Where student artists take the stage: Inside Trevecca’s student club AMPED

By Jasmin Enriquez Martinez

Features Editor

On the rooftop of the University Commons building, students gather, moving to the rhythm as live music fills the space.

AMPED, an official student club, gives student musicians a chance to gain experience and perform on campus. Performances are usually held on Thursdays in the UC basement or on the rooftop and count for recital credit for music majors.

“It’s just a way for artists to showcase themselves to their peers and get some experience playing,” said Jack Bahorik, a junior music business major and club organizer.

Before AMPED, the club operated as Last Thursday but did shows sporadically within the last few years, according to Bahorik.

Bahorik started AMPED after seeing how difficult it is for student musicians to find venues that do not serve alcohol.

Trevecca’s policies state that students are prohibited from attending venues where the primary purpose is the sale or consumption of alcohol. Students who attend those venues may face disciplinary action.

Bahorik said this makes it difficult for students to get exposure to their music. 

Bahorik organizes each show, picking the dates and running it all by his club advisor, Jeremy Bauer.

Bahorik encourages student musicians to promote themselves and have a presence to show their abilities.

“If I don’t see you having a presence, it’s going to be difficult for me to be like, ‘Yes, this is someone who can do this,” said Bahorik.

All music genres are welcome to play for AMPED.

AMPED has featured artists including Two Handsome Guys, Roarshack, Ekite Lew, Lynnsie Talley, Valerie Neal and Jackson McWhorter.

Jackson McWhorter, a sophomore music leadership major, is a member of Roarshack and a soloist.

McWhorter’s music consists of alternative pop and indie rock.

McWhorter said he listens to classical music to lighten the mood and get over nerves before playing.

When performing, McWhorter enjoys the experience and interacting with the audience.

“It’s nice just to be able to not necessarily have all the attention on you, but just be able to feel like you’re actually connecting with people,” said McWhorter.

McWhorter said that he hopes that people can connect to his music.

“I just hope that they feel something, and know that whatever they’re going through, they’re not alone,” he said.

Students who want to perform can contact Bahorik at JSBahorik@trevecca.edu.