Featured Photo by Cadee Havard
Story by Aiden O’Neill
MT Engage Fest is a great opportunity for organizations within the Recording Industry Department to premiere their talent. Omega Delta Psi, a co-ed recording industry fraternity, facilitates this event every year during MT Engage week. Thursday, outside of the Bragg Media and Entertainment building, six different organizations filled their one hour slots with singer-songwriters, cover artists, electronic musicians and original emcees.
Match Records, The Nashville Songwriters Association International, ODP, GrammyU and Society of Electronic Music pick out 4 different members each to fill a time slot. After the boards votes for their favorite artists, it was time to put the show into action.
As the first performer stepped up to the microphone, a crowd started to assemble in front of her. Savannah Span, also known as Sav, started off with some well-known pop covers that engaged the audience instantly. Her voice bellowed across the entire campus giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy, even if their class schedule didn’t allow active participation. Her melodic voice and welcoming energy created a safe space for the other performances after her.
The Recording Industry Department doesn’t just consist of performers though, there are many students behind the scenes that make this event happen. Alex Wons, ODP’s president, was backstage along with his peers.
Each of the dedicated crew members were efficiently setting up equipment, monitoring sound and keeping the show on schedule. As they juggled these responsibilities simultaneously, their focus never diminished. Without the passion of the audio production and music business majors, the event wouldn’t reach the same level of quality.
Members of these organizations in the crowd cheered on every artist whether they share the same title or not.
Many participants expressed how these organizations helped them find their place at Middle Tennessee State University. Being able to create alongside people that have similar passions, but different perspectives can inspire growth to those open to it.
Seeing the united front that these 6 organizations have at the festival shows that regardless of genre, most importantly they’re a part of the Recording Industry Department family. With that being said, even if someone is not a music major, they will be treated like one of their own.
If anyone wants to participate in MT Engage Fest next year, reach out through the Recording Industry Department contact information on MTSU’s website.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Destiny Mizell, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com. For more news, visit www.mtsusidelines.com, or follow us on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines or on X at @MTSUSidelines.
