The Snapper: Millersville University » Amanda Hoffman

Move more, less stress

Amanda Hoffman — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:18:32 +0000

One of the best ways to combat stress and weight gain at college is to work out regularly. Even if you can only fit in ten minutes at a time, exercise can elevate your mood, release tension, and clear your mind. By getting in the habit of working out regularly, you are keeping your body healthy and setting up an excellent habit that will help you for the rest of your life. Here are some tips to help you get healthy:
Get in extra steps. Walk to the post office, the grocery store, and all your classes. When you go visit friends, walk instead of drive. Not only will you get in some extra fitness, but you will also save money on gas. When you go to the library or any building on campus, take the stairs, not the elevator. Each step counts towards being active daily.
Try out some of the fitness center classes. Offered throughout the week, the fitness center provides free classes like Zumba, Yoga, Spin and Kickboxing. There are even some classes offered on weekends, for anyone with a busy schedule. All are great ways to get your heart rate up, and each offers a different twist on staying healthy.
Zumba, with its enthusiastic instructors, introduces students to an hour of Latin-inspired dancing. Spin classes are heart-pumping classes that will push you to your cardio limits. Kickboxing offers a chance to get out some aggression, learn about self-defense, and strength train. And Yoga can be done at any time of the day outside of the classes, to help clear your mind and increase both flexibility and focus.
Since membership to the fitness center is free to all students, you should take advantage of this during your years at Millersville. The gym also offers the help of personal trainers, in addition to full access to the gym equipment, classes, an indoor track, and volleyball and basketball courts. These trainers will meet with you individually every week to push you and show you how to use all the equipment in the gym.
If you are worried about going to the gym and not knowing how to work the equipment, a personal trainer could be the option for you. Another way to combat these nerves is to find a workout buddy. Look for someone you enjoy spending time with and who will push you as much as you push them. When you find a dedicated gym buddy, you are more likely to go exercise with them than you are to cancel, which is harder when you are not going alone.
If you really feel like you cannot find time to get to the gym, use the campus as your workout tool. Take a walk down George Street or walk up and down the stairs in the stadium. If you want to multitask, bring a friend and catch up while you break a sweat. Better yet, bring notecards and quiz a study partner while you walk. This way, you are being academically responsible and still staying healthy.
On-campus, there are many other opportunities to get active without using the gym or the stadium stairs. For instance, you can join an intramural sport and play games most weeks with a team. Stress relief in team sports is even more beneficial than working out in a gym because you get social interaction and an adrenaline rush when the competition is tough.
You can also try out some of the organizations on campus that are activity-based. The martial arts organization and fencing clubs can both be intense workouts and you will learn a new skill in the process.
Perhaps you want to take on a low-stress workout in an organization on campus. Then check out the bowling league or go to Volunteer Central in the Bedford House to find volunteer opportunities. Many incorporate minimal manual labor like cleaning up highways, where you will get the opportunity to give back while you stay active.
Other activities on campus include the swimming pools in both Pucillo and Brooks Gym. Both are open to students, with Brooks offering free swim and Pucillo allowing lap swimming. Most semesters, the UAB offers a free multi-week course on Salsa Dancing. Grab your significant other or a good friend and learn something new! Also, the ropes course on campus will test your physical and mental balance. Go with a group and bond over your mutual mishaps.
Ultimately, staying healthy on campus is an important goal for most university students. This is the time to try new things and test your boundaries. College is that window of time between living with your parents and living in the real world. Now is your chance to branch out, take chances, and start living a healthier, more active life.

