Spring Break
The Daily OrangeVerbal instrumentalists fill halls with music, donations
By Kayleigh Minicozzi
Posted: 10/24/05, 12:07 AM EST Section: Pulp
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Two groups blended their passion for music with a desire to help others, and in the end provided a different approach for students to give back.
Orange Appeal and Main Squeeze provided an a capella performance Friday night in Grant Auditorium. The two student-run groups organized the event as a relief effort for victims of recent disasters and brought in $400 for the American Red Cross. Orange Appeal, a male a capella group, and Main Squeeze, a female a capella group, performed to an audience of about 100 students, faculty and friends.
The performance showcased 10 songs in which the singers verbally simulated all the sounds of a traditional instrumental band, from symbols to drums. With nothing but the sound of their fellow members' voices to guide them, the soloists proved their passion and, ultimately, their talents when belting out the words of the songs.
Being in tune and aware of each other was necessary to engage the audience and help them recognize the catchy tunes of songs such as "The Sign" by Ace of Base or "Under the Bridge" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
"It isn't about you as a soloist," said sophomore hospitality major and Main Squeeze member Erica Friedel. "It's about the whole group working together and really blending well."
Both groups have recently undergone recruitment and used the show to present new members, but the overall mission behind the event was to raise money for disaster victims. All proceeds from ticket sales went directly to the American Red Cross, providing students a different outlet to help out.
"It is a great way to help instead of just dropping money in a jar somewhere," said Kerri Adler, an undecided freshman in the College of Human Services and Health Professions. "A lot of students may not have large amounts of money to donate, and this is a good way to help but also get entertainment in return."
The performers hoped to put a face with the cause, allowing students to know the money was all going to one aid fund and that they could enjoy a concert.
"Being that there aren't many outlets to really feel like you're helping, we wanted to be involved with our own bigger relief effort," said sophomore acting major Stephen Anthony.
Concertgoers had to battle the elements of wind and rain to attend the event - ironically held to help those who have recently suffered from storms. The two groups chose to focus the beginning of both of their sets with songs about the calm after the storm. Orange Appeal's second opener was "Here Comes the Sun," by The Beatles, and Main Squeeze started with "Somewhere over the Rainbow," from "The Wizard of Oz."
Overall, the mood of the performance was informal, and audience members were given the opportunity to chat with performers after the show.
"I thought it was great," said junior biology major Andrew Holpuch. "It seemed like a more personal atmosphere because it wasn't huge and everyone on stage seemed close."
Although the event was small and the performance was not for profit, the groups had high energy levels and cheered each other on as the other group was singing. Throughout the sets, members spoke with the crowd and even introduced their new members, allowing for audience participation.
"I really loved the energy they showed on stage," said Stacy Ring, a freshman television, radio and film major. "They looked like they were actually having a good time, and seeing them excited made me want to smile."
