At Fieldston, students and teachers are often eager to share their talents and creativity with the world. This became even more clear after an inspiring Open Mic Night on November 15. In the sun-splashed Stufac, known for its high ceilings and good acoustics, community members gathered to share their talents, get inspired and, most of all, have fun.
Saskia Sommer, a Form V student and the leader of the Fieldston Poets Society put this event together alongside the club. Her ultimate goal was to bring joy to students. But, accomplishing this was not easy. Before the event began, a mix of anxiety and excitement filled the room as Sommer along with a group of five or so club members worried chairs would not be filled in time. At around 3:25, friends, teachers and even parents flooded in. At 3:30 pm on the dot, Sommer was on the stage introducing the first speaker, Form V student Zoe Hort, reading “Fall, leaves, fall” by Emily Brontë.
Throughout the performances, most snacked on cookies with the “Fieldston Poets Society” logo that filled a table as radiant late afternoon light beamed through the back windows of the room. As everyone got seated and presentations began, the atmosphere livened. Every performance was heartfelt and thought-through. Whether the performer had been tediously preparing their piece or read it spontaneously, their curiosity and liveliness made for a remarkable experience.
For instance, Hort’s performance was followed by a cover of “Clementine” by Elliot Smith from Form V students Alexa and Amelia Citron before history and English teacher Mr. Montera read C.P Cavafy’s “Waiting for the Barbarians” and Rainer Maria Rilke’s “A Church in the East.” “The event was made better by the presence of every single unique performer and attendee,” Sommer remarked, “and I already look forward to planning the next one.”
To advertise the event, Sommer sent out an email the week prior, spoke about it in a school-wide meeting and she and others encouraged everyone to invite their friends and family. Everyone was welcome, and anyone from aspiring poets and artists to supportive friends were encouraged to come. This welcoming spirit was the very reason for the success of the event.
Creativity roared through the room as people found uniquely beautiful ways to express themselves. Form V Student J Brooks shared, “I loved Open Mic last year, so I was excited to do it again. Even though I’m not a huge fan of public speaking and much less a fan of sharing my own writing, I think the Fieldston Poets Society has made it a really comfortable experience for people to take risks and put their voice out there.”
Teachers went up and read, singers and musicians decided to play and sing their hearts out and writers shared their very own work. “I was really impressed by the variety of poems and performances, and the courage students showed in presenting in front of a large group of people,” said Mr. Kaufman, a math teacher who enthusiastically taught and read a poem at the event. “It was a very supportive audience–so Fieldston!”
English teacher and club advisor Ms. Stabenau echoed this comment. Stabenau expressed, “There was an understanding that this was not a formal performance; this was a place to come together and share the poems and music that we all love and admire and have a chance to talk about why we love and admire them. That’s one of the reasons why the Open Mic is such an important and valuable event.”
So, as we move forward this year as a Fieldston community, it is important to look back at moments like these. The Fieldston Poets Society hosted an unforgettable night. The bravery, creativity, talent and sheer honesty of the performances combined with a supportive and inspired audience encapsulated what Fieldston is and hopes to become. The ability and freedom for students to express themselves is something we as a community should be proud of. The Open Mic Night was an inspiring example of our talented and devoted students and teachers. This tradition is one you definitely will not want to miss!
