Students possessing talents ranging from freestyle hula hoop routines to solo vocal performances will put their fortes to the test as they compete for one of eight $500 scholarships.
Tonight, the Homecoming Steering Committee will host the free annual Student Scholarship Talent Search. The event will be at 7:30 p.m. in John R. Emens Auditorium.
Students will display their talents in eight different categories: dance, female vocal, male vocal, instrumental, musical group, freestyle, acoustic and original composition. The winner of each category will receive a $500 scholarship funded by Ball State's Alumni Association. The overall winner of the Talent Search will receive an additional $500 for a total prize of $1,000.
Megan Johnston, Talent Search chairwoman for the committee, described this year's turnout of Homecoming events as record breaking.
"Over 86 people turned in entry forms, and over 80 acts auditioned," said Johnston, a senior hospitality and food management major. "We didn't ever expect that this would have ever been done."
This is Johnston's second year of being involved with the Homecoming committee. Some of her duties as a chairwoman include recruiting performers to sign up audition for the event, listening to all the auditions and aiding in judging acts. She also helps other Homecoming leaders with their respective events.
"Being a part of it, and being able to see how many talented people there are at Ball State, is just really awesome," she said.
Trackless, a soul-funk student-led band, will compete in the musical group category. Drummer and vocalist Jordan West, a senior creative writing, said rehearsals and composing material have been hectic at times but said it will be worth it in the long run.
West defines the band's sound as similar to that of R&B artist John Legend. The members of Trackless recently won a battle of the bands at Manchester College, which rewarded them with the opportunity to share the stage with a national touring act. Some goals the band has for after college include touring, moving to Chicago to receive greater exposure on a more regional level and working to release a new album, which it plans to record at Ball State.
At the Talent Search, Trackless will perform its single "Be My Light," which West said was one of its first songs to really display its sound.
Within the freestyle category, senior architect major Andrew Brindley will perform a rope escape. He said it will fit perfectly with this year's Homecoming theme of "Play Your Cards Right."
Brindley has been performing magic for more than 12 years, ever since he saw his first magic show on a cruise ship at age 10. Since then, he has done other performances. In 2011, he performed alongside David Copperfield at Emens Auditorium. He also got to work with Copperfield's consultant, who helped Brindley polish up some new illusions.
"I love that feeling you get when you have fooled someone," Brindley said. "In a world that has answers at your fingertips on the phone in your pocket, it's great to have the ability to make people question their own reality, even if it's just a second."
Brindley performs regularly throughout the Indianapolis and Muncie area. Although his plans for the future regarding illusions are not set in stone, he said he hopes one day to be a full-time performer and would work hard for it if the opportunity presented itself.
"Magic will always be a big part of my life," Brindley said. "It's how I make friends, have fun and find happiness."
What: Student Scholarship Talent Search
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: John R. Emens Auditorium
Cost: Free
-รก
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
