by Cleo Falvey

The atmosphere in the band room before the school’s first Open Mic began was casual, relaxed and friendly as about 10 performers and 10 audience members chatted, reclined on couches, pillows and comfy chairs and snacked on chips, bagels and juice provided by the organizers.

The opening act, introduced by emcee and senior Shane Dähler, consisted of junior Alice Jennings strumming an electric guitar softly while singing a melancholy, haunting song called “Hiding Tonight.” After that, Jennings was joined by junior Ella Von Huene and they sang “Einstein’s Duet,” an uplifting song about being lost and found, and the role that home and belonging plays in a person’s identity.

The audience was casual but attentive, and the next act up was freshman Reuben Ramos, who played the famous “Prelude” from Bach’s G Major Cello Suite. The fast-paced piece highlighted Ramos’s dexterous fingers. While there were many abrupt starts and stops, the tone of the piece was cheerful and the audience was extremely supportive of the nervous performer.

Next, sophomore Ian Mitchell performed “Accordion Jungle,” which had a smooth sound and was in a minor key. The piece blended both sharp and flowing notes, and had a repetitive pattern. It was quickly followed by “Post-Apocalyptic Accordion Jungle” which was faster, choppier, and had an improvisational feel.

Seniors Peter Fletcher, Hal Triedman, Josh Grossman, Shane Dähler and Eddie Cipullo next played an improv piece that included drums, bells, piano, melodica, harmonica and lyrics taken from Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! The piece was an overall inspirational medley, haphazard and goofy, but the band members played their instruments with skill, talent and excellent communication to move the piece along in rhythm. The audience joined in clapping and shouting joyfully along with the rousing band.

Lastly, Jennings returned to the stage with senior Jay Lowenstein to sing a duet called “Crane Your Neck,” a song that was energetic, then serene, and of the night’s highlights. The song was a good end to the hour and a half concert.

Open Mics are open to everyone, and it’s fairly easy to sign up to be featured, as music teacher Carolyn Castellano is in charge of registration. Whether you are looking for a place to perform music with a casual audience in a non-judgmental setting, or looking to hear music from the school’s up-and-coming performers and bands, Open Mic is a worthwhile event to attend.[/fusion_text][/one_full]