January is an interesting month at Samford University as the start of the spring semester brings forth a renewed sense of academic vigor and an empty Ben Brown Plaza.
“It is a weird thing to witness a “‘Step Sing Samford,’” remarked Senior Noah Letcher, a participant of ATO’s Step Sing show. “When Step Sing happens, you have people who are absolutely exhausted since all they do in their free time is practice, while the rest of campus continues on with normal life.”
Samford Step Sing, a tradition that has been upheld for decades and the most competitive event on campus, is here. Students from all corners of campus rally behind their banners and prepare for one of the most anticipated events of the year.
But an event of this caliber doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes weeks of preparation to put on a show and most students have to forgo one of the three S’s all month – between social life, sleep, and Step Sing, the majority are called to put the former on hold.
“No, I have Step Sing practice from 9-5 on Saturday,” explained Senior Madeline Schaeffer, a participant in Tri Delta’s Step Sing show. “We’ll have to reschedule for sometime in February.”
Letcher shared that sentiment saying that each group “puts in 40 hours of practice time over the course of two weeks and before then directors from each group spent about 5 months debating theme ideas, song selections, and choreography. Repetition is key as eventually each movement becomes muscle memory.” Letcher entered Step Sing season prepared saying he had been getting all his class assignments done as soon as he could because all his nights are spent at practice.
The fact of the matter is that Step Sing takes precedence. Fewer students are spending time in Ben Brown and that is definitely not due to the colder weather.
Amy Connelly, a participant in Indie Ladie’s Step Sing show, spoke on managing classes and scheduling her time. “When Step Sing starts approaching, Samford’s campus looks very different in the best ways. Professors can be found changing their class schedules to accommodate Step Sing because of the heavy student involvement. Meeting up with anyone to spend time together becomes impossible. Everyone is talking about Step Sing at all times between and in classes. Step Sing culture on campus is a big part of what makes Samford so great in the spring!”
Sophomore Hanna Carlton, a participant in Tri Delta’s Step Sing show, is starting most of her major classes in dance and education this semester so having an organized routine is paramount since she’s in a show.
“I prep for Step Sing season by figuring out my schedule first. Also since it’s incredibly cold outside I usually get sick more often.”
Carlton elaborated saying that practice is chaotic because of the rigorous agenda her group finds themselves running through at each practice. “You only have a month to get the whole show together which is crazy – and the rehearsals are long but somehow everything comes together. There isn’t one day in January when I’m not talking about Step Sing, it’s such a big Samford tradition that it’s on everyone’s mind.”
