The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
A Cappella UWSP, a student group at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, hosted Open Mic Night on Friday, Sept. 16 which turned out 40 attendees. The night included 12 solo performances, three duets and two songs sung by one of A Cappella UWSP’s ensembles, On Point. Rob Goszkowicz, President of A Cappella UWSP, started the event with an introduction, explaining what A Cappella UWSP is. “We are a student organization,” Goszkowicz said. “We ourselves are an a cappella group, but we support all a cappella on campus, whether you’re part of an ensemble or just want to come to our meetings.”
Adam Rider and William Toney sing together at A Capella UWSP’s open mic night. Photo by Colton Oltesvig
Next was a group vocal warm-up followed by the performances. In the informal mode of the evening, performers were asked to share their name, student standing, favorite type of breakfast cereal and which ensemble they would be interested in joining. Song choices ranged from Bill Wither’s “Lean on Me,” Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel,” to original songs and on-stage professions of love. Once every name on the sign-up list had been called, the audience was invited up on stage to sing Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Twenty-two audience members accepted the invitation. After a few impromptu performances, the audience was given time to mingle and ask questions of the A Cappella UWSP members in attendance. Cora Katterhagen, junior radiography major, sang “Put Your Records On” by Corrinne Bailey Rae and “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess” at Open Mic Night. “I absolutely loved [the event],” Katterhagen said. “Everyone was super supportive here which really helps out with nerves considering I get really bad stage fright.” Brittany Zander, sophomore member of A Cappella UWSP, said “I thought [the event] was really fun. I think we had a pretty good turn out.” A Cappella UWSP is comprised of three ensembles: On Point, the men’s a cappella group; The Point Pitches, the women’s a cappella group; and TBA, the mixed a cappella group. Members can form their own ensemble, however, by filling out an A Cappella UWSP Ensemble Recognition Form and meeting the requirements, such as having at least four members, all belonging to A Cappella UWSP, naming an ensemble leader and treasurer and agreeing to abide by the A Cappella UWSP constitution. TBA will be holding auditions on Sept. 22, The Point Pitches on Sept. 24 and On Point on Sept. 20. For more information concerning auditions, please see each ensemble’s Facebook page. Kathryn Wisniewski Reporter Kathryn.E.Wisnewski@uwsp.edu
