Youthful Musical Talents Abound at Upcoming UMHS Cabaret Night

Upper Moreland High School's upcoming Cabaret Night is a fundraising endeavor co-sponsored by the Upper Moreland Music Patrons and the high school music program.

Upper Moreland Music Patrons, better known as UMMP, is a nonprofit organization completely run by volunteers to help raise money for the needs of music students in the middle and high schools.

Ways and Means Chairperson, also known as Fundraising Chairperson Judy Shaw joined UMMP in 2002 when her son joined the marching band.

“I was invited to join UMMP as a basic member, and once I did that, I realized that it was run all by parents who were also members, as well as volunteers that were dedicated to helping raise funds for the many different music departments in the middle and high schools,” said Shaw.

Shaw works to raise funds for the UMMP by coordinating sales of children's coupon books and pizza kits, and assisting with various other fundraising events, such as the upcoming Cabaret Night, which will take place Feb. 26.

UMHS choir director Maria Slowey-Johnson and her husband, Blair Johnson, originally had an idea for a performance based on “Smokey Joe’s Café,” a musical variety show that showcases many musical talents.

Slowey-Johnson is also an AP music theory teacher, and the vocal director for the high school musical. During the summer, she worked with students to brainstorm about Cabaret Night.

“We actually wrote a cabaret show for the students last year based on the students' solos and musical interests,” Slowey-Johnson said, referring to her husband and herself.

“I wanted to celebrate their talents and gifts in a meaningful way that could give back to the music program,” she continued.

Students wanted to make the Cabaret Show a fundraiser for the music program. Every student from band, orchestra, drama, choir and Cadenza was invited to audition. 

“I encouraged students to bring their own ideas, their own personalities, and passion so we could showcase a wide variety of talent and abilities,” Slowey-Johnson said.

According to Slowey-Johnson, students in the music program typically practice an average of five days a week, and the caliber of their work reflects this effort.

 “Upper Moreland High School is overflowing with musical talent, and it’s been amazing to watch students blossom as they celebrate who they are through music,” she said.

Slowey-Johnson wants Cabaret Night to be the starting point for similar performances in the future.

“This year's Cabaret Show will be the first of, hopefully, many successful shows and UMMP fundraisers that are student-centered and student-led (for the students, by the students),” she said.

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The box-office report: UMHS Cabaret Night

When: Saturday, Feb. 26

Time: 7  to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors

• Proceeds benefit the UMHS Music Program.
• Tickets may be purchased at the front office of the high school from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Information: Contact Judy Shaw at judyesw@comcast.net for more information.