Serenades kick off Greek Week events

Participating fraternity and sorority houses kicked off this year's Greek Week events Monday night by dancing, singing and staging impromptu skits: all activities part of the time-honored serenade.\nIU greek houses have an opportunity to take part in serenades twice a year during Homecoming and Little 500. Participating chapters can choose up to five chapters they want to pair with. After serenades, houses democratically rank with which house they want to participate. \nSerenades allow houses to get to know each other to aid in the pairing process, said senior Ben Schmidt, president of the Interfraternity Council. \n"The serenade is a prelude to future chapter events and allows chapters to get a feel for other chapters," he said.\nPi Kappa Phi President Kyle Longest, a senior, said serenades foster chapter involvement and facilitate chapter-wide relations for new fraternity and sorority members.\n"It's just a way for fraternities and sororities to get to know each other, especially at this time when new members don't know each other," Longest said.\n"It's intended to be a good time and is just another avenue for us to get to know other greek members not only for association, but also for future philanthropy events," he said.\nThe nature of serenades has shifted over the years. Traditionally, serenades were characterized by men attempting to "woo" women by singing, but, Schmidt said, serenades have diversified, encompassing a wide range entertainment-providing activities.\n"Instead of just singing," Schmidt said, "there is a lot more dancing and normal skits, each having it own theme."\nSerenades have a rich history among fraternities and sororities nationwide. This affords a sense of pride and belonging among the IU chapters, Longest said. \n"We like the idea of a tradition," he said. "It makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself, and we take a lot of pride in that."\nSenior Amy Braudis, president of Delta Zeta sorority, said their house mom used to tell members about serenades. But since the house mom was a member, serenades have become more "contemporary," Braudis said.\nThis year's serenades were slated for Monday to incorporate them as part of Greek Week, Schmidt said.