30th Tiger Tunes anniversary unites alumni and students for a common goal

The curtain lifted in Mitchell Hall and chills ran down the spine of Steve Patterson as his show opened the first Tiger Tunes on Nov. 3, 1979.

 “I remember being scared to death when the curtain went up,” said Patterson, who directed the first show on stage. “We didn’t have a packed house, but it raised money and caught fire.”

From its humble beginnings, Tiger Tunes has flourished on Ouachita’s campus and grown into one of Ouachita’s strongest  traditions. 

 This fall marks the 30th year anniversary of Tunes, sparking commemorative events and much reminiscing among Ouachita’s alumni.

 “People were really receptive to the first show,” said Dr. Deborah Holley Root, professor of mass communications and member of the Ouachita Student Foundation when they introduced Tiger Tunes. “I remember the enthusiasm of the seniors who presented the idea … and the members deciding yes, we could do this.”

 Patterson was a resident’s assistant in Daniel South when several freshmen approached him about being in the first show. Patterson ended up directing 15-20 freshmen sponsored by Student Entertainment and Lecture Fund with “That’s Entertainment.”

 “It was a great experience,” Patterson said. “The freshmen had a great time. Several went on to become hosts or direct their own shows as seniors.”

 Changes have been made in Tunes through the years such as the semester the show takes place, how much time organizations have to practice and how many shows are performed. 

 This year one major change will take place. Instead of having clubs draw for an order that remains the same through all the shows, clubs will perform in a different order at every show.

 “After directing a club show myself, I know that feeling of drawing the first show order very well and feeling defeated,” said Justin Harper, the staff director of Tiger Tunes. “We’re anxious to see how it plays out this year and praying that the technical aspect of the show doesn’t fall apart.”

        One thing has stayed the same, though, and that is the main goal of Tiger Tunes.

 “Even from the first year, its goal was one of purpose, not just entertainment, but to raise money for scholarships,” Root said.

 And participants have the privilege of knowing they have raised money to help those around them.

 “I remember the feeling of pride we all had even though we didn’t win,” Patterson said. “I was proud because they announced how much money had been raised and I thought, these kids will be able to have scholarships when they’re juniors and seniors. Most of the kids I was surrounded by were who would benefit.”

 Last year more than $50,000 was awarded by OSF to students from the Tiger Tunes proceeds. And as this Ouachita tradition continues it will affect more students and remain dear to alumni.

 “What’s exciting now is that people who were in the first or second show, their kids are in school now, so Tunes is a second generation event,” Root said. “Parents there at the beginning can appreciate the hard work and time put into it … It’s a family tradition now.”