About 400 students worked as coordinators, staff, emcees, hosts, hostesses, cast and show band members to put together an incredible Makin’ Music 46 show for more than 7,500 audience members the second week in April. FHU family gathered April 14-15, as prospective students participated in Maroon and Gold Day, incoming students registered for fall classes and alumni and friends enjoyed food trucks, inflatable jumpers, a photo booth and more at Party on the Green in Heritage Commons. Before each of the three weekend performances, crowds lined the sidewalks in front of Loyd Auditorium to cheer for the five social club casts as they entered the building.
After the final note Saturday night, Xi Chi Delta’s “Hillbilly Hideout” was named this year’s first place sweepstakes winner of Makin’ Music 46. Phi Kappa Alpha received second place for its show “Fight at the Museum” and Sigma Rho received third place for its show “A Ghostly Renovation.”
“It was so close this year in the categories that this came down to points,” said Tony Allen, Makin’ Music producer. “That’s how awesome these kids are; they all put on great shows.” Allen, who has been involved with the show for years, talked about how he enjoys watching students develop friendships through working on the show. “The students put their time, money, energy and heart in this show for each other. I hope people see how incredible they are and see its benefits.”
Five social clubs competed for the sweepstakes trophy, while a talented troupe of hosts and hostesses, the Makin’ Music Show Band and emcees entertained thousands of guests. Chi Beta Chi, Omega Chi, Phi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Rho and Xi Chi Delta participated in this year’s show.
Additional recognitions this year include the Spirit of Makin’ Music, which was awarded to Sigma Rho. The Spirit of Makin’ Music award is given to the social club that best exemplifies the true spirit of the show by displaying leadership, cooperation, friendship, involvement and participation. The inaugural Kids’ Choice award, voted on by area school children, went to Xi Chi Delta.
The theme for this year’s show was “Hold On.” According to Makin’ Music Coordinator Peyton Cain, the theme was chosen as a tribute to the people and memories FHU alumni hold on to, as well as the Makin’ Music traditions that the FHU family holds dear. Makin’ Music 46 was dedicated to Mental Health and Development Services of Jackson, Tennessee. MHDS serves more than 270 clients throughout West Tennessee, including Chester County. MHDS helps provide independence, self-reliance and dignity for those with intellectual disabilities.
Coordinators assisting producer Tony Allen with the show were Cain, senior biochemistry major from Katy, Texas, and Addie Everson, junior public relations major from Mesquite, Texas. Hostesses were Kaitlyn Moore, junior social work major from Henderson, Tennessee; Kayley Wadlington, senior elementary education major from Cadiz, Kentucky; and Brooke Roberts, senior biology major from Knoxville, Tennessee. They were joined by hosts Elijah Hester, junior business major, from Florence, Alabama and Joshua Grooms, senior Bible major from Duncan, South Carolina. FHU alumna and former Makin’ Music hostess Peggy Weaver returned to direct the vocalists, and FHU alumnus and staff member Jarred Clayton directed the show band.
Makin’ Music 46 on-stage emcees were Natalie Turner, an education major from Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Michael Mullinicks, a Bible major from Hohenwald, Tennessee; and Mac Shelton, a public relations major from Henderson, Tennessee.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associates, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
