A ‘latte’ goodbyes: Preparing for the Last Drop
Ashlynn Ashmore, left, and Luke Sheffe audition for the Last Drop. The two will perform together in May, in addition to their other groups.
Related Stories
Revisiting favorite flavors: Coffeehouse alums return for the Classic Roast
Brewing up the First Cup: behind the scenes at Coffeehouse
Auditions for Coffeehouse: the Last Drop took place in the Swartz Auditorium on Mar 13. They were judged by the co-advisors of the Coffeehouse program, Jimmy Wilkinson, Susan Biondo-Hench, and Grayson Rech.
Each of the Coffeehouse shows typically has a very different audition process. The First Cup, which took place in September, was designed to try and minimize the number of cuts, while the Refill, Coffeehouse’s January show, was more competitive.
“Each of [the] 3 shows each year has different approaches and selection processes,” Grayson Rech, an advisor for the program said. “Our first show in September is designed to try and limit or not cut people. Each auditioner would be allowed one 5 minute slot or 1 song.”
Rech added, “However, that does depend on the amount of people auditioning. Our January Show is much harder to get into as there are only 7 slots, but they are 15 minutes in length so there’s more stage time.”
Rech said that the Last Drop is typically in between the other two shows in terms of competitiveness.
“Our season closer, which is coming up [on] Friday, May 3, [7 pm] rain or shine in the Swartz Auditorium, is a combination of the first two [shows] and cuts are based on audition response and quality of audition,” said Rech.
When judging auditions, the advisors looked at a total of nine categories.
“Things like being on time and readiness for auditions, eye contact, people skills, handwriting, yes handwriting on audition sheet, are important collectively,” said Rech. “The last 3 categories have a heavier point level like having originality, stage presence, and performance quality and ability. These categories differ in that someone can be a great player but have low stage presence. It’s more than just playing or singing a song, […] it’s interacting with the crowd and holding their attention.”
“Being selected for Coffeehouse felt amazing. Just knowing I share my talents with students and parents is unbelievable.”
— Sophia Morrison, performer
Many of those who auditioned practiced daily in hopes of securing a spot in the final Coffeehouse of the year.
“I prepared for my audition by practicing my music every day,” freshman Breona Brogan said. “When I got selected, I felt so happy and grateful to get to experience performing for the school.”
The musicians who were selected for the Last Drop are excited to perform. This includes Sophia Morrison, a freshman who will be participating in Coffeehouse for the first time this May.
“For my audition, I practiced a lot, constantly playing it on my ukulele and singing during my vocal lessons,” said Morrison. “Being selected for Coffeehouse felt amazing. Just knowing I share my talents with students and parents is unbelievable.”
Want to help the Herd? Please consider supporting the Periscope program. Your donation will support the student journalists of CHS and allow us to purchase equipment, send students to workshops/camps, and cover our annual website hosting costs.
Dyamond Jones is currently a senior at Carlisle High School. She is a member of National Honors Society and National English Honors Society. She loves...
Samantha Martin is super excited to share the role of Editor-in-Chief with Abigail Lindsay during her fourth year on staff! She is also a member of several...
Condor Hall • May 23, 2019 at 12:00 pm
This was my last coffeehouse and I’m deeply saddened I’ll never be able to perform again. Reciting poetry has been a highlight of my senior year, the audience is always super lively and supportive and the student talent is phenomenal. Regardless, I’m happy that the coffeehouse family welcomed me and I’m going to really miss the program!
Grace Colestock • Apr 22, 2019 at 7:08 pm
I never really knew the difference between the three different coffeehouses, but I think its really cool and interesting. It is such a neat way for students to display their talent and perform in front of their peers and teachers. I think that “The Last Drop” in May will be really cool to see and I cannot wait to go! This article really helped me understand the difference between performances and the competitiveness of auditions.
salko hrnjic • Mar 26, 2019 at 2:31 pm
This was a really cool glimpse into how the auditioning works. I’ve had a lot of friends in coffee house but I never understood how much nuance goes into them. I’m sure there’s a lot of pressure on the organizers when it comes to dealing with so many talented performers. They must have to take even more than what is mentioned in the article into account, like keeping the “feel” of coffeehouse with the performances.