Senior Chelsea Schafer, company manager for Ball State University Singers, celebrates her school spirit in a unique way.
University Singers, an ensemble of students that perform musical shows all around the world, work to promote Ball State.
"[Singers] is just an incredible way to feel like an integral part of not only an organization, but the university — to really feel that school spirit in a different way. It's not like cheering the football team from the sidelines," Schafer said.
On Friday, the University Singers will perform their annual Cabaret show, described by the ensemble as a celebration of the group. Jan. 29 was named University Singers Day in 1994 by former Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh. On the same day, the group became Indiana's official Goodwill Ambassador. Cabaret focuses on the accomplishments of the group, and also offers audiences a glimpse of what a University Singers show is like.
"It's kind of like our birthday party," said Alan Alder, director of University Singers.
A Musical Tool
University Singers began in 1964 under founding director Don Neuen. The idea was to create a musical ensemble to recognize Ball State's growth into university status. Throughout the next several years, University Singers became a major "tool" in public relations for the university, Alder said.
Alder receives frequent calls from the office of President Jo Ann Gora to perform at official events for the university. The shows are performed by an all-student ensemble separated into three divisions: the glee club, the band and the tech crew. This semester, University Singers has more than 40 members.
Students from all different areas of study can be involved with University Singers. Junior Lauren Mazur, University Singers' show head, is a psychology major, but she loves having the chance to be involved with the group.
"I won't be able to do music for the rest of my life, it's not my major, but here, I have a chance to do that, and I have a chance to meet people who share that passion," she said.
The University Singers perform anywhere from six to 15 shows a school year and rehearse three times a week, Alder said. The fast-paced rehearsal and preparation time is a major part of being involved with the ensemble. Alder said there have been times the group only had two weeks to prepare for a performance. Junior Andy Ayers, assistant company manager, said everyone involved makes sure to help one another with the stress.
"Sometimes you just need someone to hold your hand and have someone tell you, ‘You know, your head's not going to blow up,'" he said.
A Cabaret Celebration
This year's University Cabaret show will have the same format as previous performances, taking audiences through the history of the group as well as previewing future endeavors, including the annual Spectacular show in the spring. This performance will also introduce a new form of entertainment, multimedia.
"This year we'll incorporate a video that one of our cast members has put together that shares a bit more of our history, because a lot of times our audience doesn't get a glimpse of that," Schafer said.
Friday's show will have mostly group numbers with a few solo acts that will preview this year's Spectacular show. Ayers said the show will also feature many current musical genres.
"I think this year a lot of songs will be more from our generation," he said. "One of the soloists is doing an acoustic version of ‘Hey Ya,' that OutKast song."
The University Singers 2010 Cabaret show will be at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets are available at the Emens Box Office and at the door the night of the show.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
