Im So Proud of the CR Choirs and It was awesome to see GC go to such a worthy group!!
Kennedy.... I saw you guys at benton and I was a little shaky on how much I liked the show, but you all stepped it up so much!!!! I'm so proud of you all!! Congrats! YOu worked so hard I was so blown away by it all! It made me miss performing soooo much!!! I loved the ballad it really touched me this time! I love the second song great great contrast in the vocals!! Great Job y'all! Y'all Got Some haha! Good luck the rest of the way!! Ok Loved the opening energy! Dont have much to say about it haha! Not much botu the second either They both are so strong!! Ballad Derek Way to go you did a great job, I love D. Ro's faces in the ballad to ha, Love the novelty y'all are so creative, glad the mic worked in the finals haha!!! Paige in the closer you are amazing way to go!!!
Cr Jeff Ovation!!! Wow Wow Wow Wow, I was almost in tears how good Y'all have gotten! When I used to be in it I was embarresed lol but now its just Wow!!! Huge Props!
WSD- Yes I love the show it was great! You all look so great on stage! Im proud of all of you! The opener vocals we so great! they were really crisp the energy was amazing! and you all took it in to the second song well Also Coop! Great Job love your voice!, Second Song! I love the style and the arrangement its really a great song. Ben Gray The ballad solo You are a stud! you make me so proud everytime you do it you are looking so comfortable with that mic in you hand I cant wait for the future of your voice!! The vocals in the ballad are amazing not my favorite arrangement but y'all sing the hell out of it. I got the chills WSD ballads alway gave me so great job!!! bailey did a great job with the solo like usual I loved Kurt on the Piano for finals I laughed so hard great Improv! Y'all just did a great job!!!
Linn-mar, I was really proud of how you all improved from the day show! I love the show great job. I always like the closer energys, and the ballads. You had a lot of great soloists! Dont really have a whole lot of details to share
Wash- You aguys were so clean! and y'all got the closer stuck in my head!!! but i liked the show it was really clean! you guys improved a ton in finals! Proud of y'all!!!
Ummm... I dont remember much of the other groups I watched! I couldnt believe how close the scores were!1 So Proud of all the groups!! It was an awesome competition.
O Davenport Central!!! I loved the show!1 I love Andy Haines and Mr. Reese!! The show was great!! also thanks for being nice people (to the ones I met) Good Luck
QUOTE(bryantsgrlno8 @ Feb 18 2007, 01:19 PM) [snapback]385184[/snapback]
Congratulations to all of the CR Choirs, this is definitely a good year for Cedar Rapids. I know the finals results were close, and I think that puts us all on a relatively even playing field. I'm honored to be included in the amazing Show Choirs of Cedar Rapids.
I only have one issue with the day. When they announced 1RU during PREP daytime awards, I saw the worst display of sportsmanship from a choir I think I've ever seen at a Show Choir competition. We all need to remember that the 1RU deserves their moment of recognition, and the GC should never EVER celebrate before their name is called.
I agree. Even if you know your choir is GC, don't overshadow the group that may only be a fraction of a point behind you. They deserve their recognition also. I also hate to see bad sportsmanship and unfortunately the parents are often times worse than the students.
QUOTE(I_Got_Rhythm @ Feb 18 2007, 09:38 PM) [snapback]385374[/snapback]
Linn-Mar- During the day I was a bit taken back and didn't see much improvement from Viterbo. When your name hadn't been announced for finals until last, I thought that you all didn't make finals, and to be honest with your day time show, I don't know if I would've put you in finals. BUT! (here's the "redeeming myself" section) your finals performance was just OFF THE HOOK! Way to go! It was a completely different show, everything about it was 10x better than the day. I loved your ballad at night. I had you guys in 2nd behind Kennedy. On a side note, the girl who sings the ballad solo is just gorgeous.
About the soloist...Kelsey Madsen is gorgeous I met her at Mt. Pleasant and she is also one of the sweetest girls ever. I've heard from people that she is the most humble person you will ever meet. I love watching her on stage.
Just a few thoughts in order of placements... (Finals unless otherwise noted)
I didn't see Jefferson or Kennedy during the day, or Washington and Iowa City at night.
Kennedy- Lots of improvement, from the moment you were on stage to the moment you got off, we could tell that you guys wanted it. I said to the girl sitting next to me that they would easily win, you were the most consistent group of the night. That was something that was lacking in every group besides Kennedy. The novelty was great, and I could understand so much more now! Your vocal sound is one of the best I've heard this year keep that up. Choreographically you guys were clean and danced well.
Washington- (day show) You had the best vocal sound during the day that I saw. (keep in mind I didn't see Kennedy or Jefferson). I thought that you blended very well, and sang with a beautiful tone! Sunday for me was the down point in the show sadly, but it was a nice ballad. I thought you danced well for the most part, but I'm just not a fan of your choreography. Everything was well executed though, and I was surprised to see you in 6th place after the day.
