By: Jenna Skrelunas
The 2019 year is flying by and before we know it, it will be 2020. As we transition into the new year, let’s take it back in the past, a century ago to the 1920’s.
On Oct 8, Saint Leo University student musicians put on a show that brought the audience back in the past. The College of Arts and Sciences presented Fall into Songs of the Roaring 20’s. The show took place in Selby Auditorium showing at 4:00pm and 7:00pm and featured Saint Leo Singers, Saint Leo Chamber Singers, Saint Leo Rhythm Machine, and Saint Leo Strings; together producing a symphony of music that delighted the ears of their audience.
Allie Losee, Junior Social Work major and Psychology minor, said: “We have rehearsed every Monday and Wednesday for singers and Fridays for chamber singers since the beginning of the Fall 2019 semester.” Losee is not only a singer, but also in chamber which is a more advanced choir typically for upperclassmen where singers are required to audition. All of their hard work definitely showed in the talent that they brought to the stage.
Most of these talented musicians have been involved in music for years to hit these notes and play these songs. “I’ve been singing since I was in middle school,” said Losee. She had been in various choirs throughout her years in high school and so it only made sense to continue doing what she loved in college. That applies to a lot of Saint Leo students involved in the music program.
Every year, the music program puts on a themed concert for the fall. “I always look forward to this event since we usually have many students in the program,” said Dr. Cynthia Selph, Assistant Professor of Music. “I chose music that I would enjoy singing and that fit with the theme of the concert.” She chose songs such as: Puttin’ on the Ritz, It’s Ragtime, Button Up Your Overcoat, and Why Do I Love You. All of these jazzy numbers were a hit for the audience to get into their 1920’s personality.
The music wasn’t the only thing helping the audience transition back to the 1920’s. The singers/musicians got into character by dressing in the appropriate 20’s attire. Ladies wore beautiful black dresses with a pop of color on their head by adding a sparkly, feathered headband to represent a flapper girl. The gentlemen wore sleek black dress pants with white button-down shirts and a black bowtie. With the chosen wardrobe, the audience was able to experience what it would feel like to actually be present during the time of The Great Gatsby.
The concert was a huge success for both time slots. Friends and family went to support their student musicians and get a feel for what it was like in the 1920’s.