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Childhood obesity problems

Amanda Hoffman — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:19:38 +0000

I just read an article about obese babies. Are you kidding me? America, listen up! If our kids are starting out in an unhealthy way for reasons like “drinking apple juice” and “eating baby cereal too soon,” don’t you think that maybe these formulas, additives, and preservatives scientists keep putting in our food are biogenetically defunct?
The next generation can prosper if we set them up right. It’s easy to give your kid Pop-Tarts and Kids Cuisine, but when they get older they’re going to reach for the frozen meals and breakfast on-the-go. Don’t be surprised when they don’t know how to cook, and they’re surprised when they find out corn is actually grown in a field – not found in the frozen food section.
I can bet that most people have read an article, or at the very least, a headline in the last year (if not less time) about the problems with the American lifestyle. “America is Obese” they write, here are “23 Weight Loss Tips that Really Work” (as opposed to the article from a week ago that featured 33 tips, that clearly did not work), and my recent favorite – “9 Healthy Foods American’s Eat That Aren’t Really Healthy” (which included guacamole and yogurt – thanks to additives).
We have a problem, and yet we aren’t fixing it. I am so glad Mrs. Obama is taking the initiative of childhood obesity in America, and I wish we could all join her and expand her goals. If 300+ million Americans made the choice today to buy healthy local foods including fresh produce and meats, and skipped over the pre-packaged convenience foods that have been genetically modified, I think the high-fructose-corn-syrup-happy companies of our generation might notice.

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Healthy living LEARN program and MU’s own Biggest Loser Competition

Amanda Hoffman — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:11:48 +0000

I cannot count how many times I have heard my friends mock healthy celebrities, chalking up their fitness habits and nutritious eating to their personal trainers and chefs. I am sure you have heard the claims too – “If I had a personal trainer, I’d be that thin too!” or “If I had a chef to cook for me, I would eat healthy!” I have no doubt that most celebrities do pay people to help them get ready for red carpet events, but for the average person, that is not usually a reality. I am entirely average, but thanks to our University, I have been able to experience the benefits of having a personal trainer and a nutritionist to help me get healthy. Let me share my experiences with you.
At the end of last semester, many of you had probably seen the signs around campus with “LEARN” on it. This stands for Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships, and Nutrition. The Wellness Center, located in the Montour House, brought this program to campus to offer students the opportunity to learn how to eat well and balance the demands of a hectic schedule with healthy choices. Unfortunately, only a few signed up, and the program was canceled.
I was one of the few who signed up-eager to finally get a chance to work with a nutritionist and solve my longtime eating woes. Thankfully, Millersville saw to it that those who were signed up and very much interested in completing the program had a chance to. They paid the $240 fee for both me and another student to attend the weekly meetings in Lancaster. Since February, we have been diligently tracking our food, steps, and lifestyle changes. The best part is, the program is set up in a way so that each week we get new information and do not have to feel overwhelmed by the changes we need to make regarding food and our lifestyle. Although the program is primarily run by a nutritionist, we have an exercise specialist who comes in every few weeks to teach and check our activity levels too.
I have learned a lot since we started. For instance, did you know that Bryer’s Ice Cream says “No Preservatives” on the package, but it actually has them? They put it on the lid, so it seeps into your food but they do not personally add it in. Or how about the fact that walking backwards uses more muscles and more evenly distributes your weight? This can especially help with joint pain and you burn more calories this way. You may already know that popcorn is a low calorie snack (minus the butter!) but did you know it is also a whole grain? And you know those few extra calories you thought were no big deal? If you eat just 100 calories more than your body needs in a day, you will gain 10 pounds in a year!
The LEARN program has helped me to think about every bite of food I eat. Is it really worth it to go out and splurge on those loaded fries? Or to drink with my friends (all legal!)? If eating fast food makes me tired, why do I eat it? When I did not like something, but could tolerate it – I used to just eat it, despite any food preferences I had. Now, I think that every single bite should taste good, and should leave me filling satisfied, not bored.
The other aspect to healthy living is, of course, working out. Even though we have an exercise specialist come to the LEARN program, we did not work out with her. I needed something more to supplement my new lifestyle. I am not especially motivated to make the 20 minute trek to campus to go to the gym, only to walk home again. I would rather run in my neighborhood, or play Wii Fit. But when I was home, there always seemed to be something else to be done, so I really needed to figure out how I could get back into exercising.
Then I saw a sign. It said “Biggest Loser Competition.” One of the SMC Fitness Center managers, Tyler Trettin, would be hosting a weight loss competition, and he would be our trainer. Trettin is new to Millersville, having signed on in December of last year, but he says he has done this program at other universities with great success. As soon as I saw the poster, I went to sign up. This week was our first week, and it was tough to say the least.
Upon meeting us, Trettin went through some basic guidelines for nutrition and some expectations of the program. Then we got ready to work out. My heart was racing before we even started, when he said “We’re going to begin by running a mile.” So, around the new, indoor track we went. Sometimes running, sometimes walking, through all ten laps. Immediately following our run, we did a circuit through the rowing machines, lateral pull downs, and several moves where we used our body weight for resistance.
If I had been given a preview for this workout, I would not have believed I would make it through. But I did. In fact, it cured the massive migraine I had going into the workout, challenged me to set up additional training sessions, and motivated me to come back to the gym the next morning. If you saw me today, just two days after our first workout, I would be the girl cringing as she walked up the stairs.
Suddenly, I am completely aware of muscles I did not know existed in my body. I am anxious to get back to the gym now – and not just because I want the muscles to stop hurting once they get used to working out again. I want to get back so I can win this thing. There is a competitive drive in me that I did not know existed, and the Biggest Loser Competition brought it out.
So thank you, Millersville, for giving me the chance to learn how to eat healthy and get fit. And to all those who I laughed at when you said you would get healthy if you had a personal trainer? I take it back!

