Friday, Oct. 26, music of all genres permeated the halls as a lively music festival took over the College of William and Mary’s Sadler Center from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Music sorority Nu Kappa Epsilon hosted this annual NKoachElla event in support of its charity, Musicians on Call, an organization dedicated to supporting patients in children’s hospitals through the power of music. According to NKE philanthropy chair Brenna Gelormine ’25, this mission served as a powerful motivator behind the NKoachElla event.
“One of our core values is sharing harmony through music, so it’s a charity that we really like to support every year,” Gelormine said.
Both seasoned performers and interested amateurs were encouraged to sign up for a moment in the spotlight, something that Gelormine wanted to emphasize.
“We have over 13 bands performing, including a cappella groups, ensembles and music groups from around campus, as well as anyone who has an affinity for music,” Gelormine said. “We encourage them to sing whatever they want because we’re here to listen to them and to share our support of music.”
Gelormine also explained how NKoachElla offers more flexibility for performers, which she considers to be one of the event’s strengths.
“I know AMP does homebrews and that’s another great place to showcase their events, but this I think is a little bit longer. We are encouraging bands to have at least a 20 minute set so that they can do their entire discography if they choose, however long or short as they like,” Gelormine said. “There’s also very little theme for the music, so we have groups from all across campus.”
Indeed, there was a lot of variety — everything from Eastern European music, to a capella, to salsa dancing — ensuring that there was something for everyone.
Salsa Club member Audrey Moya ’27 was happy to talk about her experience performing at NKoachElla for the first time.
“We’re starting to have a performance group again, and somebody reached out to our president and was like, ‘Hey, do you want to do this?’ And we were like ‘Cool,’ so we got back together and made a song,” Moya said.
Moya described having to adapt to a different performance space, but it was a challenge she said the group was easily able to overcome.
“It was a smaller stage than what we’re used to,” Moya said. “It was a new environment that just had us work harder and better and made us think more, so we did better, honestly.”
The Salsa Club performance ended up being a fan favorite, an opinion that NKE member Charlotte Toomey ’26 didn’t hesitate to share.
“My favorite part really is the music, but especially seeing the Salsa Club,” Toomey said. “I’m really excited to see the people dance and see what they come up with.”
Alongside the musical performances, there were also fall-themed arts and crafts for people to enjoy as they listened to the songs. One such activity was pumpkin painting, a new aspect that Gelormine helped to bring to the event.
“People have the opportunity to win a prize when they decorate something for their favorite band,” Gelormine said. “It’s a way to keep people engaged while they’re listening, because I know in the age of attention deficit, it’s easier for people to also be doing something with their hands.”
The atmosphere in the room was described by many as fun and supportive, something many attendees like NKE member Sanya Vukota ’27 were excited to share.
“It’s like a lot of friends getting together and having a little backyard band sesh, but it’s also for charity, and that’s awesome,” Vukota said. “I love that vibe. That’s what it feels like because everyone’s here to support each other.”
Many of the performers could feel the energy in the room too, as expressed by Moya after her group’s performance.
“It makes it more invigorating, more lively. You go in and you’re hearing real people sing on a real stage right in front of you, and you’re like, ‘Wow, they’re amazing!,’” Moya said.
Vukota emphasized that NKoachElla also gives much-needed publicity for performers, as well as the charity.
“It gives smaller groups that may not have a good avenue a chance to perform, and it also helps with our less known charity, which helps performers in hospitals so they can have money, so they can help the children and just make them happy,” Vukota said.
Toomey expressed that NKoachElla offers an exciting opportunity in terms of campus life, as a chance to meet new people and enjoy good music.
“I think it just brings people together and it brings more publicity for the student groups on campus, more opportunity to get involved in the community,” Toomey said. “It just feels like a good space to spread your wings, get out there a bit more, while also being surrounded by people that are going to support you no matter what.”
