In a “flash” at noon sharp on Tuesday, an orchestra, dancers and choir transformed the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Morris University Center’s Goshen Lounge into a musical and rhythmic delight.
“It was magical,” said Papa Blankson, a freshman majoring in medical sciences.
More than 120 students, faculty and staff joined in an SIUE flash mob, which was the kickoff display for the second annual “Get Your Art on Art-ahhh-thon,” sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Fourth Movement provided the backdrop for the flash dance, which lasted a little more than four minutes, and unfolded before a captivated audience of hundreds of onlookers.
“I wanted to do something like this ever since (SIUE) Music Chair Audrey Tallant sent me a video of a flash mob in Europe,” said SIUE College of Arts and Sciences Dean Aldemaro Romero, who directed the flash mob. “I liked the idea, but I wanted to do something bigger, with a large orchestra and the Theater and Dance Department.”
Tuesday’s flash mob had an orchestra of about 40 people and included a whole set of string and horn instruments. Michael Mishra, SIUE professor of music, trained the orchestra. Joel Knapp, SIUE professor of music, worked with the choir, who sang Beethoven’s piece in the original German. Kristin Best-Kinscherff, instructor in Theater and Dance, choreographed the flash mob and worked with the dancers.
“It was genius. I loved every part of it,” said Matt Kelly, a freshman majoring in business.
Weeks of rehearsals went into the presentation of the flash mob, Romero said.
“It was pretty awesome,” said Tyler Wilson, a senior majoring in political science and psychology. “It could have been longer because I was left with wanting more!”
Tuesday’s Art-ahhh-thon had a daylong list of activities which included a ceramics exhibition, poetry reading, jewelry demonstrations and a wind symphony concert.
“The purpose was to bring art to the public in all of its forms,” Romero said.
Photo Information:
SIUE College of Arts and Sciences Dean Aldemaro Romero directs part of the string orchestra during the SIUE flash mob.
Students from the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance perform during the SIUE flash mob.
Pictured are some violinists who were part of the flash mob orchestra.
SIUE College of Arts and Sciences Dean Aldemaro Romero directs the SIUE flash mob during a rehearsal.