Written by Calea Bakke
Quiet murmuring filled the Benson auditorium as students gathered in small clusters to chat, stretch and prepare. Butterflies churned the stomachs of newcomers while veterans of the stage seemed calm, cool and collected. Slowly the number grew until, at 7 o’clock, about 65 students with numbers pinned politely to their fronts began the audition.
Shoe strings were checked, water gulped and quick prayers said.
They were all hopefuls for the same sacred prize—a coveted spot in Harding’s Spring Sing Ensemble.
Try-outs were held for ensemble Nov. 30 in the Benson auditorium. Those selected to join the Ensemble will play a big part in Spring Sing by providing support during group and host numbers, and between the social club shows.
These individuals have featured time on stage that might not be possible with a larger cast or a club performance. This year’s ensemble consists of 10 male and 10 female singers and dancers in addition to eight microphone singers.
First-time ensemble member Caitlin Sober said that though she was nervous about the audition, she had fun trying out. While she had participated in her club show freshman year, Sober said she felt that due to studying abroad and a predicted heavy school load senior year, this was her only chance to audition.
“I have always wanted to do ensemble ever since I saw Spring Sing,” Sober said.
Sober said ensemble adds diversity to the show because of the variety backup singing and dancing brings.
Veteran Ensemble member Cara Blakemore agreed with Sober, saying ensemble gives Spring Sing “that extra flair.” Blakemore said the performance is different than club shows because of the live music. The Jazz Band and live microphones make the show more like theater, she said, and offers a different presentation every night.
Though Blakemore said she was addicted to performing, it is the depth of relationships made from ensemble that has had a lasting effect.
“It’s become a family,” Blakemore said. “The connections I made with the people my first year I still have—like people who have graduated. It’s an interesting network.”
Because she has been dancing since childhood, Blakemore said she enjoys the high level of talent and quick pace of ensemble. There is a short amount of time between learning a new number to polishing it and moving on.
Although ensemble practices only three times a week, the sessions are concentrated and structured. Members receive a schedule of practices at the beginning of the semester, which allows them to have time for other activities and even club Spring Sing shows.
Spring Sing Director Dottie Frye said there were strong auditioners across the board this year. Though the ability to sing and dance well is very important, Frye said she was not looking for professionals but entertainers.
“I love the dynamic of what we call triple threat—people who can sing, people who can sell, people who can move,” Frye said. “I think that is very entertaining.”
She said she looks for “that spark”—a love of performing and willingness to try different styles.
Ensemble officially began in 1992 as a dance group, and club representatives were pulled for group numbers. Since then, freshmen through graduate students have participated.
Frye said she has a “no rules” policy about whom she selects at the open auditions and wants to make sure everyone gets an equal and fair chance. Because Frye transferred to Harding as a sophomore, she had no connections in the drama department. She said she cites the willingness the director had to give her an open door for her success and desires to give students similar opportunities.
With four male hosts in the 2010 show, Frye said she is excited to showcase the unique dynamics of the hosts and ensemble.
“It’s not brain surgery,” Frye said. “It’s entertainment.”
The Ensemble of the internationally themed Spring Sing will perform songs including “Jai ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Two Worlds” from Disney’s “Tarzan.” The show will premier April 1, 2010.
