More than 50 people assembled in the Multi-Purpose Room of the David Hartleb Technology Center, as the NECC Choral and Music Club and NECC Music presented their 29th Cabaret on Oct. 22.
Running from 7-9 p.m., 15 students performed in various musical styles, starting with a vocal performance of West Side Story’s signature song, “Maria,” by first year music student, Gabe Herrera.
When asked what he thought of his performance, Herrera expressed that he felt it went well, but had room for improvement, stating, “Overall, I would give it a B rating.”
Herrera returned later in the show to perform a duet of “I Could Talk To You All Night” from Broadway’s production of The Outsiders, alongside fellow student Narjis Musa.
Though most performances were of a vocal nature, a few examples of instrumental skills were included.
Third year NECC student, Hina Atwell gave a solo piano performance of “Orestes” by A Perfect Circle, while Sye Ponciano used guitar to accompany a vocal performance of “Pretty For You” by Baby Bugs.
Atwell, a third year music student stated, “I was excited. I felt prepared and was pretty satisfied with my performance.”
Many students were identified in their introduction as first year students, but that was not the case for all involved.
Emi Sisco, an NECC alumnus that has gone on to tour with national music artist, Toad The Wet Sprocket, returned to sing what she referred to as two traditional Japanese Halloween songs.
Along with a video accompaniment of anime cartoons, Sisco’s performances of Akuma No Ko and Show could certainly be viewed as a highlight of the night, though it was not the preference of all.
Audience member, Kathy Godin, stated that, “The duets were my favorite part of the night,” specifically mentioning a performance of Everything At Once, performed by her granddaughter, Cierra Townshend and fellow student, Ben Pineiro.
In all, the show was put together in a professional manner that showcased the musical talent of all who performed.
When asked if she thought the show went well, Professor Alisa Bucchiere, a 21-year music teacher at NECC who has taught all who performed, answered with a definitive, “Hell ya.”
