Every year as the All-University Sing competition draws near, the Baylor campus readies itself for a festival of music, culture and memorable performances. The nights are filled with wonder as performances crafted over six weeks of intense preparation are realized on stage.

Aching feet, strained backs and a drone of unanimous ‘how long have you been here’s’ — it must be that time of the year again. Tickets for All-University Sing went on sale Thursday in the Bill Daniel Student Center.

All-University Sing audiences were surprised when judges announced a tie for first place.

During Saturday’s Sing finale, both Kappa Sigma and Kappa Omega Tau won first place.

Woodway senior Stephen Harrison, Sing chair for Kappa Sigma, said he was practically shaking while pumping a trophy in the air.

Sing results are in and there has been a surprising shock, a tie for first place was announced between Kappa Sigma in United We Stand and Kappa Omega Tau in The Ghosts’ Call.

Once the call was made that there would be a tie in first place, all groups started huddling together in anticipation to receive the chance to be one of the two first place winners.

When Kappa Sigma and Kappa Omega Tau were called in for the tie, there was a burst of screams from both men’s groups and the audience.

Every year, Baylor holds All University Sing for Greek organizations but students not involved in a Greek organization don’t have to miss out – they can join Sing Alliance.

Sing Alliance is a student-run group for students who are not part of a Greek organization.

When all you see are red roses, candy hearts and pink plush animals, you know it’s Valentine’s Day.

But for many busy students, Valentine’s Day this year will lack the chocolates and fancy dinner that make Valentine’s Day famously romantic.

Arlington sophomore Shelby Blue and Tyler junior Matthew Baldwin will spend Valentine’s Day performing at opening night for All-University Sing, leaving little room for celebrating the holiday. They have been dating for seven months.

Going to Pigskin 1st place: Kappa Kappa Sigma (Kappa Kappa Gamma and Kappa Sigma) 2nd place: Kappa Omega Tau 3rd…

I looked for things like choreography, song choice, vocal talent, overall execution and story development. I gave extra considerations to acts that were particularly entertaining, or creative, and how well each act developed the story within their performance. Please keep in mind that this is all just one man’s opinion.

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Say goodbye to the typical All-University Sing act and hello to something different. This year, Pi Kappa Phi decided to approach the production with a brand new perspective.

“This year we Pi Beta Phi are really stretching ourselves to use a different theme and choreography that doesn’t fall under the typical Sing style performances,” Dallas resident and Pi Beta Phi president Kaylaynn McAdams said.

All-University Sing will showcase an act that has never been seen before — a collaboration with Delta Delta Delta and Alpha Tau Omega.

Sing is one of my favorite things to do with my sorority, Delta Delta Delta, and this year we were lucky enough to partner with Alpha Tao Omega fraternity. Being able to work with such a great group of guys and incorporate both performing styles is something I will remember forever.

Pigskin, one of Baylor’s most beloved traditions, presented four different opportunities for students and alumni to join in.

The opening act of Pigskin is always one way for crowds to generate excitement for the homecoming festivities ahead, and this year has participants and viewers alike looking forward to a weekend of talented musicians, colorful costumes and sleek choreography.

Instead of facing a mundane, regimented workday behind a desk, one Baylor graduate is doing what she loves on her own time.

Baylor’s Theta Nu chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega national fraternity recently outshined 250 other chapters across the country to receive the Top Chapter award for 2010-2011.

Thirteen acts were selected for the After Dark performance, set for Sept. 23. About 60 Baylor students auditioned Tuesday and Wednesday in Waco Hall for Baylor University’s After Dark student variety show.

Keeping at the top of the competition just got a little harder for participants in All-University Sing.

The negative effects of All-University Sing preparation and performances, the need for a sidewalk along University Parks Drive and handgun legislation concerning college campuses were among the topics discussed at Tuesday night’s Faculty Senate meeting.

This may be their first appearance on the stage of All-University Sing, but they hope it won’t be their last. Bridging the gap between Greek organizations on campus, National Pan-Hellenic Council partnered with Baylor Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir for their inaugural Sing performance last weekend.

Sing 2011 was filled with awesome sets, great themes and much improvement. We’ve made some observations on each of the acts. They aren’t meant to be rude — they’re meant to highlight the good and point out the areas that need improvement. Thanks to all the performers for their hard work. Our top three picks are Kappa Omega Tau, Alpha Tau Omega and Pi Beta Phi.

It’s that time of year when friends and classmates look more haggard than usual, disappear each night between the hours of 5 and 10 p.m. and are caught breaking into dance routines in odd places around campus.

Due to SING-related absences, student senate tabled the Disqualifications Redefined Act, which addresses the electoral code, at Thursday’s meeting.

Tickets are on sale for All-University Sing at the Bill Daniel Student Center ticket office. Students must bring their student ID; limit four per student. Tickets go on sale to the public at 9 a.m. today. For additional information, call 254-710-3210 or visit www.baylor.edu/StudentProductions.