Full Ensemble

The chatter around Schine Underground slowly faded to an excited whisper as the lights dimmed to create a more intimate atmosphere. Professor Jeffrey Rodgers entered the stage to introduce the seven talented performers who were more than ready to begin the show.

Rodgers explained that his class, HNR 340: Inside the Words and Music, class put together the show so that audience members could experience on- and off-stage talent. Once Rodgers left the stage, audience members erupted in applause, unable the control their enthusiasm any longer.

Freshmen Liz Lewis took the stage first, performing ‘My Love.’ Her soft yet playful music pushed the audience in the right direction, becoming involved with the performance immediately. It was easy to tell that she enjoyed being up onstage, singing for anyone who would listen.

‘I have great people to support me, and I do it for my friends,’ Lewis said. Lewis is a double major in art and physics, and singing is just a hobby that she is able to keep up with at Syracuse University.

Tony Cacace took the stage next, followed by Erica Scarano. Cacace started out with a break-up song. His melancholic vocals and lyrics posed an interesting and enjoyable contrast to his humorous personality. Cacace was quite skilled at playing the piano and took on a sound reminiscent of James Blunt, playing his music.



Scarano was also quite playful with the audience. Giving a background story to all of her songs, she engaged the audience with her performances through clapping and storytelling.

‘I don’t really have a style,’ she explained. ‘I incorporate everything from folk to poppy to dance.’

After a quick intermission, four new performers set up on stage. Luke Wygodny dazzled the audience first with his soothing tunes and clean pop vocals. He incorporated vocals and guitar to keep the audience wanting more. Wygodny’s Jason Mraz-type style was easily seen in ‘Chicago,’ an original song he performed, written about his hometown.

Stephen Babcock brought quite the fan club with him and played all its members’ favorites, including one number that was for ‘all those people who are looking for good wholesome love.’ The freshman College of Visual and Performing Arts major talked with the audience before singing each of his three songs, hoping to help them understand the purpose of the song lyrics.

Then Emmery Brakke kept the audience hooked with ‘Casablanca.’ It was a sweet love song with a varying tempo, which made it fun and easy to enjoy. Brakke, another freshman in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, was able to take her skill for writing poetry and turn it into a skill for fantastic songwriting.

Sarah Aument gave the last performance of the night, and the audience was not disappointed. Aument, a sophomore in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, carried a style that was different from the rest of the performers, which made her that much more interesting to listen to. Aument’s lyrics told a story, and the audience really had to listen to hear what she was saying.

The performers were nearly perfect, making for an incredible night for all who witnessed. The entire event was relaxed and personal which made the audience feel like a part of the show. It was easy to see how much each performer supported each other. If it was a little head nod, or words of encouragement, everyone was rooting for success.

emnurp08@syr.edu





Top Stories