You won’t hear any two words mentioned together more this week than “Sing” and “Song.” The entire campus is in high anticipation for this singing competition that is considered one of ACU’s most quintessential functions and is nationally recognized as one of the largest a cappella events in the nation.
As some know men’s club Sub T-16 will not compete in Sing Song this year. The group is banned from the competition as a part of its suspension for the 2018-19 school year. In April of last year the club was found to be seriously offending the hazing and general conduct club regulations.
Sub T, as it is are more commonly known, is restricted from this event and others for an undetermined amount of time. After the initial decision of Sub T’s punishment that was decided in September, conversations have since quieted in anticipation of the official report.
With the performance so close, it’s important to remember that the consequences of Sub T’s behavior are an appropriate reaction to the misconducts.
The official report was released in Dec., stating that the incident occurred during a club tradition in which a member was seriously harmed.
The report further confirmed that the club is on “indefinite suspension,” confirming that the club will not be in this Sing Song and perhaps not in future performances either; that decision remains to be made as of now.
In addition, the club members were assigned significant service hours, restricted from accepting new members and banned from larger events, the most noticeable this week being their novel Sing Song act of course.
“While I’m still new to the ACU community and still getting a feel for Sing Song, my sense is that they will very much be missed,” Dr. Scott McDowell, vice president for student life, said.
Besides the obvious disadvantages of Sub T’s absence, a major dose of the event’s humor and nonchalance will now be missing without the club’s reliable, haphazard performances.
“Last year’s show was my first one to attend and it was obvious that Sub T has a special place in the Sing Song atmosphere,” McDowell said. “Toward the end of the show when the awards were being given out, the entire student body was chanting for Sub T and it’s clear that their whole carefree approach makes them a fan favorite and adds a uniquely fun dimension to the show.”
There is no doubt that Sub T will be missed; it is truly unfortunate that they cannot participate in such a rooted tradition. However, what must come first for these social clubs before dressing up as a mass of Tinkerbells or Werewolves, this week and always, must be exemplifying Christian strength and fellowship.
