On December 6th, the Elon Electric Ensemble class members got the opportunity to showcase the songs they had been working on throughout the semester. This event provided the crowd with a chance to witness the remarkable talent present at Elon. Music production students took the stage in McCrary Theatre as part of the Fall Songwriter Showcase, an annual concert organized by Elon's Music Production and Recording Arts program. The concert was sponsored by the Elon Department of Music and directed by Elon professor Todd Coleman.

Showcasing Student-Generated Music

Ten songs were performed, with nine composed by sophomore Maya Spencer, junior Shreyas Kumar, sophomore Keller Knight, and sophomore Maya Cohen. Coleman also presented one of his own songs. The student-written songs included Spencer's "Sit and Watch," Kumar's "City on Fire," Knight's "Bonnie & Clyde," and Cohen's "Fever Dream." Additionally, senior Major LeGoullon on electric guitar and senior Theo Loehr on drums added to the musical ensemble.

The Role of Todd Coleman

Coleman is the professor for MUS1090: Electric Ensemble. He is not only a talented bassist and composer but also the founding faculty coordinator of Elon University's Music Production and Recording Arts program. He has demonstrated his creative prowess by composing music for film, escape rooms, and documentary television. His presence and guidance have played a crucial role in shaping the students' musical journey.

Workshopping and Performing

During the semester, students present a song they have been working on and, with the input from their peers, add backing instrumentation. Throughout the process, the song is refined to include backing vocals and other instruments such as drums, bass, and keyboard. By the end of the semester, the students perform the songs with the ensemble. In the fall semester, the concerts focus on showcasing the original work of the students. This provides a unique platform for them to share their creative expressions.

The Importance of Original Music

Spencer emphasized that it is becoming increasingly difficult for smaller musicians to perform their original work. This is why these concerts are of great significance for her and other students. "A lot of times venues prefer to hear cover music as it is what people want to hear. So having spaces to perform our own songs is really crucial, especially at a school like Elon where there are so many talented musicians creating original music," she said.

Other Campus Music Promotions

This is not the first time Elon has been actively promoting musicians on campus. The Elon Student Union Board's SUBFest featured performances from The Shed, Limitless, Yards Davis, and more. Knight believes that such programs give students the opportunity to explore music production and express themselves. "It's a wonderful chance for students not only to share their original songs with an audience but also to gain the experience of workshopping their songs with a band. It allows them to think beyond just a guitar, a piano, or a voice," he said. The date for the Electric Ensemble's spring concert will be announced in the spring semester, exciting students and music enthusiasts alike.