SHENECA SHARPE
Staff Writer
S.T.E.P.S. had its Spring Has Sprung week recently, which is a week of events for students to enjoy and learn more about the group as a whole.
During that week, one of the events that took place was “Sing Off: Date Night,” which is a night of friendly competition for all of the a cappella groups on campus to perform songs for audience and judges. Not only were there performances, but also raffles for students to try to win. All of the raffles were “Date Night” themed, including prizes like candles, condoms, candy, lotions and perfume. The winner of the competition would be allowed to perform at “Whatever Floats Your Boat,” which will contain ice cream floats for everybody to enjoy on April 26, 2017 on the Tim Hortons patio.
Cynthia Racz hosted the Sing Off, which was the first event she was the leader of since joining the group.
“I think I put more pressure on myself more [than] anything. Being the first event I ever headed and not having a co-head was a lot, but I really enjoyed the pressure because it made me make sure this event was amazing,” said Racz, a junior arts administration major.
The turnout was so large that throughout points of the show there were not enough seats for everybody who attended, so people decided to stand instead of leaving the amazing show.
“My favorite a cappella group is definitely a split between Premium Blend and Some Like It Hot. I thought their music choices were awesome. Their sound was super great, and they were all feeding off of each other very well. Another favorite of mine is definitely Dynamic Intonation. I really enjoy their style of music they put forward for everyone to hear,” said Shana Gordon, a sophomore theatre arts and gender studies double major.
The winners of the Sing Off was Premium Blend. The judges thought that they had the best voices for the “Whatever Floats Your Boat” event.
“When it was announced that Premium Blend won the Sing Off, a huge sense of pride came rushing over me. Being co-music director of the winning group creates such a feeling of accomplishment. It wouldn’t have happened without the amazing work of all the members of Premium Blend. I am so, so humbled and completely honored to be the co-music director of such a talented, hard working, determined, lovely group of musicians,” said Ayden Wickman, a junior early childhood education major.
The Sing Off looked like a success. There were no complications; it seemed that the audience members had a good time enjoying the a cappella groups’ talent, and from the turnout, it also seemed that it should be brought back for next year.
“Yes, yes, yes,” exclaimed Wickman. “Oh, please keep it around! Any economics textbook can tell you that competition drives innovation — and The Sing Off is exactly that competition that we crave,” said Wickman.
[Editor’s Note: Sheneca Sharpe is a member of S.T.E.P.S.]