The first couple choir numbers were performed with the band, "The Old Phat Professors." This select rock band consisted of a bunch of professors from on campus. Our choral director, Dr Meridith at the piano, and our Dean of Fine Arts, Vance Larson, along with a handful of other musically inclined professors, stole the stage as we helped them perform two covers songs from Kansas. Once 'Dust in the Wind' began, the crowd cheered at the prospect of hearing a song they all knew and loved. The excitement further developed as we broke out into 'Carry on My Wayward Son.' Even the choir started to really get into it. We probably all looked like a bunch of silly goofs bobbing our heads up and down and shimmyin' our shoulders, but what else are you going to do when the organ solo starts blazing and the guitars shred in and out of the syncopating drum patterns?
Then, even as when cream is poured into your ghetto-mormon cup of hot chocolate, to cool it down and take off its sharp edge, so likewise, the rock band left the stage and we performed 'Like a Wink and a Smile' from the ever so popular Sleepless in Seattle.Soon the men were left alone onstage as the sound of a hammer hitting a railroad tie sounded. We remaining onstage assumed our grumpy positions. What's that sound we hear? That's right, "That's the sound of the men, workin' on the chain gang!"
The audience exploded into laughter as each man on stage would make a ridiculous pose. On either 'ooh' or 'ahh' each expressed themselves independently in their own way. Some standing with their arms in flexing positions, others looking as if they needed to use the restroom, a machine gun, their neighbors sleeve, or tried imitating a Muppet character, along with a myriad of other expressions of foolishness. It was good fun.
But a concert is not complete with a men's number alone. It is to be accompanied by or followed thereafter by a woman's number. 'Summertime' made popular in the movie You've Got Mail was then performed. Three accomplished soloists performed each of their respective solos magnificently. One of which stunned not only the audience, but the majority of the choir members with her nearly perfect tone, timbre and resonance. Emily Coughanour(far left.)While, the ladies sung onstage, Bred the Quintet Toaster, prepped themselves for their upcoming song.
Summertime is over, and the men storm back onto the stage to join the women for 'Footloose.' "Been workin' so hard. I'm punchin' my card. Eight hours for what? Oh tell me what I've got!" I got this feelin' that time's just holdin' me down. I'll hit the ceiling or else I'll tear up this town!" CUT FOOT LOOSE!!!And if you thought you were getting comfortable by simply kickin' your shoes off, while you're at it, why don't you pull on a pair of srubs. That's right, 'I'm No Super Man!" Featuring the one, the only, 4 red heads and a guy named Brad in, Bred the Quintet Toaster!!! "He can't do it."
And that's the big and skinny of it. Thanks for reading folks.
