The 80’s at Taylor gave birth to one of Taylor University's most iconic yearly traditions. Associate Professor of Computer Science & Engineering Jeff Cramer, Professor of Education Quinn White and Chief of Campus Police Jeff Wallace were among some of the original Airband participants, back in the 1980s — and this year’s Airband theme transports us to that time period with ‘Footloose.’
Footloose is a 1984 film that follows a city teenager who moves to a small town (not dissimilar to Upland) where rock music and dancing have been banned, and his rebellious spirit shakes up the populace.
Senior Inter Class Council President Madelynn Palmer said, “The decorations are going to be 80s, with neon colors and bright, fine, funky designs to incorporate the Footloose theme.”
To complete the ambience of the decorated Rediger Auditorium, Masters of Ceremony Josh Walgreen and Colton Power will shimmy their way through the program —l leaving the audience in splits as they perform skits, make wisecracks and perform with special guests like Jeff Wallace (and a surprise individual whose identity is yet to be revealed).
This year’s performance themes heavily feature science fiction and Disney acts, promising to bedazzle the audience and leave them enthralled. The performances are highly coordinated due to the hours of practice put in by each group, with groups even practicing at Pierce Church!
The judges for this year’s Airband boast diversity in age and occupation — ranging from previous I.C.C. president Kaleb Sena to Head Volleyball Coach Erin Luthy — and promises the participants a fair and unbiased criticism of their routines.
Airband has enabled students to meet individuals from other dormitories, majors and academic years due to the varying groups. Additionally, it promotes a sense of cooperation and encourages individuals to come together around a common objective outside of the classroom.
“Students are able to express their gifts and their talents in ways that are honoring and glorifying to the Lord amongst the community in a unique way that is special to Taylor,” Palmer said.
The leadup to Airband has been eventful enough with the tornado siren wailing mid-audition, sending the various groups and I.C.C. rushing down to the Taylor Student Organization office to seek shelter. Deliberations for who would be chosen to perform were made by the I.C.C. crew, huddled in the storage area — with the rest of casts outside, to prevent eavesdropping.
This will be I.C.C’s last event for the year, and will be Palmer’s last event as president.
“It's exciting to come to a place with the cabinet where I feel like we've really given it our all,” Palmer said. “It feels bittersweet but I'm excited for the new things we're already brainstorming and developing for next year.”
Last year, more than 1,000 attendees watched the two shows. Make sure to buy tickets soon for the 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows on April 22.
