At the upcoming Fall Coffee House performance next week, choir students are given the opportunity to perform a song of their choosing to showcase their singing talents. This is the second year the choir is hosting a Coffee House performance for students, staff, and supporters to come enjoy both the broader range of music performed and the treats brought by volunteers.
“In my previous campus, it was an event we did for all choir students, so I just took that event we created and started it over here,” choir director Ruben Perez said. “Its intention is to give choir students the opportunity to perform music that they relate to now, whether it be pop, jazz, broadway, anything and everything under the sun. It’s a great opportunity to help them connect to their own styles and genres and to give them a platform to perform not, rather than waiting for the pop show in May.”
The additional chance for students to showcase their abilities not only gives them more practice for future shows, but it also helps them to build more confidence in singing in front of crowds individually.
“I would say the biggest benefit that students gain from Coffee House is finding their own voice,” Perez said. “A lot of times in a choir, they know what part they are in that group but I think individually, this is a great time for them to find their true sound, to find the music that they are truly passionate about.”
While many benefits come from the Coffee House performance, students may struggle to gain the courage to audition for the show.
“I think the biggest difficulty I have with this event is encouraging students to audition, a lot of times our choir students are actually very nervous to perform in front of crowds, so I think this really allows them to sing outside their comfort zone,” Perez said. “I hear a lot of individual voices in the classes, and I hear great potential.”
Before performing in the fall, students must audition for the performance. Auditions are being held a few weeks before the show, giving the students plenty of time to put together a performance that everyone will enjoy.
“We audition a couple weeks beforehand, and it’s a line up of students that perform a solo or duet or something,” senior Kyrie Morgan said. “Waiting to audition is scary, but then you walk out and it’s not that bad, you forget it ever happened.”
Overcoming nervousness can be a challenge for many students, but once they find that ability and audition, they can gain many new experiences with their newfound confidence.
“I think it’s good practice performing in front of others, especially if you’re scared to do it on a stage,” Morgan said. “It’s really just a chill event for people who are all probably dealing with the same nervousness.”
The Fall Coffee House will be held in the Main Campus cafeteria at 7 p.m. Admission is five dollars and includes coffee and snacks.
