Dana Arthur (left) charmed the audience and won first place with her rendition of
Irving Berlin’s “I Love a Piano.” The Lion’s Roar / Megan Ferrando

After three years of competition and recognition, one musician peaked for senior year, winning first place at the 2015 Southeastern Star competition. 

Dana Arthur, senior vocal performance major, won the $500 top prize for her vocal and piano rendition of “I Love a Piano” by Irving Berlin. Last year she won second place with her performance of Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’,” and two years ago won third place for her musical talent and stage presence, playing Queen’s “Somebody to Love.”

“It’s another opportunity to perform. I just do what comes to my heart,” said Arthur. “I picked [the song] because it’s really fun to play, and I just loved it. I thought it’d be cool to put a song in there that not many people had heard and introduce them to a different genre of music, kind of that ragtime musical theater thing.” 

The piano performance featured Arthur’s unique version, with a mixture of two songs.

“It was difficult at first because I didn’t have any music. I just listened to it and made up my own version of different ways,” said Arthur. “The very beginning of what I played was actually ‘Revolutionary Etude’ by Chopin. I thought I’d throw in some classical and then go into ragtime.”

Arthur began classical piano lessons when she was 11 years old, but she did not begin voice lessons until her freshman year. However, she has been involved in choir since junior high.

Every year judges award first, second and third place prizes of $500, $250 and $100 respectively. The judges this year were Lee Lind, director of Student Publications; Kyle Gallagher, assistant director for Student Engagement and Julie Perise, assistant director for the Alumni Office. 

Donnisha Patterson won second place, singing Christina Aguilera’s “Reflection.” Third place prize was given to two students: Nicholas Smith, senior music education major and Ameal Cameron Jr., junior graphic design major. 

“My song was inspired by struggles in college,” said Cameron, who played and sang his original song, “Leave it All Behind.” “I’ve been having a tough time being above average, so that’s what really inspired me. I think that’s the reason I got third place; people could relate to me.”

For the 12th annual Southeastern Star, the talent range continued to expand, including two rappers: Alton Johnson and Demond Taylor.

“We’re open to all talents,” said Todd McElroy, coordinator of Campus Activities Board. “A couple of guys decided to show off their unique show set. I’m always impressed with the talent that Southeastern students have.”

With graduation two months away, Arthur discussed her future musical pursuits. 

“I really want to promote my own music, because I am a songwriter,” said Arthur. “I’m not exactly sure how I’m going to go about it. I’m just going to see who will let me play and where. I may have some opera in the future as well.”

Arthur has released two albums: a three-song EP, “I could love You” and “My Reality,” which feature all original music. In addition to piano and voice, Arthur plays the guitar and did so for several of her recorded songs. Her music can be found on iTunes. 

Arthur offered advice for future Southeastern Star participates.

“They should do whatever feels natural to them or just something that’s fun or inspirational,” said Arthur. “Whatever you want to do, just do what you do best.”

For a full photo album of the talent show, visit The Lion’s Roar Newspaper’s Facebook page.