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Student volunteers go “Into the Streets”

Amanda Hoffman — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:37:01 +0000

On Saturday, March 19, students from all over Millersville gathered to go into the city of Lancaster and volunteer. The event was run through Volunteer Central, located in the Bedford House. More than 30 students divided into groups to tackle the projects of organizations in the city who needed volunteers.
By 9:30 A.M. the students loaded onto buses to get the day started. Each project was different and all of the students got a chance to see a little more of the big city just minutes away from Millersville. Projects included building garden boxes for low income housing areas, working with the residents to do a pottery and gardening craft project, cleaning toys for a daycare center, and playing bingo with the elderly.
For the project my group was involved in, we worked with the Threshold Foundation and spent the morning at the Dig It Garden Project, where we built garden boxes for houses. The boxes were free for the residents, and would provide the opportunity to grow vegetables in the upcoming months and provide food for their families. The Dig It Garden Project also provided the seedlings for the residents, so that the entire project would be of no charge to them.
The students who worked in my group spent the time with Dig It members learning how to put together a sturdy wooden box that would rest on the ground without a bottom. We then built trellises on one side of the box for crops that grow on vines, like green beans. Following the trellises, we screwed in hooks on each side so that the residents could wrap twine in a pattern of nine smaller boxes to keep the crops separate. Then, the boxes went into the yards, were lined with newspaper to prevent weeds from growing, and filled with soil.
Overall, the day was productive and fun, and an easy way to get involved at Millersville. Into the Streets is run by Volunteer Central annually, connecting the University community to the downtown community. Whether you need the hours for a class, want to get your organization involved in community service, or just want to help out – Into the Streets is a great way to do it.

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A lot more to helthy eating than only counting calories

Amanda Hoffman — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:31:50 +0000

