The difference to me (personally) was that almost every move in Albertville's show genuinely added something to the particular moment in the show during which the move was executed. Every move they performed had a definite purpose other than just being there for the sake of being there: for the sake of having "difficult" choreography, for the sake of "dancing," or for the sake of some "standard" of "show choir." At several points in their show, I found that a focused, engaged pose or a simple position change proved to be much more effective visually than a sequence of various "dance" movements would have been at that point in their show. Also apparent to me was Albertville's unmatched sense of clarity in terms of execution and communication. When everyone on stage bent down to their knees in a somber and contemplative mood, I understood why they were doing that, and, most importantly, I could tell that the performers also understood why they were doing that: it was a somber and contemplative moment within the song and within the show, a moment that might have contrasted significantly from the moment before it; they didn't just drop to the ground because the choreographer had instructed them to drop to the ground. Seeing performers who were themselves engaged in the show at this level of artistic awareness made me more engaged in the show personally. Many of the other groups had intricate, visually appealing choreography, impeccably clean dance breaks, and outstanding energy, but many times, I found myself asking the question "do they know why they're dancing right now?" and it was during those times when that intricate, clean, energetic dance break just wasn't all that appealing to me personally, especially after I had seen Albertville. That being said (congrats Albertville), it's not something that any other group I saw that day isn't capable of doing themselves within each of their own shows. We all have our own ideas of what "show choir" or "choreography" or "dance" is - go ask a ballerina, and she will tell you that nothing about show choir involves "dance" - Albertville, to me, did the best job of communicating to me as an audience member what they think and "who they are."
The difference to me (personally) was that almost every move in Albertville's show genuinely added something to the particular moment in the show during which the move was executed. Every move they performed had a definite purpose other than just being there for the sake of being there: for the sake of having "difficult" choreography, for the sake of "dancing," or for the sake of some "standard" of "show choir." At several points in their show, I found that a focused, engaged pose or a simple position change proved to be much more effective visually than a sequence of various "dance" movements would have been at that point in their show. Also apparent to me was Albertville's unmatched sense of clarity in terms of execution and communication. When everyone on stage bent down to their knees in a somber and contemplative mood, I understood why they were doing that, and, most importantly, I could tell that the performers also understood why they were doing that: it was a somber and contemplative moment within the song and within the show, a moment that might have contrasted significantly from the moment before it; they didn't just drop to the ground because the choreographer had instructed them to drop to the ground. Seeing performers who were themselves engaged in the show at this level of artistic awareness made me more engaged in the show personally. Many of the other groups had intricate, visually appealing choreography, impeccably clean dance breaks, and outstanding energy, but many times, I found myself asking the question "do they know why they're dancing right now?" and it was during those times when that intricate, clean, energetic dance break just wasn't all that appealing to me personally, especially after I had seen Albertville. That being said (congrats Albertville), it's not something that any other group I saw that day isn't capable of doing themselves within each of their own shows. We all have our own ideas of what "show choir" or "choreography" or "dance" is - go ask a ballerina, and she will tell you that nothing about show choir involves "dance" - Albertville, to me, did the best job of communicating to me as an audience member what they think and "who they are."
I think there will always be the debate over choreography and the award for best choreography.
In the midwest (I live in Minneapolis, MN but attented this comp.) there are a handful of groups who do like a musical theater set for their show. There has always been a debate over these type's of groups, which I will say it's not my favorite way to do a show choir show, but you can't knock the groups or kids for doing it. Directors pick the show. I have judged a few competitions recently, and at every single judges meeting, the host director has said to us, "please judge what you see and hear on stage" do not let your opinions and personal views control your scoring."
