Movin' to the movies

Evidence of IU Sing spirit lined the path to the IU Auditorium Friday and Saturday nights. Posters from sororities and fraternities were posted to light posts, stairwells and trees.\nPeople began filtering into the lobby around 7 p.m., where they were greeted with all the signs that they were really partaking in "A Night At The Movies."\nThe aroma of popcorn drifted from the makeshift concession stand, where they had all the essential movie candies in stock: Gummi bears, chocolate-covered peanuts, Lemonheads, sour worms and Raisinettes.\nLife-size cardboard cutouts of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Austin Powers and Clark Gable were stationed throughout the lobby and several employees were dressed up as movie characters.\nInside the Auditorium, movie trivia showed on the big screen, with questions about IU's history. Right before the program started, there was a mini-show reminding people to turn of their cell phones, that "trash does not walk itself out" and "Shhhh!"\nTwo emcees began by giving a brief overview of IU Sing. They noted that $6,000 in scholarships were given out and boasted that more than 2,000 participants made it one of the highest participation numbers of an IU activity.\nThe judges' criteria for winning was based on vocal quality, diction, rhythm, musical accompaniment, choreography, originality, dance performance, costumes, props and production.\nThere were seven judges for the event, all alumni with background in music. They were able to maintain poker faces throughout each performance, with the exception of Phi Kappa Psi's outrageous skit.\nFeaturing a grown man wearing nothing but an oversized diaper, "cripple" busting out in the running man dance and a man dressed up in a cow outfit crawling around the stage, it was an obvious -- and successful -- attempt at nabbing the "That's Entertainment" award for most entertaining moment.\nPhi Mu and Phi Gamma Delta also contributed some humor to the show by mocking overzealous song leaders who believe "Winning is all that matters and fun is just a distraction."\nPeople didn't even make it out the door before they were on their cell phones, calling their friends and celebrating or protesting the results.\nRegardless of whether or not their groups won, many participants were just glad to have experienced IU Sing.\n"I did this to meet people and build relationships with my bros -- and girls, of course. I would have missed out on so much if I hadn't done this," junior Bob Liu said.\nJudge George Bledsoe said the main difference between IU Sing now and fifty years ago was that back then there was a lot more singing.\n"Now there's a lot of cheerleading and choreography. But it's a wonderful experience and the kids have a great time," Bledsoe said.\nWhile the acts were all entertaining, the most impressive musical talent actually came from the fill-ins between them. Performances of movie theme songs by vocalists Straight No Chaser and Ladies First drew thunderous applause. It was the only time during the evening that applause came from everyone and not just one section.\nThe Herman B Wells Lifetime Achievement award was given to David Rubinstein, a strategy professor for the Kelley School of Business. In his acceptance speech, he summed up the true spirit of the late Chancellor Wells.\n"If you want to see every great thing that Herman B Wells ever fought for, look at all of the students here tonight. The award shouldn't be going to me. It should be going to all the students, because they embody the spirit of Herman B Wells," Rubenstein said.