Eating healthy in today’s culture is sometimes difficult, overwhelming, and just plain annoying. You have to think about where you are eating, your eating habits, the social stigmas that go with different foods, and even when you should eat. Some experts say that eating late at night is a bad habit because your body is prepping for bed. Others disagree, saying that the time you eat does not really matter, because the calories are the same.
Then there is that word, calories. Dieters love and hate this term. People love and hate diets. It is cyclical. Calories are important in concept – the units of energy your body needs and uses. But counting them? Just plain annoying. It is easier to deny they exist.
One of the hardest parts of eating healthy today is location. If you spend every day at home, never going out to eat, eating alone, and grocery shopping on a full stomach with a detailed list and a strong will power – congratulations! You are the only person who does so. But for everyone else, figuring out a way to balance healthy eating and a healthy social life is just as crucial as learning what makes up “healthy eating.”
When it comes down to location, living on campus is tough. In the dorms, you are required to have a meal plan, and that means eating buffet-style dining hall food or quick meals at the Anchor, the Cyber Cafe, Starbucks, or the Cove. At both the dining halls and the quick stops, you are faced with poor choices and many temptations. Here are a some nutrition tips to get you headed in the right direction on campus.
First of all, learn your hunger cues. Many students have grown up in a household where cleaning your plate is a rule at the dinner table. But if you are not that hungry, cleaning your plate is just hurting you. Think about it – why is it better to waste the food in your body than in the trash can? Better yet, only get the amount of food you are 100% certain you can eat. Take a lap around the dining hall before you decide what you want. This way, you do not end up piling up your plate only to throw most of it away.
Try new things. Although the buffet dining halls work on a rotation of four weeks, they do bring new foods to student as often as possible. For example, this year they brought quinoa, bean sprouts, cooked cabbage, and sweet potato tater tots. If you do not like a food, throw it out. But who knows, you may have just found a new dimension to add to your palette. Not only does trying new foods expand your horizons, but it also allows you to figure out what you really do and do not like. Someone who only eats blueberries, for instance, will not know if they really love them if they have not tried anything else to compare it with.
Serve your food in smaller dishes. At the buffets, opt for a large salad and then a soup bowl of the entree you have been eyeing. This way, you are limiting your portion sizes and filling up on vegetables. It is a win-win. You can also try using a dessert plate for a sandwich, one of the really tiny bowls for salad dressing, and a mug for soda. Research shows that filling a small dish with food, even when it is a smaller amount than you would normally eat, tricks your mind into thinking you have eaten more.
Do not identify foods as “good” or “bad.” This is a big one. Eating food is a necessity and enjoying food is one of the most basic rules to eating healthy. Contrary to popular belief, if you do not enjoy your food, no amount of cardio, portion control, or artificial sweeteners will make you healthy. Moderation is the key here. You can have a slice of pizza – but eat it with a salad, not the buffalo wings. You can even eat the fried chicken, onion rings, french fries, but not everyday, all day. If you are drinking enough water, eating some fruits and vegetables, and working out, the poor benefits of “bad” foods will all balance out in the end.
When it comes to the quick stop food places, eating healthy is possible. Again, it is all about moderation and balance. If you really want that breaded chicken sandwich, grab a piece of fruit to go with it. If soda is your daily fix, try to drink diet or cut back. A burger balances out with a yogurt and a bottle of water. The benefit of the quick places to eat on campus is that you do not have to stick to a regimented meal plan, you can mix it up, and do it on-the-run. Choose one less healthy option: a hot dog, bag of chips, or a cookie and then make the rest healthy: a bottle of water, yogurt, or fruit.
Finally, stock your dorm with healthy options. Having nuts, pretzels, baked chips, popcorn, dark chocolate, or dried fruit on hand can really help you stay on track with healthy eating. Keep the fast food delivery menus outside, and plenty of water inside. Deciding to eat healthy is a chance to explore the hundred of foods of there and figure out what you really love to eat. Living on campus does not stop you from eating healthy, it provides options and you make the choices.

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Central Market: Oldest farmers’ market located in our backyard

Amanda Hoffman — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 00:48:59 +0000

In the city of Lancaster, there is an aged building hiding the oldest continually operating farmer’s market in the country, and a family of cultures who come together every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday to sell their crafts and fresh produce. This place is called Central Market. Housed in a structure with the name built right into the brick, this market has seen over three hundred years go by, as well as many merchants from Lancaster, the greater state of Pennsylvania, the United States, and the world.

Central Market is surrounded by buildings that are updated and, clearly, of a more modern design, but its charm still captivates all those who enter. People from old to young, from many different ethnicities, and from all different backgrounds, everyone is welcome. Students at the nearby universities are encouraged to use the market to grasp a perspective of a world bigger than they, and to eat food they might not have tried elsewhere. Unfortunately, that pursuit of culture and perspective are lost many times next to homework and upcoming exams.

