Cabaret Night can mean a lot of different things to people. For some, it’s just something they have to do for band or choir. For others, it’s an art contest and showcase opportunity.

The evening means a lot to a lot of people, especially NDA teacher, Greg Geiser.

“I just love [singing] and I’m glad Cabaret gives me that opportunity.  It is a great stress reliever, and I feel moved to sing when I’m feeling the joy of being alive.  So it’s definitely a way for me to express gratitude, awe and sadness. I never got into performing music in high school and it’s one of my big regrets.  I let my fear of failure and judgment rule my decisions in that case,” he said.

Geiser has been singing his entire life but has not been trained in any way.

“[I sing] in the shower, in the car, driving my family nuts, but I have no formal training or experience (other than karaoke).  I just love doing it, and I’m glad Cabaret gives me that opportunity.”

This was his third year performing, kicking off his Cabaret career with “A Little Help from my Friends” with Scott Mallien, who was another social studies teacher now at East High School.

Geiser said he started singing because “I love music, singing and the arts.”

“I was at Cabaret Night several years ago, and I developed such a great appreciation for our students’ many and diverse talents. I admired their courage sharing what they can do with others. I figured I could share something too–even if it’s a little out of my comfort zone.”

Geiser performed “Mona Lisas and Madhatters” by Elton John because of its great meaning, but Harry, Geiser’s son, seemed to misunderstand the song.

“My son thought ‘Mona Lisas’ is anti-homeless persons because of the line, ‘Rich man can ride, and the hobo, he can drown.’). I explained that it’s actually about how hard it is to make it in the world when you start with absolutely nothing,” Geiser explained.

The social studies teacher admitted that a career in music wasn’t ideal for his family, emphasizing, “Teaching is my thing. . . I’ll be here for life if they’ll have me.”  

However, he also added: “I would consider being in a band if the right opportunity came along, especially as little Harry gets older and more independent.”