Forget New York. UW-Madison students can get a taste of Broadway this weekend right on campus.
The Wisconsin Singers are nationally known for their energizing performances and musical flair. This Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9, they are bringing the talent home with their annual \On Campus Event,"" the focal point of their 35th anniversary celebration.
""Our show this weekend is 'And the Winner Is,'"" said Wisconsin Singers dance captain Megan Whitty. ""It includes music from the Tony Awards, Academy Awards, Grammys, MTV and a tribute to the most award-winning family, which is the Jacksons.""
The Broadway-style review includes a blend of high-energy song, dance and acting.
With a schedule that takes the Wisconsin Singers to more than 40 cities each year, the ""On Campus Event"" is definitely something the group looks forward to.
""Everyone is really, really excited,"" said public relations intern Cindy Gagner. ""It's the only time UW[-Madison] students get to see all of [the Singers'] hard work and how talented they all are.""
The singers learn all the vocals for the season in one week in July and practice full-time from the beginning of August until school starts in fall.
During the fall semester, the 16 singers and dancers practice professionally choreographed routines eight hours every Sunday. They, along with nine instrumentalists and three technicians perform at numerous high schools and alumni clubs.
Dubbed UW's ""Official Ambassadors of Goodwill,"" the Wisconsin Singers are showcased at fund-raisers and conventions in numerous communities throughout Wisconsin and beyond. According to Whitty, they entertain an estimated 50,000 people each year.
Becoming a member is no easy feat. Gagner said that tryouts each May ""get extremely competitive."" All full-time students are eligible for membership and incoming freshman are encouraged to audition as well.
A variety of majors are represented in the group'only three of the 28 are music majors. Other majors include business, communication arts and engineering, just to name a few. All earn one credit for their involvement and have the chance to win scholarship money as well.
The group also features a gifted band, so singers and dancers are not the only musicians needed.
""A lot of people think that we are backup to the singers, but more often than that, we are just as important as they are,"" said assistant musical director John Francis. ""There is a lot of time where the band is featured throughout the shows.""
Members of the Wisconsin Singers dedicate an enormous part of their year to the group. Time management is very important for all the Singers because of their full course loads and demanding performance schedule.
""Everyone handles it very well,"" Gagner said. ""When you love something like this as much as they do, you make the time even when there is none.\
