I have to say, I've been trying to take a bit of a cue from Cosby. Someone posted that you guys are really classy during competitions, and how you have great sportsmanship. I like that.
Heck yeah. Too much nastiness at this competition. I thought some students acted amazing and did a great job reaching out, but a few rotten apples always spoil the bunch.
Countless times have there been competitions that agroup has won best vocals, and they didn't win. Same with getting Vocals, Choreography, and Band and still end up in 1ru...
One last thing...it's been my experience in this show choir world that if you received BEST VOCALS...then you WON that division no matter if another group received best show band, choreography, show design, etc, It was always the vocal score that took it. Just a little reminder to those posting their ideas of what should have been. The adjective is SHOW the noun...is CHOIR!!!
SORRY FOR THE LONG POST and if I upset anyone, I'm just stating my opinion l
Not so. Vocal scores can be really close (not saying they were) and choreo/show design/ and Band can separate those groups from each other. I remember my sophomore year we got Best Vocals and 4th place cause we were Sloppy. Doesnt change that our vocals were amazing.
Choreo, Band and Show Design take alot of time and deserve to be recognized and not throw on the back burner, but true, Vocals should and always remain #1.
Okay, Ryan, this is not my normal way of meeting new people, so I would like to start this over again and try to be friends. I love your work and know that you are a fierce choreographer.
Are you going to be at Hanover? Would love to sit and chat with you and Erin and see if we can get our groups together along with Pouqson and continue to kick butt on a united front!!
I unfortunately cannot make it to Hanover's comp and no, I'm not a judge this year. It's all good dude and I think it would be awesome for the Newport News groups to get together. The 3 from the coast should stick together, the growth in the programs would be amazing.
I hope to get to see ya later this year, let me know if you're making a trip to NYC anytime soon.
Eh, not everyone brought something new lol, but all around the choirs were amazing. Great job directors, choreographers, performers, band members, stage crews, parents and two of the judges, hope to see all of yall at CHill!!
I think its great to see a director with such good vibes for everyone.
I have to say, I've been trying to take a bit of a cue from Cosby. Someone posted that you guys are really classy during competitions, and how you have great sportsmanship. I like that.
I think you have it right when you say "big" and "small" groups. I have an issue with phrases like "move down" to "B" division. I don't think B division choirs are lesser choirs, and it seems common that people seem to perceive A and B as better and worse. We are a smaller, less established choir, and we are working to establish ourselves. I know you understand it probably better than anyone, since we are both away from the thick of Virginia's show choir scene, geographically. I do think your track record should be an issue as well, but for me it's difficult to ignore size. It just seems we disagree on this aspect. I'm really new to this show choir scene, and maybe once I have been doing this as long as you and Ryguy have, I might see things differently.
And of course, that's also just my opinion, and I have complete respect for yours.
Once again, Congratulations on your victory yesterday. You guys had a gret weekend with both of your choirs. I appreciate your thumbs up during the awards ceremony. I thought it was classy of you and a great example set to your students.
To the young lady from Cosby: I like the spirit of what your teacher said about trophies. After I saw our playback yesterday, I felt the hugest sense of pride for the performance we put together and knew that nothing that happened during the awards ceremony would change that. We were honored to do well, but if we were first or last, it wouldn't have changed the way I felt about our performance. I had a great time making music with 28 of the most wonderful people I know.
Well, I know I'm looking forward to a weekend to myself, and preparing for Hanover!!
I think its great to see a director with such good vibes for everyone. There has been SO much ugliness in this thread, lets just acknowledge that everyone brought something great to the table.
Of course!!! G&G and Sound Sation baby!!! Oh and girl, I'm looking forward to a weekend that is all about myself!! I love my kids, but it's time for a little relaxation and "me " time. Hmmm, I say that, but I know at some point in time I will start looking at Hanover and we can do to improve our show...I guess it's the teacher in me!
Thanks. I certainly don't mean to downplay anyone who wins a trophy. Congratulations are in order to those choirs and they have the right to be proud of their accomplishments. I only mean that not winning a trophy doesn't make your work less significant. And I had a lot of "not winning" days to come to that conclusion. I think I probably appreciate any successes I have even more for going through it.
Also, don't our friends at Poquoson in our Peninsula Show Choir Club.
