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Elon Electric Ensemble Debuts Semester Songs in Fall Showcase

2024-12-07

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.

Image Credit: Instagram @parisjackson

Paris Jackson's Sweet Birthday Message to Justin Long

On Friday, December 6th, the 26-year-old Paris Jackson shared the joyous news of her engagement with her now-fiancé, Justin Long. In a heartfelt caption on her Instagram post, she wrote, "happy birthday my sweet blue. Doing life with you these last years has been an indescribable whirlwind, and I couldn't imagine a more perfect person to share it all with. Thank you for letting me be yours. I love you."The couple's relationship has captured the attention of many, and fans are eager to learn more about Justin Long and their life together.

Who Is Justin Long?

Justin is a highly talented individual with a diverse range of skills. He is a renowned songwriter, producer, audio engineer, and mixer, boasting over a decade of experience in the music industry. Starting his music career in 2005, he didn't fully commit to it until 2013 when he joined Barefoot Recording in Los Angeles.Before venturing into music, Justin attended Grace College & Seminary and graduated in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in marketing and business administration. He initially worked in the business field but later made the transition to pursue his passion for music.Justin has collaborated with major labels such as Warner Brothers, Capitol, Island, Hollywood, and Glassnote. He has worked with a wide variety of artists including 5 Seconds of Summer, Nickel Creek, HOLYCHILD, Grace Potter, The Wombats, and Sleater-Kinney, showcasing his versatility and talent.

What Is Justin's Net Worth?

As of now, the exact figure of Justin's net worth remains unknown. However, his successful career in the music industry and his various projects have likely contributed to his financial standing.

What Is Paris' Net Worth?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Paris has an estimated net worth of $150 million. A significant portion of her wealth can be attributed to her late father, Michael Jackson's estate. Along with her siblings Prince and Blanket, Paris is one of the primary heirs. After Michael's tragic death in 2009, the three siblings inherited 40% of his estate, which has played a major role in Paris' financial success.

How Long Have Paris and Justin Been Dating?

According to E! News, the couple began dating in 2022. Their relationship has been a topic of much discussion and speculation among fans.

Has Paris Spoken About Marriage Before?

Paris previously dated her bandmate Gabriel Glenn for two years before their split in August 2020. In a June 2021 episode of Red Table Talk with Willow Smith, she shared her experience of heartbreak and how it had made her more cautious in her approach to relationships.She expressed that while she wasn't against marriage and would consider it if she loved someone, her main focus at the moment was on her spirituality and music. Having children was still a "maybe" for her.Paris' journey in love and life continues to unfold, and fans are excited to see what the future holds for her and Justin.

For those with a deep affection for genuine classic country music, "510.1 (Classic Country)" on the Country DDS is a must-listen. Ben Vallee's debut album, aptly titled "Introducing…", offers a treasure trove of songs that will leave you in awe. As it states on the back cover, it's "Something so old it sounds new." This sincere old-school country music emerges from an unexpected place - Montreal, Quebec, where English isn't the primary language.

Uncovering the Epicenter of Ben Vallee's Universe

To find the epicenter of the Ben Vallee universe, you need to venture north of the U.S. border. Montreal, with its unique musical scene, is where Vallee hails from. He is the steel guitar player for the country music outfit Steel Saddle and has collaborated with Montreal country singer/songwriter Bobby Dove. The album is produced by Andy McClelland, known as Li’l Andy, one of Quebec's best country artists.In fact, Montreal might have a better traditional country scene than many medium-sized towns in the American South. Country music is a universal language that can be found anywhere. It speaks to the heartbroken and touches the souls of listeners.

The Stellar Steel Guitar in "Introducing…"

As expected, the steel guitar throughout "Introducing…" is exceptional. It is Ben Vallee's primary discipline, and he showcases his mastery with each note. The level of songwriting in this album is truly remarkable. Time and effort have been put into composing these tracks, paying homage to the traditions of classic country while also making them relevant to modern ears.Vallee, as a steel guitarist, can use his personal understanding of the melody and lyrics to create the most ideal musical accompaniment. Whether it's the rapid picking to raise the pulse or the bending of strings to mimic the human soul's cry and yearning, it all blends seamlessly into his writing. This reminds us why country music holds a special place in our hearts.

The Varied Textures and Moods in the Album

Although the album fits into the classic country era, there are plenty of diverse textures and moods to keep things interesting. From the upbeat rhythms to the melancholic melodies, each song offers a unique listening experience. While Vallee's singing might not be the main selling point, he presents the songs with sincerity, heart, and conviction.This album proves that great country music can come from unexpected places. It's not just about the Canadian Rockies and the ranches of Alberta. Ben Vallee of Montreal is bringing a new dimension to country music, and "Introducing…" is just the beginning. With its 8.2/10 rating and the potential to kick the ass of some domestic fare south of the border, it's a must-have for country music lovers.Purchase on Bandcamp and immerse yourself in the world of Ben Vallee's classic country.