Preparation for February’s Sing Song show is already beginning.
Social clubs and class acts worked to pick their directors over the past few weeks and the themes are due Monday.
The process varies between clubs and classes, but many of the requirements and expectations are the same. Class act directors were interviewed by their class representatives, while nominees for the club acts gave speeches to their clubs.
Not all directors faced tough competition for their positions, however.
Vance Cato, senior management major from Abilene, is working with Jake Hall, senior English education major from Springtown, and Andrew Lang, senior theatre major from Abilene, to direct the senior class act.
“I got together with Jake Hall and Andrew Lang, and we decided to submit the ‘bearded trifecta’ as co-directors,” Cato said. “People must have heard we wanted it bad, because we ran unopposed.”
The director of Ko Jo Kai’s Sing Song act, Madelyn Robinett, senior family studies major from Amarillo, also gave a speech to her club.
“We just got up in front of the Kojies and NuNus one night after a pledging activity and did our best to express how passionate we were about serving them as their directors.”
Though anyone with an interest can run for director, someone with musical or Sing Song experience is preferred.
Allison Calvin, senior family studies major from Dallas and director of Sigma Theta Chi’s act, has been involved with Sing Song any way she could. “I ran my junior year and didn’t get it,” said Calvin. “I was heavily involved and worked with our director last year. I tried to be as involved in the process last year as I possibly could just to see more behind the scenes stuff that goes on.”
Club and class directors are now working to choose their acts’ themes and songs. As the semester continues, the directors’ workload will continue to grow. In January, directors will begin teaching the acts.
With so many responsibilities to take on, the directors must have a passion and dedication for Sing Song to get through the busy schedule. Each director wants their act to win, but the relationships and memories made during the process are just as important, Robinett said.
“I am so excited to strengthen friendships throughout Sing Song, especially with my co-director, Connar,” she said. “We both hope to give Ko Jo Kai unforgettable memories and an act to be proud of.”
There are a lot of challenges throughout the process, but Mark Gutierrez, junior music education major from Cedar Park and director for Pi Kappa’s Sing Song act, said it will be worth it.
“I know that this is a challenging task,” Gutierrez said, “especially, since Pi Kappa hasn’t been on stage for a number of years now, but I am genuinely excited and honored to lead the men of Pi Kappa back on stage.”
A common goal the directors have is not only to win, but to give those participating in their act a good time.
Chloe Gaulden junior speech pathology major from Keller and co-director for the junior class act said, “We want the junior class to enjoy working together to create this show and to be proud of the finished project when they walk off stage.”
“My big thing about Sing Song is the memories aspect,” Calvin said. “I love how united you feel as a club when you get up there.”
