Sing Song season is in full swing, bringing history-making dance numbers, unique musical arrangements and themes that have never been done in ACU’s Sing Song history. There will be 14 upstage acts in the Feb. 17-18 shows, and several dance numbers by the hosts and hostesses as well as on-campus groups Omega, Sanctify and SHADES.

The production process of Sing Song requires a regimented timeline of rehearsals and prop building and costume preparation. This week, the upstage acts are finishing up their lyrics so they can integrate choreography.

Meredith Morgan, senior music education major from Arlington and director of Sigma Theta Chi’s Sing Song act, is surprised by how well the show is coming together this early in the process.

“Everything is going really well thus far. We’ve learned our music and started choreography. It’s fun to see how excited the girls are about the act.” Morgan said. “It’s great to see all the work we did before the show finally falling into place.”

Tom Craig, director of Sing Song, is excited about integrating unique aspects to the show’s arrangement.

“There is quite a bit of dance in various capacities in the downstage numbers. We’re incorporating different styles such as tap, interpretive and classic samba moves.” Craig said. “It’s a much broader picture than what we’ve seen in years past, which is exciting for the participants as well as the audience.”

Every year, the song choices and dance numbers for the hosts and hostesses are tailored to the specific strengths of the hosts and hostesses group. This year, the show includes more technically complicated vocals. One song will be performed in Portuguese with the inclusion of a percussion ensemble, something that has not been done in recent Sing Song history.

Jocelyn Groves, junior pre-med/biology major from Lubbock and one of the Sing Song hostesses, feels honored to be a part of a production with a unique theme that will appeal to a variety of audience members.

“The show is full of oldies our grandparents will love and a few current performances that speak to a younger audience,” Groves said. “The theme ‘Wild at Heart’ is very relevant to the songs that were selected and we hope to communicate that message as the show progresses.”

Carly Branscum, junior Ad/PR major from Ft.Worth and Sing Song downstage co-chair, is enjoying the evolution and progression of the different acts involved in Sing Song.

“Ever since dance groups were integrated into the show, dance has become a vital part of the flow of the production.” Branscum said. “The hosts and hostesses are practicing even more than usual to make sure the show goes smoothly and is received well by the audience.”

Sing Song weekend, Feb. 17-18, is only three weeks away and participants and directors are feeling the pressure as opening night nears. One act, the IBH Sing Song act, is still accepting members.

Craig is interested to see how the acts translate their themes and ideas for the show.

“I can’t wait to see the energy that this show will bring to Moody Coliseum as a whole. We have individual numbers with a lot of power, and it will be exciting to see them all come together in one big show,” Craig said. “By the time the audience leaves, they’ll be speechless. The show is exciting and will be full of surprises this year.”

There will be three Sing Song performances. One Feb. 17 at 8 p.m., and two on Feb. 18 at 2 and 8 p.m.

To purchase tickets for  Sing Song 2012: Wild at Heart, visit www.acu.edu/singsong.