I wasn't "knocking" it being a "national" competition it just seems limited to a few states. I think most competitions invite schools from many states. Teays Valley does at least 20 different states. I always thought of a "national" competition as something like FAME, SCN, or Showstoppers. This one seems like it's a traditional competition hosted by a private organization. BUT I am glad to see you donating the money to a good cause. Thank you for that.
Grand River National Show Choir Invitational is in its third year and has grown considerably since its inception. Our event is hosted by Grand River Singers, a non-for-profit adult show group located in La Crosse, WI. As a non-for-profit our mission statement is to give back to high school music programs through scholarships and Invitational prize monies. We are not offering these as incentives to attract groups, it is just what we do as stated in our mission statement.
We also strive to make our event educational. We invite college show choirs and concert choirs to perform in exhibition. Friday afternoon we host the Concert Choir segment of our Invitational. Each Concert Choir gets an on-stage workshop from one of our top-notch judges. This year we have added a Friday night Master Class/Cabaret by Andrea Canny. Miss Canny originated the roll of Belle at Walt Disney World in Florida and now serves as Casting Director for Disney's American Idol Experience where everyday one talented young person is picked to receive a ticket to audition for Randy, Paula and Simon. The Master Class will feature getting into the business and performing professionally. We will also feature a dance and kareoke after the concert for all high school students who wish to attend. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=54670931268&ref=mf
Grand River Productions just wants to give an alternative to the more expensive National Competitions. Fame, Showstoppers and Show Choir Nationals are incredible events! We understand that every school can not afford a trip of that magnitude, so we are simply offering another choice in our corner-of -the-world!
With that being said, each Spring and Fall we send out over 150 mailed invitations to Competitive Show Choirs across the Country. We are proud to to have 5 States represented this year and 20 groups competing. We hope to see you in La Crosse March 20th and 21st!
For more information and schedules please visit our website at www.grandriversingers.com
To be very specific, I don't recall the west coast being well represented at Showstoppers when there was only one Showstoppers Contest and it was held at the Palace Theater in Chicago between 1986-about 1992 or so. Yes. I'm old. 2004 was held at the Oriental Theater in Chicago and I think hosted maybe 10 groups at the most.
Although there may not be representatives from every state at this competition, it's my understanding that an effort was made to at least invite a smattering of groups from all across the country, and that's what makes it national.
To be very specific, I don't recall the west coast being well represented at Showstoppers when there was only one Showstoppers Contest and it was held at the Palace Theater in Chicago between 1986-about 1992 or so. Yes. I'm old. 2004 was held at the Oriental Theater in Chicago and I think hosted maybe 10 groups at the most.
Perhaps the best attempt at a NATIONAL COMPETITION was the Young American's National Performance Choir Invitational that was held several times with attempts to represent each state with one top flight show choir. But then the first three were swept by Illinois (Mt. Zion, Pekin, and Sullivan). After that, I'm not sure what happened to that event.
Showstoppers (when there was 1 event in downtown Chicago) was an outstanding competition with usually 16 very high quality choirs but they would up being mostly from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin and then a smattering of other regions represented. Was it a national competition? No. I don't remember any California groups at Showstoppers Chicago. Was it a high quality competition in an exciting venue? Yes.
The truth about all the NATIONAL COMPETITIONS is that they are usually season ending events for the groups involved and directors hope they can use the perceived importance of that competition to keep students focussed on goals when the longness of the season starts to set in. Are they more competitive than the many very tough competitions held in Indianapolis, Chicago, Cincinatti, Los Angeles or Sullivan? Rarely. Are they fun trips that help kids bond and enjoy their high school music touring experience? Yes.
Enjoy your performances wherever they are and make the most of your opportunities to make great music and great friends!
Hey guys and gals,
Here if the link to the Saturday show choir competition schedule. The Friday concert choir schedule should be up/available around the end of the month. Also, keep your eye on the website/forum for more information on Friday nights entertainment. Hope everyone can make it out!
QUOTE(Coffeeaddict @ Dec 28 2008, 11:48 AM) [snapback]444190[/snapback]
Too bad we are not coming back this year! It was an absolute blast last year, and Grand River Singers' performance was a tear-jerker for sure for many in our group. This is a very well-run competition, and a great time!
definately have to agree... this competition is run so very well... i'm semi-sad that company will not be at this one.. but the line up for this year looks just amazing....
and the grand river singers.... omg they're so nice and they do such a good job! and all have beautiful voices!
Too bad we are not coming back this year! It was an absolute blast last year, and Grand River Singers' performance was a tear-jerker for sure for many in our group. This is a very well-run competition, and a great time!
QUOTE(sj03gcs @ Dec 24 2008, 12:38 PM) [snapback]444065[/snapback]
This competition is not at a high school. It is at the La Crosse Center, our conventions center in town. The competition is located in the south hall with the homerooms upstairs in the conference and ballrooms. It's not at a high school in town because it's not hosted by one of the high schools. Grand River National Show Choir Competition is hosted by the Grand River Singers an adult show choir in La Crosse. Here are the websites for the Grand River Singers and the La Crosse Center.
This competition is not at a high school. It is at the La Crosse Center, our conventions center in town. The competition is located in the south hall with the homerooms upstairs in the conference and ballrooms. It's not at a high school in town because it's not hosted by one of the high schools. Grand River National Show Choir Competition is hosted by the Grand River Singers an adult show choir in La Crosse. Here are the websites for the Grand River Singers and the La Crosse Center.
Grand River National Show Choir Invitational 2009
