Long hours, hard work will pay off

After countless hours of practice and preparation, excited contestants for this year's IU Sing will finally see all of their hard work come together this weekend. Very few students can say they've been in the spotlight on the stage of the IU Auditorium, and all IU Sing participants agree it is an exhilarating experience -- one that will be treasured among the memories of their college careers.\nBut behind the costumes, makeup, music and comedy are those who have spent exhausting amounts of energy to make their shows unstoppable. \nAlmost every member of IU Sing agrees that it is a unique opportunity that brings the campus together.\n"Sororities, fraternities, dorms and so many other students get to work together with musical and theatrical aspects of IU that for the most part, many people are not involved with," emcee Kerry Kyle said.\nAmong the members of every cast are two song leaders who serve as the backbone for their individual acts. Although the selection process for these members is different for every group participating, most song leaders are either nominated and selected through a majority-rules vote or chosen through an application and interview process. Those participating in IU Sing who are in the greek system can choose to perform alone or be paired with another house.\nSong leader Justin Grant, a member of Delta Upsilon, said he is thrilled about this year's IU Sing. He and his partner, along with song leaders from Alpha Xi Delta, are confident that their show will be a great success. Last semester alone, they spent about four hours a week brainstorming, writing the script and discussing the logistics of their show. Once the practices started, the ambitious foursome worked about 14 to 16 hours a week, including two-hour rehearsals five nights a week.\nJackie Nykiel, song leader for Alpha Gamma Delta, said her house chose not to have a partner for this year's IU Sing. Her sorority does not mandate participation from new initiates or underclassmen. They encourage everyone to participate and feel that it fosters closer relationships between the girls. \n"We like doing it this way because the older girls come over to the house and they can develop close friendships with the younger members," she said.\nThey, too, have worked long hours preparing for this weekend's performance. Despite any stress or lack of sleep, she and her partner feel it has been worth it.\nIU Sing is not just an opportunity for students to showcase their talents, but is also a philanthropic opportunity. The IU Foundation supports IU Sing, as well as the Little 500 in the spring, and the money raised goes toward student scholarships.\n"The IU Foundation does so many good things for the campus," Grant said. "IU Sing is just one of the things they provide to add to the whole undergraduate experience." \nMany people do not realize that students not associated with fraternities, sororities and dorms participate in IU Sing. This year, Straight No Chaser, Ladies First, and seven emcees will be part of the event. The emcees hold a very unique and special role every year. They audition individually for a group of five or six IUSF steering committee members. They all said they are honored to be a part of such a popular event and will be singing solos, duets and performing as a group throughout the entire show.\nThe emcees also announce judges, specific parts of the show and give out some of the awards Saturday night.\n"I don't mind being really busy if it means presenting a successful production in the end," said Ryan Ahlwardt, one of the emcees. "Plus, performing in the IU Auditorium is an honor and a very memorable experience."\nThe emcees have been rehearsing individually and as a group since they were selected. The time commitment is extensive, but they all agree it has been a memorable experience.\n"I am fortunate to be a part of IU Sing where I can do this and work with people that are truly appreciative and encouraging," emcee Amber Dusak said.