Auditions for the Louder Than a Bomb poetry slam went under way yesterday after class was dismissed for the day. Students were each given five minute intervals to present their poems in front of six judges as well as their peers. Ten students auditioned to be a part of the six-person team that will represent Shawnee Mission South at the event in March.

“I was mostly afraid I would get so nervous that I wouldn’t be able to recite my slam poem,” freshman Tara Phillips said. “I think my audition went well overall.”

Louder Than a Bomb is a Chicago-based poetry slam event that has spread to Kansas City, Missouri, in recent years. This will be South’s first team participating in the event.

“I think that poetry really helps you express your views on certain aspects in life, slam poetry especially,” Phillips said. “I’m excited to go and meet other people that are involved in the poetry slam as well and perform for others.”

Results of the auditions will be released by the end of the week.