Students in the commercial music program’s Songwriting course presented original songs this past week during an on-campus showcase aimed at giving developing songwriters practical performance experience.
The showcase featured both solo and group performances that students in the Songwriting course wrote alone or with other students. It featured a wide range of student-written material, including original pop, country and gospel music.
The event brought together listeners from across campus, creating an audience that filled Harry’s Coffeehouse throughout the show. Some attendees stopped by intentionally, while others came after hearing music from the University Center.
One of those listeners, Merce Relaford, works at Moe’s Southwest Grill just outside of Harry’s Coffeehouse. Relaford stopped to stand in the back to groove to the music during Micah Swain’s performance.
“There were a lot of good notes in there,” he said in reference to Strawn’s gospel performance. “It just made me feel good.”
Relaford said showcases like this help student musicians gain visibility within the campus community.
“It’s a good showcase for students to get their voices out there in front of other students,” Relaford said. “It helps them promote themselves, in case they have any projects that they’re working on. People actually know what their voice sounds like.”
For the performers, the night provided an opportunity to practice presenting original material in a live setting.
Commercial music student Zach Foster said the showcase marked the first time he had ever performed as a solo lead singer.
“I was nervous, but, you know, I had to break out of my shell and just do it,” Foster said. “That was my thought process behind it. I feel good. I feel like it went well. I’m planning on recording it and releasing the song I performed over Christmas break.”
Foster said performing in front of peers, many of whom had never heard his work before, was one of the most valuable parts of the showcase.
“So many of the people listening here tonight are my friends, but a lot of people came up to me afterwards saying, ‘I didn’t know you did this.’ But it was really special, just to see all my friends here and those relationships that I built. It’s really cool.”
Another performer, Alex Kanaday, also shared an original song. She said the setting allowed her to observe how listeners reacted to her songs in front of her.
“I loved getting to sing one of my original songs and just seeing the crowd’s reaction,” Kanaday said. “I got some really positive feedback, and it was a great time.”
Kanaday said performing in front of audiences helps her understand what parts of her writing work, and she sees their reactions to her music.
After the show, many students from different majors or interests on campus conversed with the students in Harry’s and praised them for their work.
The showcase allowed commercial music students to express themselves in front of their peers and perform what they have been working on this semester. The students’ performances offered them a practical space to test their material, build confidence and continue developing as performers.
Staff Reporter
