As the spring semester begins, so does one of the longest-standing traditions at ACU.

Started in 1956 by Dr. Bob Hunter, Sing Song is the largest student production on campus, involving nearly one-third of the student body. But despite the high involvement, Sing Song does not necessarily bring the joy to students one might expect. Instead, some would describe Sing Song as a stressful waste of time that prevents students from accomplishing the things they are supposed to do, such as homework.

While the time constraints Sing Song puts on students may seem overbearing, administration sets guidelines to reduce the stress students feel. Break times are built into Sing Song so students can enhance their time management, and practices are limited to eight hours a week.Social clubs are not allowed to practice on Tuesday nights, and students are required to finish practice before 11:15 p.m. These parameters are set up to ensure students are given time to manage their personal life and manage their Sing Song experiences.

Most can agree on one thing: participation in Sing Song is not based on students wanting to spend eight hours a week practicing. Learning a three-and-one-half minute song involving props, costumes and intricate choreography is not high on the list for many students. However, participation can be attributed to the experience Sing Song gives the students as well as the relationships that are formed through the production process.

It is easy to get caught up in the competition of Sing Song, investing all your energy into the sole purpose of winning. Many participants in Sing Song would not put themselves through the six-week long process to lose. Yet while winning might seem like the only reason for competition, it takes away from the ultimate goal of Sing Song – developing and furthering relationships with your peers while participating in a group goal that is bigger than any individual performer.

“While competition is fun, when it’s all said and done, there are still those relationships,” said Tom Craig, director of Student Productions. “What you’re left with is the good relationships and the fun memories, and when you walk away, regardless of who has the trophy, you still have valuable and important relationships that can last a lifetime.”

A yearly split that stands out in Sing Song is the attitude taken by different clubs and group acts. Some attitudes suggest the only way to “do” Sing Song correctly is to work toward perfection, regardless of the experiences you have along the way. Others take a more laid-back approach, focusing on the social aspect of Sing Song and the sole purpose of entertainment.

These more relaxed groups seem to have it figured out, sometimes even adding a victory like the senior class act in 2008.

As we launch into the final phases of Sing Song, it is important to keep the experience in perspective. Whether you go to practice and expect to have a fun time, or you are directing and shouting orders to participants, you should take a step back and appreciate Sing Song for what it’s worth. It is not a platform to enforce rules and manage every participant, but rather, a place for a group of students to join together and have a good time, making friends and memories that last a lifetime.

If you have fun participating in Sing Song or not, remember, more than likely there are people in the room who share your feelings. Good feelings or not, remember the common rule of Sing Song: always wear your Sing Song face.

At least you’ll look like you’re having fun.