With Freshman Fanfare right around the corner, practices are ramping up. Soon freshmen will be performing onstage for their first time at Oklahoma Christian University. Of these students, eight of them have been chosen from auditions to be spotlighted in the unique role of a host. Hosts perform songs in between the group acts. This year’s hosts are Jaylen Byrd, Macaiah Downs, Maggie Tryggstad, Dax Curtis, Gabrielle Searcy, Kyler Gurkowski, Pacyn Osborne, and Austin Heitmann. Several answered questions from the Talon highlighting their experience.
Jaylen Byrd
What has been your favorite moment of Fanfare so far?
“My favorite moment of Freshman Fanfare this far has to be our very first rehearsal. A group of pretty much strangers jumped right into singing and dancing and the chemistry was already there. We shared so many laughs as we got to know each other and had a blast learning the choreography to our opening song,” said Byrd.
Why did you want to become a Fanfare host?
“Singing, performing, and being on the stage are some of the greatest passions of my life. It’s where I feel the most like myself, and the joy it brings me is like no other. The Lord is so present in my time on stage, blessing me with pure joy and an escape from the craziness this life brings! I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” said Byrd.
Macaiah Downs
Did you have any singing experience when you auditioned for Fanfare?
“Yes, I have had a lot of singing experience before Fanfare. I was a show choir kid for six years and have been performing since I was about eleven,” said Downs.
Of all the pieces of advice you can give to next year’s freshmen hosts, what would you say?
“I’d say have fun and embrace the idea that you’re going to look ridiculous, but that makes it better,” said Downs.
Maggie Tryggestad
If there is one drink or snack that gets you through practice, what is it?
“TEA! Tea always! It’s so good for your voice and so yummy,” said Tryggestad.
What is something about being a Fanfare host that surprised you once you started doing it?
“I was surprised by the community we were able to build in such a short amount of time. We all clicked so quickly, and it was so amazing to see everyone just immediately love and support each other,” said Tryggestad.
Dax Curtis
What has been your favorite moment of Fanfare so far?
“Getting to show off our songs to the rest of the freshmen in the show. They were so supportive even when we messed up, so it gave me a lot of confidence in our collective talent,” said Curtis.
Why did you want to become a Fanfare host?
“I wanted to become a Fanfare Host because it feels like a good stepping stone to one day becoming a Spring Sing host! I’ve seen many Spring Sing shows in my life, and beco
ming a host has always been a dream of mine,” said Curtis.
Gabrielle Searcy
What has been your favorite moment of Fanfare so far?
“My favorite moment of Fanfare has been hanging out with everyone and singing and dancing. It’s been so fun!” said Searcy.
Of all the pieces of advice you can give to next year’s freshmen hosts, what would you say?
“You need to be confident in yourself and know that no matter what, you are going to have a great time. Fanfare is so fun because we’re all putting ourselves out there and just having so much fun,” said Searcy.
Kyler Gurkowski
What has been your favorite moment of Fanfare so far?
“Getting the opportunity to connect with all these wonderful people through our God-given talent of musical performance. Some of the best times we have had are just when we are just hanging out doing random goofy things; I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Gurkowski.
If there is one drink or snack that gets you through practice, what is it?
“There are only 2 snacks and 2 drinks that are correct answers. For the snacks we got some good ole’ Dots pretzels (original flavor of course) and Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. And for the drinks we got Gatorade (any flavor but orange and yellow) and good ole’ reliable water,” said Gurkowski.
Pacyn Osburn
Why did you want to become a Fanfare host?
“I wanted to become a host because singing and performing are something I have always felt so passionate about. Being on stage makes me feel so alive, and I always have so much fun,” said Osburn.
Of all the pieces of advice you can give to next year’s freshmen hosts, what would you say?
“To next year’s hosts, I would say to do it scared because it is so much fun and so worth it!” said Osburn.
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