By Giulia Gutzwiller, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Xavier Singers held their annual fall concert during Family Weekend. Their performance included upbeat tunes, emotional ballads and classic hits that brought families and students together.

Xavier Singers is a musical group consisting of vocalists, band members and dancers. They are similar to show choir, as they combine their vocal skills with dance elements. 

From creating the show’s setlist to practicing twice a week, the group’s members have been preparing for this concert for the past couple months. 

“By the time we get to tech week, the show pulls together so nicely and everything hits,” senior middle school education major and Xavier Singers Public Relations Manager Haley Rakocy said. 

The concert was held on Saturday morning at Ryan’s Landing in the Gallagher Student Center (GSC), where audience members filled the seats. They also set up a YouTube livestream for those who could not attend in-person. 

“I was really glad that the show happened over Family Weekend so that my family got to see all of the hard work we’ve been putting into the show,” sophomore special education major and band member Ava Konecki said. 

The show opened with “What I Like About You” by The Romantics, which was accompanied by an entertaining dance routine choreographed by senior philosophy and sociology double major and dance captain Cooper Littlepage, featuring all vocalists. 

This song was followed by “Long Train Runnin’” by The Doobie Brothers, “Need You Now” by Lady A and “Jackie and Wilson” by Hozier. Each singers’ vocal range and stage presence captivated the audience. 

“I enjoyed having the energy from the crowd and each other. It helped us build off of each other,” Konecki said. 

Other songs from the setlist were “Classic” by MKTO, “The Reason” by Hoobastank, “July” by Noah Cyrus and “Love Runs Out” by OneRepublic. Some songs were uplifting and energetic, while others were emotional and passionate. 

“There were songs on the setlist that I really enjoyed and some songs I had never heard of, but I love now,” sophomore chemistry major and band member Dylan Scott said.

One standout moment from the show was the song “Moderation” by Florence and the Machine, where five dancers stole the show with their intricate and powerful movements. 

The show concluded with a lively dance number to “Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees. Choreographed by senior education major and dance captain Katie Liderbach, the dance brought all vocalists back to the floor one last time. 

Students looking to showcase their musical talents and find people with similar interests have found a sense of community in Xavier Singers. 

“I thought it was so much fun to actually have an outlet to play good music with good people. I’ve always wanted to be a part of a group like this,” Konecki said.

For the group’s senior members, this show marked their last fall concert. 

“I’m really proud of how the show went. I think everybody had a lot of fun and I think that all of our hard work paid off,” senior Philosophy, Politics and the Public and economics double major and Xavier Singers President Sam Gielink said. 

“I’m so proud of that being my last fall show. It went really well. Everyone sounded great singing and the dances went so well,” Rakocy said.  

Xavier Singers’ next concert will be held off campus in the spring, with more details coming soon.