Songfest 2021
Songfest 2021 *IS* happening in a modified virtual format. For more about Songfest 2021, see here.
Songfest 2021 is being produced amidst very unusual circumstances arising from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the information on this site may not be applicable to the Songfest 2021 production.
Songfest
Frequently Asked Questions - Group Formation
The following are some questions that are often asked by students who are thinking about starting, forming, organizing, or leading a Songfest group.
Other Helpufl Info
Getting Started (step-by-step)
Group Leader FAQs
Participant FAQs
Songfest Host FAQs
If you have a question that isn't answered here, please email songfest@pepperdine.edu.
What is a Songfest group?
A Songfest group is a cast of students, led by a Producer and Directors, who work to prepare and perform an act in the Songfest show together. In some years there is also a non-competing act performed by Alumni, Staff, and Faculty participants.
Who creates the groups?
Each Songfest group is created by its leaders (Producer and Directors). All Seaver students are welcome to create (and/or lead, and/or participate with) a group. For more info on group leaders, see the Group Leader FAQs.
Who names each group?
Each group chooses their own name. Group names can change any time, and are not permanent until the deadline for the printed show program.
How is a group formed?
Read how to get started. A group is formed when that group's leaders (Producer and Directors) submit an entry for the group. Specifically how to do this is spelled out in the Songfest production documentation and is discussed in detail at the Group Info Meeting.
What is the first step for a group wanting to participate in Songfest?
We have a guide that explains the first several steps. There is a Group Info Meeting held at the start of each school year (early September), which provides all the information a group needs in order to participate. All groups interested in participating in Songfest must send potential group leaders or representatives to this meeting.
When and where is the Songfest Group Info Meeting?
Complete details for the Group Info Meeting can be found here.
Is the Group Info Meeting mandatory for all groups?
Yes. There is SO much to be done right from the start. Groups CAN drop out later- so make sure you send someone to keep your participation options open! If your leaders can't attend, at least send a representative for the group, and make sure all leaders read how to get started.
Our group is still figuring things out - should we attend the Info Meeting?
Yes. There is lots of important information to start working through right away, and your group can always drop out later.
Our group isn't finalized. Is that OK?
Yes. Initial group entries only require a Producer (organizational leader) a Director (overall creative leader), and a working group name. A group's participants, leadership team, and official name can change later on.
Can we start a new group?
YES! To get underway, all you need is a Producer (organizational leader) a Director (overall creative leader), and a group name. You can add other group leaders as you go, and obviously you will eventually need a cast of performers. Please check out how to get started, and also look through our Group Leader FAQs. Also, email songfest@pepperdin.edu and we'd love to help you get underway.
Who should we send to the meeting?
Preferably, your group's potential Producer (organizational leader) and Director (overall creative leader) would attend. Other leaders (music directors, choreographers, etc.) are also welcome. And sending any attentive group representative is certainly better than sending no one at all. You should also look at our Getting Started guide and our Group Leader FAQs.
Is Songfest just for Greek organizations?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Songfest groups are not student organizations. From "our side," the group production process is very straightforward: ANY Seaver student(s) can form/lead a Songfest group, and eventually each group's leadership (Producer and Directors) lets us know what specific students are participating in their Songfest group. Over the decades, Songfest has had all kinds of students come together and form groups (friends, overseas program alumni, residence halls, school years/classes, clubs, fraternities, sororities, departments, ministries, and lots of others). SONGFEST IS FOR EVERYONE!
Who determines Greek partnerships for Songfest?
Any partnerships that exist have been made by those partners completely outside of the Songfest production process. This is true for all partners, not just Greek organizations. Songfest does not have (and has never had) anything to do with deciding which Greek organizations participate, and/or with whom they participate. Songfest groups can be formed by any students wanting to participate together, regardless of whether or not they involve any "Greek" participants.
Why do (or don't) the Greek organizations rotate partners each year?
The Songfest program and staff are not part of that decision. Any process for Greek partnership that may exist in any given year of Songfest is established completely outside of the Songfest production process. Students wanting more information or wishing to discuss the matter further are encouraged to talk to the members and leaders of the Greek community. In the big picture, Songfest is about building community, so the staff are in favor of seeing Songfest groups built in ways that encourage participants to meet new people and build new relationships.
Why does Songfest preparation start so early in the year?
Though Songfest performances are in March, there is an incredible amount of preparation work that needs to be done for all participating groups. This work has to be done in a certain order, and it truthfully takes up most of the year. We realize things are busy now at the start of school, but it can't be helped. There just isn't any time to lose.
Why are there group size limits?
Because Songfest group sizes have been growing so large, we have been forced to take some logistical measures to be able to continue to run a successful program. Subsequently, groups may have no more than 85 participants. It is still extremely important to the Songfest program that all interested students have the ability to participate in Songfest, so this size limit is something we will continue to monitor and evaluate from year-to-year.
Is there a maximum number of groups?
Realistically, for logistical reasons, yes. As of now, however, no group has yet been turned away due to too many groups wanting to participate. We hope we never have to turn away any group, though show size may require it in the future.
If there are too many groups, how are the participating groups chosen?
If necessary, the Songfest staff will select the participating groups based on several factors, including (but not limited to): deadline compliance, quality of show proposal and show content, submission timeliness, group sizes, and the total number of students impacted. Needless to say, we hope making such a decision is never necessary.
Why is the Info Meeting so close to sorority/fraternity recruitment? Can't you reschedule it?
Unfortunately, the demands of the Songfest production schedule are such that the Songfest Info Meeting takes place each year near or during sorority/fraternity recruitment. We wish it were otherwise, but that's the way it's had to be ever since Greek recruitment switched several years ago from the spring to the fall. Due to the amount of work to be done, Songfest prep can't start any later, and it can't start earlier because we have to give students enough time from the start of school to a) hear about the meeting and b) think about Songfest and start deciding if they want to put together a group.
I want to be a host. Should I come to the Info Meeting?
Only if you're also a potential group leader. The Info Meeting is specifically for groups, and will not include any information about the host audition process. Instead, please refer to the latest published host audition information. If you have further questions, email us at songfest@pepperdine.edu or check with Student Activities. Host audition information is usually updated in late September.