Two performance majors created student-run, artistic groups on campus that are seeking new members.
Valentino Valentin, acting senior, started a step group on campus during the fall semester.
“Stepping, basically, is using your body as an instrument. There is a lot of footwork, but you’re creating tempos and beats with your body,” Valentin said. “The team focuses a lot on unity, and, when I was on a team before college, we performed a lot for the community. It was a way of giving back to kids in the community, and I wanted to bring that mission to OCU’s campus.”
The step team is hosting auditions 7-8:30 p.m. today in the medium rehearsal hall in Wanda L. Bass Music Center. They will have their first rehearsal Sunday. Students of all majors are encouraged to audition. No previous dance training is required.
“We focus on unity, since this is something that stems from African-American culture. I think this is a good opportunity to give diversity to OCU, and it’s another chance to learn about another culture outside of one’s own,” Valentin said.
For students who would rather sing than dance, Brandon Stalling, music theater sophomore, started an all-male a capella group on campus that includes students of all majors.
“I really liked that we had members that weren’t necessarily performance majors. It was so cool to get to meet and hear all these different people from across campus,” said Jonah White, music theater freshman.
The a capella group began during fall semester as well. The members are taking a break for the semester, but they will have auditions again in the fall.
“We are hoping to have nine to 12 members, and we will be hosting the auditions in the fall so we can give the new freshmen an opportunity to be a part of the group,” Stalling said.
Stalling was the leader of an all-male a capella group in high school for two years and wants to bring that sound to OCU, he said.
“I’ve always loved all-male a capella groups, and most universities do have more than one a capella choir, so I wanted to bring that to OCU, and it’s not like we don’t have enough guys that sing,” Stalling said.
For more information, or if students want to join but can’t attend auditions, email Valentin at vfvalentin@my.okcu.edu or Stalling at bgstalling@my.okcu.edu.
Leave a Reply