Open Mic
It's 5:30 on a Friday evening and the cafeteria lights are dimmed for the upcoming event. Rows of chairs are lined up in front of a small stage lit by various lamps and Christmas lights. Aspiring student musicians dot the cafeteria, tuning their instruments and warming up their voices. As the rows of seats begin to fill with their classmates, assorted musicians of various ages and talents step in front of the crowd to show off their unique musical talents.
Open Mic: A monthly musical event that is run by students, for students. On the first Friday of every month at 5:30, high school students of all types gather to perform, listen to their classmates, and involve themselves in the young musical talent of South Kingstown. Open Mic Night is a feature unique to South Kingstown High School that allows aspiring musicians to relax and share their talent in a friendly and welcoming environment. For young musicians, Open Mic Night is a wonderful opportunity to begin to overcome stage fright and get to know other South Kingstown High School students. According to Ryan Moran, a South Kingstown senior and frequent Open Mic performer, "[Open Mic] has really brought my friends and I together, and it’s taught me a lot of things about being a good performer. I feel that Open Mic has really helped me grow as a performer and has
given me an audience of my peers so I don’t feel uncomfortable when performing.” Moran performs at Open Mic regularly, often playing with a group of other students who share his unique taste in Irish folk music. South Kingstown High School is a school with a friendly and inviting atmosphere, and Open Mic is a true extension of that attitude. All types of music are welcome, and anyone can sign up to perform. There is even a club dedicated to making the Open Mic experience the best it can be: Project Venue. This group of students take it upon themselves to promote the event and help join the school together with this musical night. Open Mic Night gives the students of South Kingstown High School the opportunity to express their interests and share their talents in a friendly and inviting atmosphere.