IU Sing leaders look to make 'Legends'

Thirteen-hundred IU students will pay tribute to legendary figures Friday and Saturday during the 74th annual IU Sing, a song and dance competition among student organizations. Unlike past competitions, this year's event will focus more on the musical aspect of the performances.\n"Our goal was to cut out the cheesiness," said steering committee member Brian Mehler. "We spun it around into a show to watch."\nTo improve quality, the steering committee first chose a theme that would entertain parents, students and participants, Mehler said.\n"We looked at past themes, and the further we went back the cheesier it got," Mehler said. "Someone threw out legends, and that instantly grabbed us."\nWith the theme "Legends: Music that Defined a Nation," contenders selected a person they believe is a legend and will perform songs they know, he said. \nAside from choosing a "less cheesy" theme, the steering committee altered the rules and judging criteria. \nIn the past, participants tended to scream more than sing, so this year 50 percent of the score will focus on the musicality of the act, Mehler said. Performers don't have to carry the tune perfectly, but they will have to maintain a close pitch and rhythm, he said.\nThe time requirement was also widened from five to seven minutes to four to seven minutes.\n"Some groups would struggle to make five minutes, so they'd put more randomness in the act," Mehler said.\nSong leaders -- the directors of each act -- are motivated to produce a quality performance because a scholarship prize will be awarded to the leaders of the overall winning group, Mehler said. \nThough first place is coveted by many, song leaders can receive a scholarship even if their group doesn't place. The IU Student Foundation, which sponsors IU Sing, will award eight additional scholarships totaling $4,800.\n"The purpose is to pay them for their work," Mehler said. "They worked 20 hours per week -- it's like a part-time job."\nDespite the prizes, Mehler said he thinks participants will enjoy the event whether or not they place.\n"It's the first time in college most of these students will perform on a grand scale, and it's something they'll always remember," he said.\nSong leader Sara Kochell of Chi Omega also said the event is good for camaraderie.\n"I love getting to know the new girls and the Delt pledges," she said. "It has been fun getting to know them so early on."\nFraternities and sororities are paired for IU Sing, which is another appealing aspect to some.\n"My fraternity brothers like working together with other fraternities and sororities as if we're one chapter," said Kyle Brandle of Kappa Delta Rho.\nIU Sing will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the IU Auditorium. Tickets are $18 at the door, and patrons must have a Saturday ticket to see the awards show.