Students were able to show off their talent in a new way for the UAB Student Arts Council’s virtual concert. 

The three acts prerecorded their performances at the ArtPlay house, a Victorian-style house which is the home of an Alys Stephens Center arts education-based initiative. 

Sadie Farmer, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre, said there were some pros of being prerecorded for the concert. 

“One pro is we got to record each song a few times,” Farmer said. “In reality, some runs of a song are better than others. We got to have a really good run and have that one be the one we are going to present.” 

Terrell Miller, a sophomore in musical theatre and Farmer’s partner in the concert, said the only con was not being able to feel the live audience. 

“I guess the only con is not being able to interact with an audience because that is where you get most of the energy,” Miller said. 

Both students said that the prerecorded concert provided an opportunity to show their best side to an audience of new listeners. 

“It was nice to be able to do something several times and perfect what we were crafting,” Farmer said. 

Jared Brown is a junior majoring in business and a bass player for Audiophile, an indie rock band based in Birmingham. He said that the biggest pro was the venue of their performance. 

“That was one of the coolest places we have ever gotten to perform,” Brown said. 

Other members of the band said they agreed. 

Hayden Finney, a sophomore majoring in music education and a guitar player for Audiophile, said it was a fun atmosphere to record in, especially with the help from the recording staff. 

“The guy was really nice and helpful,” Finney said. “He kind of hyped us up afterwards and was patient with us when we ended up having to redo a song.” 

When asked if there were any cons, Brown said he had some difficulty singing. 

“I’m not going to lie, it was really hard to sing in a mask,” said Brown. “It was a new way of singing for me.” 

The members said it was necessary for the time that we are in, but it was difficult to work around when it came time to perform. 

“We understand that it was necessary, but it was difficult,” said Finney. 

You can find other events like the ones from Student Arts Council and other organizations on Engage.