I had an idea, but I did not really know what to expect as I sat in the audience waiting to see Freed-Hardeman University’s (FHU) production of Makin’ Music 2016: Brand New Beat. Tony Allen, Freed-Hardeman University’s Dean of Student Life, simply describes the production in one sentence:
“A musical variety show put on by the students at Freed-Hardeman University.” ~ Tony Allen
Yes, it is simply a variety show, but the talent of the student performers and creativity behind the production presents more than just a regular musical variety show. The student-directed production has been presented for almost 40 years on the campus and each year, the students work hard to produce a show better than the last.
Makin’ Music 2016: Brand New Beat opened with the hosts and hostesses of the show, setting the tone for an almost two hour experience of good music and great singing talent. FHU students and masters of ceremonies, Savannah and Michael, picked up after that in a video of them going on a wild car ride that barely got them to the Loyd Auditorium in time to take their positions ready for the show. Their humorous interaction was enjoyable and during the show, I found myself either singing along, stomping my foot or with a smile my face.
Variety is what we got with performances of contemporary songs like “Brothers” and “The Eye” and some oldies like “Lean on Me”, “Aint No Mountain High” and the hosts and hostesses medley of “My Girl” and “My Guy”. New lyrics were put to other familiar songs from the 80s and other periods and the song mashups were a delight; how about a little Carly Rae Jepsen, Maroon 5 and Drake all rolled together?
One could really tell the FHU students were having fun with their theatrics and dancing that brought their singing to life. I can imagine that many of them look forward to participating in the annual production that allows them to share their musical and theatrical talents that their majors may not otherwise allow. The audience, full of area elementary and junior high school students, were engaged throughout the morning performance.
The production is just one of the activities happening on the FHU campus for the Makin’ Music 2016 Weekend. Other activities include Maroon & Gold Day and campus tours for prospective students, story time for pre-kindergarten and elementary school students, softball and baseball games to attend and more. This is a good family opportunity to visit the campus and learn more about the university.
My children and I have already made plans to be sitting in the audience next year. I can’t wait to see what the students come up with for Makin’ Music 2017.
Makin’ Music 2016 “Brand New Beat” will be presented Friday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 9 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. You may purchase your tickets online.
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