I personally prefer a more traditional show choir set- just how i am, and was raised with show choir, however, seeing how show choir is changing and developing is exciting. I choreographed Disturbia for a MN group this year, and its very dark and creepy in a way, as the song should be...had I done that song maybe 10 years ago people may have said, "thats not show choir" show choir is supposed to be fun music, jazz hands, and cheesy facials. Show choir is changing, and when a group as talented and amazing as Albertville chooses to do a riskier show and a much HARDER show to pull of than your average set, and does it to the level that they did, i dont know if you can say "thats not show choir"
Show choir doesnt have a specific set of rules... used to be 5 song set... then people starting adding transition songs, or guys/girls #s, or putting the ballad after the opener instead of slot #3, the way people are defining and creating show choir shows is changing a lot, and i think thats exciting.
On the topic of best choreoraphy award...I will use an example of a group that does more musical theater based stuff, and a group who is for every # hard core kickin choreo out...
In a judge sheet there is usually different sections of the visual that make up who wins best choreography... it really should be called the "Outstanding Visuals" award... execution of choreography is one tiny part of that. If you choose to have a choreographer give your show crazy choreo all the way through- thats a group and directors choice, also a risk you take in getting it as clean as other groups. Should there be merit or points awarded to difficulty of choreography, YES! Some competitions do that, and some do not... lets be real, we could all have easy choreography that we could get amazingly clean- but most groups choose to take the risk and go for more.
If a group does a musical theater type show and has less choreo than the other group, but is wayyyy more clean and tight in the execution...then they would get more points for execution.
I cant remember specifically about each group a whole lot, but i do know that as soon as i saw Albertville in day round, i knew they would sweep the comp!
There was NO group as visually appealing and dynamic as them, and there was no group that effectively executed their choreography as well as albertville did- thats just my opinion, and thats the great thing about show choir... every group is different, and people get to say and feel different things about what the love and dont love.
I also think its important to remember that what you say on here does reflect on you and your school, and while its ok to share your opinion, always remember to do it in a respectful manner, us show choir people have got to stick together ;)
First off, I'd like to say that I have absolutely no problem with Albertville winning the competition this past weekend, and I congratulate them on winning against some stiff competition. I watched every Finalist group (with the exception of Homewood), and none came anywhere near Albertville vocally, instrumentally, creatively or emotionally on Saturday night. They set the bar for every Southern group to beat this year, and are certainly deserving of their Grand Championship. Their ability to convey their emotions as they related to the show have been paralelled by only one other group that I've seen.
In 2008, I had the privilege of watching John Burroughs "Powerhouse" perform live at FAME Chicago. For those of you who have never had such an opportunity, I must tell you that you're missing out on a great experience. My best attempt to explain it would be as such:
Many show choirs "think inside the box"; there are also some who think "outside the box". Burroughs, however, has come up with their own stinkin' 3D cube that will blow your mind, and make you wonder why the original box ever even existed. They're that good. That innovative. And on this past Saturday night, Albertville "CenterStage!" had their own stinkin' 3D cube too. Granted, just like everyone else, they still have plenty of work to do to perfect and make their show better, they made it very clear that they're ready to embrace the winds of change that are inevitable.
However, I do also tend to disagree with their winning the "Best Choreography" caption this past weekend. That's not to say that their choreography was not good, I just felt like there were other groups who better executed more difficult choreography, over a longer period of time. And yes, Albertville was probably aided in their vocals by the lack of strenuous choreography, but that shouldn't take anything away from the amazing performance they displayed.
It's only natural that a group will be able to sing with more breath support and focus if they're not being required to do breath-taking choreography at the same time. This is nothing new; all great groups utilize this to their advantage, as they well should. However, in Albertville's case, it just seemed to me like there was too little choreography to base the "Best Choreography" caption on. That doesn't mean that they didn't have any choreography, I just felt like there were other groups who deserved that particular caption a little more.
Again, congratulations to Albertville on your GC+Captions; we're looking forward to attending your competition for the first time ever this weekend!
Wow... longest post ever. loved John Burroughs show in 08. You are so lucky to have seen it live.
Lastly, I loved West Jones Show... it was tons of fun and they continue to come SOOO far, great job to West and Mr Mizell. I thought Souths vocals were great so good job to Mr. McKenzie, and I appreciate Albertvilles choice to go outside the box even if I didn't particularly like the style of show, it was well done. Can't wait to see everyone at Petal and see how everyones improved!!
