Spring Break
Viennese Ball preparation under way
Davies Center gets decked out for weekend of music, dancing and festivities
Nicole Strittmater
Issue date: 4/12/07 Section: Campus News
But without music to fill the space, these preparations would seem incomplete.
The University Symphony Orchestra will perform waltzes and polkas and the Jazz Ensemble I will perform music from America's Big Band Era. Student and faculty ensembles such as a cappella groups are also set to give concerts throughout the night.
This event will mark senior and violinist Laura Hutchens' third time performing, and she said the ensemble has had a few practices to prepare.
She said they've had about two rehearsals so far, and one is scheduled Friday before the Ball.
"It's not very many ... It's pretty much the same music every year so we get used to playing it," she said.
When Hutchens isn't providing the music, she is dancing to it.
"I would say it's like prom only way better. It's way more classy," she said with a laugh. "And for faculty it's a very romantic date to take your spouse or significant other."
Eau Claire's first Viennese Ball took place in 1974 to showcase the university orchestra, Soll said.
But over the years times change, and now it is more of an international perspective, Soll said.
"We still honor the Viennese Ball, but now we have countries that are represented through our international programs such as China and South Korea," she said. "We are trying to make it a point that we are truly international in scope."
People from all over attend this event, she said, adding that there will probably be six to eight different states represented, as well as Eau Claire alumni.
Saturday's event sold out at 1,550 guests, but there are still several hundred tickets available for Friday.
The University Symphony Orchestra will perform waltzes and polkas and the Jazz Ensemble I will perform music from America's Big Band Era. Student and faculty ensembles such as a cappella groups are also set to give concerts throughout the night.
This event will mark senior and violinist Laura Hutchens' third time performing, and she said the ensemble has had a few practices to prepare.
She said they've had about two rehearsals so far, and one is scheduled Friday before the Ball.
"It's not very many ... It's pretty much the same music every year so we get used to playing it," she said.
When Hutchens isn't providing the music, she is dancing to it.
"I would say it's like prom only way better. It's way more classy," she said with a laugh. "And for faculty it's a very romantic date to take your spouse or significant other."
Eau Claire's first Viennese Ball took place in 1974 to showcase the university orchestra, Soll said.
But over the years times change, and now it is more of an international perspective, Soll said.
"We still honor the Viennese Ball, but now we have countries that are represented through our international programs such as China and South Korea," she said. "We are trying to make it a point that we are truly international in scope."
People from all over attend this event, she said, adding that there will probably be six to eight different states represented, as well as Eau Claire alumni.
Saturday's event sold out at 1,550 guests, but there are still several hundred tickets available for Friday.
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