USF Students Sing with Local Artist on The Tonight Show

Three University of South Florida students were featured as backup choir singers in a taped performance with local St. Pete artist, Rod Wave with Alamo Records under Interscope/UMG, for Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show. Rod Wave is a local rapper, singer, and songwriter who became well known for his 2019 single "Heart on Ice," which peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has had three successful albums to follow.

Natalie Mallis, USF Director of Choral Studies said, "The Creative Director at Alamo Records under Interscope / UMG reached out to me about an upcoming opportunity in the area. We exchanged ideas and shared a mutual interest in providing our students with the opportunity to engage in our local community and collaborate with local rapper, singer, and songwriter, Rod Wave."

The show will air Wednesday, April 7 at 11:30PM EST

The USF students involved were Kathiana Dargenson, a recent graduate in Vocal Performance, Caitlyn Coleman, a current junior studying Microbiology, and Amanda Coleman, an incoming student in Music Education.

Some words about their experience from our students:

"I was able to gain so much knowledge about the music industry, realize goals, and speak to people who perform for a living. I truly wouldn’t trade it for the world! I’m so excited to see what more is in store." - Kathiana Dargenson, Music Studies '19

“It was incredible to work with Rod Wave, interact with professional musicians, and to do so with my sister by my side! From the rehearsal to the recorded performance, I learned a great deal about what it takes to pull a piece together behind the scenes and I'm grateful that I had the opportunity.” - Caitlyn Coleman, Junior in Microbiology

“It was the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to work with Rod Wave and other professional musicians. I enjoyed everything about the experience starting with the rehearsal and leading up to the performance and I'm thankful I was able to be a part of it.” - Amanda Coleman, incoming Music Education student