aturday night, Emens Auditorium will be filled with music as the Ball State University Singers present the 39th Annual "University Singers Spectacular." The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is free for students.
"University Singers Spectacular" will feature singing, dancing and a live band.
"We pride ourselves in offering something for everyone," said Jeffrey Carter, director of University Singers. Music genres include popular music, folk, Broadway, country and jazz.
The 2 1/2 hour show will include 45 titles, more than 400 light cues and six costume changes.
The show will begin with the singing of the national anthem.
Carter encourages students to attend the show because "it is one of the finest forms of entertainment offered on campus." He compares the show to a Las Vegas, theme-park revue.
The show will have a stronger use of humor this year. It will also feature medleys on different topics such as a car medley with songs such as "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "I Can't Drive 55."
"My favorite spot in the show is when I get to sing the University of Kansas fight song," said Carter. "But really, my favorite is the medley at the end."
The show will end with a medley about rhythm that will feature tap dancing, a Barry Manilow song and "an incredible amount of energy."
The band will be featured playing and singing the song "Superstition."
The audience can also expect a surprise appearance by a familiar Ball State character.
University Singers consists of 40 student members. Members include performers, band members, audio staff and costume staff.-á Other responsibilities include painting the sets and publicity.
Lindsey Helmer, junior, said the show is "like a live concert."-á
Helmer has been a member of the University Singers for three years and thinks that this year's group has the most talent compared with her previous years as a member.
Helmer is looking forward to performing "Fever" by Peggy Lee. She will be singing with three other women and anticipates being "divas in stage."
"It (University Singers) was the reason I came to Ball State," said Helmer. She enjoys being a University Singer because performing is her passion.
The stage this year will be set up differently to include a runway that extends over the orchestra pit. The runway will allow soloists a chance to perform closer to the audience.
"This is the best show we do all year," said senior Brian Lotter. Lotter plans to put out a demo CD after graduation.
Lotter will be performing a solo, "I Love You," a song that he wrote.
The University Singers rehearse three times a week through the whole school year. The group started collecting songs last April for Spectacular. They started choreographing the show in August.
"It's a big commitment, but it's worth it in the end," said Lotter. "It's an amazing performing opportunity."
Lotter suggests the show for students who have to write a cultural event paper for a class.
"If people come to the show, they will be surprised," said Helmer.
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