Homecoming Fashion Show to be Great

The Greatest Homecoming on Earth at North Carolina A&T State University is rapidly approaching. On Wednesday Oct. 28, 2009, Couture Productions and Verge Modeling Troupe will be performing in the Homecoming Fashion Show at Carolina Theatre in Greensboro, N.C.. Along with many other events, the 2009 homecoming fashion show is one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Not only are the students at A&T excited to see what this year’s performance will bring, but the performers are also ready to give the crowd what they are waiting for. After recently interviewing members from both groups, the theme of the show has not been revealed, but I do know that they plan to give a jaw-dropping performance that will be talked about until next year’s show.

Juston White, a sophomore computer science major here at A&T, and 2009-2010 Mr. Couture says that, “This year’s homecoming show is going to be amazing. Couture is working hard to bring the public what they want.” Here’s what else he had to say:

Noravia McCoy: Will this be your first homecoming fashion show?
Juston White: Since Couture was not on the yard in fall 2008; I was not in a homecoming show with them. However, I was a part of the fall 2008 show as a model with the local clothing line HTDOGWTR.

NM: What are you doing to prepare yourself for the show?
JW: Practice! Practice! Practice! One of things we say to each other in Couture is “Practice makes permanent.” Giving 100 percent every time we run through the show will assure that we will all give 100 percent when we go on stage.

NM: How important is it for you all to perform well?
JW: It is very important for us to put on a good performance. In order to uphold the title “The Greatest Homecoming on Earth,” every event that takes place must be outstanding, whether there are celebrity guests or just students who demonstrate exceptional amounts of talent.

The show is open to students as well as the public. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for the public and are on sale in Brown Hall, the North Carolina A&T ticket office. The show will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 at 7 p.m. at Carolina Theatre.

Q&A with Matthew Duncan

Matthew Duncan, a junior Engineering major here at North Carolina A&T State University, is the President of Metro Aggies and also a member of the Beta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Incorporated. He is currently focusing on reaching graduation as well as being sure he is an exceptional member in the community. Although community service is a requirement for both of the organizations Duncan is a part of, he makes it a point to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to be helpful to others. “Community service is an important aspect of life,” said Duncan, “I want to be a person who is exceptional in the caring and commitment to serving others.” After sitting down with Matthew, here are some interesting things I learned about his opinion on community service.

Noravia McCoy: What is your definition of community service?

Matthew Duncan: To me, community service is any act by a person that is beneficial to community. It is also when you do something for someone else without the intentions of getting a reward or money.

NM: How serious is it for you to spread the word to other students about the importance of community service?

MD: It is very important for me to spread the word about community service to other students. Not only will it help others, but it will also make the person lending the helping hand feel some sense of pride. Personally, each time I am able to help someone I feel like I have accomplished something, even if it is just a small duty such as donating to a canned food or clothing drive.

NM: How often do you plan or organize community service events for you organizations?

MD: Very often, although each of the organizations I am apart of has a person appointed to planning community service, I still take the time to find community service opportunities and present them with my ideas.

NM: What is your favorite type of community service project?

MD: I don’t have a particular service that I enjoy doing the most. However, I do like working with children. I currently participate in a lunch buddy program at a local elementary school. Every Thursday me and a couple of members from Metro Aggies go out to The Washington Montessori School to have lunch with the students and serve as mentors to them.

NM: As a leader, have you ever had to discipline or counsel a member? How did that make you feel?

MD: As president of an organization, I have had to discipline others. There was a time when one of the board members was not carrying out their duties. I consulted with him as about how we would fix the issue. We came to an agreement that he really couldn't devote the time that it took to carry out certain projects, and he ended up resigning his position, but he also stated he would help his replacement in whatever capacity he could. I felt as though we had come to the conclusion together, rather than him thinking I was criticizing his performance.

Q&A with Miss Couture 2009-2010

A Look into the 2009-2010 School Year with Couture Productions

Couture Productions is an organization on the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University that is known among other schools for its outstanding performances in dance, modeling, and spoken word. The team of students also includes a section for staff which has designers, stylists, make-up artist, and prop makers.

After an amazing performance at the 2009 Mr. 1913 Pageant, I decided to catch up with Miss Couture, Miranda Stanfield to talk about what the public can expect from Couture this year. Here is what she had to say.

Noravia McCoy: What is Couture Productions and how long have you been a member?

Miranda Stanfield: Couture Productions is a Production team of college students who specialize in the stylish presentation of innovative performance. Our organization consists of models, dancers, singers, poets and more. We also have behind the stage coordinators which consist of make-up artists, curtains, lights, paintings and drawings. We are the largest student organization on campus, second only to A&T's marching band. I have been a member of Couture since spring 2008.

NM: As a member with experience, what takes place in practices that make you all come out and give over the top performances?

MS: Dedication! Dedication is definitely the key to performing well. Members who join Couture must come in with a positive attitude and always be ready to learn. It is important for us all to work together so when we put on a show it is unified.

NM: There are a lot of rumors that about this organization that are spread around campus. Some of them include things such as everybody in Couture has a nasty attitude, you all practice until 8 a.m., and more. Would you like to clear any of that up for the students?

MS: Yes. Although Couture may have a bad reputation for attitude, that is not at all the case. We actually get along pretty well. At times we may disagree on certain issues but for the most part we all get along and treat each other as a family. As for the late practices, there are times when we may practice more than usual specifically when were a day or two away from the show, but 8 a.m. in the morning is outrageous.

NM: When is the next show and what can we expect?

MS: Our next big show will be the 2009 homecoming event. It will consist of performances from Couture, Verge and other local acts. As far as Couture goes, you can definitely expect a jaw dropping experience. This year we are coming very hard at homecoming. We plan to put on an unforgettable performance that will have everyone talking about it until our next show.

NM: How can students who are interested become a part of Couture Productions?

MS: If students are interested in joining Couture, they will have to wait until spring 2010. They will be a part of a selection process which includes an interview, an interactive workshop and an open try-out.

To see the next upcoming performance by Couture Productions, students can attend North Carolina A&T’s 2009 homecoming fashion show on Wednesday, October 28, at Carolina Theatre. The price is to be announced.

Fall '07 Homecoming Fashion Show

Fall '07 Homecoming Fashion Show(Pt. 2)

-Noravia McCoy