Homecoming's Pigskin Revue Showcases University Talent

November 13, 2003

by Amanda Lewis, Student Newswriter

The top eight acts from All University Sing 2003 delivered four outstanding performances at the 45th annual Pigskin Revue during Baylor's Homecoming weekend, Thursday, Nov. 6, through Saturday, Nov. 8.
More than 8,000 Baylor students, faculty and alumni packed Waco Hall throughout the weekend to watch three sororities and six fraternities incorporate elaborate singing, choreography, set design and costumes into this year's acts. The entries included acts from Chi Omega, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kappa Omega Tau, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha and Phi Gamma Delta.
Many of the groups integrated unique set design and costuming to enhance their performances. Kappa Omega Tau's "Boone Country," which took first place in All University Sing 2003, included falling set debris and coal miners' hats to simulate a day in the life of a coal miner. Sing audiences also honored KOT's "Boone Country" with the "Best Theme Development" honor during the first-ever People's Choice Awards.
In their third place entry, "Show Me the Way," Phi Kappa Chi chose a different approach by beginning their act with a solo performer among the audience. As the rest of the fraternity joined in, they continued with a variety of songs before moving into a percussion ensemble, using metal trash cans and various other everyday items.
Kappa Kappa Gamma and Kappa Sigma joined forces to present a combined performance titled "On the Bayou Belle," the only co-ed act in the show. A combination of bright costumes, an elaborate showboat and intricate choreography made this act a success. Sing audiences also honored "On the Bayou Belle" with the "Best Choreography" award.
Daniel Eady, special assistant to Provost David Lyle Jeffery and Pigskin Revue host, introduced and provided additional information about each performance, while clips of the "Sing; Celebrating 50 Years" Commemorative DVD were shown in between acts. The video, which will be available for purchase in December, provides "behind the scenes" insight into All University Sing and Pigskin Revue from past and present participants.
A few special awards were presented during Pigskin Revue throughout the weekend. Thursday night's Club Night performance began with the crowning of Baylor's 2003 Homecoming queen and her court. Alpha Phi Omega nominee Michelle Haywood, a Brenham senior, was crowned by the 2002 Homecoming queen, Gladewater graduate student Lila McDowell. Four other women were named members of the Homecoming court.
President Robert B. Sloan Jr. recognized the two newest Master Teacher recipients during the Friday and Saturday night performances. Dr. Ray Wilson, professor of biology, and the late Dr. Helen Ligon, professor emeritus of information systems, join 14 other faculty members who have been honored for their outstanding efforts in educating Baylor students.
Pigskin Revue debuted during Homecoming weekend in 1958 and was originally sponsored by the Student Union and the Peer Club, now known as Delta Delta Delta. Marie Wiley Davis, Student Union dean from 1953 to 1981, began the tradition after the huge success of All University Sing, which began in 1953.
The event has evolved from groups singing three songs pertaining to Baylor from risers to the elaborate show known today. As competition escalated among participants over the last 50 years, a Sing constitution was created to regulate practice time, budgets and performance length. Participants are now limited to 12 hours of practice time each week and 11 minutes for set-up, performance and tear-down during the show.
Baylor student organizations have already begun preparations for All University Sing 2004, to be held Feb. 19-21 and 27-28. Tickets will go on sale at 6 p.m. Jan. 22 for students and 9 a.m. Jan. 23 for the general public. For more information regarding purchasing tickets for Sing 2004, contact the Student Union Ticket Office at (254) 710-3210.