Eleanor A. ’25 was nervous while waiting in the wings, as she prepared for a performance unlike any other in the lineup of 20 Coffeehouse performers that night. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and debuted “Morag Duncan” for the crowd—on the Great Highland bagpipe.
The audience gave Eleanor the first standing ovation of the night.
“My friends were all really supportive. And that gave me [a] boost. Because, even if it goes terribly, most people have probably never seen bagpipes live,” Eleanor said.
“I think the general consensus is that the bagpipes were the best part,” said student council Arts Representative Chloe M. ’25.
Chloe was one of the lead organizers for Nueva’s semiannual, celebrated tradition of Coffeehouse. The event hosted singers, dancers, and poetry reciters to share their talents with an audience of students, faculty, and parents. Attendees and performers alike snuggled into the WRC, made cozy by green couches, hot chocolate, and fairy lights, on the first Friday night of March.
Math teacher Andrew Alexander sponsored the event and read aloud a poem, “The Cave of Making,” with an enchanting narration that stunned the audience. He has participated in Coffeehouse since first joining Nueva because of the unique environment that the event affords community members.
“What I see at Coffeehouse is all [of students’] talents and passion, but without that added layer of stress and competitiveness. It’s like [their] purest and best form,” he said.
Behind the scenes, the community-favorite event was supported by the student council Arts Cabinet, other student council members, and The Nueva Current staff. Assistant Director of Communications LiAnn Yim and Alexander supported the event as faculty advisors.
“It’s kind of sweet to see [Coffeehouse] come to fruition. At the end of the day, I know I can’t do it alone. So it’s just nice to have everyone come together,” Chloe said.
On stage, students and teachers from various backgrounds converged to contribute their artistic talents to the stage. Freshman bands played a soulful rendition of “Just the Two of Us” and “R U Mine?” an energetic rock song, while the Nueva Dance Team and Nueva Notes acapella group contributed energetic performances.
As a longstanding tradition, Coffeehouse will be back next fall, but many of the senior performers will not. Chloe performed at her last Coffehouse alongside senior friends Brenna A. M. ’25 and Silvia G.-P. ’25, and she said that will cherish the event’s showcase of “the wide variety of performers and talents that we have in our community.”
