Each August, University students take part in the annual Quad Day festivities. They spend the Sunday afternoon before the first day of the school year roaming the Main Quad as countless registered student organizations promote their particular clubs.

One outstanding RSO to participate in is the Star Course Concert Committee. Throughout the school year, club members host a slew of live concerts, from national acts to rising stars, in which they work with management companies, promote the show, sell tickets and participate in various day-of-show activities.

Star Course does so much for the campus community but remains heavily unknown among students. Likewise, it’s underrated compared to many other active student organizations on campus today.

Dating back to 1892, Star Course has hosted a wide variety of national and international acts. In the beginning, acts mostly consisted of big bands like the Russian Symphony Orchestra and Louis Armstrong. As years passed, the global music scene changed; Star Course wasn’t far behind.

Over the years, Star Course has played a major role in hosting concerts on campus, most at the former Assembly Hall, and nowadays at Foellinger Auditorium. Many notable past performances include The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Elton John, The Charlie Daniels Band, Kenny Rogers and Sheryl Crow.

In recent years, Star Course has hosted many rising stars who soon became household names. These modern acts include John Mayor, The Black Eyed Peas, Lil Wayne, Post Malone and Doja Cat.

This organization doesn’t preside over the student body like Illinois Student Government. It also doesn’t cheer our athletic teams to victory like Illini Pride or sing like Illinois Rip Chords.

Instead, Star Course plays a major role in student activities and entertainment at the University. Without it, we wouldn’t have as many campus concerts as we do. Furthermore, it’s a vital aspect of the student community, and it’s time we take notice.

I’ve been a part of the organization for three years now, and I have enjoyed every second of it. It’s a club that allows me to work behind the scenes at concerts and learn everything there is to know that goes into hosting a show.

It’s also allowed me to see some amazing groups live in concert and meet them as well. Without Star Course, I would’ve probably never have met groups like Peach Pit and Beach Bunny. It’s opened me up to a whole new world of music.

Whatever RSO you are a part of at the University, embrace it. You, too, play a major role in our student body activities. You’re much of the reason why our school is great; it’s not just about academics. If you ever feel your organization needs to be more well-known, make moves to change that.

The immense size of Quad Day can disorient anyone. Choosing a few clubs is important, but remember we all miss a club or two on Quad Day no matter our interest.

Nevertheless, the next time there’s a concert on campus, whether at Foellinger or Spring Jam on the Quad, think of Star Course. It’s an underappreciated RSO we should follow the stars toward.

Noah is a senior in Media.

[email protected]