Concordia University Wisconsin students will soon perform in “Concordia’s Got Talent”, an annual opportunity for students to engage personally and thoughtfully with the student community.
Performing in the show requires students to audition, giving them a chance at winning $1,500 if selected for the best act.
CGT contestant Genna Rector, is doing a choreographed dance to “Move” by Mercy Me, because it is a fun song to dance to.
“The song that I chose is just one of those that I feel like I have a good amount of choreography. I can finish it up fairly easily choreography wise. It’s a really fun song and I do like to move, so “Move” is a perfect song for me,” Rector said.
Another contestant, Lydia Treu is singing “Rise up” by Andre Day, because the message means a lot to her.
“I wanted to pick a song that was meaningful to me, instead of just picking a song that’s popular. The song has themes of perseverance and hope,” Treu said. “Strength is found all around us, not just within. You aren’t facing your challenges alone; everyone has hard times. When times get stressful and dark, all we need is that light.”
Rachel Pope and Tirzah Schmickle won CGT last year by singing an original song called “More Like You”, which later kick-started their band called Letters to the King.
The advice that Pope gives to the next CGT contestants is to focus on the preparation put into the performance. “Just go there and have fun. Don’t stress about it. I mean, it’s scary. You’re in front of a lot of people but try not to psych yourself out and think about all that. Just think about the practice that you put into your own talent. If you put in the work, it won’t be as bad as you think it is,” she said.
Students can come watch this year’s student performances at “Concordia’s Got Talent” on April 23rd at 7:00pm in the auditorium.
— Kirsten Harrington is a writer for the Beacon and a junior majoring in photography and minoring in Mass Communications. She works as a student photographer, taking photos at campus events.