An Evening of Music and Improv

By Genevieve Smith

The Lake Superior State University Arts Center was host to “An Evening of Music and Improv” variety performance Friday, November 20, 2015. “Joint effort” does the event little justice as the campus band, chorus, and improv team merged creative forces to perform “a little bit of singing, a little bit of band, and a whole lot of laughter”— a claim which proved itself judging by appreciative applause and uncontrollable laughter of the large audience.

The event opened with the band’s performance of a wide array of songs from Michael Sweeney’s “Black Forest Overture” to a medley of Beatles hits, followed by tunes from the popular movies “Frozen” and “Les Miserables.”

This marks the second semester the university has offered band, and while the group currently consists of only 11 members, director Dottie Case encourages those who are interested to join.

“We are enthusiastic,” she remarked. “We have a lot of fun. We are small but mighty.”

The band finished their portion of the performance with a lively, self-conducted rendition of the Louis Prima classic, “Jump, Jive, n’ Wail”.

The chorus followed with a program including “Riversong” and a medley of Disney favorites, entitled “Songs of a Disney Princess.” All numbers were accompanied on the piano by chorus director Karen Hughes Beacom, and “Take These Wings” featured the flute talents of band member Samantha Holloway. Singers Angela Kile, Heather Gregg, and Grace Siggreen performed solos.

The comedic highlight of the show was definitely Part Three, “On The Spot”, courtesy of the hilarious improvisational skills of the campus “Drama Llamas.” They displayed their talent for the impromptu as they engaged in beatboxing and skits based entirely on shout-outs from the audience. One particular favorite was their “Sell This!” segment, in which they created an infomercial in less than one minute promoting an item audience members concocted— the self-juggling chainsaw stands out in particular.

The evening provided an excellent showcase of the instrumental, vocal, and theatrical talents here on the Lake State campus. Those interested in dabbling in the artistic opportunities that Lake State has to offer are encouraged to take a music or theater class next semester. Offerings include Class Piano, Theater History, Acting for Beginners and Acting Shakespeare. A full list of available courses is posted online.