theyhave to be in
University Singers and male. After you've
accomplished those two things, all that's
left is the audition.
Group members have auditioned for a variety
of reasons. Some, like Aaron Price, loved
what they were doing in Singers but "needed
an outlet other than choral music." Lee Pidacks had made up his mind to audition
before he even finished high school, after
hearing the Steiners CD "Bust It" about four
years prior to attending UMaine. Others
simply gave it a shot because the worst that
could happen was getting rejected.
Because of their rehearsal schedule, which
can fluctuate between three and five hours a
week, the Steiners have learned to do much
more than just stay on key and in time. They
can blend and harmonize without giving it a
thought, and can toss out a song at the drop
of a hat, even if they're not at an actual
gig. They always promise an entertaining
show for whatever audience they may have.
Something audience members will find, if
they attend concerts over the course of a
few years, is that members tend to stay
until they graduate. Few members leave the
group prior to graduation.
"The main reason for my continued membership
in the group is the closeness of the group."
Pillacks said. He elaborated that the group
members do so much together outside of
rehearsal that they form tight friendships
with each other, which further enhances
their performances by creating an intense
group dynamic.
Their positive group dynamic and outgoing
personalities help entertain their fans.
They are engaged with one another and with
their audience, breaking up their shows with
short comedic skits and genuine "horsing
around," as Lee Pidacks calls it. This has
led to what Jonathan Bond refers to as "a
lot of adoring and loyal fans." Many of
those fans are friends, fiance, and other
University Singers, but the majority of the
Steiners' fan base consists of university
students or alumni that happened to go to a
show and got hooked. The Steiners always
strive to please their fan base, by doing
everything from choreographing random dance
sequences that happen in the middle of a
show, to mixing up the styles of music they
perform and appealing to a much wider range
of tastes.
At Friday night's fall concert, the Steiners
promise "kung foolery," "tons of new songs,"
and "a show for all ages with some quality
music and a few corny jokes." In addition to
that, Aaron Price plans to "rock the hizzle"
that night. The show is in Hauck Auditorium
at 7:30 p.m., and tickets will be available
for $5 at the door. Showing up early is
advised, to beat out the masses of adoring
ladies and other fans. Their special guest
group, Bear Vocals, is also an a cappella
group, and is the only mixed voice a
cappella group on campus.
