By Sarah Davis | Echo
Members of Taylor's beloved quartet may be going their separate ways, but The Night Lights are not going out. The group is well-known around campus and the community for its Southern gospel sound, barbershop tunes and entertaining "Marylou" serenades.
But at Epworth United Methodist Church on April 26, The Night Lights performed its final gig with the original four members. The foursome's differing schedules now has the quartet in need of two tenors and a baritone for next year.
"The purpose of The Night Lights is to bless others through a genre of music we don't hear very much anymore," said junior and leader of the quartet Taylor Eaton. "We are looking for people who share the same desire and are excited about this fun and challenging experience."
"I'm not looking for an amazing singer. I'm just looking for someone who is excited and willing to learn music," Eaton said. "We can teach music, but we can't teach motivation."
When the group first started at the beginning of last year, it performed at Taylor events to gain experience and sent out countless emails for recognition. Now churches email them.
The Night Lights sing nearly every Sunday at local and out-of-state churches, as well as performing events on Taylor's campus and with Chorale. Church events typically pay about $100-200 total, either by offerings or hourly pay.
Eaton hopes to make The Night Lights a Taylor tradition that is passed down, continuing after he graduates.
"I would love for The Night Lights to be a Taylor thing, not just something that ends with us," Eaton said. "We want those who enter the group to want to keep the group going."
Sophomore quartet member John Houlihan speaks from past experience about auditioning and the group dynamic.
"Just have fun," Houlihan said. "Part of the joy of being in the group is the atmosphere and bond you form with the other guys. I would definitely encourage anyone interested to try out."
All Taylor men can schedule an audition by contacting Taylor Eaton at taylor_eaton@taylor.edu.