Anyways, cody you never told us your opinion I'm curious to hear because I usually agree with you about the majority of things.
Here you go:
First off, I'd like to say that I have absolutely no problem with Albertville winning the competition this past weekend, and I congratulate them on winning against some stiff competition. I watched every Finalist group (with the exception of Homewood), and none came anywhere near Albertville vocally, instrumentally, creatively or emotionally on Saturday night. They set the bar for every Southern group to beat this year, and are certainly deserving of their Grand Championship. Their ability to convey their emotions as they related to the show have been paralelled by only one other group that I've seen.
In 2008, I had the privilege of watching John Burroughs "Powerhouse" perform live at FAME Chicago. For those of you who have never had such an opportunity, I must tell you that you're missing out on a great experience. My best attempt to explain it would be as such:
Many show choirs "think inside the box"; there are also some who think "outside the box". Burroughs, however, has come up with their own stinkin' 3D cube that will blow your mind, and make you wonder why the original box ever even existed. They're that good. That innovative. And on this past Saturday night, Albertville "CenterStage!" had their own stinkin' 3D cube too. Granted, just like everyone else, they still have plenty of work to do to perfect and make their show better, they made it very clear that they're ready to embrace the winds of change that are inevitable.
However, I do also tend to disagree with their winning the "Best Choreography" caption this past weekend. That's not to say that their choreography was not good, I just felt like there were other groups who better executed more difficult choreography, over a longer period of time. And yes, Albertville was probably aided in their vocals by the lack of strenuous choreography, but that shouldn't take anything away from the amazing performance they displayed.
It's only natural that a group will be able to sing with more breath support and focus if they're not being required to do breath-taking choreography at the same time. This is nothing new; all great groups utilize this to their advantage, as they well should. However, in Albertville's case, it just seemed to me like there was too little choreography to base the "Best Choreography" caption on. That doesn't mean that they didn't have any choreography, I just felt like there were other groups who deserved that particular caption a little more.
Again, congratulations to Albertville on your GC+Captions; we're looking forward to attending your competition for the first time ever this weekend!
So we all know by now the "art" of a show choir competition is by no means a science, and is in a word (or rather two) TOTALLY SUBJECTIVE.
That said, I don't argue that those judges called it the way they thought it should go, and it is, like it or not, the final outcome of South Jones 2010.
Had I been a judge, I saw the competition a little differently.
A) I probably would have had NE Jones in finals over Jackson, or perhaps even over Homewood.
B) I likely would have had Albertville winning, West Jones 1RU, Petal 2RU in the large division category
C) In finals, considering the groups that made it based on these judges points... I would have had
ALBERTVILLE - GC
WEST JONES - 1RU
PETAL - 2RU
HOMEWOOD - 3RU
JACKSON - 4RU
But it is was it is, and not worth trashing other groups.... it was a great day no doubt.
Lastly, I loved West Jones Show... it was tons of fun and they continue to come SOOO far, great job to West and Mr Mizell. I thought Souths vocals were great so good job to Mr. McKenzie, and I appreciate Albertvilles choice to go outside the box even if I didn't particularly like the style of show, it was well done. Can't wait to see everyone at Petal and see how everyones improved!!
Hello, everyone. I'm sure you've all missed me (not really). It's been almost a year since I've posted anything. But since I was definitely at JC this past Saturday, I'll give input on the groups and tapes that I saw.
DREW IS BACK!!!!!!!!! CELEBRATION TIME!!!!
Quick, we have to get in a big circle and sing Kum Bah Yah.
Hello, everyone. I'm sure you've all missed me (not really). It's been almost a year since I've posted anything. But since I was definitely at JC this past Saturday, I'll give input on the groups and tapes that I saw.
Um, I've been wondering when you were going to show up!
Yeah, it was super cold, but on the positive side, this is the first time it hasn't rained at this competition! Praise the Lord for that!
I agree about Northeast. I thought for sure they would make it to finals.
South Jones Invitational 2010
