To help spread a creative atmosphere within the school as well as raise funds to support the magazine, the Avant-Garde recently hosted VHS’s first ever Open Mic Night in the VHS Library Media Center.

Students were invited to read their own original works or works that inspire them. Many also performed original music, as well as covers of their favorite songs.

                Attendees included students and parents. Over forty-five people paid a $5 fee, which covered their entrance and refreshments. The staff of the Avant-Garde baked goods and provided refreshments.

                The event coordinators, with the help of the custodial staff, set up the library, which was decorated with string lights and Avant-Garde posters.

Highlight performances of the night include senior Maddie Boyle’s amazing rendition of “Let Her Go” by Passenger, with senior Kendra O’Neill’s pre-recorded piano accompaniment.

                Sophomore Michael Petrozzino and junior Frances Metzger read poetry they had written in Creative Writing. Sophomore Carina Mitchell, along with her sister senior Kelsey Mitchell, sang “Royals” by Lorde with an incredible and strong stage presence. Kelsey also read her own poetry.

                Seniors Maura Cuddihy and Lucas Freschi, along with 2013 graduate Tyler Curtis, performed various covers, including The Head and The Heart’s “Down in the Valley.”

                David Ben-Israel got a laugh-out-loud response with his reading of “the poem that inspired me to write poetry in the first place… I found it on Reddit.” He then proceeded to say “egg” as he counted out ten times on his fingers. His actual poem was sharp and witty, lamenting his disdain for the holiday season and the commercialism and greed associated with it.

                Freshman Joe Anello also read a humorous poem, published in last year’s edition of the Messenger, HBW’s literary magazine. It came complete with cautionary comment: “Warning- this poem makes no sense.”

                Junior Rachel Gumbrecht read a piece she had composed for her AP Language and Composition class – an emulation of the style of writer Annie Dillard.   Juniors Olivia Feiger and Natalie DeRosa performed the Dead Milkmen’s “Punk Rock Girl.” Senior Jess Parsons read her own poetry and Ahnie Simonian performed a song while playing guitar. Ella Yarmo-Gray also sang and played guitar. Lia Golick read Sylvia Plath’s “Soliloquy of the Solipsist.”

                The night’s MC, junior Izzy Schechter (pictured), read her own poetry. Last minute, she decided to perform a song she had written herself. Her poetic lyrics and talented guitar playing impressed the audience.

                “It was an amazing display of students’ talent which led to a fun and entertaining night for everyone who came,” said junior Amanda Flores, production manager of the magazine. “I am very proud of the Avant-Garde and the proceeds it raised to help fund the literary magazine, which is becoming an increasingly popular way for the students to showcase their talent and dedication to art and literature.”

                All proceeds from the night will be used to print this year’s magazine, which the staff anticipates to be the best yet. They are planning to use the funds raised to send the magazine out to be printed, as opposed to doing it in the school.