Students spend spring break celebrating their passions

Many University of South Dakota students will be traveling during spring break, both in and out of the country.

Senior vocal performance major Hannah Lambertz will be traveling to Europe with 38 other students from Chamber Singers, as well as with parents and other students who are part of the companion tour.

They will have around eight performances in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.

“We’re singing in a lot of great big cathedrals, just beautiful spaces,” Lambertz said. “It’s the first year I get any resemblance of a spring break.”

The Chamber Singers normally travel around the United States for spring break, having as many as 20 performances throughout the week.

“We’re singing these huge, long programs, but it’s a lot of fun — it’s just work, too,” Lambertz said.

While in Europe, they will have time to relax and enjoy what the countries have to offer, including some German beer, Lambertz said.

She said she is nervous about the group staying healthy for their performances since singing is dependent on one’s health. But putting aside her worries, Lambertz said she is also excited for the trip.

“The Chamber Singers is like a really big family,” Lambertz said. “To sing this music correctly, do it justice, everybody has to be a part of it and everybody has to feel it so it’s a very connected group because we all love what we do.”

Other students will also be traveling for spring break through USD-sponsored programs, but not across the ocean.

Senior Steven Schaeffer is one of seven senior theater students who will be traveling to New York.

“We perform for a larger venue for industry professionals and then they give us their honest critiques,” Schaeffer said. “There’s also agents there who if they are looking for certain things they might give you work.”

The students will have three minutes to show the professionals in New York what they have to offer, Schaeffer said.

“I’m always nervous to make sure that my best foot is indeed forward, that everything is the best I could possibly present it,” Schaeffer said.

The students will also get to participate in workshops with professionals from the film industry and Broadway, as well as do some sightseeing.

Schaeffer said he is excited to meet people and get into New York and see sights like Rockefeller Center and Times Square.

“We’re going so that we can see the city and watch a few shows. It’s a pretty nice way to spend a spring break,” Schaeffer said.

While students are excited to travel across the country and world for spring break, Lieutenant Jef Rice of the University Police Department has some advice for students to stay safe.

“You need to take more caution,” Rice said. “You have a whole different type of mindset when you’re going to a spring break.”

Rice said students should be aware and walk with others at night. He also cautions students to drink safely.

“Try to make sure you’re aware of everything that is going on,” Rice said. “Watch your drinks. Don’t take a drink from somebody you don’t know, especially if it’s already been opened.”

Rice also said students should make sure to tell others where they are going and when they will arrive if they do go off on their own. He said people should be cautious when meeting new people, because they’re strangers and might not be well known.

“You forget some of the basic rules of safety,” Rice said. “We want everybody to enjoy their spring break, have a wonderful time, take a break from school and the stress, but come back safe.”

If anything happens over spring break, Rice said students can stop by the UPD for assistance.

“Our door is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Rice said.

(Photo: Senior Steve Schaeffer practices for the musical “Seussical” March 2 in the Warren M. Lee Center for Fine Arts. Schaeffer and other theater students will be traveling to New York City during spring break to attend workshops and perform in front of talent scouts. Malachi Petersen / The Volante)