By Rachel Keeley, senior

“Starting Here, Starting Now” seems to be an appropriate theme for this year’s annual Symphony of Spring variety show performed by the Singing Quakers. This year is the first to have only one weekend of show performances versus the two weekends in the past.

Musical director Mark Bartel said this change was to benefit the students.

“The reason is to not put stress on students around final exams. (The board) asked ‘how fair and manageable is it on the students?’” he said.

Not all students like the change, however.

“I wish we still had two weekends so everyone can come. Around this time people don’t have a lot of options to go,” said K.C. Orren, a senior and Singing Quaker.

SOS performances will be at 7:30 p.m. April 22-24 and at 3 p.m. on April 25. Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Friends University students receive one free ticket, and staff receive two free tickets.

This year’s theme takes advantage of its springtime performances.

“The theme comes from a Gypsy song called “Everything Is Coming Up Roses.” It’s the idea of renewal and starting over. So the show has concepts related to the beginning of life,” said Bartel.

Songs to be performed by soloists, ensembles and the choir include selections from “Mary Poppins,” “West Side Story,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “South Pacific,” “Oliver,” “Oklahoma,” “The Sound of Music” and others.

Bartel said he encouraged the public and students to see the show.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun. Take a break from studying and go get your tickets!”