Four of SMU’s musical groups performed Thursday at the Bush Center dedication-Southern Gentlemen, Belle Tones, Voices of Inspiration and the Meadows Chorale.

With guests of the dedication arriving as early as four hours ahead of the ceremony’s start, performances began with Southern Gentlemen and moved to the others, providing entertainment that embodied much of SMU’s commitment to excellence.

Maya Jones, a member Voices of Inspiration, said she was very honored for the chance to share the ensemble’s work.

Brittany Levingston, another member of Voices of Inspiration, said “it was surreal because you couldn’t see the presidents but you knew they were there.”

A third ensemble woman, Synthia Green, said that singing for all of the living presidents helped her focus despite the early cold weather.

 “It was extremely cold, but the excitement of the moment made me forget all about it,” Green said.

 The university’s well-known female a cappella group, the Belle Tones, featured freshman Kelsey Williams as a soloist.

“I feel so honored and blessed to be a part of such a historic event in SMU’s history,” Williams said. “I could not be more excited to be here performing with the Belle Tones.”

Sophomore member Ally Van Deuren summed it up for most performers’ sentiments in saying, “it was the opportunity of a lifetime to perform for the opening.”

“All five living presidents, Condoleeza Rice, and-not to mention-Laura and Michelle, are on our beautiful campus,” Van Deuren said.

 Like most of the campus community, this day has been long anticipated-for many, since before its groundbreaking.

 “I have been looking forward to this day for so long and I can’t believe it’s finally here,” Van Duren said. “There is no better time to be an SMU Mustang.”