They are “so hot so sweaty so sweet.” These lyrics come from the original theme song of Eta Theta Tau – the seventh and newest edition to the cast of Pepperdine University’s songfest groups. And this debut group is already a fierce competitor.
Eta Theta Tau – more commonly referred to as “HOT” – is a fake fraternity founded by Pepperdine alum Matthew Seth Baker and Darnell Brisco. HOT is not affiliated with any fraternities or sororities as are most of the Songfest groups. In fact because this was their first year in Songfest the leaders of HOT did not expect many people to come join with them. But to everyone’s surprise HOT was by far the largest group in Songfest with a whopping 104 members.
The problem? Only 85 members are technically allowed in each group. Fortunately Songfest administration was willing to make an exception. In an attempt to reach a compromise it was decided that half of HOT’s members would take turns performing every other night. This created a challenge for the group when it came to learning the choreography and switching up placements.
“I think it was the largest group because people were excited for something new HOT member Wade Addison speculated. No one was really sure what Eta Theta Tau would be like and we were all willing to take our chances and it definitely paid off!”
Kylie Briggs a senior joined Eta Theta Tau after having participated with Gamma Phi Beta during her freshman year and after serving as Music Director for Sigma Phi Epsilon and Delta Gamma during her junior year. So why did she choose to join the fresh group for her last year?
“Well at first I wanted to form my own group Briggs explained. But then I realized my senior year was going to be really busy and I had been hearing a lot of buzz about this new group. It wasn’t affiliated with any fraternity or sorority so I thought it would be the best group.”
Over the past month of rehearsals and performances Briggs became certain she made the right decision.
“The leaders are passionate and so excited all the time she commented.
Matthew Seth Baker and Phoenix Eyre are the directors and Kira Andersen is the group’s producer. All of these leaders have had previous experience with Songfest, and all of them have performed in Gamma Ghkkkkket Sigma and Friends – the one other non-Greek affiliated group.
Since this is a new group and non-affiliated everyone is there because they really want to be – they don’t feel forced or obligated to be there.” Briggs said. “It is a very family-like and welcoming atmosphere. Everybody is so positive all the time.”
The members’ “positive” spirit spilled over onto the stage. Their performance titled “Weathering Heights was a cheery musical illustration of the hydrologic cycle – which went along with the overall Songfest theme, All Nature Sings.”
“HOT” executed stunning harmonies and original choreography to hit songs such as “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash “We are Family” by Bernard Edwards and “You Make My Dreams Come True” a Hall & Oates classic.
One of their songs even included a clever costume change. As a prop moved across the stage each member removed their blue sweatshirt revealing different bright-colored t-shirts which created a vibrant human rainbow. And the crowd loved it. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to convince the judges.
Although this debut group didn’t bring home the trophy many Songfest viewers believed Eta Theta Tau would be the 2011 winner.
“We heard a lot of different people say we should win Briggs explained. Of course we wanted to win but we decided to focus on having fun.”
On Eta Theta Tau’s Facebook homepage the members posted all of the comments and feedback they had heard from different sources. But they tried to not pay attention to the remarks too much and chose to follow their motto: “It doesn’t matter what people say just have fun.”
Even though first place went to Pi Beta Phi Delta Tau Delta and Friends HOT still feels like winners.
“From day one we were having a blast and growing closer said Addison. Winning a trophy would have been an added bonus but in our minds we had already won everything we could – great memories laughter and tons of new friends.”
So what does this new group provide besides memories? A non-Greek family. This factor is appealing to many students at Pepperdine and evident by its large membership. Many members of HOT had never participated in Songfest before because they were not in a fraternity or sorority. This year they had the opportunity.
“I joined HOT because I knew I wanted to do Songfest with a non-Greek group Addison said. And I knew that I wanted a HOT sweatshirt he added.
The sweatshirt will display the key phrase of their theme song: So hot so sweaty so sweet.” This song which even includes a rap segment and a dance was written by HOT founders Baker and Brisco who recorded it on Garage Band.
The group sang their theme song during practices and even in front of the other Songfest groups at the dress rehearsal.
“It was the spirit of HOT that made us unique said Addison. And the group took their name quite literally.
Our group makes a lot of ‘hot’ references when we talk and we sing as many songs as we can with the word ‘hot’ in it Briggs said.
The undeniable fun, mixed with talent and a lot of hard work, produced a HOT new addition to the Songfest family. And given their popularity and success, it’s reasonable to assume that 2012 is in for a sizzling HOT comeback.