TAB’s Open Mic Night: Wild West Edition

Written By: Nino Nguyen, Alyssa Psaila

Photos By: Chaya Burns, August Nsereko-Furlong, Markus Wrona, TL Sutherland

Edited By: Zara Ahluwalia, Madeleine Homer

Contributor: Gloria Shi

The Most Musical YEEHAW of the Night

On Thursday, October 19th, 2023, the Music Department held their very first Open Mic Night in many years. Organised by the Music Council, the event was ‘Wild West’ themed, taking place in TAB’s cafeteria simultaneously with parent-teacher conferences from 7 to 9 p.m.

The event consisted of many musicians who auditioned to showcase their musical talents and passion for their art. The performers, many of whom were fellow students at TAB, played a large variety of music ranging from rock to classical.

The event also included a bake sale filled with cookies, chocolate bars, cinnamon rolls, drinks, and many more delicious treats. Audience members and parents were able to purchase these baked goods ranging from $1 to $2, raising funds for the Music Department.

The Bake Sale table, run by Ceilidh Parker, with assistance from Amy Li

The show started off with Sun Min Choi, playing Ständchen arranged on the flute, composed by Franz Schubert. The night bustled with energy as parents who came for conferences dropped by to check out the show. After many more amazing performances, the event ended with The Blind Squids, busting out some fantastic rock classics.

Sun Min Choi performing Ständchen on the flute

Curran White’s band, The Blind Squids, performing some rock classics

One notable performer was Bai Xiyuan, who played his personal arrangement of the Polish-Ukrainian folk song, Hej Sokoły by Tymko Padura on the accordion. Being the Music Department’s first accordionist, Bai performed with technique and musicality, and his remarkable performance was loved by many.

“The thing I liked about the event was its intimacy and its casual and supportive atmosphere. I am happy about my performance as I made no major mistakes,” Bai reflected.

Bai Xiyuan playing Hej Sokoły on the accordion

Another noteworthy performer was Kathy Feng, who played a cover of See You Again by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth on the guzheng. She also performed earlier in April, at TAB’s Multicultural Night, sharing her beautiful culture with others before playing at the Open Mic Night.

Kathy Feng performing See You Again by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth on the guzheng

All in all, the Music Department has hosted another wonderful event that highlighted the musical talents and passions of students here at TAB.