"I think you have it right when you say "big" and "small" groups. I have an issue with phrases like "move down" to "B" division. I don't think B division choirs are lesser choirs, and it seems common that people seem to perceive A and B as better and worse. We are a smaller, less established choir, and we are working to establish ourselves. I know you understand it probably better than anyone, since we are both away from the thick of Virginia's show choir scene, geographically. I do think your track record should be an issue as well, but for me it's difficult to ignore size. It just seems we disagree on this aspect. I'm really new to this show choir scene, and maybe once I have been doing this as long as you and Ryguy have, I might see things differently. "
You rock sweetheart!! I hope what I said didn't come off as "A" is better than "B". I truly don't see it that way. I think less experienced and as you said "less established" is more a correct way of saying what the difference is. I value your opinion and your group has grown to be a hard hitter with excellent choreography and full sound. You may be new, but "established" you are quickly becoming!
Just from soo many years in the business and seeing how some groups and people can be I do try to show my kids that although it is cool to win that pice of plastic, it's just as cool to walk out without one.
I saw that blood, sweat, and tears were shed all throughout this state and others over the last couple of months and have much respect for all groups. I hope in the future our groups can get to know one another better ...we're the only one's this side of Richmond and you and Rick are working your butts off...so all the thanks and praise belong to you two.
"Im keeping my mouth shut an not starting a war with your "opinion". But watch it, you're no ones mother and there hasn't been any trash talking to any choirs, if a judge is retarded, it needs to be called out so hopefully this person never gets hired EVER again."
Thanks for the correction and you would be wise to re-read my post! NO where did I mention any TRASH TALKING about the choirs. So NO there is no need in starting a "war" over ANYONE'S "opinion" if you can dish it, at least be able to take it.
Oh and my mother told me it's not nice to call people out of their name, no matter what they've done to me.
I know you're upset, and I didn't see Hanover's scores, but it wasn't a personal attack and we ALL know how amazing they are and will continue to be.
I've loved show choir since I laid eyes on one! I remember being in show choir and watching people like Capitol Swing, Carolina Spirit, and Broughton High School ( the show name escapes me ) and was thinking, man if we had that money we could be doing all that as well and getting AMAZING scores.
Broughton HS "Carolina Spirit"
Im keeping my mouth shut an not starting a war with your "opinion". But watch it, you're no ones mother and there hasn't been any trash talking to any choirs, if a judge is retarded, it needs to be called out so hopefully this person never gets hired EVER again.
I was really impressed with the sportsmanship of all the groups yesterday, Colerain... you guys were extremely sweet.
Best of luck to everyone at their next competitions, hopefully this competition will improve next year... it can only get better.
Since everyone's throwing out there two cents from this weekend i thought i might as well
I was there saturday as part of crew for Cosby's spotlight and I was only able to see a few choirs before i had to leave
From what I saw I'd just like to adress two of them:
Thomas Dale Knightscene:COSDALE!! you guys were outstanding. your vocals were topnotch and i love your closer.
CloverHill New Dimensions: I realy enjoyed watching your show. I was never bored and it was extremely entertaining. I see why you guys did so well in ohio. And i am in love with the shoes. It was good to finally see you guys
I'm shocked that Cosby, Thomas Dale, Cloverhill didnt place. In fairness I didnt see the ones who won however these three schools put on amazing performances. And what luhren said, those trophys are really just pieces of plastic.
As far all this hoopla about what division rules should be... I've never felt that size should make the difference. We have all seen "Big" horrible groups and "small" amazingly fierce groups. Your history and ratings should be the main factor. If you can't pull a superior in the "B" division, then you have no right stepping into the "A" the division no matter how many people you have in the group.
Just to piggy back that, if your "A" division group has been pulling multiple excellent and goods, plus and array of cut backs from the school system, you may just need to move down and work out what ever you can to get back to your old ratings and division. From what I've seen, the groups in the "B" division wont be there too long. The Amerricos have moved up due to their multiple wins in the "B" division and GOOD ON THEM.
I think you have it right when you say "big" and "small" groups. I have an issue with phrases like "move down" to "B" division. I don't think B division choirs are lesser choirs, and it seems common that people seem to perceive A and B as better and worse. We are a smaller, less established choir, and we are working to establish ourselves. I know you understand it probably better than anyone, since we are both away from the thick of Virginia's show choir scene, geographically. I do think your track record should be an issue as well, but for me it's difficult to ignore size. It just seems we disagree on this aspect. I'm really new to this show choir scene, and maybe once I have been doing this as long as you and Ryguy have, I might see things differently.
