Eastern Oregon University > Current News > EOU’s Annual Song and Dance Show, You and Me, Returns

EOU’s Annual Song and Dance Show, You and Me, Returns

EOU’s Annual Song and Dance Show, You, Me & We, Returns

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University’s music department is preparing for its annual song and dance show, “You, Me & We: Music That Brings US Together.” Featuring the EOU Chamber Choir and Music Department, this production blends music and movement.  This production is made possible by Red Cross Drug who sponsors this event each year.

EOU Chamber Choir members rehearse choreography for “You, Me & We,” the university’s annual song and dance show, under the direction of Los Angeles-based choreographer Zachary Murray, who spent weeks teaching and inspiring students. (EOU Photograph / Michael K. Dakota)

The performance includes popular songs from the 1960s to today, all featuring “You,” “Me,” or “We” in the title. In addition to the music, the show incorporates theatrical elements, creating a unique experience for the audience.

This year’s show is directed and choreographed by Zachary Murray, a Los Angeles-based dancer and choreographer who works with Disney and other entertainment venues. Murray’s expertise brings professional guidance to the production, which includes solos, group performances, and choreography.

Murray said his job is to inspire students to believe in themselves, “Sometimes you have to convince them to believe in themselves, they are excited to learn, very eager.”

The Omaha, Nebraska native, who now lives in Los Angeles will spend several weeks in La Grande teaching students. Murray said the performance will be a fun, exciting, and visually appealing show, he expects audiences to cheer and even tear up for some of the performances. 

EOU Chamber Choir members rehearse choreography for “You, Me & We,” the university’s annual song and dance show. (EOU Photograph / Michael K. Dakota)

Working closely with students, Murray has crafted a show with uplifting and heartfelt performances like High School Musical’s “We’re All in This Together” and “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman.   

“Zachary has introduced new techniques and ideas, allowing the students to grow as performers,” said Peter Wordelman, professor of music at EOU.

Student Jillian Newman who is the student dance captain said the choreography is nothing like she’s done before. “I have enjoyed every second of rehearsal and prepping for this show,” Newman said. “The cast is great along with the experience of making something we can all look back and be proud of, together. I’m excited to perform this show and share it with an audience because it’s all about music that brings us together. This show is something I’m very proud of and putting a lot of time and effort into it, I’m ready to share it with everyone.”

Unlike a traditional choir concert, this production involves solo performances from all participating students and dance routines choreographed specifically for the show. Twenty-four of the forty choir members participate in daily dance rehearsals to prepare for the performance.

Performances are scheduled for: 

  • Friday, February 7 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 8 – 3:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 8 – 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online at eou.edu/music, at the EOU Bookstore, or Red Cross Drug in La Grande. Advance purchase is recommended, as previous shows have sold out.For more information, contact Professor Peter Wordelman at pwordelm@eou.edu or 541-962-3352.

EOU Chamber Choir members rehearse choreography for “You, Me & We,” the university’s annual song and dance show, under the direction of Los Angeles-based choreographer Zachary Murray, who spent weeks teaching and inspiring students. (EOU Photograph / Michael K. Dakota)