Encore, a singing and dancing troupe at Southern Arkansas University is celebrating its 28th year performing for area schools. In ENCORE, students travel to high schools throughout the Ark-La-Tex to spread a positive message to students and recruit future SAU Muleriders. All student-performers take part in selecting the songs, choreographing dances, and performing.
“It’s cool that we get to travel different places including our old high schools,” said sophomore Gary Smith of Oil City, La.
This year’s show includes songs such as “Boom Boom Pow,” by the Black Eyed Peas, “I’ll Be There,” by The Jackson Five, and an original step, choreographed by student, Brittany Carr.
Everyone is invited to see Encore perform on the SAU campus when they host Upward Bound on Wednesday, October 21. This performance is open to friends, family, and the public. The next performance date is Thursday, November 5 during SAU Preview Day. Encore will perform for future Muleriders as they visit the SAU campus to get an idea of what going to a university is like. Other performance dates include November 19, when Encore will be traveling to North Caddo Magnet School in Vivian, La., and Bradley High School in Bradley, Ark.
“It’s a great experience working with talented choreographers who teach performers of various levels,” said Tia Nishiuchi, a junior digital media production major from Stamps, Ark.
Founded and instructed by Judy Vasser in 1981, ENCORE is used to motivate students to stay in school, make good grades, and attend college. Today the message of ENCORE remains the same and the group continues to grow. The group includes about 50 students including Upward Bound alumni who got to join Encore after they have seen them perform.
Students can enroll in ENCORE as a class for college credit, but many students continue to participate throughout their entire enrollment at SAU. Lindsay Walters, Senior Theatre Major, has been in ENCORE for three and a half years.
“It’s nice to have a class that is fun, it gives us a break from the normal rigor of classes and allows us to set a positive example for high school students,” Walters said.
Members of Encore include: Shannon Clemons, Ashdown, Ark.; Gabby Harper, Atlanta, Texas; Jessica Caldwell and Keyona Williams, Bradley, Ark.; David Bragg, and Meagan Utsey, Camden, Ark.; Jared Morris, Chicago, Ill.; Kirstie Mills, Crossett, Ark.; Dedra Joiner, DeQueen, Ark.; Amanda Cannon, Drasco, Ark.; Destiny Miles, El Dorado, Ark.; Kendra Blanks, Emerson, Ark.; Madeline Green, Fordyce, Ark.; Justin Mackey, Gentry, Ark.; Rachel Kilgore and Todd Belin, Hampton, Ark.; Cassandra Tell, Haynesville, La., Jenny Conway, Hope, Ark.; P.J. Harden, Hot Springs, Ark.; Alvin Willis and Brittany Carr, Lewisville, Ark.; Christina Wilson and Lindsay Walters, Little Rock, Ark.; Sasha Nellums, Lonoke, Ark.; Lance Brewer, Michael Davis, Brandon Gray, Melissa Heard, Ja’Missa Johnson, Myesha Jones, Tyler Kelly, Savitra Meadors, Roshemya Murria, Zach Seaton, Matt Taylor, and Cheri Walker, Magnolia, Ark.; Jasmine Miller, Mineral Springs, Ark.; Gary Smith, Oil City, La.; Rianne Herron, Omaha, Texas; Eric Hufstetler, Ore City, Texas; Dedrick Box, Prescott, Ark.; David Reese and Tai Nishiuchi, Stamps, Ark.; Brandie Tutor and Christina Reed, Stephens, Ark.; Alex Novotny, Stillwater, Okla.; Jasmine Abbit, Texarkana, Texas; and Vanessa Matlock, Waldo, Ark.
