In the fall of every year, Northwestern has put together the most elaborate lip syncing contest in Orange City. It is called Airband, and this year’s version is tomorrow at 9 p.m. The premise of the event is pretty straightforward. It is a lip syncing contest featuring different acts that are put together by students.
Although it is all set up and ready to go once students walk into the chapel doors, it did not all just magically appear. While the idea is simple, the execution of the event is elaborate, with colorful lights, sound equipment and cameras capturing every moment.
Aaron Beadner, Director of Student Programs at NW, is involved with the production of Airband and knows about the inner workings of the event. He has found the most difficult part of the process to be scheduling.
“Scheduling is always an issue,” Beadner said. “Students live busy lives and it can be challenging for Airband acts to find the time to all gather and practice.”
This has been an issue for students participating in Airband for a few years. Many students do not realize the time commitment needed to pull off a winning performance.
“Last year and this year we’ve had a few acts drop out at the last minute due to this reason,” Beadner said.
“All hands on deck” is typically the mantra of Airband, and it takes the work of students to put it all together.
“There are a lot of behind-the-scenes elements that happen to make Airband work including lighting and projection design, finding hosts and judges, and determining the voting process,” Beadner said. “Airband acts spend countless hours practicing on their own and the SAC schedules a dress rehearsal for them in the chapel.”
Even though the team works hard to make sure that they put together a good production on their end, Beader believes that the most pivotal part of the night comes from the students.
“The most important key to a successful Airband is having quality acts,” Beadner said. “Without that the show would not be successful. This year we are pleased to have 10 different acts participating.”
Teamwork might make the dream work, but without the student’s attendance, Airband wouldn’t be successful. Students play a huge role in Airband and they determine the outcome of the event. Beadner encourages students to attend.
“Our student performers are very creative,” Beadner said. “They have worked hard on their acts and we hope that students will come out to show their support for them. It will be a fun and entertaining show and the winner is determined by the audience.”
