Family Weekend is one of the most anticipated events of the year for students at Samford, not only because of the variety of activities, but also the opportunity to show their parents around campus, the city and their daily life.
Junior Ruthie Donald said, “My favorite part of Family Weekend last year was the fireworks show and the concert and getting to be there with my family and have them experience the Samford culture.”
Joel Davis, the chair of the Division of Music, said that this weekend is a great opportunity for students to network with parents involved in their respective industries, while also enjoying the work of their peers through the various student performances showcased.
Davis said the Division of Music is unique in its “big tent” approach to student opportunities in music, offering a wide range of genres and styles. Davis also said he thinks Family Weekend reflects that range through its commercial bands, classic ensembles, and traditional hymn singing.
“I have a feeling that Friday night is going to be, you know, an epic evening of music,” said Davis.
The concert on Friday will feature Samford’s student bands Lakeshore and Montague. Kacie Bell, lead vocalist for Montague, said that Family Weekend is great to experience with one’s family and friends, even if you’re not sure what to expect.
Bell said, “It’s so important to just put yourself out there and to go to events like that, where connection is there and waiting for you, and I think this is such a good opportunity for it.”
In addition to music and community, Family Weekend will have many other events to attend, such as a show at the Christenberry Planetarium on Friday, a pop-up market on Ben Brown Plaza and tailgating on the quad on Saturday.
Family Weekend is scheduled for Sept. 26–28 and aims to show the diversity of campus life at Samford, while giving students a chance to share the community they have built with loved ones.
Staff Reporter
