Coffee House 2022 - A New Perspective

Viewers Perspective

This year's 2022 coffee house was one to remember. It was held on May 26 from 6pm- 8pm. Tickets were sold at the door for $7 or in the cafeteria at lunch for $5. It was a great opportunity for Secord students to show off their skill or even their hidden talents. As soon as the sign up list went up it didn’t take long for the slots to fill up. The event was held in the cafeteria where there were lights, a backdrop, chairs set up and stage. For some this was their first highschool coffee house and for others it was their first since grade 9. There were many great performances that ranged from solo songs, duets, poetry, dances and monologues. The environment that student’s perform in is unlike any other; it is very encouraging and uplifting. At this year’s coffee house there were many original songs that were shared and were immediately big hits, with their catchy lyrics and great melodies. These songs were very impressive, unique and memorable. Some of the original songs performed are also available on Spotify, so definitively check those out. It was so nice to have an event like this since the last two years we were not able to. You could tell by the crowd’s enthusiasm that this was a greatly missed event.

The night was very chill, with the MCs Jack and Adelaide making sure the show went smoothly. They had funny jokes to introduce each act and even some pun relating to the title of the act. The Prom committee had a snack concession stand where people could buy hot drinks, baked goods and chips. There was even a solo that was dedicated to the performer's significant other and a lovely promposal to follow. One of the duets was a current grade 12 student and her friend that had graduated last year. She was unable to perform at coffee house last year so it was a wonderful invitation to be able to participate this year. The dance solo performed was very powerful and emotional. The choreography matched the song choice well and was able to tell a story through the dance itself. Some of the solos and duets were covers of well known songs by Justin Bieber, The Beatles, Taylor Swift and many more.

The cafeteria was also used to display some of the outstanding artwork that was made by our most talented Secord Students. Toward the end of the night the audience was given the chance to walk around and view the art on display.

Overall the night was a hit with a great turn out and an amazing audience. I would definitely encourage everyone to come out next year to watch or to perform. It is so much fun to sit with friends, meet new people, listen to other’s talents and be involved in the school activities. This is one of the Secord traditional events that I will miss the most as a graduate.

Performers Perspective

To perform at a Secord Coffee House after a long period of isolation and social distancing was a dream. The stage was lit up with bright lights that shifted colours every so often. The spring theme was evident, as the stage was covered in flowers, paper mache rocks, a little white picket fence, fairy lights, and a stone wall backdrop painted by Secord students. The crowd was engaged and excited, but also comfortable and “at home”. The Coffee House atmosphere is cozy, warm, and inviting; just the environment that a performer needs.

My name is called along with a silly pun, and I walk on stage, holding the ukulele that I performed with at my first Coffee House in grade 9. The nerves that I felt back then are simply a memory; I feel at ease here, with an audience of familiar faces and walls that I have lived in for the last four years. The lights flashing pink, blue, and green shine in my eyes, and I see the faces in the crowd smiling up at me. I announce that I am going to perform a song that I wrote myself, and chuckle to myself as I start strumming the wrong chords. I carry on and sing; the crowd is listening intently. I sing for what I know will be the last time I perform at a Secord Coffee House (at least as a student). They clap for me when my song is done and I go to embrace them. I think of all the wonderful performances I have witnessed this evening, from original poetry to an improvised contemporary dance. The many talents at Secord cannot be denied.

Performing at this year’s Secord Coffee House was a heartwarming and gratifying experience. From the student artwork displayed all around us, to the hot chocolate served for all to enjoy, this was certainly the perfect event to kick off a fresh start for Laura Secord.