By Jake Schroeder | Photographer & Mesha Mittanasala | Photographer
Browsing: Sing Alliance
Despite the work that goes into each position, each Waco Hall staff member pointed to others as the essential pieces in Sing’s success. Spring senior Jillian Herman noted the efforts of the performers themselves, Brazoria senior Isabella Davis the dedication of professional Waco Hall staff and Plano junior Oliver Dillard the importance of stagehands. All three conveyed Sing as a tradition not marked by performances or ticket sales, but by the cooperation of all parts in one machine.
Sing Alliance is known for its high-energy themes and open-door policy; it’s become the route for many freshmen looking to take the stage in their first year at Baylor. For Waco freshman Zayn Matthews and Montgomery freshman Haley Conner, the organization gave them more than just the stage; it gave them a family.
From being in formations together and going through steps to admitting you don’t know what you’re doing and laughing when the other person agrees, Sing Alliance presents several opportunities to meet people and build new, meaningful friendships.
For decades, Greek organizations have dominated Baylor’s All-University Sing placements — and student leaders point to factors ranging from organizational size to built-in audience support as possible reasons why.
Among the groups participating is Sing Alliance, an organization that puts the “All University” in “All-University Sing,” according to the group’s president, Fort Worth junior Audrie Liles. Unlike other groups, Sing Alliance welcomes students from all corners of campus.
After weeks and even months of choreographing, practicing and dancing ‘til they drop, the performers of Pigskin had their moment of glory tonight. After the homecoming court was announced and the curtain was dropped, it was showtime.
Today is the day when some of the best acts from February’s All-University Sing will return to Waco Hall for the annual Pigskin Revue. Tonight at 7 p.m. — opening night — Kappa Omega Tau, Chi Omega, Phi Kappa Chi, Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Tau Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Sing Alliance will take to the stage.
All-University Sing is a special tradition for Baylor. Many other schools host similar events, but nothing quite as extraordinary, which is why it is Baylor’s best event.
In the last few years, there have only been a select few performances that have featured sports or fitness as the main theme. However, they have all been rather unique and interesting performances, each with their own style.
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.
Nothing consumes and defines Baylor life in the spring semester so much as All-University Sing, a marathon of Broadway-style shows put on by Sing Alliance, Baylor Chamber of Commerce and various Greek organizations every year in front of family and alumni from all over the country as part of a 61-year tradition.
When the curtain rises, all the audience sees is the glare of stage lights against dramatic make-up, flashy costumes and newly painted props. This year, 18 acts are performing, including paired acts and Sing Alliance, which consists of students who are not involved in Greek organizations but still want to participate.
I’ve seen a lot of Sing acts — 6 or 7 years’ worth of them to be precise. I have a very strong idea about what makes a “good” Sing act. I look at song choice, creativity, story, execution and, to an extent, cleverness. I appreciate novelty and new-ness, as well as risk-taking. I’m going to try to reward acts when they are good, but I’m not going to hesitate to criticize them when they miss opportunities (or notes during a solo). This year, we will be working on a 5-point-scale. A 5 is near perfection and a 1 is barely showing up. Since Chamber is actually competing this year, no zeroes will be given.
This week marks the beginning of All-University Sing, and the students involved have been hard at work preparing to perform in front of thousands of people.
Preparation for Sing involves thousands of hours choreographing, practicing and perfecting, but students involved in Sing must still attend classes and participate in many other activities.
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.
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.
Campaign season has been largely unproblematic so far this year — with only one charge brought against a student government candidate — which some believe is a result of the recent revisions to the electoral code. The season will begin wrapping up today, with voting beginning at 8 a.m.
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.