In this market, you can buy Middle Eastern food from a stand run by a woman from Jordan, who will even tell you how to eat the food just right. Go back a few rows and you can purchase escargot from a fisherman or fresh, ripe apples from a woman and her children. Throughout the market you can choose from Spanish, Thai, and Dutch foods as well. You can taste creamy fudge, homemade ice cream, and the smoothest chocolate milk you have ever had. All around you, a family of shoppers swarms to buy a delectable molasses cupcake or a melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie.

There are also the craft stands and venders, who sell everything from sports team oriented cooking aprons to soy candles made in recyclable containers. These merchants are not there to sell you a product; they want you to buy it because it will help you, because you have not experienced anything like it before. They let you taste without buying, just so you will come back next week. A stand featuring herbs, spices, coffees, teas, jams and pastas will allow you to buy in any increment, so you can make that recipe and “waste not.”

So maybe, as a student at Millersville University, you came to college for a degree, and do not have time for anything outside the limits of Millersville. Maybe you want to experience the world, but finances prevent you from traveling spontaneously. This market, with its mix of cultures, aromas, and life, is worth it.

Come with $10 in your pocket and sample new tastes, or buy some food and then head out to the fountain across the street to enjoy a beautiful day. Central Market has prospered for three centuries for a reason, and until you go there, you just will not understand. Open from 6 A.M. to 4 P.M. Tuesdays and Fridays, 6 A.M. to 2 P.M. Saturdays, year-round.

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‘Ville idols even Simon would enjoy

Amanda Hoffman — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:55:01 +0000

Photos by Megan Hall. Graphic courtesy Alumni Association.

On Sunday, families and friends came to see their loved ones at the ‘Ville Idol Finals in Lyte Auditorium. Lori Burkholder was the host for the event, and with 11 remaining contestants, a $1,000 prize and a $250 prize in each category up for grabs, the stakes were high for the performers.

Judging this event was Kelly West, the radio personality from WARM-FM 103.3, Raymond Antonelli, a director and choreographer with over 40 years of experience in the performing arts, Ric Zimmerman, an international vocalist, director, and conductor, and Deb Lenssen, a singer, violinist, conductor, and MU faculty member.

Starting off the show with a relaxed tone was last year’s ‘Ville Idol Alumni winner, Matthew Hepler, who sang Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra. He set the stage up for performances to come. The crowd was ready to see their favorites, and as the first performer, Leslie Barton, came on stage, many people in the crowd raised cheering signs to show their support for Barton. Leslie sang When the Lights go Down by Faith Hill, and between her voice and facial expressions, the crowd was enthralled with her energy on-stage.

“You always look and sound professional” Ric Zimmerman said of her overall performance.

Kelly West stated “I could feel the power in your voice.”

Following Leslie was Greg Dietz, singing In the Still of the Night by Boyz II Men. The judges commented, saying they “would’ve liked to see more energy, but [he] had a great ear for harmony.” Next was Seth Eck, and then Rose Hughes.

After Hughes’ performance in round two, when she sang I Turn to You by Christina Aguilera, the judges were happy to bring her back for the finals. Unfortunately, Rose’s microphone was off during her performance, and she ended up singing to the audience without any help for projecting her voice.

The judges thought it was very professional of her to continue despite the malfunction, and she received reviews from Ric Zimmerman,

“Very soulful and passionate,” he said.

The fifth contestant in the student category was Kristin Keech, who sang Maybe I Like it This Way.

Deb Lenssen said she “Really had to congratulate her on her intensity.”

Ray Antonelli commented, “You have tremendous talent and I would be honored to direct you.”

Wrapping up the students was sophomore Lindy Keefe, freshman John Scargall, and sophomore Matt (Scoot) Simkins. Antonelli told Scargall, who sang Come What May by Ewan McGregor that he “has such great, raw talent that, with training, could become magnificent.”

