Fall Talent Festival Showcases Performances by the Honors Community
By Mahidhar Sai Lakkavaram and Sophie Hauck
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On Saturday, 15 October, The Commonwealth Honors College hosted its annual fall talent festival! Set in the backdrop of the vibrant fall foliage at the CHCRC concourse, the event was a showcase of the immense talent that bubbles throughout the Honors community.
Featuring over 13 performers, including the popular cultural performance group TASC, and the Youtube-famous a cappella group Doo Wop Shop, the event gathered an audience of over 50 people, creating a mixing pot of parents, students, and faculty alike.
The festival was kicked off by Wicked Pitch, an a cappella group, who performed their renditions of “Still Into You” by Paramore and “Save your Tears” by The Weeknd. Following them was Janelle Garcia, a singer and guitarist, and then TASC, who showed their mastery over the diabolo (a type of juggling prop).
“Teamwork and communication are a big part of our performance, especially when we’re doing things like our group tosses,” said Evelyn Lee, a senior history major and member of TASC.
The crowd went wild as each performer went up. Although a few of the acts were a bit nervous, the encouragement of the audience spurred on their performances.
Josephine Byrne, an undeclared first-year student said, “We were just walking around the Honors College and we heard the music, and we were like ‘Wow! This looks so cool!’ so we wanted to stay and watch.”
There was also a variety of refreshments and snacks for everyone at the event. Apple cider donuts, caramel apples, freshly brewed apple cider, and pastries were a few of the many snacks that had people buzzing around the concourse.
TASC group performing with diabolo outdoors at the University of Massachusetts
“Teamwork and communication are a big part of our performance, especially when we’re doing things like our group tosses,” - Evelyn Lee, a senior history major and member of TASC.
“It’s an advantage to live in the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community since events like this are always happening,” said Sabine Budd, a sophomore education major who was a performer at the event.
Ashley Braziel, the coordinator of events and programs at Commonwealth Honors College, was the one pulling the event together.
“Seeing your vision come to life, especially on such a beautiful day like today, is such a ‘Okay, we did it!’ moment for me,’ Braziel explained.
Braziel also commended Floyd Patterson, another staff member at the Commonwealth Honors College, who was emceeing the event and helped the students find their footing as they went up to perform.
“Watching all these families come together and this sense of community that is present at the festival right now is all I wished for from this event,” she added.
Missed the festival? Don’t worry, there’s still more to come! As the fall colors come to life, so do the variety of events that the Honors college has lined up for this semester. Stay tuned to this space to learn more about the next one!