Ali Jenkins
On Saturday, April 20th, the Homer Music Boosters hosted Cabaret Night at the high school. Principal Tom Turk was the master of ceremonies for the event, which featured musical groups of students, from intermediate through high school. Music teachers Mr. Dave DiGennaro, Mrs. Allison Henry, Mrs. Cara McLaughlin, and Mr. Dave Shiffman, as well as several greatly-appreciated private instructors, led these student musicians.
First to perform was the Ruby Rhythms, a high school ladies’ choir. The girls performed several songs with the accompaniment of Mrs. McLaughlin. Alana A performed on her clarinet, and Mrs. Paula Gustafson accompanied her on piano. High school singer Sarah D next performed a vocal solo. Then, the Fluba Duet, composed of Shannon S on flute and Erin S on tuba, played a piece. The Soul Singers performed several lively tunes, directed by Mrs. Henry, and called all past Soul Singers onto the stage for “Singing a Song.” The Licorice Sticks, a clarinet quartet that included Lucia H, Grace S, Nikea U, and Sarah W, performed the theme song for The Pink Panther. Following this performance, Julia G played a tune on the piano. Men in Black, a high school boys’ choir, performed “Kiss the Girl” and “Mr. Bass Man,” while Mrs. McLaughlin directed. Drew G then played a trumpet solo, while Mrs. Paula Gustafson accompanied him on piano. Under the Sun, a rock band that featured David P as lead singer, performed “A-Punk,” by Vampire Weekend and “Vienna,” by Billy Joel. Gideon S next performed a solo, “Grace and Beauty,” on piano. The Blue Notes, a jazz choral group of male and female high school singers, performed several pieces, including “Bring Me Sunshine.” The trombone ensemble, Slide Area, which was composed of Hannah A, Mr. DiGennaro, Nadine D, and Alexis S, played the Super Mario theme song. 
Next, Jasminique and Vincent H, the Who-ligans, played the theme song for Doctor Who on two percussion instruments. The Junior High Jazz Band, directed by Mr. Shiffman, played two pieces and featured a number of soloists. Noah K on tenor saxophone was a soloist in the first song, “Moving Target.” Their performance of The Pink Panther theme song featured Cullen G, on baritone saxophone, and Drew G on trumpet. Next, Hannah and Liam W performed a vocal duet, singing “Yellow,” by Coldplay. Elena G performed a flute solo, accompanied by Mrs. Paula Gustafson. Following her piece, Lucia H performed a vocal solo, “Mozart’s Hallelujah.” Finally, the High School Jazz Band concluded the evening with several pieces. A number of soloists were featured, including Josh A, Gunner B, Brenton N, Nick P, Luke T, Nate U, and Strawberry W. This group brought the evening to a wonderful conclusion with its two pieces. All of the singers and musicians who performed at Cabaret Night showcased the wonderful talent of Homer’s students!
The Homer Music Boosters, the group that sponsored this music-filled event, gave out a raffle prize of two tickets for the Center for the Arts to one lucky winner. The Homer Music Boosters are always looking for new members. The club’s president, Mr. Bob Baumeister, encouraged all interested parents to become involved in the organization. The group works to support the musical arts at Homer, giving back to the richness of the school community.
Thank you to all of the Music Boosters, parents, students, teachers, and performers who made this event possible! 