On Matt’s performance, the judges agreed that he was a great performer, and that he “definitely had the dance moves”

Moving on to the alumni category, the final three contestants were Abraham Breslin, Jason Genise-Gdula, and Adrienne Howe. Breslin sang T-R-O-U-B-L-E by Travis Tritt, and for the first time in the competition, he showed the judges that he could do more than sing excellently; he could also have a performance that literally got the crowd up and moving. In his song, he encouraged the audience to clap along, stand up and dance.

“It was great that you got the audience involved.” After sitting through eight other acts, appreciation rang throughout the auditorium at a chance to dance along to an energetic song and performer, said Zimmerman

Also stepping it up a notch, Jason Genise-Gdula sang Black Horse and the Cherry Tree by KT Tunstall. Different than his first two performances, he danced around stage and asked the audience to “feel free to do back-up.”

Lastly, Adrienne Howe sang Something to Talk About by Bonnie Raitt. Between walking around with a sexy strut across the stage and an upbeat tempo, Adrienne showed off some dance moves.

“You have a great range in your voice and made easy transitions between pitches,” said Anonelli.

Each contestant then came on stage and sang “judge’s choice of song” for fun. In the words of Lori Burkholder, it was “to enjoy their moment in the spotlight.”

For instance, when Kristen Keech came onstage and sang her original song Proud Mary by Ike and Tina Turner, the other contestants went behind a transparent veil and danced along as “back-up dancers.” Abraham Breslin and Adrienne Howe brought their children up to sing their songs, and as a result the audience gave a collected “Aw.”

Matthew Hepler came out again and sang Fly me to the Moon, also by Frank Sinatra, and Jessica Henry, an aspiring singer and actress currently working in Philadelphia and New York came up and sang If Looks Could Kill by Heart. Finally, Burkholder came onstage to announce the 2008 ‘Ville Idol results. After all the contestants received a Ville Idol tee and a gift bag, and thanking the judges for helping and being there throughout the competition to judge, she announced the winners.

With an audience inspired drum roll, she revealed Adrienne Howe as the alumni runner-up, winner of the $250 prize. When asked what she would do with the money, Howe said, “We just bought a house so we need a lot of stuff, and this money will help with that.”

The winner for the alumni category was Jason Genise-Gdula, He said he would use the $1000 prize money as most alumni would: to pay student loans.”

When asked about his singing “career” he said, “I just like to sing. I was happy to make it past the audition and into the show. As for my ‘career’… I never really thought about doing anything professionally for singing.”

“I’m a first year teacher, so I kind of want to become a good teacher before I start to do anything else,” he added.

In the student category, the runner-up was junior anthropology major Rose Hughes. Rose said she is going to use the $250 prize to, “pay some bills.” After auditioning three times for Fox’s American Idol, Hughes finally received some recognition for her amazing voice.

Finally, the most anticipated prize of the show, the $1000 first prize in the student category went to Leslie Barton. Leslie, a junior business administration major with a concentration in marketing, said “The $1000 means that I can get moving on my demo CD. I write my own music and I’ve been wanting to record a demo for awhile now. The money will definitely help out with that.” When asked if she thought she could or would win, Leslie said, “There was so much talent this year. I thought I had a chance at winning since I came in 2nd last year, but it was all up in the air because the talent was so great.”

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‘Ville closer to finding Idol

Amanda Hoffman — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:45:22 +0000

The contestants are back for round two of Ville Idol, but did they step it up enough to move on to the finals? On Saturday, Millersville produced the ‘Ville Idol semi-finals, which consisted of contestants cut from 48 original contenders to 18 students and alumni competing for the $1000 cash prize in each category.

The theme for this round was inspirational songs and the contestants sang songs ranging from I’ll Be by Edwin McCain to What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong to Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson. Contestants stepped up the competition with their vocals, but the performance aspect of the show seemed to be lacking in comparison to round one. How will it all affect the judging?

