Music’s influence on events
Music impacts the emotional influence of an event, turning ordinary events people often dread into immersive experiences that move them.
It is common for people, especially introverts, to dread social events, whether for work, charity, or entertainment purposes. Often the idea of an event can be more enticing than the actual thing, as there are different challenges that present themselves during events.
Homecoming is no different: While it is meant to celebrate previous, current, and future students coming together, these students still feel overwhelmed attending bigger events like this. Regardless of all the obstacles that block them from attending, there is one event students at Maryville attend without fail, Lip Sync Battle.
Lip Sync Battle
The theme for Maryville’s 2026 homecoming was titled Enchanted Nights. This theme was chosen specifically for its elements of magic, mystery, elegance, and fantasy. Second-year computer science student and first-time homecoming committee member, E’Sabel Merriweather, was responsible for planning the Lip Sync Battle and competition for 2026. When asked what makes Lip Sync Battle unique she answers:
“I feel Lip Sync Battle brings everyone together and builds community with a friendly competition. It is unique because students get to see their friends up on stage or get to experience the rush of performing in front of an audience.”
E’Sabel, the homecoming committee, and CONNECT pose together for a picture after Lip Sync Battle. Photo courtesy of E’Sabel Merriweather.
Her answer is impactful because it brings up the idea of performing, where students lip sync to a remix of various themed songs and choreograph their own dance to accompany it. Upon making this connection to music, a new question arose: in what ways does music bring teams and audience members together for this event? In her answer, she shares how the feelings of nostalgia students share when listening to songs from their time in middle school bring them together.
Those shared feelings create a sense of belonging. Imagine if teams did not choose music the audience could identify with. The energy at the event would change drastically, and the feelings of nostalgia would not exist.
In a blog by Toast to That Entertainment, the company shares how the musical atmosphere of an event can change its entire dynamic, transforming ordinary moments into experiences guests will cherish forever. The blog gives examples like the one previously mentioned, sharing how high-energy tracks set a vibrant tone for events, while in contrast elegant classical melodies create a soft, refined environment.
Student Night In
Continuing on the theme of homecoming, another event worth a mention is Student Night In. This year, students were invited to a masquerade casino night, featuring a cash bar, casino tables, a light up dance floor, a lounge with pool tables, and an assortment of raffle prizes. A DJ came to the event to put on popular hits, take song recommendations, and keep the energy high for the night. Numerous speakers were placed on both the inside of the Atrium and the Donius University Center quad.
The music for the night had a tremendous impact on the event, as shared by the next interviewee, Amel Abdul, a fourth-year sports business student who is involved with the long jump, triple jump, and high jump on the track team. In his words, he explains,
“The music boosted the energy of the environment overall; without the music, I don’t think the vibe would’ve been as energetic.”
While he mainly partook in the casino games throughout the night, he noted that music was the element to truly set the tone for the event. Toast to That Entertainment touches on that idea in their blog, writing how the right music supports different moments during an event and provides helpful transitions between activities. Simply put, that is what the music was meant to do; not to be the center of the event, but rather to elevate its atmosphere.
Wrapping it up
Homecoming this year was a success as it brought students together, provided memorable moments with friends, and played the best hits from all areas “Enchanted Nights”. While every night during homecoming week had its own niche to attract an audience, Lip Sync Battle and Student Night In were the two that singlehandedly transformed students’ experience at Maryville.
During Merriweather’s interview, she put it best:
“Music is a key part of life that you can listen to for any occasion or mood. It is all around us, giving us the power to transform our outlook and cultivate deeper connections with others.”
While this is a short snippet of Maryville’s homecoming, there are various ways to view the highlights from each event. Two of those ways include viewing Maryville’s homecoming recap carousel on Instagram and student-lead organization CONNECT’s homecoming recap video.
Interested in being involved with homecoming next year or know someone who would be a great fit for a role? Access the 2027 Homecoming Headquarters: Application/Nomination Form to become a part of next year’s homecoming!
Tune in next time for a post about music and relationships!
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