Musicians and other artiststs at WHS have participated in the traditional performances in the high school auditorium, but the monthly Open Mic Nights at the Weston Art and Innovation Center (AIC) have created a new opportunity for rising performers to get more publicity. Ranging from premiers of student composed works to magic shows, the Open Mic Nights have launched a platform for more music to be heard and talent to be seen in Weston.
“The Open Mic Nights at the Arts and Innovation Center provide our WHS performing artists a unique opportunity to perform outside of school in a solo, duet, or small group,” music teacher and coordinator for the Open Mic Nights Jonathan Eldridge said. “It is not just for musicians, either. We have had poetry, magic, and juggling performances, for example. Musically, we have also had student singer/songwriters perform their own originals as well as world premiers of pieces. Anybody at WHS can sign up.”
The Open Mic Nights occur every second Wednesday of the month at 7 pm, with the next one happening on March 20. The environment of the AIC is a key factor in producing a special ambience for performers.
“It’s not a grand stage or anything, but it’s a pretty sizable room with around 50 to 60 seats. It’s a nice small room for a small recital,” junior King Wang said. “Also another great thing is just about listening to what other people have to perform, getting to see all the different talents.”
The diversity of performers allows students to experience arts from all fields, an aspect that is distinct to the Open Mic Nights.
“I was starry-eyed at all of the other performances. As an instrumentalist, I don’t often get to hear our school’s singers perform, and I can now confirm that they are very talented,” senior Joy Han said. “But for me, the highlight of the night was listening to original songs written and performed by other students. I understand that it probably takes a lot of effort and courage to pull that off, but I was glad to hear the results.”
Student composers feel that the Open Mic Nights have been essential to expanding their artistic collaborations and outreach to the town.
“It’s allowed me to get my works out. If it wasn’t for the Open Mic Nights, I would have never gotten a chance to perform my piece in front of people because my piece doesn’t really fit the typical orchestra concert or band concert style,” Wang said. “It’s for a string trio, which is three people. And the open mic night is small performances so you get a chance to show off these little things.”
The Open Mic Nights began as an initiative to allow students more chances to showcase their musical talents.
“Jonathan Eldridge and I began discussing the idea in very early 2020. We really wanted to create a space and opportunity for students to share their talents outside of school,” AIC staff member and Open Mic Nights coordinator Jean Arturi said. “Through the Teen Open Mic Night we are building connection and community. It’s also pretty incredible to be able to enjoy original music, followed by covers from an a cappella group, then juggling and closing out with an impromptu duet from ‘Wicked’ all in one evening.”
Students appreciate the locality of the event and hope that in the future, more students will participate in the event to display an even more varied selection of performances.
“I just love performing and I always try to find Open Mic Nights in the summer, but not many happen. It’s nice to have something close and that’s every month that I can go to,” senior Sophie Bourne said. “I think it’d be really fun if people at the high school, maybe outside of the music program, knew about it and were performing themselves. It’s a really fun night so I wish more people knew about the opportunities.”
The Open Mic Nights are paving the way for further artistic growth and students and faculty should take advantage to watch and be part of the emerging student artist performances at the AIC.
“If any student at WHS would like to perform their music or a cover, read poetry, perform magic, or any other kind of performing art, they should see me so we can get them on the list,” Eldridge said. “My favorite part of the events so far is watching our awesome artists perform—especially those that bring their original, self-created art to the public. It’s so nice to see them put themselves out there and take these great risks.”
