The BSA Ball: A Jazzy Night In Paris

The Black Student Association Ball

A Jazzy Night in Paris

It is once again time for the annual Black Student Association (BSA) ball. The ball will be held on this Friday, October 1, 2010 from 10 pm - 1 am in the Lankford Student Union Ball Room.  The event is free open to the entire Longwood University campus. Attire for the ball is semi-formal. A Jazzy Night in Paris is the theme for this year’s ball, and the event will offer a few party favors as usual. There will be a live jazz band, a live DJ and free food provided by Longwood’s very own catering services.  

Meet Lozarius Little…

            Lozarius is from Bedford, Va., and he is a Political Science major and a senior at Longwood.  He describes himself as outgoing, talented, and loud. He is the Vice President of BSA, and he has been a member since his freshman year. From Lozarius’ perspective, “this ball will be amazing and different because of the team that behind the ball, they are very passionate about the event and getting everyone on the campus to come out and enjoy the ball.” Door prizes will be given away, but only to students who get a ticket, for giving a dollar donation, to a BSA executive member while they are tabling at Dorrill Dining Hall during this week. “All kinds of music will be played [the selections will range] from pop to R&B to jazz. The ball will be symbolic of Paris because the decorations will mimic different parts of the city, said Little.”  

Meet Janis Reid… 

Janis is from Williamsburg, Va., and she is a Business Marketing major and senior at Longwood. She describes herself as someone who enjoys hanging out with friends and family members as well as trying new things. Janis has been a member of BSA since her freshman year. She“ is excited about the ball because “It's a time for [her] to get all dolled up, fellowship with friends, eat great food, and listen to good music.” She is also looking forward to the first 45 minutes because she “wants to be serenaded by jazz music since the ball didn't have that in previous years.” This is the first time in years the BSA ball has been on the Friday of Oktoberfest. Since, “Most students have nothing to do on Fridays after the bands, instead of going back to their room they can come out to the ball free of charge.” She is anticipating the food, music, VIP section, and door prizes, which are typical BSA ball signatures. Janis comes to the balls “to support the organization as well as have a good time laughing and being around [her] friends. I enjoy dressing up in accordance with the different themes each year, said Reid.” 

Meet Steven Brown… 

Steven is from Halifax, Va., and he is a Business Administration major and sophomore at Longwood. He describes himself as cool, down-to-earth, and kind of shy. This is Steven’s first year as a member of BSA. As far as the musicians go, Steven (Longwood student) will be playing piano, James Bland (Longwood student) will be the bassist, Bianca Watson (Longwood Student) will be the saxophonist, and Corey Wright (Liberty student) will be the drummer. They also plan on having four singers, which will include a leader with at least three background vocals. According to Steven “The type of songs we will play will be a mix of popular songs with jazz influences. For example, we will take a song like, Unbreakable, by Alicia Keys and perform it with a little jazz added to it.” The band as a whole is striving to bring something new to the ball, and add some variety to the atmosphere. “The musicians will make sure [the] music is correct and the dynamics are at a good level.” They will do at least four songs as a full band, and the musicians may also play a few instrumentals. “I am very excited about playing; especially since the band really plays into theme of the ball .You cannot have a jazzy night in Paris without the jazz, said Brown.”

Do you still need more convincing? Here are a few reasons why these students think you should attend the 2010 Ball:

• It is for the students of Longwood
• To support BSA
• To gather with friends
•  It as an alternative to frat parties
• To listen to various musical selections
•  It is an opportunity to dress to impress

So, if you do not have anything else to do this Friday, and you don’t mind dressing in semi-formal attire come an experience A Jazzy Night in Paris with the members of BSA and your other peers.

Yours Truly,

Roberta Collier