Since 2006, men’s social club Gamma Sigma Phi has won seven Sing Song titles, including several consecutive wins in the late 2000s. They won last year as well, so the pressure is on to create another winning act as Mailmen for this year’s theme On The Town.
With so many wins in recent years, GSP is also quickly catching up to the men of Galaxy, who hold the record for the most Sing Song wins with 25, while GSP has 18.
GSP Sing Song Director Kirk Farrell said GSP has been so successful in recent years because of several reasons, including numbers, talent, creativity and a strong will to win. Having a well-rounded and competitive act, along with hours of practice, will allow the group to perform their best on stage this weekend, he said.
“None of our victories come easy,” said Farrell, senior youth and family ministry major from Richardson. “We always work really hard and buy in to the Sing Song process. The men of GSP have a strong commitment to excellence in all that we do, and Sing Song is no different.”
The road to victory starts long before the practices begin, and winning isn’t even the main goal of the group. Instead, the men focus on working hard and showcasing their ability, and if they do that, Farrell said they will walk away as champions.
Galaxy director David Martinez said despite the recent drought of Sing Song titles, they hope to continue the tradition of being the winningest men’s club by changing their attitude and setting higher standards for themselves this year.
“I think we’ll stand out because we made an act everyone can relate to,” said Martinez, sophomore kinesiology and biblical studies major from Houston. “There’ll be a lot of parents in the audience, and I think when they hear us they’ll be able to pick out little jokes and reflections of personal experience that can be meaningful and humorous. We set out to make an act for the people and we had a blast doing it.”
Downstage co-chair Alyssa Timmons said the key to a great Sing Song act is usually found in the leaders of the act.
“If an act has great, creative leaders that people will respect, there’s potential to have a killer act,” said Timmons, senior marketing and management major from Lubbock. “Of course the vocals, appearance and other things are what is tied into the physical aspect of winning, but it’s ultimately who leads the group that can bring them to victory.”
Timmons has already seen all the acts, including both Galaxy and GSP, and said all the men’s clubs have stepped it up this year and will make for a a great, competitive show.
“A victory is by no means guaranteed to us,” Farrell said. “We’re facing some of our toughest competition in recent years. However, winning has never been my top priority. From the start I’ve told my guys that I’m not asking for them to give me the best. I am asking for their best. There’s a huge difference. When we become so focused on winning, we lose sight of our mission.”
Farrell is no stranger to the job of Sing Song director””he directed the freshman act three years ago, but directing a men’s club is very different because there are a lot of members and alumni who expect a win from GSP, he said.
“The biggest challenge for me is to maintain balance,” Farrell said. “Balance between Sing Song and the rest of my life, between competition and fun and between being a friend and a leader. It’s doable, but by no means easy.”
Farrell also added he can’t wait until Sing Song is over so he can nap for 6-8 days straight.
“I just keep my mind focused on my goals and do what I need to get done. Win or lose, I’ll be proud of our act and proud to have directed the men of Gamma Sigma Phi.”
