The Unicentre atrium was hit with a moment of spontaneous delight on Oct. 24.
Student musicians took to the stage to perform, giving those passing by a rare treat as they made their way to class.
Dessy Sukendar, director of the arts and culture committee of the Campus Activity Board (CAB), said she hopes the event will push student artists into the spotlight.
“I feel like there’s less exposure to student performers outside of their own community,” she said. “I’m trying to put it out in the open and on campus.”
One of the musicians, Andrew Parton, said he was glad CAB took the time to showcase students’ talents.
“Promoting student musicians is really great because we kind of need all the help we can get,” he said.
But Sukendar said the event wasn’t without its obstacles.
“We can’t have events during the day because it will disrupt classes. Picking a time when it’s ripe for students to listen to us, that [was] the greatest challenge.”
One of the artists, who performs under the name Chrissy Lovingood, said despite the obstacles she was pleasantly surprised by the turnout.
“I’m pleased because a lot of times as an artist, if you’re busking, people are happy to walk on by,” she said. “I was surprised that people stuck around, even if they didn’t have anything to eat or read.”
But Lovingood said she thought the turnout could have been bigger if the event had been better promoted.
“Although it was a flash mob sort of idea, it could have used more publicity. It could have used posters, but still make it mysterious. Just tell people to show up at this time and this place.”
While this event was only promoted online, Sukender said the the board is trying to gain a following on social media sites to better promote future events.
“We’re trying to get people to recognize that CAB is here to create quality events on campus about spirit and tradition, and arts and culture,” she said.
Sukender added CAB is looking for students to not just be audience members, but participants as well. She said she hopes CAB can put on events like this one throughout the year.
“We would really like for us to play at different places around campus, including different buildings,” she said. “We have such a beautiful campus.”
Trevor Deley, who opened the event with fellow musicians Gen Richard and Aldous Sperl, said the idea of playing all around campus is one of the reasons he got involved.
“I just really liked the idea of having music in random places,” he said.
