Tension ran high Saturday night as audience members sat on the edge of their seats expectantly waiting for the announcement of 2011’s Songfest champion. The theme for this year’s competition was “All Nature Sings.”
The annual performance was put on by a host of groups around campus with routines all revolving around good ol’ Mother Nature. Practices were long and performances stressful but this year’s competition was far from a natural disaster. Each group gave a presentation to be remembered and kept the audience captivated through the entire performance.
“Compared to other years they just have a personal light that shines through and brings something new said senior Cortney Maloney.
Maloney has participated in Songfest for the last two years, but this was her first time watching the show. She believes this year has high energy.
The smile can’t be wiped from my face Maloney said.
Songfest is a long-standing tradition at Pepperdine. Taking place every March, students practice weeks in advance to put together a 12-minute show for audience members complete with singing, dancing and acting. Students tap into their creative side by creating their own interpretation of the theme and create costumes, choreography and song lyrics.
At the end, a panel of professional judges rates the groups on a wide array of factors. Parents, alumni and students were thrilled to witness this year’s creativity from Pepperdine’s students. The performance couldn’t have been possible without help from each group’s directors.
It takes a lot of patience explained senior and director Lauren Glasscock.
The directors met before and after practices, discussing plans for the up-and-coming performance.
I think it’s the most talented we’ve ever been junior director Rachel Lanier said.
But the performance was well worth it.
Up on the stage it’s a blur; it goes by so quickly but you just give your all that 12 minutes Glasscock summarized.
Although many participants and viewers are veterans, some are completely new to the production.
I just couldn’t believe they were students up there!” said first-time viewer and freshman Karre Lawson.
“Knowing that they only had two weeks to prepare you could never tell.”
Many like Lawson enjoyed the contemporary music and skits. Another large aspect of Songfest that many viewers enjoy is the hosts.
“They just really bring the show together Lawson affirmed.
During the show an ensemble of hardworking students, who begin practices mid-October, puts on a series of specially choreographed performances. The hosts are responsible for entertainment during transitions and keeping the audience informed about the story line.
You become best friends with all five people explained senior host Lindsay Sundman.
Most of the hosts described the experience like having a family.
It’s been the best experience I’ve had at Pepperdine said senior, and host Annie Block-Weiss.
Some may be departing from Pepperdine’s strong tradition, but others are just beginning to make their mark in Pepperdine history.
This year’s Songfest winner was Pi Beta Phi, Delta Tau Delta and Friends. Although this is Pi Beta Phi’s second Songfest win, it’s Delta Tau Delta’s first year competing as an official fraternity.
The group preformed a woodland-themed skit entitled Home Is Where the Heart Is while rocking out to contemporary tunes such Sean Kingston’s Fire Burning.” The skit featured a group of animals that attempt to find a new home after theirs burns down. After making the treacherous journey through the mountains and rivers of Yellowstone the animals find a new home.
“It was so great. The girls worked really hard explained senior member of Delta Tau Delta, Mitch Reiber. It took an infinite amount of patience but it was phenomenal.”
The rest of the audience members as well as the directors felt the group’s elation.
“Finally getting into a group after two weeks was so much fun commented junior and director of the group, Kelly Larson. It was just such an amazing experience and we had such a great relationship with the group.”
Praises were high for groups who went to serious lengths to portray their creativity. Many viewers enjoyed Eta Theta Tau’s “Rainbow Effect” and the overall usage of contemporary artists such as Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. Each group’s hard work and spirit showed through in every performance.
Whether it involves choreographed dance moves to Disney songs or bonding with your group at late night practices Songfest is a tradition that will continue to bring spirit to Pepperdine’s campus.