One of the most lasting impressions of Flint Hill that many incoming freshmen get on Revisit Day after they’ve received their letters of acceptance to the school is undoubtedly the unique school tradition of Open Mic. The entire student body gathers in the commons, chatting, laughing, and celebrating the performing talents of their friends, peers, and even some of their teachers. This monthly experience sets Flint Hill and its attendees apart from any other high school, creating a hard-to-replicate sense of community and school spirit. 

The most common talents showcased at Open Mic are undoubtedly musical, with anything from solo or group pop singing acts with a recorded backing track to fully live rock band performances. They feature a variety of artists and songs, both old and new, with even some original compositions every once in a while. A recurring act is Major Minors, Flint Hill’s very own acapella group. Open Mics serve as an important time for them to showcase their collaboration skills as a team, with incredibly coordinated, layered showings in every one of their performances. However, they also provide the opportunity for individual soloists to demonstrate their particular skills and talents with highlighted parts in every song, backed up by the rest of their choir. Maisie Herrick, a junior who performed a solo at one of the earlier Open Mics this year, found the experience immensely rewarding. “I was scared at first,” she says, “but when I started to sing, it wasn’t so bad. It was one of those things that I thought I couldn’t do until I tried it.” Major Minors are always a highlight of an Open Mic performance, and their continued presence is a perfect way of spreading the knowledge of the group to any new and unfamiliar student who might want to audition for it. 

As casual and relaxed Open Mic might seem to the average Flint Hill, it would never be possible without the hard work of those who contribute to it. This, of course, includes the performers themselves, who have to battle nerves and anxiety to perform in front of their friends and peers. It also consists of the members of the Student Council Association who make the show work behind the scenes. Junior Saanvi Lamba has been managing the sound booth, found at the far end of the balcony, opposite the stage itself, since her sophomore year. When asked about her experience and thoughts, she says, “It’s always been fun, just hearing different people. There’s always high attendance, and it’s great to see new acts come on. Everyone pretty much unites over music.” In addition, she values the uniqueness of our school’s tradition, adding, “It’s kind of a Flint Hill trademark thing.” The sound booth’s work during the event mainly consists of balancing microphones and audio to create the best possible experience for the audience, ensuring that even those at the back of the Commons can hear the performance. Lamba also handles the sound checks the afternoon before every performance, guaranteeing as smooth of an audio experience as possible the day of.

The beauty of the Open Mic tradition is how accessible it is to every school community member. Everyone, from freshmen to seniors to even teachers, can participate just by filling out an SCA form sent out in advance before each performance. One of the best ways for a student to integrate themselves into the school community while showcasing school spirit and appreciation. Performing also allows students to share their talents and passions with those around them, creating a powerful creative outlet for those involved and inspiring others to do the same. To anyone considering performing: Sign up! New performers are always welcome, and the Commons stage is a great place to begin showcasing your abilities or to continue a personal record of performances. 

The next Open Mic is set to be tomorrow, Friday, December 20th, with junior Julia Murphy, senior Min Kim, and senior Patrick Logue as the currently confirmed acts. Undoubtedly, with the Student Council’s hard work and stellar performances, it will be yet another shining entry in Flint Hill’s most iconic community tradition.