COAR’s Variety Show raises money and showcases talent

By KOTY BOWEN

Staff Writer

On February 9, members of the University of Mary Washington and Fredericksburg communities gathered in Dodd Auditorium to witness the Variety Show, an event that showcases the talent of UMW students.  The entertainment ranged from debuts of original songs to the thrill and excitement of intricate dance teams.

The Variety Show is in its eighth year and is organized by UMW’s Community Outreach and Resources Club, more commonly known as COAR. This event not only showcases the immense amount of talent here at UMW, but also all the proceeds from tickets and raffling are used to fund COAR trips so they can work with Habitat for Humanity in building homes for the less fortunate. COAR and Habitat for Humanity often team up in efforts to help those less fortunate across the United States.

The Variety Show included ten performances that either sang, dance or did both at the same time. The show started off with a performance from one of UMW’s a cappella groups, The One Note Stand.

The president of the group, senior economics major Alli Jakubek, said “It’s great to be able to perform for the greater UMW community; the COAR Variety Show always brings in people that we don’t usually see at our concerts.” She also mentioned how the Variety Show acts as a “support” for groups.

The One Note Stand performed after recently placing third in the quarterfinals of the International Championship for Collegiate A Cappella competition, so needless to say their performance was astounding. Two other a cappella groups performed that night, BellACappella and Symphonics. BellACapella performed a beautiful rendition of “Walking on Sunshine” while Symfonics brought back a rock classic with “Under Pressure.”

Besides the three a cappella groups, there was a great display of dance. The duo act of Daksha Khatri and Rahima Morshed performed an Indian dance that portrayed the grief of losing a loved one. Alter Egos Step Team stomped the yard in their incredible performance. UMW Dance Team graced us with a clean, elegant number to the song “Filthy” by Justin Timberlake. Encore! Show Choir gave 80s Michael Jackson vibes with their funky rendition of “Bad” by the King of Pop himself.

The Variety Show also showed the creative side of the community. UMW student Shelby Sencindiver performed an original song titled “Miles Away” which was gorgeous and was met with thunderous applause. Sencindiver also has an original song on iTunes titled “Follow Me” which is definitely worth checking out. Another singer/songwriter graced the stage as well. UMW student Ryan Ford debuted a song he had been writing for two years titled “Ferris Wheel.” The song was emotionally charged and had everyone cheering when Ford finished.

Throughout the show, COAR let guest speakers talk about Habitat for Humanity and how the money raised is going to a good cause. They also gave out raffle prizes ranging from artwork by UMW Students to gift baskets from local business sponsors.

The Eighth Annual Variety Show was amazing all around, and it gave students an opportunity to see the talent of the UMW community.