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"Give us energy!"

"I don't care about little mistakes," director Eve Himmelheber tells the junior members of the group as she evaluates their performance. "Give us energy. No checking out. Make somebody laugh, make somebody smile, make somebody cry."

The current show, "Salute to America," begins with and ends with patriotic numbers. In between, in a continuous fusion of song and dance, the performers trace the nation's history in songs that range in era and mood from "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey?" to "Sentimental Journey" to "Duke of Earl" and dances built on tap, jitterbug, and hoedown styles.  The 45-minute show is completely choreographed; still moments are as significant as lively ones.

Next year's show will feature Richard Rodgers' music.  Previous presentations have centered on the work of composers such as George Gershwin and Cole Porter.

Jim Taulli, associate professor of theater and dance, founded The Preeminents in 1998 to answer requests that department students perform at various events both on and off campus. Rather than rehearse a different presentation for each event, he formed a group that could present a standard show. 

Choreography and collaboration

All department majors take part, with seniors forming the primary cast and juniors as understudies.  The Preeminents perform at major CSUF events such as Concert Under the Stars and Front and Center and for groups like the Rotary Club; they are also available for private parties and events.

Most of the performers have been singing since high school and honing their talent in school and community theaters.  At CSUF they build their basic skills in musical theater courses like jazz dance, ballet, and voice and movement. "They must learn music quickly and be able to harmonize well and blend vocally," says Himmelheber, who also coordinates the BFA musical theater program. "They must also learn dance steps quickly because the choreography [by Bill Lett, theater and dance lecturer] comes at them pretty fast."

Personal characteristics are also crucial, she says. "The students must show superior discipline and initiative, a great sense of humor and joy in the work process. They have to be able to take criticism and rejection. Disappointment is a fact of life in this business and can't be taken personally. Collaborative ability is a must; we work too intensely and closely for any ‘star divas' to develop."

According to group members, collaboration is an especially large part of the learning process. "You have your own performance going on, but you also have to be part of a larger performance," says Andy Scott of Arcadia.

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