University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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CONCERT FOR A CAUSE By Randielle Humphries Stemming from a previous a cappella event sponsored by Circle K, American Idol: A Cappella Style took the stage for the first time. With a new name and theme, the event was an all-out success. The planning for the concert began in early fall. The event committee searched for University ensembles and an out-of-state group, started publicizing across campus and the community, and booked the auditorium. They also collected donations from local restaurants and organizations for prize money for the winning a cappella group and raised funds within the community. The committee managed to receive sponsorship and funding from Circle K, LSA-student government, Arts at Michigan, and various resident hall councils. The night included performances from six reputable a cappella ensembles: Amazin ' Blue, Dicks and Janes, Gmen, Sopranos, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Madhatters, and Pioneer High School ' s all female group, Harmony. During intermission, the crowd enjoyed a performance by break-dancers from Element One. Event planner Courtney Istre, a member of the Sopranos and an LSA student, exclaimed, The Masters of Ceremonies, Matt George, from the Gmen, and Andy Roberts, pro- vided a very humorous dialogue throughout the concert that kept the audience entertained. Members of the sponsorship organizations also spoke. At the end of the evening, about 700 people looked on as the winners were awarded prizes. The proceeds from the concert benefited the Washtenaw Camp Placement Association, which provided low-income, high-risk elementary and high school students with the opportunity to attend summer camps for two weeks. Ticket sales raised over $5,500, whi ch provided 110 days of summer camp. American Idol: A Cappella Styk was a success because of the dedication, hard work, and generos- ity of its volunteers. Istre stated, This event is one of the only, if not the only, a cappella benefit concert this school year, especially of its size. That in combination with the American Idol theme led to a unique and creative event. It ' s another opportunity to bring together various organizations, plus all the money went to a great cause. Early in the show, a member from one of the participating a cappella ensembles sings a solo part. The combination of work put into planning, publicity, and the perfomance itself brought in enough money to send children to summer camp for 1 1 days. S. Tedjosukmana photo ORGANIZATIONS 249

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The Dicks and Janes harmonize together in competition. American Idol: A Cappella Style was the largest ensemble of a cappella groups on the University ' s campus. S. Tedjosukmana photo Members ot Element One perform dunng the show ' s intermission. The crowd enjoyed the group ' s break-dancing skills. S. Tediasukinana photo 248 MIC: :HIGANENSIAN

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Housing BY MELISSA MARIOLA AND MELISSA PLOTKOWSKI K. Mahf r photo 250 MlCHIUANENSlAN