From first time performers to seasoned musicians, students from the De Anza Music and Volunteering Association gathered on Friday, Feb. 6 to rehearse for the annual De Anza College Flea Market performance.

The club features singers and musicians of different musical skill levels who use the performance as  an opportunity to express themselves.

Club secretary Nimiksha Thummalapalli, 18, biochemistry major, led the group’s rehearsal to the song “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay.

“This performance means much more than a stress reliever,” Thummalapalli said. “A lot of people like to perform and we like to offer those opportunities.”

Brody Lee, 20, radiologic technology major, who has played clarinet for 10 years, said he is happy the club allows him to continue performing after high school.

“You don’t have to be professional,” Lee said. “You can just play what you want without needing the consent of everyone.”

Joseph Duong, 21, computer science major, performed with the club for the first time.

“It’s going to be my first performance in a while,” Doung said.“It’s fun to do group activities.”

Ben Le, 19, computer science major and the club’s event coordinator, has been playing piano since the age of four. 

“I’m glad I get to meet new people here at De Anza,” Le said. “This is one of the clubs where you can meet a lot of people, because everyone’s interested in music.”

Thin Thida Soe, 18, business administration major, said that while the performance is an opportunity for members to showcase their talents, music also serves as a way to vent emotions and build new connections.

“Music is something that helps me escape from reality,” Soe said. ”When I’m stressed, if I sing a song that has strong feelings like shouting, it would help me feel better.”