Cobbers Making Music: Student Bands and Split Ends 

By Abigail Koenig 

It is well known that Concordia college is a hub for all things music related. There is a multitude of opportunities for students to get involved with their voices and/or instruments.  

One of the many options is the creation and participation of student-led bands, the most popular groups being GG and the Groove, Last Minute Dream, and the brand-new Split Ends. 

GG and the Groove is a band in its 2^nd year of operation, with music based mostly on disco and pop. Last Minute Dream’s content surrounds classic, edgy, punk rock. They have been together since a few months before the 2024 Battle of the Bands. 

Split Ends includes Lauren Diers on drums, Anna Deane on bass, Morgan Johnson on guitar, Lizzy Goettle on keyboard and background vocals, and Katie Hvidsten and Tabitha Poppe both on vocals.  

Each member has a long history of making music whether in school bands or choirs and a shared passion for performing. 

The band started at last year’s Battle of the Bands in between sets with Poppe, Hvidsten and Goettle. 

“I remember looking over at them and going “we should start a band!” and I wasn’t expecting them to say “okay!” Poppe recalls. The three then quickly created a group chat and got together to make posters to hang around Concordia. 

“I started reaching out to anyone I knew that I knew played instruments,” explained Hvidsten. 

As for the name of the band, the group had been in their very first meeting discussing ideas, where Goettle had been absentmindedly playing with her hair. Eventually the conversation turned to the topic of split ends, and Hvidsten pointed out that that would be a great title. 

In the same meeting their iconic red kiss mark symbol was also decided upon, as they wanted a signature to accompany their band name. 

The group mentioned that regardless of their busy schedules they find time to meet whenever they’re free, typically late at night 

When choosing music to perform, the group sits in Poppe’s room and throws out song ideas. 

“I’ve got mixing speakers in my room and so we just kind of talk about what would be awesome for our next set. We want people up there with us and want it to be fun and hype,” says Poppe. 

“And we all have different music tastes, so we all bring back things from all over the board,” Diers chimes in. “It’s whatever we want to play and whatever we think people would like.” 

Over their past gigs they’ve played songs by Paramore, Hozier and Red-Hot Chili Peppers. They plan to eventually start performing their own original music. 

Their next performance will be on the Thursday before the Homecoming game at Cobbers Got Talent. 

You can also find Split Ends on Instagram and TikTok @split.ends.xo