Showcase has new name, more Christian emphasis
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ISSUE: 09/13/07 > A&E > Showcase has new name, more Christian emphasis
The Sept. 23 kickoff to this year’s music showcase series at Belmont will feature competition, talent and a fresh God-centered philosophy.
Resonate, otherwise known as the Christian Showcase, is undergoing a lot more than a name change. Luke McElroy, the show’s producer, said the new name stands for the show’s true mission.
“The idea comes from the concept that Christians are called to resonate God’s glory to this world,” McElroy said. “Our leadership team’s prayer has been that people don’t remember this as a showcase, but as a night God moved in their life.”
Instead of focusing on competition, the people behind Resonate hope to put the spotlight on God. Plans for a post-show time of worship are in the works, and the participants hope to reach out beyond Belmont to the Nashville community.
Although the focus of this year’s show has changed, there’s still much at stake for Belmont hopefuls. The winner will get the opportunity to perform in the Best of the Best showcase in April along with other prizes the show’s organizers are keeping under wraps for now.
Showcasing BU |
Resonate, the Christian music showcase, is the first of six showcases scheduled for the 2007-2008 series. It begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, in the Curb Event Center. The concert, along with others this fall and next spring, are student presentations of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Showcases coming up: Pop/Urban Showcase, Oct. 27; Country, Nov. 17; Pop/Rock, Feb. 17; Other, March 15; and Best of the Best, April 19. |
The real-world success of past showcase performers is encouraging to current Belmont musicians. Josh Wilson, winner of the 2004 Christian Showcase, signed a contract with major label Sparrow Records in the fall of last year.
Numerous music industry professionals are also expected to attend Resonate, which will be held at the Curb Event Center. McElroy attributes the consistent turnout to Belmont’s strong reputation and ability to promote students.
“The music business staff does its very best to boast about the incredible talent in the showcases,” McElroy said. “The industry actually enjoys coming to our showcases because the Belmont community has always been a good breeding ground for upcoming hit recording artists.”
Auditions for Resonate are currently in progress. Students who think they’ve got what it takes are required to submit an application with a CD of two original songs.
Musicians who survive the application round will have the opportunity to perform live in front a panel of industry professionals. The judges will select the actual Resonate performers from this group.
Once the artists are selected, preparations for the showcase will kick into high gear. From performers to planners to technicians, Resonate will require immense effort from a diverse group of people.
McElroy thinks the magnitude of the showcase is great because it gives unique opportunities to large numbers of students.
“They can get hands-on experience and learn what it means to put on a large-scale production,” McElroy said.
For many of the backstage staff, one of the best parts about working on Resonate is building relationships. Working together for a common goal has become a strong unifying force among Resonate’s organizers.
“Anyone in the touring industry would say life on the road is like a family,” McElroy said. “Showcases are just that. If you get involved with the showcase staff, you’re sure to find a warm and welcoming family of people just like you.”
