212 [organizations] [campus players] [pied pipers] Love for children encourages performers imitations Row 1: S. Fish, M. Scharff, R. Filbeck, K. B. Dolinger. Row 2: M. West, A. Gay, S. Shipp. Row 1: K. Hollingsworth, K. Fisher, M. West, B. Bullard, M. Perring, T. Perring, J. Pittard, A. Williams, A. Frye. Awakening the imagination of young children was the goal of the Pied Pipers. Props, sound equipment, outrageous costumes and sets were absent from every Pied Piper’s performance, their brightly colored jumpsuits being their only prop and costume.The Pied Pipers were an energetic, fun and loving group of students who were looking to brighten the lives of children. For the Piper’s, rehearsals started at the beginning of the fall semester.They also attended the Piper Retreat during the first weekend back at school.The adventure really began as practices got underway and the tours started. For some, their place in the Pied Pipers was a welcomed surprise. “I came on a trip with my youth group to see Harding for the first time during Spring Sing of 2004 and happened to go to the Piper show because my youth minister was a [former] Piper,” junior Keith Fisher said. “The following year I tried out for Pied Pipers and somehow was accepted into the group. I wasn’t sure at first if trying out for the Pied Pipers was a smart idea because I had no acting experience and was nothing but an ex-jock.” However, Fisher, along with the other Pipers, all had one very important commonality: they cared for children. “The only thing that fit me in Pipers at first was that I loved children,” Fisher said. Being apart of Pied Pipers was a blessing to everyone that was in contact with them. However, for the Pipers, there was not another experience that could compare to the joy that it brought to their lives during each performance. “The thing I enjoy most about Pipers is the fact that it is absolutely the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life,” freshman Kaylee Hollingsworth said. “It is amazing what kind of an impact we each have on the children we perform for. Pipers brings us into contact with so many children that we would, I’m sure, never meet throughout our daily lives.We don’t just get a chance to meet the children; we get to play with them throughout our entire show. And I love the hugs!” Not only did the Pipers bring joy to the children and bless their lives immensely, but they also were a blessing to one another.They were a family in their own way. “The Pipers are some of my best friends now, and I’m honored to be a part of their group,” junior Brian Bullard said. “My favorite part about being a Piper is that I have an excuse to act like a little kid. I’m married, in college and I have a job, so sometimes it is hard to have time to be immature and laugh and play.When I am doing Pipers, my worries disappear.” The Pipers went on tour at the beginning of October and traveled throughout the year to different destinations. In 2007, the Pipers blessed the lives of children in the local area, as well as in Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas. Although the time spent traveling and putting on shows was tiresome, the group felt that it was worth every moment. “Pied Pipers has given me several unforgettable memories such as when a child tells me that I am his hero,” Fisher said. Combined with the imagination of the Pipers and the interaction of the children, the Pipers made fairy tale stories from Mother Goose to Shel Silverstein come to life as well as an experience both the Pipers and children would never forget. [Marissa Shepard]
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