Written by Reed Meeker
The All School Sing/Scream is approaching once again, and as it draws near, so comes the time to prepare. Soon you will be shuffling shoulder to shoulder with the rest of MVS directly into the SAC, where for the next 30 minutes or so, you will be bombarded with cacophony and an abundance of smells. It sounds intimidating at first, and it was for me. But with the correct survival skills and technique, you might just make it out in one piece. Memorize the following tips, and Godspeed soldier.
- Deodorant
When you cram the entire student population of a school into one room for a sing-along, your ears are not the only thing at risk. None of your five senses are safe, especially your sense of smell. Be certain to apply deodorant before approaching the complex, and remind your friends and loved ones to do so as well. If enough of a community effort is made, then perhaps our noses will be spared this holiday season. An honorable mention should be made to breathmints as well, which will also aid in the reduction of odor while singing your heart out.
- Vocal warmups
The fallout from the All School Sing usually includes many a lost voice or a raspy throat. This technique aims to protect against this. Your vocal cords will thank you for treating them to even a five-minute warmup before screaming for the next thirty. It’s a good way to increase your voice’s durability and decrease the risk of voice loss. Googling “five-minute vocal warmup” will provide you with many options to choose from. If you seek additional guidance, consider consulting Kat Smith or a member of Ars Nova.
- Water
This is a piece of advice that extends beyond the All School Sing, but I believe you will find it extra important here. Bring a water bottle or some method of self-hydration into the gym at the beginning of the event. You’ll be grateful for this when the room starts to heat up and you’ve been singing for the past 15-20 minutes. A dehydrated body’s vocal folds will tire much faster, and recover slowly. Plus, a cool sip of water will sound quite nice when that Christmas sweater of yours starts to heat up.
- Industrial Grade Headphones
So, let’s say you’re not at all interested in singing or participating in the All School Sing, but you still have to be there for the duration. The noise is overwhelming for you, the lower school is screaming at a pitch and decibel previously unheard of by a human being. Thankfully you’ve brought a pair of industrial-grade headphones. Slap a pair of these on your head and it ought to make the room around you a little quieter. I can not promise that headphones will make the sound inaudible, as that may be impossible. The volume at which this school screams is truly impressive, but headphones will help.
- Just A Little Bit Of Enthusiasm
While it can be frightening, the All School Sing is meant to be a display of school comradery and spirit. So whether you’re singing or not, try to have at least a little fun. Attempt to sing a song, do a little boogie, and if neither of those sound fun, then at least look joyous in your solitude. If you try to have a good time then who knows, you may walk out of this harrowing experience having enjoyed yourself.
Finally, if all else fails,
- Pray
