Coffee House Gallery
30 November 2009
Meeker’s amateur talent was showcased to the raucous applause of a large crowd Tuesday night at the 9th Annual Meeker High School Fall Coffee House. The Coffee House, a brainchild of Meeker High School Arts teacher, Andy Goettel, typically displays snippets of some of Meeker’s faculty and student talent including everything from karaoke style solos and duets to Mr. Goettel’s favorite art picks from his popular classes. It was an event peppered between acts with Goettel’s dry, slap-stick wit and as he wryly admitted, “third grade humor” while performers got ready for their moment behind microphones– which did and did not work depending upon the whimsical electrical glitch of the moment. Each butterfly laden fame-seeker courageously made their way to the stage to prove they are more than worthy of eager community praise.
The opening act was the Meeker High School Jazz band under the direction of Bob Eggebratten, setting a lively tone for the rest of the evening. Highlights of this year’s performances included a solo contemporary dance performance from freshmen Amanda Kendall, and a solo country and western ballad from Kaylyn Edwards. Not to be outdone, accounts and athletic secretary, Stacey Chism, belted out a country western solo showing she too, has golden pipes.
Laura Glass and Makayla Sheridan sang a harmonious duet to the mellow strains of Mr. Goettel’s guitar. Kim Kendall joined a chorus of performers singing and swaying while the audience clapped in time to a cheery Cat Steven’s song.
The audience hooted and cheered a lively, ear-vibrating performance of a Bob Dylan song by “Andy Goettel and the Wanna-Be’s” which featured Elementary School Principal Jason Hightower knocking out the words in a respectable retro-rendition, while Charlie Adams and Mr. Goettel manned the guitars and Evan Edwards banged out a masterful rhythm on the drums. Edwards made a special point of gesturing to Mr. Goettel at the end of the performance asking for much deserved extra audience recognition of Goettel’s fine guitar playing and more importantly, Geottel’s affection for students in the creation of the Fall Coffee House. The audience responded warmly.
Equally appreciated by the audience was the art display in the lobby of the high school. Parents, students and community members wandered through panels filled with student art work. Multiple mediums were featured from graphite and watercolor to scratch board and ink displaying an extraordinary depth of talent from our students.
Meeker’s teaching talent was particularly apparent with a special jazz solo performed on saxophone by Music Director, Bob Eggebraten. Even though electronic support systems collapsed in the middle of his solo, Eggebraten gracefully played on, making the technological glitch nearly unnoticeable. His later vocal performance of the favorite Christmas ballad “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” accompanied by talented pianist and high school guidance counselor, Elaine Collins, was a delightful end to the evening’s many charming performances.
As Evan’s grandmother, Hazel Edwards said, “Wasn’t that a wonderful evening!”
Editor’s note: More performers will be featured in separate articles next week. Check later for a special gallery of student art!
