Halloween Slam

Everyone has had the experience of writing a poem in their life whether it was for a class in grade school or to the person who checked the box marked ‘yes’ in the “do you like me” note. But few would call themselves competitors with their craft and even fewer would be transparent enough to perform their pieces for a panel of judges and a crowd of intense critics.

Poetry of course is defined as literary works written in high quality verses including great beauty, emotional sincerity or intensity, and profound insight. This coupled with the atmosphere of competition is how we get slam poetry. The Sam Houston State University Slam Team is holding their annual try-outs on Wed. October 28 at Ave. L in Huntsville, Tx. The competition is for the six available seats on the SHSU Slam Team, and contestants will be performing two original pieces which will be scored by a panel of judges. The judges will score on a 1-10 scale, 10 being perfect rating on delivery, and content. This competition is to get the team of four contestants and 2 alternates decided before the Regional competition in Houston on TSU campus in February, and the National competition in Boston in April.

The SHSU Slam Team is very young and has only competed in the last 4 National competitions. Since they have started taking a team to the Regional competition, they have received 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place honors for the past consecutive years and hope to keep the trend going in the upcoming competition in 2010. Mary Stringer, a SHSU grad student and 3rd year Slam Team contestant says, ”The Slam environment is great, but we just do it for the poetry, we are not interested in points.” If things go the way they have been, that belief will continue them on a path to success.

As an added bonus, anyone planning to attend the Halloween Poetry Slam, has the opportunity to try out their costumes before trick or treating on the weekend. There will be a costume contest and also treats with out the tricks for anyone who plans to come. The SHSU Slam Team is asking anyone who is willing to come out and support their efforts whether you are looking for something to do, want to try out your costume or looking to enjoy some great poetry.