The Wind Ensemble recently set up a video game night in Dahl Chapel, open to anyone on campus, regardless of whether they were in the group or not.
The organization’s president, Lorenzo Ramirez, said he was drawn to a video game-centered event. “Over winter break, I thought of fundraisers and events we could have for the upcoming semester. I wanted to utilize our rehearsal space in Dahl for more events and use it in other ways other than just concerts and presentations.”
He said he pitched these fundraiser event ideas to the executive board, consisting of other wind ensemble student members and overseen by Professor Justin Swearinger. “Making sure to stay communicative was a big part of the process, especially informing the alumni and my exec that these are the times we need to be here and set up, and this is how the event will go,” Ramirez said.
Kailey Cronin is one of the students who attended the event. The wind ensemble bass player said that students largely played Mario Kart and Mortal Kombat, focusing on competitive games that allowed for more interaction between those attending. “It was really cool how we held Mario Kart on the big screen at Dahl,” she said.
Ramirez hoped that using the Dahl would show all it offers for more besides concerts and convocations. The event also received assistance from Colton Gray, an alumni who has been in the ensemble himself and brought his consoles and games for the group to play.