By Jaci Schneider, Copy Editor
Much Ado About Something
I’m standing in the concourse of the coliseum. My toes feel like ice cubes through my socks. It’s 3 a.m., and I just want to find my shoes and go home to bed. Suddenly, someone hectically motions for me to move to the wall. As I do, I see a line of young men approach. They’re all wearing bright green, and giant frogs seem to have engulfed their heads. The line of unsmiling green men keeps coming and coming, preventing me from reaching my shoes or finding my friends.
I feel like any moment I should wake up warm and cozy in my bed, but I haven’t gone to sleep yet tonight. This isn’t a dream; it’s Sing Song.
I’ve attempted to explain Sing Song to my friends and family back home, but each attempt results in blank stares and many questions.
“No, we don’t dance,” I say. “We do choreography.”
“We change the lyrics to well-known songs,” I say. “No one plays music, we sing a capella.”
“Yes, lots of people participate, and lots and lots of people come watch.”
I finally end with, “Well, maybe I’ll buy the DVD this year, and I can show you.”
Sing Song is a truly unique event. I can’t think of any other college activity anywhere that combines men wearing tights and makeup, students voluntarily rehearsing hours daily and alumni paying no small fee to see students move their arms together and sing.
Even though Sing Song is inexplicable and bizarre, I love it. I love the hours spent rehearsing, the students running around in crazy costumes and the final show with its built-up excitement and apprehension.
Even though Sing Song pits social clubs against one another and forces classes to compete, it really does unify the campus.
We’re all in it together; we know why everyone around us is tired. We all laugh together at one social club’s goal of growing mustaches. And we all wonder why we participate in this crazy show every year.
I’m going to miss Sing Song after graduation, and even if I come back to watch it, I know it won’t be the same. Classes and clubs will have new inside jokes in their lyrics, new rivalries will have replaced those of today, and students will have created new traditions to celebrate.
Coming to college, I never thought I would experience anything like Sing Song, so even though I’m going to walk around like I’m in a bizarre dream this weekend, I’m going to make sure it’s a good dream. One filled with crazy images, best friends and great memories.
