A Night to Remember- Event Coverage (March)

A Night to Remember

By Sharron Duncan, ENGL 336.001

Friday, Mar. 28, 2014 marked the night of one of Frostburg State University’s most anticipated musical events of the year, All Campus Sing, hosted by Sigma Alpha Iota and the FSU music department. The event was held in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, filled with an audience of supportive and anxious people waiting to see 12 acts compete for a grand prize of $250. The night kicked off with much energy as the Mister and Mistress of Ceremony and FSU alums, Kristen Brown and Andre Wilson, graced the stage with their infectious personalities. The pair kept the crowd going with their lighthearted jeers and impromptu singing numbers.

The stage was a platform of diversity as students of different races, genders, majors and musical genres showcased their talents.  Some of the eclectic sounds included: John Legend’s “All of me,” Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You,” and Bastille’s “Pompeii.” The audience was especially interactive during a performance of “The Gospel Truth” from Disney’s Hercules. The dynamic trio, Sakkara Turner, Michelle Gibson and Sierra Messam, had the audience clapping, singing along and laughing at their animated choreography. The ladies placed third in the competition and received an award of $75. Second place winner, Robert Brown, wooed the audience with his exceptional vocal range in his performance of “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys; he was awarded $175. First place winner, Kay, walked away with the grand prize.  The audience was captivated by her flawless rendition of “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele. The People’s Choice award was given to Raven, who emotionally walked off stage in the middle of performing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” The audience voted Raven people’s choice to show support and encouragement. “I would have hated for her to just walk away feeling defeated,” one audience member said in reference to Raven. “Even though she walked off, she was good. You never know, she could be the next Adele.”  

In addition to the competing acts, there were three exhibition acts that the crowd enjoyed. One in particular, Ratchet Dynomite, left some audience members amused and others confused. The group of four sang a variation of songs, impersonating a traditional quartet. However, their off key notes and boisterous singing was intended to be humorous. One audience member felt as though the guys were “making a mockery of singers.” On the other hand, another commented that, “they were funny.” Regardless of the response to their amateur performance, Ratchet Dynomite was one of the most memorable acts of the night.

However, nothing was more memorable than the finale tribute to Mr. Bernard Wynder. His late wife, Mrs. Robin Wynder, opened the tribute with a speech about her husband’s legacy, referring to him as “Mr. Frostburg” and thanking everyone for their love and support. Following, a musical selection of Beyonce’s “Halo” was performed by a select few contestants, FSU students, and the brothers of Omega Psi Phi, the fraternity that Mr. Wynder pledged his life to and advised here at FSU. Various members of the audience, and even a few people on stage, were tearing up, remembering how much Mr. Wynder meant to them. “I think the night was successful,” stated contestant Otega Okurume. “The rehearsals were really productive and the tribute in itself was touching.”