A prank war tradition was started by the Lincoln Southwest Resonance show choir putting boys and girls head-to-head in a battle of pranks. Also known as the “Rez Prank Wars,” both parties take turns pranking each other. While this is a tradition, it’s up to those involved in Resonance each year to decide when the pranks happen and how.
“Both groups got together and the guys decided it would be fun if we went to the sleepover to ambush them,” senior Isaak Hogeland said. “That started the Great Prank War.”
The first prank was set in motion after the choreography camp on July 25. The Resonance girls held a sleepover and senior Samantha Hobelman convinced them to head outside for a surprise. There, the Resonance boys were prepared with water balloons.
“I was an inside woman but it was fun to help start the prank wars,” Hobelman said. “I think I bring a competitive spirit. It’s the most fun when everyone participates so I try to get everyone to prank (people).”
The next prank was on Aug. 12. The Resonance girls used removable car markers to write notes all over the windows of the boys’ cars. Then, when the boys came out to their cars the girls had cans of silly string ready. The day after, the girls hid the boys’ water bottles during camp.
“We are a kinda fun and silly group of people, so it brings that out of us,” Hogeland said. “All of us come together and collaborate on different ideas. We listen to each other and it’s fun activities that get us closer together.”
The pranks are intended to be harmless and help create a strong bond within the team. They resolved this chapter of the prank wars with a seniors vs juniors and sophomores shaving cream war. Those involved in Resonance plan to continue the pranks through the year.
“I think it helps us become a team because even though it kind of pits us against each other it creates shared memories,” Hobelman said. “It will make our performances better because we are closer as a team and more connected with each other. Laughing with people is the best way to bond.”
