Choosing Chapman’s fall concert
Illustration by Zoe Wren Arntsen, Illustrator.
Choosing a concert artist might sound like a matter of taste, but for Chapman’s University Program Board (UPB), it involves more than picking a favorite musician. Student preferences, budget restrictions and the desire to introduce new genres all factor into the months-long process of hosting Waka Flocka Flame at this year’s fall concert.
Craig Seiler, a junior strategic communications major and UPB’s Special Events and Traditions director, is largely in charge of planning Chapman’s annual fall concert. From gathering student input to coordinating with entertainment agencies, Seiler helps turn an initial list of potential artists into a concert that reflects the interests of Chapman’s student body.
“Last spring, I got some input from my committee members — our student volunteers that join UPB each semester,” said Seiler. “We did some general: ‘Who are we interested in? What do we want to see?’”
However, student suggestions are only the starting point. As UPB narrows down its options, Seiler and his committee must consider how much artists cost and which performers are realistically within the university’s budget.
“I work with a group called Babco Entertainment. They work as a middle person between UPB and a bunch of other event planners. They have a list of names which they have contacts with. There's a bunch of price points,” said Seiler. “I gave my committee members (CMs) that price point and kind of ‘Okay, try to find people within this that you think would be good.’”
Serving for a second year as the Special Events and Traditions director gives Seiler a special edge in the job. This year, he hoped to bring something different to the fall concert and make it distinct from those in years past.
Although the committee considered artists with sounds similar to those of recent performers, Waka Flocka Flame presented an opportunity to diversify the concert’s musical offerings and potentially reach a wider audience.
“He was the second artist that we put a lot of thought into after Malcolm Todd. That decision was made out of how we've done a lot of indie shows in the past couple years,” said Seiler. “We've done Role Model, Briston Maroney, a lot of the same genre, same general appeal to students without much diversification. I thought that rap would be a really good way to get a broader interest in the concert.”
Despite Waka Flacka Flame’s 12 million monthly Spotify listeners, not all students felt they knew the artist well enough to want to go to his concert.
Brooke Batulanon, a freshman finance major, felt disappointed in this year’s choice compared to the artists Chapman has hosted in the past.
“We've had Role Model before and a bunch of other people like that,” said Batulanon.“We could've gone with Adéla. I don't know if we had that budget, but I feel like most people only know the one Waka Flocka song.”
For other students, the opportunity to experience a concert with friends can be just as appealing as familiarity with the performer.
Juliet Kim, a freshman communication studies major, looks forward to the high energy she expects the artist to bring.
“I feel like I only know this one song, ‘No Hands,’ but based on that and the vibes I'm getting, I feel like it'll still be fun because it's upbeat music,” said Kim. “I'm always down for upbeat music and getting hype. I'm still excited even though it's not necessarily an artist that I really listen to.”
Once UPB settles on an artist, the planning process moves from selection to securing the performance. University staff work to establish the terms of the booking and complete the necessary legal agreements.
“The first step was to send off a letter of intent out to him and his agency, which is saying we’d like to book you for this many dollars for this many minutes of the set,” said Seiler. “Once he signs that letter of intent, it's locked in. There's still a big contracting process that follows. That was done more by our professional staff members who are full-time employees at the university.”
In the weeks leading up to the concert, the Special Events and Traditions committee meets regularly to coordinate the details that will shape students’ experiences on the day of the event.
Stephanie Medrano, freshman psychology major and Special Events and Traditions committee member, works in a team of about 50 to ensure the concert runs smoothly.
“On Friday, we have a meeting for everyone that's going to be working on the event. But before that meeting where everyone that's going to be working on the event, we have general meetings and then ones for the concert committee,” said Medrano. “We had an hour-long meeting of checking in on how the merch is coming along, where more jobs are needed and also just coming up with ideas for possible photo ops for the event.”
Even at the concert, UPB volunteers run all the additional activities and outdoor amusements that members decided to add to this year’s event.
“UPB students will be working in the photo booth, checking in students, riding on the transportation that is provided for students, making sure that everything runs smoothly, handing out wristbands and working the merch stand,” said Medrano.
For Seiler, these details are part of a broader effort to make the concert enjoyable for as many students as possible. Each element of the event requires consideration well before concert day.
“I'm trying to please as many students as I can,” said Seiler. “Activities outside, how the line works, everything that happens at the concert is happening out of a conscious effort.”
For students attending the concert, the night may look effortless. Behind the music, however, are months of decisions, dozens of committee members and countless details that must fall into place.
Although some students wish UPB had chosen a different artist, others are looking forward to the music, atmosphere and chance to spend time with friends. Regardless of where they stand on the lineup, Chapman’s fall concert offers students an opportunity to step away from the stress of exams, let loose and, in the wise words of Waka Flocka Flame, “Drop it to the floor.”