Students can show off their singing and dancing skills from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 6 in the Campbell Ballroom for Vocal AmmUNItion, the University of Northern Iowas student-led show choir. Auditions were also held Sept. 22, but the turnout was low due to low publicity.
When we’re auditioning for new members, we usually look for people that have a good rhythm and can find a beat while dancing. We also look for quality singers who cannot only sing by themselves but within a group, said Kathryn Smith, chairman of production for Vocal AmmUNItion and sophomore English major. However, prior experience is not necessary.
Vocal AmmUNItion is a noncompetitive group that travels to high school show choir competitions and performs for exhibition. Former and current members have enjoyed both the noncompetitive environment and the opportunity to make new friends and connections.
This years show is named Dancing Through the Decades and features hits from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. This years show includes Pat Benatars Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Edwin McCains Ill Be, Christina Aguileras Come On Over and One Directions What Makes You Beautiful.
As a student-led group, Vocal AmmUNItion doesnt receive much funding, but the members still appreciate what they have.
The only struggle is that since we’re a student-led group, we don’t get a very large budget, so there can be financial stress within the group, said Smith. Even if we can’t get the most expensive or flashy things, we always have a great time.
According to Smith, in order to help balance the attitude among members, the group will play games to relax or sit and talk about their day, as it can also get a bit stressful as a show approaches.
If we aren’t prepared and we only have a couple of practices left before we have a performance, it can get a little intense. We don’t want to be perfect, we just want to represent UNI in a positive way, said Amanda Schueller, secretary for Vocal AmmUNItion and sophomore English education major.
Sarah Christian, sophomore elementary education major, took the choreography reins last year from a student who backed out. She is creating the choreography again this year.
We’ve got a great choreographer, band and student leaders, and we’re looking forward to a great show choir season, said Smith.
