SMAF

by Chelsea Cao ‘28

SMAF is an arts and music festival where different bands gather together to perform. This festival gives students a chance to show their talent in singing, instruments, and dance. From student-led rock bands to dance groups performing K-pop, SMAF showcases the many ways students can express themselves at St. Mark’s School. 

The music lineup has a great variety of performances. SpooodBeast performed songs such as “Disorder” by Joy Division, “Where Is My Mind” by Pixies, “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show, and “Roadhouse Blues” by The Doors. The Idealists brought us the performance “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come As You Are” by Nirvana, “Black” by Pearl Jam, and “Nutshell” by Alice in Chains. Hawaiian Steak performed “Who Knows” and “Japanese Denim” by Daniel Caesar, “Kiss of Life” by Sade, “A Couple Minutes” by Olivia Dean, and “Amazing” by Rex Orange County. Other performers include Jamie Eslick, who played “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan, and Jamie Eslick, Malachi Robinson, and Harry Shin, who performed “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Angus Eslick, Mr. Parks, and Mr. Eslick also performed “My Name is Mud” by Primus, while Radiotoes played “Creep” by Radiohead. Charlotte, Addie, and Kayda performed “The One that Got Away” by Katy Perry.  Besides live bands, we also have the dance group Dancing Lions, who brought us a performance of “Illusion” by Aespa. 

What makes SMAF special is that students get together to support each other, teachers can also get in on the action or cheer from the audience, and performers have an opportunity to share what they have practiced and care about. For many students, performing in front of peers can be nerve-racking, but SMAF provides a supportive environment that turns nervousness into excitement.