And of course, that's also just my opinion, and I have complete respect for yours.
Once again, Congratulations on your victory yesterday. You guys had a gret weekend with both of your choirs. I appreciate your thumbs up during the awards ceremony. I thought it was classy of you and a great example set to your students.
To the young lady from Cosby: I like the spirit of what your teacher said about trophies. After I saw our playback yesterday, I felt the hugest sense of pride for the performance we put together and knew that nothing that happened during the awards ceremony would change that. We were honored to do well, but if we were first or last, it wouldn't have changed the way I felt about our performance. I had a great time making music with 28 of the most wonderful people I know.
Well, I know I'm looking forward to a weekend to myself, and preparing for Hanover!!
congrats Cloverhill Choirs!!!!!! I am proud of you guys dont allow this weekend to throw you off your game...we knew what to expect heading into this one. I am proud of you guys and one more showing in WV! From all reports I heard you were PHENOM and thats all that matters in the end, that you are all entertainers first! Congrats and way to go to get virginia talking!
FIRST of all CONGRATULATIONS to EVERYONE who went out this weekend and prestented their show with confidence and pride! You all did an AMAZING JOB.
A special congratulations for the placing choirs...REVVED UP, Touch of Jade, Belle's of Amherst, Elegance, Rhapsody, Iridescence, Harbor Lights, (M)pulse, In a chor Dance, Good Times, Show Cards, and Current Edition (sorry if I spelled your groups name wrong)
Okay, so I see there are some very upset and yes...you are bitter people out there. Being there yesterday and seeing the shows, I'll admit, I too was a bit shocked at the outcome. However, take all personal associations out of it. There is no need for calling people out the way it has been done here. I mean really, how old are we!?!
As far all this hoopla about what division rules should be... I've never felt that size should make the difference. We have all seen "Big" horrible groups and "small" amazingly fierce groups. Your history and ratings should be the main factor. If you can't pull a superior in the "B" division, then you have no right stepping into the "A" the division no matter how many people you have in the group.
Just to piggy back that, if your "A" division group has been pulling multiple excellent and goods, plus and array of cut backs from the school system, you may just need to move down and work out what ever you can to get back to your old ratings and division. From what I've seen, the groups in the "B" division wont be there too long. The Amerricos have moved up due to their multiple wins in the "B" division and GOOD ON THEM.
I've loved show choir since I laid eyes on one! I remember being in show choir and watching people like Capitol Swing, Carolina Spirit, and Broughton High School ( the show name escapes me ) and was thinking, man if we had that money we could be doing all that as well and getting AMAZING scores. That's when my choral director stepped in and said something that I will never forget. " You can put all the MONEY you want into your show and do all the COSTUME changes and special EFFECTS you can dream, but if you don't have the SOUND to back it up, you might as well not even step on stage."
My group DIDN'T have a lot of money( and STILL don't) and WE NEVER did a costume change, but in the State of Virginia in our "small bubble"(as if it's something to be ashamed of) we did just fine and managed to always place. Oh and yes, that was back in the day when we did the all day competition and then had the finals the end of the day. Which to be honest I think is harder to do, but with all the hard work the students, choreographers, directors, band, and crew put in to their show, it's nice to go on at 10 in the morning and having no one there to support you, to then come back at 8 and finally get to show your hard work to bigger crowd.
One last thing...it's been my experience in this show choir world that if you received BEST VOCALS...then you WON that division no matter if another group received best show band, choreography, show design, etc, It was always the vocal score that took it. Just a little reminder to those posting their ideas of what should have been. The adjective is SHOW the noun...is CHOIR!!!
SORRY FOR THE LONG POST and if I upset anyone, I'm just stating my opinion l
Our teacher reminds us a lot that while winning IS a huge deal and a point of pride, trophies are a piece of plastic. Yeah, it defininitely sucks that the results came out in the way that they did, but hey, at least people are acknowledging it and that there is some sort of peace made when you know that the viewer thinks higher of you than the judge.
Manchester Central Virginia Show Choir Invitational 2009
I certainly don't mean to downplay anyone who wins a trophy. Congratulations are in order to those choirs and they have the right to be proud of their accomplishments. I only mean that not winning a trophy doesn't make your work less significant. And I had a lot of "not winning" days to come to that conclusion. I think I probably appreciate any successes I have even more for going through it.