Coffee House showcases talent

Kyla Grant wears her art as she creates a drawing. photo by Rongi Yost

A wide range of art and student-performed music greeted community members, family and friends who attended the eighth annual Coffee House at Sisters High School.

The event was held in the commons of the new school on Thursday, November 20.

The jazz band got toes tapping in time to the music when they opened with "Snooze You Lose Blues" under the energetic and enthusiastic direction of Jody Henderson. The audience was entertained with improvised solos by Justin Thomas and Beck Pierce on the sax, Jake Merrill on trumpet and Alyssa Boley on the piano.

The band also performed "Fly With The Wind" which was specially arranged for them by Henderson. Casey Pyke on guitar and Shane Connor on the sax were the featured soloists.

"This House is Rockin'" performed by the jazz choir, kept the audience captivated. Several soloists were featured including Kyle Whipps, Sarah Douglas, Kerani Mitchell, Blake Poyner and Kelly Cundiff.

First-year teacher Tara Clarke joined her girls' jazz ensemble in an a cappella rendition of "A Thousand Miles," which showcased Lauryn Shultz.

Clarke's first impression of the Coffee House was, "It was spectacular and so much fun. It's great to see that the students are appreciative and supportive of what their friends have been doing."

Patrons browsed display panels which featured individual artists' work, ranging from painting, chalks, pen and ink to photography, watercolors, acrylics and mixed media.

Students from the Americana Project, including Beck Pierce, Benji Nagel, Sam Pyke, Monica Offield, Shane Connor, Amanda Sarles and Sarah Douglas presented original work as well as renditions of recent singer songwriter hits.

Several areas were set aside for demonstration purposes where guests could observe pottery being thrown on the wheel, sculpting, face painting and jewelry making.

The arts were even represented in the attire several students wore. Kyla Grant could be seen sporting a skirt made from four decks of playing cards as she quietly sat working on the mask she was painting in oil pastels.

Casey Pyke roamed through the exhibits dressed as the scarecrow from the play, "The Dark and Peculiar Tale of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz."

To add variety to the evening Whitney Kelleher played a selection on her harp and Micah Hillis offered a selection on his cello.

Long-time community resident Donna Moyer said, "The Coffee House is just fabulous! We get to see all the hidden talent these kids have. If it wasn't for the arts programs many of these kids would never get a chance to show what they can do. The students and community look forward to the event every year."

Students enjoyed the evening as much as the adults.

Jill McConville and Monica Offield said, "It was amazing! We have so many talented and creative kids in our school. There is so much imagination and different ways the kids express themselves."

The event raised over $1,400 dollars for the evening. A portion of proceeds will be used for scholarships.