The Elm Student Newspaper
Tribute entertains, continues Musicians' Union tradition
Stephanie Gerhold
The Pink floyd Tribute, held April 20 by the
Musicians' Union, was popular among
students.
Christina Vouros, Elm photographer
Friday, April 20, WC students and Chestertown residents alike flocked to the Campus Center for a Pink Floyd Tribute Show put on by the Musicians' Union. Though doors opened at nine, zealous fans and supporters staked out spots in the audience by dinnertime, listening as the band members performed sound checks. As scheduled, the show began promptly at nine-thirty in the evening to raucous applause.
Student tribute shows have become a tradition at WC. As senior Jordan Page recalled, "I got the idea [to have a tribute show] the first week of my freshman year. Some adults from town organized a Beatles tribute [in Norman James Theatre], and I thought, 'I want to do this, too'."
For a year, Page pondered the idea of a U2 tribute and then sought support from eighteen other musicians and the WC Gospel Choir.
Held in the former Student Center, over 500 students and faculty attended.
The spring show's success gave rise to a second tribute show the following fall semester dedicated to the music of yet another classic and influential band, Pearl Jam.The decision to showcase this year's band was unanimous. Page said, "I'm very passionate about Pink Floyd's music. I grew up listening to it and have been greatly influenced by them both lyrically and musically."
The show brought together all walks of talent in an honest and humble effort to pay homage to the music that students' love. Freshman R. J. Donovan noted, "I was surprised that all of [the musicians] were working together - they're all so different."
It was exactly this eclectic mix of talent that gave the show its "comfortable, laid-back atmosphere," said freshman Aly Horrigan.
Page sang vocals and played rhythm and lead guitar along with fellow guitarist, sophomore Max Orsini, the new president of the Musicians' Union.
Sophomore Lesley Plugge and junior A.J. Rendo contributed soulful vocals accented by organist freshman John Paul Evans.Other contributors, such as freshman Sam Guthridge, played "colorful guitar," according to Page, spicing up the show and adding many theatrical elements. Guthridge said of the experience, "I've always dug [Pink Floyd], but I am definitely a lot bigger fan now than I was before. I never really listened as closely until I tried to play their music."
First-time tribute musicians, such as freshmen Karl Denney and Joe Brooks, kept the beat on drums along with seasoned veterans, such as senior Jillian "Keeza" Matundan (violin) and junior Mike Virts (saxophone).
"I am very grateful to have put on the show and very lucky to have had the musicians on hand to add their amazing talents," said Page.
Non-student involvement also lured many local residents to the show.
Matt Myers played lead guitar solos "as good as Pink Floyd" raved Page, while Tim Redman played "unbelievably good" bass guitar.Also, a local organist known as "Herb" served as the mystical agent for the band, making the show come together.
Senior Roland Fornoff also collaborated on the project, playing acoustic guitar. When asked his opinion of the show, Fornoff said, "I'm always partial to a holiday celebrated with good people and good music alike. This was both. Happy holidays."
In compiling the set list, the group drew from six of Pink Floyd's albums.
Page explained, "We tried to choose songs that everyone would know and be able to appreciate."A laser projector and a big screen television synchronized scenes from The Wizard of Oz such as Dorothy's encounter with the cyclone, with tracks from the album, Dark Side of the Moon.
As Fornoff put it, "The Musician's Union tried to supplement the music with computer graphics to add visual stimulation to the event."
Though a seasoned veteran of tribute shows, student-run concerts, and artistic endeavors, Page said, "We had a lot more trouble getting this one together."
Because the Cardinal Lounge, the traditional rehearsal room of the Musicians' Union, was demolished last year, band members literally had to "scrounge the show together on a wing and a prayer," meeting in the Hyson Lounge only one night a week for the last two months, said Page.
According to Page, "It was a long and difficult process, but in the end it was all about the music. I think we surprised a lot of people, and ourselves. The show itself had its rough spots, but by and large, it was an amazing experience being on stage."
Sophomore Heather Russell said, "I love Jordan Page; he's amazing ... it was a great last effort."
The latter part of that statement was exactly the reaction Page had hoped for: "I wanted to go out with a bang. The Musicians' Union is definitely not dead, and these traditions will be carried on in the years to come."
Page said of former activities, "In the past two years, most campus events have not been well-received and have had low attendance which reflects the incredible lack of interconnection and understanding between the student body and the unsympathetic administration."
He added, "The students of WC have faced frustration and unnecessary levels of adversity inhibiting and discouraging them from putting forth any effort to do anything creative at all.
"If the administration of this college has any understanding of or interest in campus life for the student (customers) who pay exorbitant amounts of money to live here in idle and apathetic boredom, they will take the time to recognize their colossal mistakes and reconfigure their chess pieces and loosen the proverbial noose that is suffocating the artistic creativity of its 1200 clients and faculty."
Sophomore John Killeen described the tribute and genuine student effort as "the type of thing that will save WC."
Students should look for a Doors tribute in the coming fall semester.
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