March 15, 2016

 

Inaugural event set forMarch 30, 5-7 p.m.: The concert will be held in Petro Theatre and is free and open to the public; the Open House program is open to high school students 

 

Contacts:

Lacey Solheid, Student Engagement Coordinator, 657-2320
University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266
Story by Blair Koch, University Communications and Marketing intern

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — The group of Filipino-American a cappella musicians known as The Filharmonic has created waves in the music and entertainment world lately and on March 30 the hit ensemble will be at Montana State University Billings to rock up the first-ever Yellowjacket Open House.

 

The Filharmonic broke onto the American popular culture scene after being featured on show’s like NBC’s hit musical competition, “The Sing-Off,” where they shared the stage with acts like Linkin Park Pentatonic and the Black Eyed Peas. The group is also known for being featured in the movie Pitch Perfect 2.

 

Lacey Solheid, MSUB student engagement coordinator, said the group—consisting of Vocalists VJ Rosales, Joe Caigoy, Trace Gaynor, and Barry Fortgang, Vocal Bass Jules Cruz and Beat boxer Niko Del Rey—seemed a perfect fit for the campus when she and a team of student leaders attended an activities conference they were featured in last year.

 

“(The Filharmonic) put on a really good show and the other students really liked them and said, ‘we have to have them,” Solheid said. “It’s a family-friendly show but they have an ability to connect with traditional students, so everyone is entertained and left feeling like they had a good time.”

 

While The Filharmonic was initially slated for the March concert, the event evolved into something much larger and more exciting: a full-blown Yellowjacket Open House.

 

The event runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with an initial check in at the Student Union Building Atrium. Attendees are free to come and go throughout the day.

 

Tammy Watson, New Student Services director, said the event is marketed toward area high school students with a focus on giving those who may be entering the university in the next few years an opportunity to, “experience student life.” 

 

“This is really a great way to showcase the university in a positive way,” Watson said. “It’s a great opportunity for potential students to experience the campus and see campus in a lighthearted manner.”

 

In addition to the The Filharmonic’s concert, free massages and free dinner, staff will be on hand to provide tours of the residence halls and answer questions about enrollment and financial aid.

 

“While this event is much more about being a fun evening, there will be plenty of people around to answer questions and provide follow-up for students who may be interested in learning more about what MSU Billings has to offer,” Watson said.

 

Yellowjacket Open House agenda:

 

5:00 p.m.
Free massages from Student Health Services and tour of the residence halls

 

6:00 p.m.
Yellowjacket Dinner with student leaders and staff, with games and music

 

7:00 p.m.
Catch The Filharmonic featured in "Pitch Perfect 2" and "The Sing-Off"


RSVP by Friday, March 25 online for a chance to win a one-year Netflix subscription. (Must be present to win).