Freshman fanfare to take the stage this weekend

80 students will take the stage this weekend to put on Freshman Fanfare for friends and family.

The freshman class of 2029 will take the stage this weekend for the annual Freshman Fanfare performance. The performances are slated for 7 p.m. Sept. 26 and 2 p.m. Sept. 27 in Baugh Auditorium. 

Annually, Freshman Fanfare serves as one of the first major events bringing the entire freshman class together. The production allows students an opportunity to get involved and collaborate as a group to contribute to campus life. 

Freshmen have been rehearsing for weeks under the direction of upperclassmen to prepare for the performance. The performance is largely student-led, encouraging students to work together and lead. 

Amanda Watson, student events coordinator who serves as the staff advisor for the show, said her role involves helping students ease into leadership roles. 

“I get students plugged into different areas,” Watson said. “Once all of the upperclassmen are in their positions, I give out the different jobs and just make sure everyone is doing their own part.”

Watson added that being behind the scenes gives her a chance to see students in a different light. 

“My favorite part is working with the students and getting to see them do something that they enjoy doing, and something fun,” Watson said. 

“It’s always exciting to me to work with the next group of upperclassmen that are leading the freshman,” Watson said. “I always love the excitement they get from being in one of their first leadership roles at the university, since most of them are sophomores that are directors.”

She also noted this year’s freshman class demonstrated strong participation in campus events. 

“I feel like one of the things I’m most excited about is that there’s great participation this year,” Watson said. 

Watson’s hope for this year’s performance is about more than putting on a wonderful show- it’s about the connections students build.

“For me the whole point of Freshman Fanfare isn’t necessarily about the show, but about the relationships and about the experience that the freshmen and even the sophomores get to have this quickly into the semester to connect,” Watson said. 

Ethan Gunselman, one of this year’s freshman hosts, shared how being part of the show has helped him connect with others. 

“I’ve gotten to be real close with the people involved in it with me,” Gunselman said. “That’s been my favorite part.” 

He stated everyone involved has taken this event seriously and stayed on top of their responsibilities. He also emphasized how great this year’s band sounds. 

 “We’ve really taken a step up musically,” Gunselman said. “We’ve been on top of things this year.” 

Fellow freshman host Eve Cochran expressed the same sentiment and highlighted how the band’s talent will help this year’s performance stand out.

“We have a lot more variety of instruments, and the people who are in the band are extremely talented, so the music is going to be really good this year,” Cochran said.

Cochran talked about the encouragement she and the hosts have received from upperclassmen, which has made the experience even more enjoyable. 

“I’ve really enjoyed all the hype we get from the upperclassmen,” Cochran said. “That’s been my favorite part so far, being around everyone and feeling their excitement.” 

Cochran offers a glimpse into how the audience members could be surprised by the performance this year. 

“We have more choreography than last year,” Cochran said. “This year, we have moves like grapevines, step-downs, and some coordinated group movements.” 

Cochran said being part of the show has given her the opportunity to do something she has always been curious about.

“This is a dream come true,” Cochran said. “I’ve never sung on a stage before, so this is just seeing how I like performing and having an audience.” 

Cochran recommends freshmen considering taking on a leadership role to get involved with more upcoming events on campus. 

“I would encourage freshmen thinking about hosting now, even to go for Spring Sing, because it’s a blast, and you’re different from the regular freshman group act, because you’re all together in a smaller setting, so you get to know people on a more personal level,” Cochran said. 
Faculty, staff and students can attend the show for free with an Oklahoma Christian Student ID. All other tickets are available for $11.37 online or at the door which will open 30 minutes before the show.