By Hadassa Ferreira, Arts & Culture Editor
If there is a universal truth, it is that everyone loves music! At Saint Leo, it is no different.
In this community, students appreciate music, and the University’s clubs and organizations do their best to organize musical events throughout the academic year to involve students and help them create fun college memories. This year’s edition of KirkChella was proof of that.
The musical event happened on the night of Nov. 14, and took place at the Kirk Lawn, going from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. As a tradition here at Saint Leo, KirkChella is an event hosted by Saint Leo’s University Ministry and is a great opportunity for students to showcase their musical talents to the entire community.
At KirkChella, students have the freedom to choose their favorite songs to perform and engage other students in their passion for music. Since the idea is to welcome students into a good time and the event happens during the fall, they provide cookies and tea as snacks for students who attend the event.
The event started with the opportunity for different students to perform their songs, but after a while, the University Ministry’s band assumed the stage and started performing multiple songs.
The combination of instruments and live music performances with the low light environment settled on the Kirk Lawn made the mood of the night very comfortable and relaxing.
“KirkChella was an event I had not been to before, so my experience was very pleasant! I liked how calm the environment was, and the performers were quite entertaining” said Manuela Coca, a junior student double majoring in business management and international studies.
This year, the music selection was one of the best aspects of KirkChella. From R&B classics such as “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys, which brings a romantic and nostalgic feeling, to Gospel Hits such as “Holy Forever” by CeCe Winans bringing the worship atmosphere and highlighting the University Ministry’s purpose, all songs touched the audience in distinct and special ways.
Coca also added, “It was worth going to because the music selection was suitable for a broad audience; personally, I appreciated the Christian music.”
One of the cutest moments of the event was when a couple started dancing to the song “If I Ain’t Got You.” It was possible to see that they were enjoying the moment while the audience was singing the very well-known song together with the band.
KirkChella is a lovely event because, beyond creating a bonding space for Saint Leo students, it also advertises the University Ministry’s activities that happen throughout the academic year.
Throughout the space where the event took place, it was possible to find pamphlets with the University Ministry’s weekly meetings information and future events hosted by the organization.
Once and a while, it is possible to see that Saint Leo students find difficulties in finding nice things to do around campus. Therefore, KirkChella was a perfect opportunity to get in touch with the Ministry’s schedule and make plans to join their activities.
College is the phase of people’s lives in which every memory counts, and Saint Leo University has created distinct opportunities for students to engage in college life and create life-long memories. KirkChella is a fun, sweet, and musical opportunity that students won’t forget!
