With most of the student population dissatisfied with the choice of Lifehouse as the 2009 Spring National Act, the Senior Council Activities Committee addressed Student Senate Tuesday night, explaining the selection process for National Act.
Attending were SCAC co-chairs Will Hoffmann ’10, Chris Hawes ’09, and faculty advisor Coach John House. Hoffman said the process begins a year in advance. They have to set a date, find the cost, find when a band is traveling near the College, and cover production costs.
After these initial steps, the SCAC is left with four to five options. The agent takes it from there, booking the selection for the following year. However, the first choice cannot always be accommodated, which happened to be the case with this year’s choice.
“I think that Lifehouse was actually our fourth best choice,” said Hawes. Unfortunately, for some, this fourth best choice became their best choice once all of the aforementioned factors were taken into place.
Hoffman explained that the SCAC wanted a large fall National Act as well, but once they booked Lifehouse the SCAC wanted two acts: Lifehouse and someone else. But the prices starting going up, so that option fell through.
House explained that there had been great success with the National Act in the past citing a wide range of musical acts from rap (The Roots), to alternative (Ben Folds), and pop (Hootie and the Blowfish). House then humorously explained the female angle with the selection of Lifehouse as this year’s National Act.
“We always tell these incoming freshmen that there are women here,” Hoffman said. “Well, let’s walk the talk. Let’s get some females here.”
House then explained that the agent for SCAC would be on campus Saturday, and he asked permission of the Senate to ask the agent to get Ben Folds and the Senate agreed.
House made sure to mention that Ben Folds was the “biggest act” Wabash has ever had and that it would seem like a great idea to try to book him again for next year.
Senators then recommended that other venues could be suggested, such as Knowling Fieldhouse, to accommodate more people and thus have higher ticket revenue.
However, according to the SCAC, the administration currently only allows Chadwick as a venue.
“That’s another hindrance,” House said. “We have to work around the schedule of the basketball team when we’re deciding on the act.”
Senators also raised the question about a bigger National Act in the fall. The SCAC said that because of the beginning of basketball season and the ongoing football season, it was much better for the bigger National Act to be held in the spring.
When questioned about the approval process, the SCAC replied that its method was informal and involved word of mouth. However, Hoffman stated that it was not yet finalized.
Student Body President Juan Carlos Venis then reminded the Senate that it was their jobs as representatives to spread the word.
Coach House then reminded everyone that his door is always open for anyone who has questions or comments regarding the SCAC.
“We appreciate your empathy, and your input,” House said.