Granby Memorial High School Coffeehouse Spotlights Students’ Talent

The Granby Memorial High School commons was transformed into a hipster's hangout Saturday evening when students displayed their talents during the school's ninth annual coffeehouse.

The event was sponsored by the high school chorus and was an auditioned event.  The coffeehouse drew students, parents, performers and community members. Saturday night brought 26 acts, ranging from singing and guitar to the drums, performed by Granby Memorial High School students.

Lily Garcia, a 16-year-old junior at the high school, wowed the audience with her rendition of the song Think of Me, a song she said is “an old favorite of mine.” This marked her second year performing in coffeehouse.

“I think it’s really cool,” she said of the event. “It’s a casual environment and anyone can sing.”

She added that “a lot of people from the community came out to support” the students.

One act after Lily came Spencer Carson, a junior and member of the chorus, who performed the song Baby Girl on the guitar. 

“I love performing,” he said after his performance. “It feels awesome to perform here."

Half of the proceeds from the event that packed the commons will go toward the chorus program, for things such as equipment and workshops. The remaining funds raised will go toward buying fuel efficient stoves for women/families in Darfur, due to the fact that they have to travel great distances for fire wood, imposing risks on their safety.

Granby Memorial High School Chorus Director Mindy Shilansky said in the 10 years that she has been teaching at the school, over $10,000 has been raised for charities. Last year, money was donated to help the Haiti earthquake relief effort. 

Shilansky said over the nine years, she has watched the coffee house transform dramatically. 

“I’ve found that with any event or project, it takes a while for people to take ownership,” she said. But, “the kids really have ownership of it now.”

The event, she said, has gone from an audience of parents to “an event that a lot of the community takes part in.” 

Emma Percibal, 14, and Liad Stearns, 15, both came out to support friends and family. Liad’s sister Neve was one of the performers Saturday evening. 

When asked why she thought so many students have gravitated toward the event over the years, she said, “I think to see each other, listen to the music and see them perform.”

Jacklyn Stupienski, a 16-year-old member of the chamber singers, agreed.

“A lot of people come for the social aspect,” she said. 

Shilanky said a similar charitable event will take place in about three months, which is a rock band benefit concert. The Concert of Hope, Shilanky said, will be the first Friday of May and features high school bands. Check the high school website for more details to come.