Leads and the Lead Singer

Eloni sings lead for the Phoenix-based band, "What You See is What You Get." She uses many of the elements of journalism that I've absorbed this week at the institute. One of the speakers we had said that a reporter has to get out of the office,out of the building and into the community to get stories that interest the readers.

Last night at the Sheraton, Eloni left her office with a wireless microphone and joined the dancers while she covered songs by "Earth, Wind and Fire," "Sly and the Family Stone" and many others.

Eloni engaged her audience by joining the audience. Her lead got the people--especially me--out of their chairs, away from their comforting drinks and on the floor and dancing. Her participation allowed her to read her audience. She knew when to slow the story and when to speed it up.

Like reporters, Eloni does not work alone. Her soulful backup rhythm and percussion sections polish her work, just as photographers, copy editors and editors all contribute to the performance.

I had the opportunity to enjoy "What You See is What You Get" twice, once with almost no audience and once with a full house. I only regret that I won't have another chance to dance beside lead singer Eloni while she belts out great leads and becomes one of her audience.

Mark Salvatore
Saint Joseph Academy
Brownsville, Texas