Bryant Choir’s annual Coffeehouse Cabaret took place on January 23, with a total of 23 performances by students that auditioned. The event, a long-standing tradition for the choir program, serves as both a fundraiser and a celebration of the students’ hard work. Organized with the help of the choir parents, the evening included an impressive spread of food, desserts and drinks for attendees to enjoy while listening to live music.
This year, 72 students auditioned for a spot in the Cabaret. While some auditions were submitted digitally, others opted to perform live in front of choir director Mr. Oglesby. The audition process offered students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on a professional level.
“Originally I was kind of nervous, and I ended up just singing the first song that came to my head, which was ‘Kiss Me’ by Sixpence None the Richer,” sophomore Ayla Paredes, sophomore, said. “I did it online, but in hindsight I wish I’d done it in front of Mr. O to show more of my vocal skill.”
The Coffeehouse Cabaret is unique to other performances by the freedom it gives students to choose their own performance pieces. From Broadway classics to modern pop hits, the program was a dynamic mix of genres and styles. Each song reflected the individual personality and vocal strengths of the performer, making the event not only entertaining but also deeply personal for the students involved.
“I chose the song ‘The Line’ by Twenty-One Pilots; it’s a song that was featured in the show ‘Arcane,’ and it was just one I heavily enjoyed,” junior Aubrey Upton said.
The proceeds from ticket sales and donations go directly toward helping students cover upcoming expenses for choir events. With convention fees, travel costs and competition entry fees upcoming during the spring semester, the Cabaret plays a role in ensuring students have access to opportunities.
Beyond its financial impact, the Cabaret is an opportunity for students to bond with one another and perform for a supportive audience.
“Everyone’s very welcome and comfortable to be around,” senior Kyla Lipsie said. “Between all of our choirs, the entire program is full of people I would just consider family.”
