By Linda Bailey, Student Reporter

Students shared their musical talents Monday, as they performed original songs during an open mic night at Barret Hall.

The open mic night was part of the monthly programs that Barrett Hall offers. Jae Webb, resident director of Barret Hall, said he helped to plan the event. Although it took place in the residence hall, it was open to all students on campus.

“We do this once a semester to allow people to come in and just play around,” Webb said.

The same program was offered last semester, and 70 students attended, Webb said. Monday night’s show did not gather that same large crowd. Only around two-dozen students showed up to play or enjoy the free music.

Tyler Nolen, sophomore information technology major from Flower Mound, attended the show last semester, as well as the show Monday. He said he thought the reason for the decrease in attendance was the lack of available modes of advertising.

“I think there would have been a larger turnout if there was a better way to advertise on campus,” Nolen said.

He said he wished more people had attended, but he still had a fun night.

“I went to the open mic night last semester, and it seems like there was more funny songs this time,” Nolen said. “The majority of the acts were really well composed.”

Kayla Pyper, junior chemistry major from Detroit, sang an original song, while two of her friends played the guitar and Djembe. Pyper said she heard about the event from a friend who saw it on the ACU Web site. She said she had fun and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Ian Smith, junior youth and family ministry major from Waco, played four original songs Monday. Although he does not live in Barret Hall, he said he heard about the event because he works in The Den.

He said he knows many other students with musical talent and would like to see more open mic night type of events offered around campus.

“There is a lot of talent at ACU of people that can sing and play,” Smith said. “It would be really cool if we could get singer/songwriters together more often to play events like this.”