You should advertise for them. Haha. I guess I didn't really think of it that way. That makes a lot of sense, and trust me I am still just as excited to be competing for a spot at nationals this year!
Thanks! Do you think that will hurt the events? slowly and slowly its moving away from any sort of traditional competition, and these changes (at least to me) seem negative?
I think Kevin (Choreo) explained it really well above in his post. I think FAME has the pretty clear vision of being the preeminent show choir championship series and thus they have tweaked their qualifiers to represent that. I think that FAME is counting on the top qualifiers at Hollywood, Chicago, Branson, Orlando, and New York to compete again in the National Finals. Obviously not all choirs are able to for reasons like finances and school board approval, but the National Finals have had pretty good attendance all 3 times so far. Past success is the best predictor of future success.
This format isn't for every choir or director, but I don't think it's ruining the events. Some of the FAME events have been "hurting" in a way the past several years as some years Branson, Hollywood, and New York have incredibly low attendance so I think FAME is just trying to constantly evolve to stay fresh and appeal to others.
Yes sir! Here is the excerpt that touches upon that from the initial post above:
Thanks! Do you think that will hurt the events? slowly and slowly its moving away from any sort of traditional competition, and these changes (at least to me) seem negative?
From word of mouth, I've heard some groups being turned away by this. As many groups aren't able to attend the Finals, due to scheduling or financial reasons, which both are understandable. Many groups used to go to FAME's for the experience and competition factor at that particular venue. I think it's very exciting for groups who fundraise all year long and put so much time into planning a trip get the opportunity to hear their name called, and prepare and perform in a finals at a FAME event, even if it is just for 5th runner up. I also see that some FAME's don't always have the largest number of participants, which could also be a reason for not doing a full on finals anymore. I think last year, most was top 3 competed again?
It feels like each FAME is just now being billed more as a stepping stone to the Finals. Which I think is fine if that's how they want to run it, and set it up, but I just know from different people, in some ways thats turning people away too.
Best of luck to all the groups in he 2014 season! I will be there watching all of the amazing talent!
Welcome back to the 2013-2014 school year! The team at FAME Events is looking forward to the upcoming season with great anticipation. We congratulate our reigning Show Choir National Champions John Burroughs High School Powerhouse & Sound Sensations. We look forward to crowning a new National Champion this season.
Many groups have already registered for a Show Choir National Championship Series qualifying event for a chance to compete at the 2014 Show Choir National Finals. We expect these events to continue to fill quickly. The format for the qualifying events will include a preliminary performance only as all “finals” performances are at the Show Choir National Finals. Each qualifying event will include a Championship Class Division and a non-qualifying Open Division.
Following are the dates for the SCNCS qualifying events in 2014:
March 2 – FAME Hollywood (Luckman Performing Arts Center)
March 7 – FAME New York (Jazz at LincolnCenter)
March 15 – FAME Orlando (Hard Rock Live!)
March 22 – FAME Chicago (Genesee Theatre)
March 29 – FAME Branson (Welk Resort)
April 5 – FAME Orlando (Hard Rock Live!)
The dates for the 2014 Show Choir Finals are April 25 and 26 at the Arie Crown Theatre in Chicago. Throughout the three years of producing the Show Choir Finals we have solicited feedback from participants, judges and staff to improve the event and each year has produced some improvements. This year is no exception. The following will be implemented in 2014:
1. Groups with large trucks will be able to unload on Thursday afternoon and evening.
The sound checks on Friday will be shortened to 20 minutes for each group including setup and teardown.
2. The competition for the women’s division will be held on Friday evening and all the mixed groups will take place on Saturday.
3. Each participant will be required to purchase a 2-day ticket for a seat in the theater at a reduced cost of $50 per person. A participant is defined as a performer, student stage crew, student and adult band members and directors. All others will be required to purchase a ticket at the regular price.
4. FAME will hold a limited number of hotel rooms in advance at a reduced cost. However, each group can make their own hotel arrangements.
You can obtain additional information regarding any of the above events at www.showchoirs.org. We look forward to seeing each of you perform this year. Good luck and have a great competition season!
FAME Show Choir National Finals 2014
Here is the excerpt that touches upon that from the initial post above: