Led Zeppelin. Bob Dylan. The Beatles. Their talent, fame and reputations have forever impacted the evolution and perpetuation of rock ‘n’ roll. Tomorrow, these performers will arrive at Drake in memory and inspiration.
The Residence Hall Association is bringing the music to campus with Siblings Weekend 2011: Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. All eight residence halls will embody a different musical group with various programming events throughout Friday night and Saturday afternoon and evening.
“Music is something everyone enjoys and can relate to, and the flexibility it gives us with planning programs is a definite plus,” sophomore Ellie Ehrhardt said.
Ehrhardt represents the Goodwin-Kirk Executive Council on RHA’s programming board, which is responsible for selecting the theme, planning programs, publicizing and running registration for the weekend.
As publicity chair for the event, Ehrhardt coordinated the table tents and banners to inform students about the weekend. The target audience is not the typical college-aged student, a challenge RHA welcomed.
“We strive to develop programs that will be fun for residents and their siblings, whether they are older or younger,” Ehrhardt said. “We’re all working toward a common goal of showing siblings a great time.”
Siblings can gobble down Elvis Presley’s favorite snack of grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches at Carpenter Hall. Stalnaker Casino Night will test one’s luck, while Jewett Air Band will showcase one’s improv skills.
Other highlights of the weekend include a free ticket to the Drake men’s basketball game on Saturday and brunch on Sunday morning at Hubbell Dining Hall.
All Drake students are invited to attend the weekend festivities if they have a sibling visiting or not.
“It’s a great opportunity to get younger brothers and sisters to see what campus life is like,” RHA President and sophomore Sean Walsh said. “It provides fun programming that keeps siblings entertained and introduces them to new people.”
RHA has a pro on its team in Kaitlyn Cooper, the staff advisor. This is Cooper’s third time participating in the development of Siblings Weekend.
Although siblings could visit at a different time of year, Cooper knows this weekend will offer the best Drake experience.
“This is one of RHA’s signature events,” Cooper said. “The organizers put in lots of time and energy to make high quality programming.”
Although the focus of Siblings Weekend is not to recruit prospective students, Cooper says that is an important element in the planning process.
“It would be awesome if a sibling came to Drake because of their Siblings Weekend experience, but that is definitely not our goal,” Cooper said.
Students can still register their siblings for the weekend on the Residence Life website. The cost is $20 which includes a T-shirt, four meal tickets and one basketball ticket.
RHA doesn’t have an age limit for siblings wishing to attend. First-year Tianna Jones was happily surprised when her 21-year-old sister asked to come.
“I miss my family a lot. I want her to see my friends, the people I really enjoy being close with and have had great times with,” Jones said. “If my family has any concerns about Drake, this weekend will show them they have nothing to worry about.”
Students can register their siblings and pick up an information packet in the Olmsted Breezeway on Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9-11 a.m. The registration packet will also be available for pick up at the front desk of the residence hall the sibling is staying in.
“Siblings Weekend is one of the most fun weekends at Drake,” Ehrhardt said. “I love meeting my friends’ siblings and showing Drake off to them.”
In the past, weather has posed a large enemy force. The forecast for this weekend has highs in the 40s, a fact that Cooper says can only further improve theweekend.
Any questions about Siblings Weekend can be directed to RHA Vice President Michael Porterfield at michael.porterfield@drake.edu.
Siblings Weekend Events
Friday, Feb. 18th
6:45 p.m. – Siblings Weekend Welcome and Opening Ceremony, Stalnaker Lobby
7-10 p.m. – Tumbling Dice: Stalnaker Casino Night, Stalnaker Lobby
9 p.m. – Jewett Air Band, Pomerantz StageSaturday, February 19th
1-2 p.m. – Elvis Cafe, Carpenter Lobby
2 p.m. – Just Dance: Stix Style, Morehouse Living Room
3 p.m. – American Pie: “Eat food and pie your sibling in the face!” GK Lobby
5-7 p.m. – Face Painting for the Basketball game & Rock Band, Herriott Lobby
4-6 p.m. – Battle of the Bands: Crawford Hall Karaoke, Crawford Lobby
7 p.m. – Men’s Basketball Game, Knapp Center