Judges for this round include Kelly West, a 30-year broadcast veteran, Ray Antonelli, a director and choreographer, Ric Zimmerman, an international vocalist, director and conductor, and Deb Lenssen, a singer, conductor, violinist and Millersville faculty member. Hosting the event was Lori Burkholder. This segment of the three-part show was based on vocal ability, performance, and stage presence. Although many of the contestants who came back were diversified in their song stylings, some just did not measure up.

In the category of students, three names deserve to be mentioned, along with the votes to move into the finals. Junior Leslie J. Barton, who sang I Wonder by Kellie Pickler, received a raving review from the panel of judges.

Kelly West thought “[she was] a star,” and Ray Antonelli, of his critique said “I was so enthralled by your performance I didn’t write anything down.”

Barton is outstandingly talented and set the bar high for the rest of the following performers to try and match.

The second student who made the judges sit up and pay attention was junior Rose Hughes. Singing a tough song vocally, Christina Aguilera’s I Turn to You, she hit every note and showed the audience what a singer really sounds like. Kelly West commented on “What control – the end key change and dynamics were right on target,” of the vocal range Hughes maintained. Ray Antonelli said her performance was “of Whitney Houston quality.”

According to Hughes, she chose an inspirational song because “It reminds me of my family, I grew up singing it, and I can always turn to them for help.”Another student, 16-year-old freshman Heather Hagni, chose to sing Fever by Peggy Lee – a capella, a choice that takes nerve because she did not have background singers to harmonize with, or musical notes if she lost her pitch. However, this did not stop the talented contestant.

Of her choice, Deb Lenssen said “I was impressed with your confidence,” and Zimmerman said “you definitely stylized it.”

In the faculty category, Jason Genise-Gdula brought his performance up a notch for round two. Singing Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynrd, Ray Antonelli said “you strike me as honest and down to earth like your song.” He brought a stool out for his performance, and sang barefoot, both elements that helped him connect with the audience on a personal level.

By and large, round three will cut out any performers who did not “perform” in Saturday’s competition. Round Three, the Ville Idol Finals, will take place on Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. in Lyte Auditorium. Tickets are $8 with an MU ID. Who, of the remaining contestants, will win the $1000 cash prize? Viewers must wait and see.

Make sure not to miss the next upcoming Ville Idol events. Audience members are able to cheer both students and alumni on. This far into the competition, only the best performers are left. Though, the laughs are over, the talent is not. All Millersville is invited to join in on the fun.

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Night of dancing and fun

Amanda Hoffman — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:55:46 +0000

Though short and sweet, the MU Dance-Off was fun, fast-paced, and entertaining to watch and participate in, according to many of the dance.

Each dance group had to use their time wisely to show off what they could do in order to win the $100 prize being offered. First up was Expressions who, according to the Millersville website, was “formed to provide a dance-training program for those who have interest in the performing arts. Their goal is to perform and form a dance company here at Millersville University.” They started out with a strobe light flashing, outfits of black with neon colors throughout.

Their main styles of dance included hip-hop and tap and they performed two lifts and came off stage to take it up a notch. The crowd was loving it.

However, moves aren’t everything; timing helps too. They need to get more organized as a team and get on point.

Next up was Unpredictable Dance. On the website, this group is described as “providing students with the opportunity to express themselves through dance and helping to bring a unique essence to the community by including diverse membership and incorporating various genres of dance.”

They were dressed in pink and black, but each member had a different outfit.

Although the outfits were creative, viewers said they had a harder time focusing on the dancing because the costumes were so “out there.”

In contrast, this group had great choreography and timing. The costumes and dance style fit the name Unpredictable perfectly.

Up third was the MU Dance Team. By far the most coordinated team thus far in the competition; the MU Dance team did a dance incorporating throwing candy into the crowd while wearing MU’s black and gold.

The MU Dance Team, who won the competition, perform on stage. They danced to a montage of upbeat songs while throwing handfuls of candy to the audience. Photo by Christian Shuts.

