Hard work pays off — The grueling Songfest experience results in spectacular performances and lasting relationships. Songfest kicks off Feb. 14.
So, you’re thinking about participating in Songfest — you know, that show where the student body takes the stage for a couple of days and shows off their awesome moves and singing voices (or the lack thereof). Doing the show definitely has its high points, but it comes with some low points as well. I know, I know, this is a truly life-changing decision, and it is not to be taken lightly. Thus, in order to help you with it, I’ve made this short list of pros and cons for taking part. Hopefully it helps!
Pros
1. Something to do: If 10 p.m. hits and you find yourself bored, with nothing to do and nowhere to go, then Songfest might just be the cure to your plight. Practices are usually around this time, and they’re the perfect place to socialize while struggling to learn that one dance move. It’s even better when performances begin; doing Songfest gives you something to do every night — not to mention, the after-parties can be pretty fun, and if you’re the person I’ve described in this, chances are it’s the only party you’ll be invited to all year.
2. It’s your 15 minutes of fame: If you ever felt like you were meant to be star, that the whole world needs to see you or that you were meant for something greater, then Songfest isn’t for you. However, if you can settle for being in the back corner, or if you’re lucky enough to get a role in the front row, then Songfest can be your 15 minutes of shining fame — well, 12 minutes of fame, if we’re being technical.
3. Meeting people: Songfest is a great way to meet people you probably would have never met otherwise. Trust me, you will form unlikely friendships and for at least about a week after the shows, you’ll actually still remain friends. Remember “Nervous Tick Nancy” from your COM 180 class? You have scoffed at her before, but now she’s teaching you how to do that spinning move correctly. Or how about “Bad Breath Barry” from Great Books? You may realize that there is a beautiful vibrato beyond that scent. Oh, and most importantly, let’s not forget “Breathtakingly Beautiful Betsy” — just kidding, she’s still way out of your league.
4. Bring people joy: This is definitely one of my favorite aspects of Songfest. As you’re out on stage and you look at the audience you see smiles, laughter and cheer. These people really come from all over to watch Pepperdine’s amateurs put on a show of tradition. The applause, the screaming and the occasional standing ovation makes every single practice worth it. Of course, this doesn’t apply if your group is actually a theatrical mess on stage.
5. It’s fun: I mean, as basic as that sounds, it’s just the plain truth. The practices, the performances, the costumes, the singing, the dancing, the competition and the one group that never quite gets it right always lead to a good, clean and fun show. Honestly, I’m not sure who enjoys the show more — the audience or the performers.
Cons
1. It’s time-consuming: This may seem like a total contradiction to the first “pro,” but, let’s assume that you are the type of person who has things to do during practice time. This is where sacrifice happens. You are going to have to give up some time to learn the dance moves and songs. Songfest isn’t something you can just skip a couple practices for; do that, and you risk being the laughing stock of the show — and trust me, you are still very visible in the back. Homework, going out and sometimes even things like small group, will have to be put aside on given nights.
2. Winners?: Songfest is supposedly a “competition” but, the truth is, no one in the audience actually cares who wins. Thus, you can get really excited if you win the show; however, chances are no one else (besides your group) will care about it. I’m not quite sure how much of a con this really is, but I can say that when you want to boast about your show — don’t.
3. Ranking mystery: During the award ceremony, you’ll hear the announcer call upon the winners and they will probably jump around and scream (see con above). Just like that, the show’s over. No other group gets to know where they rank. Sometimes the satisfaction of knowing you only lost by a point or two would make you feel better, alas, you’ll never know. On the brightside though, you can just tell everyone your group came second.
4.Those people who are way too serious: During your practices, you’ll absolutely meet those who think that they’re auditioning for the next broadway production of “Les Miserables.” It’s their time to shine! They come to practice and find a spot in front, audition for every role, tell everyone to be quiet while they’re speaking and are usually just really annoying. These people might not be that fun to practice with, and they make “Nervous Tick Nancy” seem like the coolest girl in the room. They are bad enough to drive you out of the show for good. Things might get rough, but don’t let them get to you. Just ignore them, or even better, try to make friends with them — you know, just in case they actually do become a broadway star.
There you have it: 5 pros and 4 cons. We could weigh the scales, but as you can see, the good most definitely outweighs the bad. The truth is, when else are you going to be able to throw all care out the window? You have the opportunity to dance, sing and spread happiness to everyone watching. Even if you have two left feet or you’re tone-deaf, the great thing about Songfest is that no one cares. It’s all about having a great time.
If donning in ridiculous costumes while belting out old and modern tunes and acting like someone you’re completely not sounds absolutely crazy, you’re probably right. You would have to be to be mad, but the thing is, all the best people are.
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