This fall concert, “Wanderlust,” features a select group of talented student instrumentalists and vocalists showcasing a wide variety of genres, from jazz to pop.

Virginia Novine-Whittaker, lecturer in music and director of the concert, says the performance had to be rescheduled due to two students studying abroad.

“It is fitting that the theme of the concert is Wanderlust, and we are moving our concert date to allow students to travel,” said Novine-Whittaker.Ěý“Wanderlust is the lust to wander or a desire to travel. When you have wanderlust, you have that ache in your heart that needs to escape to new and beautiful places.”

Whittaker says the concert will consist of many different genres of music, including jazz, pop, Latin, country and even international music.

“Many of our students have studied abroad, and these experiences bring a special meaning to some of the songs in our concert,” she said.

If the songs display colorful depictions of one’s love for traveling, they are sure to be heard in this performance.

“There is truly something for everyone at this concert,” said Novine-Whittaker.

The Music Ambassadors will perform “Vienna” by Billy Joel which holds special meaning for one member of the ensemble, Ella Nagel, who performed with an opera company in Vienna this past summer. The song depicts the importance of slowing down and admiring the view every now and then, something the Music Ambassadors encourage everyone to do as they come enjoy the beautiful music.

“Putting together a production is a lot of hours – there are places one can work smart and be efficient but good art born of true collaboration doesn’t take shortcuts,” said Courtney Liu, director of the production and assistant professor of music theatre.

During a recent rehearsal, the cast practiced the songs, harmonies and notes, focusing on specific parts of the songs, and running through those few seconds over and over until they were confident.

“The work ethic is unbelievable,” said Liu. “Students involved onstage and off rehearse an average of 25 hours per week in addition to their other classes. During ‘tech week’ their workload reaches over 40 hours for this show alone before they perform six times over two weekends and then help with ‘strike,’ which is the day where we disassemble the show.”

During the rehearsal, Liu explained to the cast that they would have to extend their rehearsal hours during the weekend, to make sure they covered all the bases in preparation for the showtimes.

“We have to trust each other to get the work done,” said Liu. “If your scene partner or dance partner did not do the work on their own to memorize the lines or notes or dance steps it affects everyone, those working directly on the scene, and the many faculty and student designers working behind the scenes to make sure everything looks fantastic and runs smoothly.”

The cast and crew members had fun from the start of rehearsal, to the moment it ended, from dancing along while singing the songs, letting loose with any of the choreography and even implementing their own thoughts and opinions into creative choices.

“I have the utmost respect for them and the time, energy, grit, generosity of spirit, love for the art form and care for their collaborators they have contributed to this production – the future is bright,” said Liu, explaining all the parts of themselves these passionate individuals bring to musical theater.

With only a piano being played to rehearse the songs, the cast member’s voices carried as they intertwined with one another.

“Legally Blonde reminds us how wrong initial assumptions can be [like the ones Elle Woods faces] and encourages all of us to bravely step out of the stereotypical, two-dimensional, assumed version of ourselves and into the brightest, biggest, fullest version of our true humanity,” said Liu.

An improv department performance troupe, Instant Laughter is managed with the help of faculty director, Fred Rubeck, professor of performing arts and co-chair of the Department of Performing Arts for the 2024-25 school year.

When asked, Rubeck explained his favorite aspect of Instant Laughter is seeing ongoing members helping to train the new members each term.

“Once a student joins the company, they have a spot until they graduate,” said Rubeck. “This gives the group a real legacy feel; handing down traditions and experience. And the new folks bring so much, it’s ever-changing!”

Rubeck says there is no “backstage” work, as it all happens in front of the audience. The group usually rehearses and trains three times a week, and they utilize practice games and practice prompts to strengthen their ability to think quickly and respond quicker.

“Other than the order and introductions, everything is spontaneous. Nothing is scripted,” said Rubeck.

With slight organized chaos, Rubeck and Instant Laughter hope the audience has good fun and feels like part of that fun. Juggling school, work and life can be exhausting, and sometimes it’s important to just slow down and find things that bring you back to earth.

“I think it’s important, especially in tough times like now, that we remember to lighten our hearts and find humor,” said Rubeck.

Come see Instant Laughter on Oct. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. Performances are held in Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts. Admission is $15 at the door, and all proceeds benefit Elon’s performing arts program.

Tavo Alcoser, Jr., lead singer for Jarabe Mexicano, said the band’s overall mission is “encouraging inclusion and community engagement through the arts.”

The band was formed in 2015 by Alcoser and Kevin Lomes, who plays the vihuela. Over the last nine years, Jarabe Mexicano has gained members and watched members move on. Now, Jarabe Mexicano has five faces: Alcoser, Lomes, Danny Brito (percussionist), Eduardo Valencia (guitarron) and Estaban Smith (guitarist).

“We value respect and communication in this band, which is essential for conflict resolution,” said Alcoser on whether the band has encountered challenges with each other over the years. “We’ve learned to treat each other like family because that’s what you are when you’re on the road.”

Being on tour and busy can take its toll at times. Nonetheless, Jarabe Mexicano has had its fair share of funny and memorable moments. Alcoser reminisced about a time when he had to make a pitstop to buy new shoes because he ripped the soles off his old ones from dancing during a show. This enthusiasm earned him the nickname “El Trompo,” or “the spinning top,” to his bandmates.

Unbeknownst to them, Jarabe Mexicano wasn’t only letting loose and having fun with their audience but encouraging them and motivating them as well. In one instance, a woman confided in the band, telling them she had cancer and was scared of what the future would bring. She told them that their music, specifically their bilingual rendition of Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up (Semillas),” deeply empowered her to face her illness and fight for her life.

“We were shocked, honored and deeply moved by this encounter as we realized the effect that our performances could have on people, even as we felt like small fish in a huge sea,” Alcoser said.

That woman eventually beat cancer and has since stayed in remission: “The power of music is truly amazing,” said Alcoser.

Hispanic Heritage Month may mean different things to different people. Maybe a student hasn’t had the opportunity to hear music derived from such a rich culture or there are faculty members who would benefit from shaking off stress with the joy that music brings. There may even be individuals who were born in Hispanic countries who would feel a little more at home with the music.

“I’m optimistic that we can keep honoring our histories, our cultures and our traditions while also embracing change and creating a future that benefits and enriches us all,” Alcoser said.

What better way to spread awareness and knowledge on culture and heritage than through celebration and music? In such a politically diverse world, it’s important to find little things that may unite the masses.

“It’s a difficult task, but one that’s worth fighting for,” said Alcosar.

When asked if he had any advice to impart on college students pursuing aspirations and dreams, Alcoser stated that “dreams are extremely important but are only as useful as the effort you’re willing to invest into them. As you move forward in life, remember to always follow your gut instinct when it calls out to you and to never, ever lose faith in yourself.”

With their show “Fiesta En Familia: Home Is Where The Heart Is,” Jarabe Mexicano hopes that the people who attend their performances can feel like a part of the band’s extended family. They hope that regardless of background, the audience can spot a bit of themselves in the culture and music.

“Despite our differences, we ultimately belong to one human family,” he said.

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