Sing Song has been a longtime tradition at ACU for generations now. For those of us who have been here almost four years, it is something we look forward to every February with varying levels of anticipation.
But over the years, our perspective changes and we see Sing Song differently as our focus shifts from exploring the new environment of ACU, to returning for the thousandth time to campus. I had the opportunity to interview Abby Ware, Freshman undeclared major from Hurst and co-director of the Freshman act, and Deja Roberson, Senior Ministry and Vocation major from Leander and director for this year’s senior act, to talk about what Sing Song meant to them and the experiences they’ve had.
Abby Ware Interview
Maltby: How has the directing experience been? Is this your first time directing something like this?
Ware: This experience has been one of great learning and great fun! I did musical theatre for eight years, and I did choir in junior high, so there were a lot of aspects about Sing Song and about directing that wasn’t new to me. But at the same time, I have never stood in front of 100 people before and led them in song while waving my arms. That was definitely new to me! But I had really, really awesome upperclassmen and Sing Song resource team members teach, mentor and encourage me through it. Also, our whole act has been really patient and kind to me throughout the whole process. I think it’s because we all are on the same page that it’s everyone’s first time being in Sing Song, including my Co-Director and I.
Maltby: How have you enjoyed working with your class act? The people you chose in leadership? The members of the act in general?
Ware: I have adored working with everyone! Whether it be interviewing with Lauren to be directors, writing lyrics in the library with our phenomenal leadership team, making costumes with our awesome costume/set team, or directing and laughing with everyone in rehearsals, the people aspect has been my favorite part of this whole process by far. I have felt overwhelmingly encouraged, supported and blessed by so many people during this process.
Maltby: If you could talk to your past self at the moment you were chosen to direct for you class, what advice might you have for yourself before you started this journey?
Ware: The only advice I would give to myself is just director things that I didn’t think of to do at first, like being consistent with how I transition in between songs or cutting the group off if I hear something we need to fix, instead of letting them get through the whole song/act.
Maltby: And finally, what might you say to your kids (or any young person) years from now just starting out their undergrad degree at ACU considering joining Sing Song? Any funny stories? Any special moments?
Ware: I would tell them to 100% do it. Be a Director. Be on leadership. Go to set days. Write people thank you notes. There are so many special and funny moments woven throughout the process, so be involved and soak in these sweet memories that you will always look back on.
Deja Roberson Interview
Maltby: How has the directing experience been? Is this your first time directing something like this?
Roberson: The directing experience has been an absolute whirlwind, to say the least, but truly in the best way possible. And yes, it is, and I’m loving nearly every second of it.
Maltby: How have you enjoyed working with your class act? The people you chose in leadership? The members of the act in general?
Roberson: Honestly, I have loved it. The people that I chose for my team ended up being not only the perfect people for the job, but some of the most supportive, encouraging, hilarious and creative people I’ve ever met. Then my act has been the best ever. We’ve laughed way more than I ever thought possible, and they have been the best at keeping me grounded.
Maltby: If you could talk to your past self at the moment you were chosen to direct for you class, what advice might you have for yourself before you started this journey?
Roberson: Don’t be afraid to let people know what you need. Make sure you are delegating because you can’t do it all yourself, that is why you have a team. Laugh about the hard things and don’t let them be the end of the world. You were chosen for a reason, you can do it.
Maltby: And finally, what might you say to your kids (or any young person) years from now just starting out their undergrad degree at ACU considering joining Sing Song? Any funny stories? Any special moments?
Roberson: There are going to be moments where you are laying on the floor of a room in the Bible building after practice and everything seems to be falling apart, and it just might be. But it won’t last. You’ll look back on those moments and laugh because of how dramatic you were being and be amazed at how everything comes together. Keep trusting in the process and that God will be faithful.
