Starting in February, the Arts Service Council (ASC) worked diligently to put together a talent show showcasing Washington College students' artistic abilities. Preliminary auditions were held last month to assess available acts and performance artists.
The ASC desired a forum where they could effectively raise funds for the Music Department at WC. The show was held Wednesday March 7, 2001 in Tawes Theatre. ASC members adapted the concept of a talent show from Zeta Tau Alpha's popular Mr. Zeta Pageant held earlier this year.
Tickets were sold at the price of two dollars for students and four dollars for non-students. Refreshments were available in the lobby by donation and t-shirts featuring all of the arts at WC were sold for ten dollars.
The Executive Board of the ASC organized the event. Students Cheryl McDaniel, Tom Robbins, Donald Holdren, Katherine Kolacki, Michelle House, Jillian Fletcher, and Mindy Beers all played vital roles in organizing the show and recruiting talent.
A performance by the WC Jazz Band opened the show, which then continued with skits, dancing RAs, dramatic monologues, three WC bands, and three different groups of vocalists featuring classical, pop, and Broadway show tunes. Interwoven between acts, comedic announcers Chris Klimas, Joel Haddock, and Dennis Wilson competed within the "Best Host Category."
The talent show encouraged friendly competition in other categories as well, such as "Best Vocal," "Best Folk/Pop," "Best Instrumental," "Best Dramatic Monologue," and "Best Residential/Student Life."
Sophomore Lesley Plugge who competed in the "Best Folk/Pop" category said of the show, "I love to sing. It's a great idea to come and donate money; [the music department] could definitely use it. I hope this place is packed just for that reason."
This was Plugge's first solo performance. Fellow student Katy Brown accompanied her on guitar.
Dean of Student Affairs, Maureen McIntire, Associate Dean of Students, Edward Maxcy, and history professor and advisor to the ASC Carol Wilson, attended and graciously served as judges for the contest. At random, senior Ben Scarborough was picked from the crowd as a guest judge.
According to ASC board member McDaniel, the organization felt the talent show would be "a great way to draw interest [for the arts]."
The students decided that a display of talent would be much more effective in attracting the attention of students, faculty, and the administration.
Fletcher said of the show, "I think it's really great that so much music talent is being displayed. It is really cool that everything came together and how so many people offered to help."
In between running sound and overseeing the technical aspects of the show, Robbins stated, "I am very happy to see this much support. It's great that so many want to come out and perform for the arts."
One of the competitors for the "Best Band Category," Jynx, felt that the show allowed them to get their sound out and have fun. The band consisted of three members from the University of Maryland at College Park, along with WC sophomore and guitarist Allen Bolyard. They have a self-described "diverse sound of hip hop, reggae, and rock - a lot of different flavors."
"Scary" Dave Maresca of the band Two Minutes believed that the show allowed students to "raise awareness and support the arts, in particular, the music department." The Musicians' Union found themselves "recently homeless" according to Maresca and band members Joe Brooks, Sean McGaughan, and Max Orsini. When the old Cardinal dorms were torn down, the Union found itself lacking a place to practice and play.
The talent show opened up new venues for the band.As a final treat, the ASC also provided special guest star, Gus Sequoia.
Sequoia, a local recording artist, called the ASC in February and asked if he could, in any way, contribute. He played original songs from his album as the judges made their decisions and sold copies of his new CD in the lobby after the show.Outrite, the WC band consisting of Alan Epperson on guitar, Nick Galloway on vocals, and bass guitarist Ben Marchant won the category for "Best Band."
Mike Virts swept the "Instrumental" category with his "Improvisation" on the saxophone, and singing "A New Life" from the musical Jekyll and Hide, Chuck Sikorski won "Best Broadway Vocal."
Other winners included SGA president Jillian "Keeza" Matundan as she accompanied Becky Oot singing "Ghost" by the Indigo Girls.
This performance won Oot "Best Pop Vocal.""Best Classical Vocal" was awarded to Catharine Clarke, while the "Best Dramatic Monologue" went to Jenn Reeder for her distinctly feminist rendition of Shakespeare's "As You Like It." The Zone 2 RA's hand-jived to "We Go Together" from the musical "Grease," winning the spot for "Best Residential/Student Life."
The ASC would like to formally thank all students who came out to support the arts. T-shirts are still available, and McDaniel encourages those interested in purchasing one to contact her.
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