Elizabeth Becz ’18 plays the piano.
Photo Credit: Lauren Costabile ’17

IHA’s chapter of Tri-M, the music honor society, held their first annual Coffee House Open Mic Night fundraiser in place of the longstanding tradition of Karaoke Night, and it was a success.

Students showed off their incredible talent and came to perform covers of popular songs, original songs, and original poetry. Starbucks donated coffee and there were baked goods for the performers and guests to snack on. The funds raised went to IHA’s scholarship fund, an organization that Elizabeth Becz ’18 is part of called School Supporters (http://www.schoolsupporters.org/) and Tri-M.

Ashley Cha ’16, Kelly Murphy ’17 and Katianne Dunay ’16 sing karaoke.
Photo Credit: Lauren Costabile ’17

Mrs. Buscareno said, “The Tri-M members created a very positive, fun, and supportive atmosphere for all of the performers. There were cheers, applause, snapping of fingers, and hugs for all who had the courage to get in front of the mic and share.”

Some highlights included IHA Rock Band’s performance of “All The Boys” by Panic! at the Disco, Kyra Campos-Marquetti’s ’16 original song entitled “Creeper”, sweet duets including the ones by Reagan Stroka ’17 with Simona Riccardi ’17 and Kendra Banach ’17 with Melissa Canavan ’17. Poems were performed by Tess Szydlik ’18, Lauren Costabile ’17 and other students. Dominique Restivo ’16 was the emcee for the evening and provided the audience with a variety of jokes in between acts.

Simona Riccardi ’17 and Reagan Stroka ’17 jam with a ukelele.
Photo Credit: Lauren Costabile ’17

The Tri-M president Ashley Cha ’16 said of the change, “The coffee house had a more intimate and relaxed vibe. It was a nice way to really see everyone’s talents.”

The Tri-M vice president Rebecca Coronel said, “It was cool seeing different sides of everyone expressed through poetry and music that you don’t normally see. Something as unique as that would be missed if we had a simple karaoke night [as we have in the past].”

By Gabriella DePinho ’17, IHA News Senior Editor