They did a combination of hip-hop and ballet with leaps and the flexibility only present in that of a dancer. Many of the moves that they performed had the crowd cheering for more, and made them hard to look away from. Afterwards, MU Dance Team President, Julie Gudz, changed backstage for a second performance with the fourth and final group of the night – Essence Dance Group.

According to the MU website, “The purpose of Essence is to unite minority women through the performing arts. They dance at many campus and community events during the year.”

This group came out in jeans and black tops and had moves that other dance teams had not incorporated, making them fresh and new, despite the fact that they went last.

They pantomimed a bank robbery and had the group doing dance moves on the ground while the “robber” said “get down on the ground.” To get back up, they rolled backwards over their head onto their stomach as if it was nothing strenuous.

The whole event was incredible to watch. It was obvious the girls on each team had put in a lot of time and effort into each routine.

Though synchrony was shaky at times, each performance was well put together and very entertaining to watch. All four teams did very well and everyone could see the time and effort that went into planning the dances. After much deliberation, MU Dance Team won the $100 prize.

Freshman Danielle Farnell, of MU Dance Team, said, “We are trying to raise money to go to a competition in Florida. That’s what this money is for.”

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‘Ville Idol: And the singing begins

Amanda Hoffman — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:50:59 +0000

On Saturday, the 27 contestants from the Millersville Community of students and alumni took part in the second year of Ville Idol. The event was a competition judged on vocal abilities and performance on stage, with the contestants competing for a $1,000 first prize and a $250 second prize in each category. The theme for round one was 60’s and 70’s songs. The songs were a variety ranging from The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, Ray Charles to Kenny Rogers. Hosting this event was Lori Burkholder.

The judges were Raymond Antonelli, a director and choreographer, Ric Zimmerman, an international vocalist, director and conductor, and Deb Lenssen, a singer, conductor, violinist and Millersville University faculty member.

The contestants were a variety of ages, majors and vocal styles. The youngest contestant, Heather Hagni,16, is currently taking classes here at MU, while still in high school. For her preformance she chose to sing Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles, Ric Zimmerman said she performed well, but “shouted at times” while Deb Lenssen said she “had no problem hitting the notes.” She was entertaining to watch and her musical style with this song made a vote for her easy to cast.

Another contestant was freshman Brittany N. Graham, who sang I’ll Be There by the Jackson 5. Zimmerman said she “had a nice, soulful twang to her voice, she could do country.” If she goes on to the semi-finals, the judges suggested she “get into it” and “use the stage,” a comment many of the contestants received.

On the element of performance, two performers set the bar high in the competition. Watching these two, viewers and judges alike could see confidence and preparation, two qualities all stage performers need. Matthew “Scoot” Simkins, performing My Girl by The Temptations and had the audience clapping along and fully enjoying themselves. There was not a single bad comment for the judges to make. Rick said “I loved that you showed your personality” of Matt’s performance.

Contestant belt their hearts out during the second annual 'Ville Idol. Photo by Megan Hull.

The second of the two performances that rated high on the judges’ compliments was Kristen Keech’s rendition of Proud Mary by Ike and Tina Turner, that had the crowd whistling and singing along.
Keech incorporated turns and moves that made the judges stop taking notes and just watch. Deb Lenssen said she maintained “Great control of her voice while dancing.”

As for the alumni performances, Steve Koons, who sang Let it Be by the Beatles, sang a capella. When asked why he chose to sing without the music, he said “I tried singing along with John Lennon and was off pitch, so I went a capella.” The judges agreed that it was a bold move, and that “it took a lot of guts.”

Another name to be mentioned for the alumni was Adrienne Howe. She sang So Far Away by Carole King. Along with vocal range, she knew her way around a microphone and did not have their “distance-from-the-mike” problem many other performers did. Deb Lenssen said she had “good control and a powerful voice.”

The next round of Ville Idol, the semi-finals, has a theme of inspirational songs, taking place on Saturday, October 25 at 3 p.m. in Lyte Auditorium. As it is a competition, in the words of Lori Burkholder, “it will only get better.”

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