Cabaret Night provides an opportunity to singers of all experience levels
By Sarah Marks
On Thursday, November 9, Patrick Maier's choir classes expressed their vocal talents at Cabaret night. This event, hosted in the PAC café, is open to every member of M-A choir and featured first-time singers and experienced choir members alike.
"[Students] can basically choose and sing any song they want. I can't force them to participate — but I ask them to try, especially if they've never done it before, so they can get the experience." Maier emphasizes the welcoming audience; “Many have gone through this, and they know how nervous [the singers] get, so they're very sympathetic to the people going up onstage.”
However, Cabaret night is not limited to choir. Students from Guitar I and II were in attendance, providing accompaniment. Many students played the piano or other instruments while singing, further demonstrating the multi-talented group present in the music room. Maier's drumming class provided a beat behind the blues and a steady rhythm for the vocals.
“There's a couple students this year who are writing their own songs and performing them,” says Maier. Playing an instrument along with the solo or having an accompaniment is encouraged, especially for students who are nervous and want someone else onstage with them.
Christi Young opened the night by singing Capri by Colbie Caillat. She set the stage for a night of low lights and tumultuous applause. "My favorite part is probably seeing all my wonderful friends sing,“ said Young, reflecting on all the performances later in the night.
Cabaret Night is also a time for singers to create, polish, and perform their own songs. Sophomore Francesca Battista performed her original Hide and Seek while also playing the guitar.
Sophomores Emma Dougherty and Avani Anne, sang The A Team by Ed Sheeran as the first duet of the night. "The audience is really great... because if you mess up, its fine. Everyone's really supportive. It feels like a big family in here," said Dougherty. “I like the spirit, and that everybody gets a chance to sing if they want” said Anne.
“My favorite part is just getting to hear everybody sing!” -Sofia Sanchez
Cabaret night ran smoothly. Students would assist Maier in turning the pages of his music before they went on. Guitarists and drummers came on and off to accompany songs, and the PAC Café remained full throughout the night.
"I love just seeing how supportive everybody is. Even if you mess up, or you forget the lyrics, they will still cheer. I love it," said junior Serena Gertner, who performed Saved.
Senior Jackson Raff sang Seigfried while accompanying himself on the piano. Senior Nadia Moreno delivered At Last to a breathless audience. Both singers were favorites of the night.
Samira Sankaran finished the night, singing Sway while swaying along. Though it was late, nearly every seat housed a fellow singer, family member, sibling, or friend.
After the event was finished, everybody pitched in to help stack a chair or carry a microphone. Maier thanked the audience for coming, and especially for choosing to come despite the football game the same night.
If you missed it, don't worry — there will be a spring Cabaret night next semester!