By Kathryna Hoyman · Managing Editor
In celebration of the college’s 150th anniversary, the 68th annual All-College Sing (ACS) theme is “Through the Decades.”
The event first graced Grove City College back in 1957, when it was called “Greek Sing” and served as a (mostly) good-natured competition between the college’s fraternities and sororities. In 1973, the event was expanded to welcome singers from all of campus, a unifying mission that the college continues to stress today.
This year, ACS will not only celebrate its own history, but also the history of the rest of the college, as groups are asked to perform a song within a decade from 1910 to 2020.
“We realize there may be some overlap of decades due to the number of entries we may receive, but would love to see all decades represented,” Tricia Corey, assistant director of alumni programs and events, shared. “As people walk into the arena that evening there will be a 15oth Celebration video playing with many historical photos, etc.,” she added.
Tricia has partnered with Barbra Munnell, senior director of library services, to co-advise the iconic event. They work alongside a student team that aids with communication, advertising and all the coordination that it takes to put on a production of this scale.
While the heart of ACS is to unify the college and encourage community building, there is perhaps a little more than friendly competition involved. With the highest possible score being 60 points, the groups will be judged 50% for musicality and 25% each for choreography and entertainment value.
The performing teams will be divided into five groups: fraternities, sororities, housing groups, non-affiliated men and non-affiliated women. The team that cinches the first-place title in each division will join generations of ACS winners on the plaque by the Commuter Lounge in the Breen Student Union.
On Jan. 28, an invitation to participate in ACS was sent out to the entire student body. Registration for the event is open until Feb. 13, when a completed form and the chosen song’s lyrics must be submitted. The form is available on the college’s alumni page, and Corey can be reached at coreypa.gcc.edu with any questions.
Formal rehearsal for the competing groups begins March 10, after which each team will get access to rehearsal rooms for one hour weekly. Despite this being a month away and the actual event not being for more than another two months, several of the especially competitive groups have already started planning and preparation.
This year’s ACS will be held at 7 p.m. on Apr. 25 in the Physical Learning Center’s Arena. Following a 68-year legacy, All-College Sing is revving up to once again unite students, families and alumni to celebrate a community that is 150 years strong.
