MEISA crushes competition in Virgin Records contest

Last week, the Syracuse University chapter of the Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association did something for amazing for the students of SU that they haven't been able to do themselves: The group won its virginity instead of losing it.

Last October, MEISA, with around 15 members, entered into a contest with Virgin Records to get the band We Are Scientists to perform a free concert at SU. After months of competing, the organization found out last Thursday that they won.

"We've been working hard since October," said Gabby Lawson, co-president of MEISA and a junior music history major. "(The win) shows that what we are learning in our music industry classes is really going to help us when we graduate."

The contest was held by Virgin Records for MEISA groups across the country, with each organization having to submit a marketing plan encouraging students to visit the We Are Scientists Web site. After the plans were in, the contest was narrowed down to eight universities, including SU. Each MEISA group then had to put their plan into action to see who could get the most students to the site.

"The hardest part was probably finding out which businesses around Syracuse would be willing to help us promote the band," Lawson said. "We tried to brainstorm different groups the band would appeal to."

MEISA used facebook.com, a listening party, radio station plugs and promotions at other concerts to get the word out, and SU students came through. The concert is set for next semester, and the MEISA members feel accomplishment in their win.

"Booking a show and organizing it and everything, it's really cool," said Liz Pesnel, co-president of MEISA and a junior music industry major. "We try to do really hands-on things."

The Virgin Records contest was not the first time MEISA has benefited the SU campus by bringing music to campus for free. Last year the group entered a similar contest with Island Records and won, giving SU a free concert by the group Blue Merle. With their music and marketing finesse, the students involved in MEISA have helped the group grow from the ground up.

"When I came in freshman year, MEISA was close to nothing," Lawson said. "When we started these marketing plan contests, it helped us get established with our professors, peers and students across campus."

The group is not only crushing the competition amongst competing MEISA groups across the country, but helps book and promote other concerts throughout the year, such as the Hello Goodbye concert that they organized for the campus last semester.

"In one of our classes we learn about marketing plans," Pesnel said. "We make them up, but they aren't real. In MEISA, you actually get to do something and it doesn't seem like work. It's cool to see it all come together."

MEISA members currently consist of only music industry majors and minors, but the group hopes to expand to a wide variety of music lovers across campus. Anyone can get involved in helping the group with the big plans they have for next year, including entering another contest with Island Records.

"Who doesn't like music?" Lawson said. "The fact that there's an organization on campus to promote your favorite bands and up-and-coming bands makes benefits."