By Nathan Grant ’16, News Editor
On October 30, Country Day held its first Dahllapalooza, an event aptly named after Mr. Matt Dahl.
Upper School Physics teacher, guitar player, and singer Mr. Brock Miller coordinated and emceed the event. When asked how he came up with the idea of Dahllapalooza, Mr. Miller explained that he loves talent shows. 15 years ago, there used to be one or more talent shows a semester. Now, there is just one and it’s before spring break. Mr. Miller wanted to change that. “These shows allow students to perform and demonstrate their musical ability, something they can’t always share with us at school. With these talent shows, we get to see the student as a whole.” Before Dahlapalooza, Country Day had Brockstock – named after Mr. Miller – and Coferstock, which was named after Elliot Cofer ’13. Because so many students enjoyed these events, Mr. Miller created Dahlapalooza in the hopes of starting a tradition.
14 acts performed in Dahlapalooza, including the Upper School band, Jazz band, Mr. Glenn Lindahl and Vondale Batchelor, Mrs. Stephanie Wietmarschen, Vincent DiFrancesco ’18, Frankie Grossi ’16 and Mr. Lindahl, Nathan Grant ’16, Erica Glosby ’17, Mantero Moreno-Cheek ’15, Sissi Fei ’15 and David Yang ’16, Will Cohen ’15 and Hannah Taylor ’15, Elizabeth Miller ’15, the A Capella Club, and of course, Mr. Miller and Mr. Dahl.
Many students enjoyed the show and hope that there will be more next semester. Frankie Grossi ‘16, who performed a beat poetry skit based off of Tom Wait’s version of “Diamonds on My Windshield,” thought that “each act was outstanding and everybody put a lot of work into their performances.” He looks forward to performing and watching the next version of Dahlapalooza.
Jack Hupper ’15, the leader of the A Capella Club, explained that “the event was a huge success, both for the club and for the other acts.” It offers many students an opportunity to sing and express their passion for music – which was clearly evident from their performance. This year, the A Capella Club, which is now in its second year at Country Day, plans to learn more songs and possibly perform at nursing homes or in hospitals to bring others joy through music.
It was nice to see so much support from the teachers. They really encouraged students to perform. While teachers got the chance to see students perform, students also had the chance to see teachers perform – which we don’t often get to see. Mr. Miller, who performed “Guitars Cadillacs” with Mr. Dahl as well as “Urge for Going,” explains that “these talent shows are a great opportunity for both students and teachers to perform. In fact, it is one of the few times I get to pull out my guitar.” Mr. Miller and Mrs. Wietmarschen agree that many students are nervous to perform, especially in front of their peers. They both advise us to “keep playing and just go for it. The audience is always supportive and welcoming.”
Look for a YouTube video of the event soon and anticipate more talent shows in the future!
