It was a day just like any other day. Christi Frateschi was in her dorm room working on homework and attempting to take a nap before Jazzuits rehearsal that afternoon.

Suddenly, she received a call from music professor, singer, songwriter and rock ‘n’ roll enthusiast Todd Hobin. He was in a bit of a predicament: the guest performer for his concert (scheduled to take place the next day) had just dropped out because of a back injury and he needed a replacement fast.

Within minutes, Frateschi was over at the Performing Arts Center learning a new song and, as she recalls, “playing it over and over and over.” That night, at an open rehearsal and sound check, Frateschi performed the new piece and a rendition of “Over the Rainbow” to rapturous applause. The next night (the actual concert) was virtually the same, only with a larger crowd and, subsequently, an even bigger response.

Such a task may sound daunting to some, but according to Frateschi, it helped that Todd was fairly easygoing in the rehearsal process.

“I’ve sung ‘Over the Rainbow’ before,” Frateschi said, “but this is the first time I was completely calm singing it.”

For this sophomore English major, singing is one of many joys she gets out of life. In addition to the Le Moyne Jazzuits, Frateschi is a member of the Le Moyne College Singers and the school’s student-run a cappella group, Fermata Nowhere.

“I would give anything just to sing,” Frateschi said.

Non-vocal activities for Frateschi include piano lessons, rugby in the spring, a potential radio show at the Le Moyne WLMU station, and part-time jobs at the Noreen Reale Falcone Library and the local Tully’s restaurant in Syracuse.

“And I like to read,” she added, “when I have time.”

Even though she’s a sophomore, this semester marks Frateschi’s first experience with Le Moyne residence halls.

“I’m happy that I’m living on campus,” Frateschi said. “I hated commuting last year.”

Part of the reason for her decision to live on campus stems from a familiar aura the school seems to give off.

“I love the family-like atmosphere,” Frateschi said. “Everything just seems homey and secure.”

And it doesn’t hurt that Frateschi is given many opportunities to do what she loves.

“I’m appreciative of Todd for giving me the chance to perform,” Frateschi said. “And I’m thankful of God for also giving me that opportunity.”