koh said. “I let him take over and become leader [for the act] because he has really good leading abilities with his experience as captain [of the Drumline]. He has a strong voice and determination.”

One of the most rewarding experiences for Loughran this year was performing the act “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”, where he played the keyboard. The opportunity to collaborate with senior Lidiia Okilko, lead singer the act, made the experience even more memorable, he explained. Okilko feels the same about Loughran, she said.

“[Loughran] is probably one of the, if not the, most talented people I’ve ever met,” Okilko said. “He is passionate about music. He was born to perform, to be on stage, like it radiates from him.”