PMO to sell serenades as
surprise valentines
By Emily Baldauf
Staff
Writer
Students who are still looking for that one-of-a-kind
valentine for their special someone may be able to get a little help
this year from PMO members who enjoy playing Cupid.
For $15, students can send a singing-valentine
to their sweetheart on Valentine's Day that will be performed by quartets
from the mixed-jazz group, PMO Express.
"I decided we needed special music on that day,"
said Ly Tartell, director of PMO Express. "It is a great tradition to
start and a way to connect with the community."
Each purchase of a serenade includes one song performed
by an Express quartet, a card for the sender to write a personalized
message and a small token to remember the serenade. PMO Express will
offer a variety of songs that convey everything from a friendly greeting
to a romantic sentiment.
The quartets will surprise Valentines anywhere
near campus including University residences, sororities/fraternities
and various places in the Union. However, Express will not be accepting
any requests to perform in a classroom unless the professor has approved
it.
"We really don't want to be perceived as an intrusion,"
Tartell said.
In addition to the on-site serenades, PMO Express
will offer the serenades via telephone for long-distance loves.
Although PMO Express members are a little nervous
about their Valentine's Day stint as Cupid, most of them are anticipating
a memorable experience.
"I'm sure I'll be a little nervous at first, but
I think that is it such a cool experience for the lucky ones who will
receive one of the singing valentines," said Jeremy Runge, a PMO Express
member and a sophomore in the School of Liberal Arts.
Most singers think the initial embarrassment and
extra work will be worth it to carry their special messages of love
around campus.
"I expect to see lots of smiles and some red faces
while we are singing," said Lindsay Russell, a PMO Express member and
a junior in the School of Agriculture. "I think they'll be in shock
at first…but I'm sure they'll get over that quickly and just enjoy
our gift to them."
Students who want to purchase these unusual valentines
can start ordering them on Tuesday in the Stewart Center lobby. The
serenades will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
"You have the rest of your life to buy a Hallmark
card, but now you're at Purdue where you have special people that can
help you give a really special, indelible Valentine's message," Tartell
said.
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