I am just going to come right out and say it. I am not participating in Sing Song.

As a first-year and a transfer student (it’s complicated) I really just don’t understand all the hype surrounding Sing Song. I transferred from a public college and so nothing prepared me for the spectacle that it is. I remember when I was visiting campus last year and Sing Song had just happened. There was a definite buzz surrounding most of the students. I was honestly scared to ask exactly what is Sing Song, for fear of being ostracized or thought incompetent.

Any student whose parents are alumni, or whose older siblings have attended ACU, are no strangers to the 60-year-old tradition. But what about the rest of us who have never been exposed to the curiosity of Sing Song? Are we still socially expected to participate in activities like this?

I believe that first-year students should be reluctant about diving headfirst into the fast-paced and crazy world of Sing Song. I was very close to joining the Junior class act, I really was, but decided against it in mid-December. The simple fact was, I didn’t know how it would affect my schedule and social life. I didn’t think it wise to try and add to my ever growing pile of responsibilities. Besides, I wouldn’t make a very good robber anyway -I’m too loud and clumsy.

Now I am glad I decided against joining an act. Please don’t get me wrong, I am not anti-Sing Song by any means (and kudos to those who participate) but after my Freshman Follies experience, I really didn’t see myself using vigorous jazz hands or doing the mashed-potato again anytime soon.

Follies practice was only a couple of hours a week for two weeks. Sing Song practice began last month, with a maximum of eight hours of practice a week. No thanks. It takes an extremely dedicated person to commit to this kind of thing. I like to go get coffee with friends, sleep, read books, sleep, listen to vinyls, sleep, watch Netflix, oh, and did I mention sleep? Things I wouldn’t have time for if I was in a Sing Song act. I would be getting a lot more coffee with a lot fewer friends if that were the case.

With the vocal cords of a dying goat and the rhythm of a breadstick, it probably wouldn’t have been wise for me to join, anyway. However, I do plan on attending and checking out what all the hype is about. This way I can accurately judge whether I will participate next year. I believe that first-years should absorb the scene before jumping on to the Sing Song bandwagon. This way, they can make the most out of their experience without feeling like a deer in the headlights.

Looking to Sing Song as a whole, it is a good bonding experience for the ACU community. With students coming together and alumni visiting campus, it is one of those things that helps make ACU feel like home. Since I am graduating next year, I will probably sign up for the Senior class act. After all, are you really an ACU alum if you didn’t embarrass yourself in Sing Song?