The MFJS Reporter — Winter 2020 T-R

Walking through the Newman Center, surrounded by the squeaking of soaked shoes and individual conversations, people made their way to the drummer’s studio. Being in such a small space the limited audience felt like a crowd of thousands all waiting for whatever was going to be performed only moments in the future. The tension emitting from Cote as she prepared to begin, mixing with the intrigue of those awaiting the performance, sent everyone into silence. 

A hit of percussion echoed through the room as the sound of her sticks brushed upon the drums, allowing for a hint of what was to come. Time seemed to stand still as the audience awaited the beginning of the set, not knowing what tune would begin to ring into the silence. Cote picked up her sticks for a final time and the show began.

“Of course I was nervous,” Cote said. “I mean I was very excited, but it is hard to ignore the fact that I have only been doing this for a few weeks and if I messed up it would be more than just my professor watching me.” 

Despite Cote only just beginning to familiarize herself with percussion, music has always been a large part of her life and an increasing interest since childhood. But, not being in the music school she has felt as though that part of her life was harder to regularly express until she began taking lessons. 

“I’ve been surrounded by music my entire life,” Cote said. “My dad is a musician so it was always normal to try to learn an instrument or prioritize going to a concert. I am an art minor so I am surrounded with the opportunities to continue drawing and painting, but when it came to learning a new instrument or making it part of my routine it felt way more difficult until I found these classes.” 

As the final notes of the first song, “Let It Be” by the Beatles, came to a close, everyone awaited what would come next. As soon as the quiet began to feel comfortable the drums crashed once again signifying the continuation of the set. Karina Irvine, a sophomore at the University of Denver, watched eagerly to see how her friend would perform under the weight of pressure. 

“Everyone knows she is in drumming classes right now but no one had heard her play,” Irvine said. “I was definitely worried something was going to go wrong but she completely killed it and it was so much fun to see her play after hearing about it for so long. I know if I was up there I would have been freaking out.” 

The night continued as more familiar tunes echoed through the compact classroom making everyone sway and tap their feet in their chairs. You could tell that despite the casual nature of the performance everyone present was happy with their decision to attend.

“It is always fun to hear classics and songs that everyone knows,” Irvine said. “I am a pretty big Beatles fan so I was definitely happy to hear that in her set. Everyone honestly seemed like they were having a good time and just enjoying the music.” 

Smiles crossed upon people’s faces and a slight hum of the tune could be picked up as the set came to a close. The catchy rhythms of the songs just played rang in people’s ears as the audience made their way back into the harsh lighting of the building. 

“I’ve never really been to anything like this before but I heard about it from Cynthia in art class and wanted to check it out,” said Ilona Kovacks, a sophomore at the University of Denver. “I know she isn’t a professional or anything but it was just as fun to listen and just relax for a while.” 

The audience gathered in the lobby surrounded by sporadic comments and the chill from the snow fall. Cote emerged from the dark classroom and was engulfed in applause. Following the entertaining performance the atmosphere radiated positivity, Cote’s smile showed nothing but gratitude. 

“I really didn’t expect much from tonight,” Cote said. “This is just something I wanted to do for fun so I never expected much attention from it. I had such a great time I’m just glad everyone could tell that’s all I wanted them to experience too, just to have fun and enjoy the music.”