On Jan. 16, the Emmaus High School orchestra held its annual coffeehouse fundraiser, where several Emmaus musicians performed for a crowd filled with friends and family.

The night consisted of a variety of acts, ranging from solo voice performances to bands.

The emcee of the night, Joel Shimer, also emceed at last year's event. He opened the performances with his cover of "Listen to Music" by the Doobie Brothers. Shimer made a few more trips up to the stage with his guitar that night and his lively commentary after each song kept the audience laughing.

The show featured two bands, Night Man Cometh and an unnamed group.

Night Man Cometh featured senior Jordan Pierce with vocals and sophomore Michael Monte on the guitar. The unnamed group included sophomore Will Newbegin and junior Jaiden Scherr on vocals and guitar, with sophomore Michael Gallagher on drums and piano.

Two musicians performed original songs.

Senior Caleb Strobel performed an unnamed original song while Monte accompanied on piano.

Senior Sarah Winston captivated the audience with her soulful original on heartbreak, "Salvage."

The crowd hushed as she sang the first notes, and for the rest of her performance the sound of her voice and guitar echoed throughout the cafeteria. The end of her performance was met with extreme praise from all in attendance.

By charging for admission and hosting a raffle, the event is the largest fundraiser for the orchestra. The organizer of the event, orchestra president, senior Caroline Smith, puts an extreme amount of time into bringing the night together. She arrived five hours early to set up and was constantly helping through- out the night.

"I start planning for this before Christmas," Smith said. "I've been here since two. It's a lot of work."

Smith performed with her cello at the coffee- house. Smith said the students in orchestra and band do not receive many opportunities to present their talents. The coffee- house gives students the option to show their talent to their friends and family.

"This is the only chance orchestra kids get," Smith said. "This is my opportunity to play what I want."

Reservations for the spring musical, Mary Poppins, are now available. The cast will produce seven shows March 17 to 22. Reservations can be made in the main office.