Linn-Mar- During the day I was a bit taken back and didn't see much improvement from Viterbo. When your name hadn't been announced for finals until last, I thought that you all didn't make finals, and to be honest with your day time show, I don't know if I would've put you in finals. BUT! (here's the "redeeming myself" section) your finals performance was just OFF THE HOOK! Way to go! It was a completely different show, everything about it was 10x better than the day. I loved your ballad at night. I had you guys in 2nd behind Kennedy. On a side note, the girl who sings the ballad solo is just gorgeous.
Troy- Your elaborate set was beautiful, but it took a while to set up! I think that out of all three years, for me, this is your weakest show. It didn't start out with the normal Troy POW. Your ballad was good, and throughout the entire show you had moments of vocal beauty but I felt the a capella sections were a bit shouty and need some work. Choreographically you probably had some of the coolest choreography there, but I didn't think it was the cleanest. I see where judges would pick you for best choreography, though. Good showing in Iowa! (PS, your prep group was great!)
Iowa City- (day round) SO much improvement! Way to go! I think Aldopho was much funnier than it was at Milton so congrats on that. My favorite part of your show is the part where you sing part of "Change in My Life" by Rockapella, just a great song and a good soloist! Congrats on making finals and placing well!
Jefferson- You guys have also gotten a lot better since the last time I saw you. The choreography is a lot cleaner, but the vocals are still inconsistent. I really didn't think that you guys came across as great until the end. Alexander's Ragtime Band was great and very very clean! I think your strong point this year is choreography, it's just very clean! Vocals were great towards the end of the show! Work on consistency in singing and you'll be great the rest of the season!
This is what I had for finals:
GC: Kennedy (Vocals)
1RU: Linn-mar (Choreography)
2RU: Washington
3RU: Troy
4RU: Jefferson
5RU: Iowa City
Congrats to all finalists! This was a great competition to attend!
Highlights of the weekend!
(I tried to post these last night but was too frustrated with SCC acting up!!)
Central and West's exhibition- So much improvement by both groups, more so Central though. West is still the funnest show I've seen all year!
Kennedy's finals show--it was just on!
Linn-mar's improvement from day to night.
Washington's vocals day round.
Middle school soloists! (I think they could've taken the captions in the high school division!)
Meeting Heath Weber (great guy!) and seeing the great Tara Tober once again!
Meeting a bunch of new people, and meeting some awesome Davenport kids!
Alex-
i understand the song and understand how difficult it is, I just don't care for it. Its a personal opinion. And I don't want you to think I disliked Wash at all, cause I love you guys a lot, I am just trying to come at it from an unbiased view, because the alum side of me was ESTATIC to see you guy take 1st RU and beat Linn Mar, which was my favorite show of the day
And about Linn Mar, I don't know why I like them so much, over the past few years of seeing their shows I am so... bored by their shows and this year I actually got into the show. The choreography in the opener was SOOO cool, yeah, it was used over multiple times as the song went on, but still, there was just something about it I liked.
I have just returned from my "Great River" vacation and a afternoon in the wonderful city of Cedar Rapids, so if I haven't read really anyone's show critiques. If I repeat things over again that are already stated, I apologize.
Kennedy- I can remember coming to see your premiere show in November and being a bit depressed at the shape everything was looking. I then saw you compete at Milton with a much improved show, but... it didn't do anything for me. I saw you compete yesterday morning at Great River and thought, "WOW, HAVE THEY IMPROVED 100%!!!", but still felt "ehh" about the show. But then... in finals, you brought something new and completely different than I had ever saw. The vocals were ten times as powerful as the day, and the best ones I heard at the competition. The tone was awesome! - The choreography was so energized, and you could just tell you were there to win and not settle for anything less. I have never been a fan of the opener until the night performance, it was fun! I also was never a fan of "That's All"... but once again, the night show made me a super fan of it. I have been singing that song ALL day. The choreography was so crisp and you guys put so much personality and "umph" into it. The ballad was wonderful. The novelty, hilarious as always. Damon certainly is NOT satan... (At least I don't think he is... or is he? I can just see it now, directors and choreographers running around saying "Did you see that Jorge said Damon was satan online?!?!?" haha " border="0" alt="laugh.gif" /> ) once again I give him the "King of Novelties" award. What I like to call "Klassic Kennedy". The closer reminds me so much of 2003's "Millie". It felt like a flashback (a really good one). You had it all. Did I see you in first in the day round? No. But did I see you winning by the end of finals... YES! You guys are my favorite group of all time, and you always will be. Matt is right, Damon's groups have so much energy and facials than most groups... it's simply fantastic. Congrats on your win, and thank you for finally making me a believer and lover of your show. You had a hard act to follow from last years phenomenal show, but the fire has been lit again! Run with it.
Washington- I loved the funky band sound at the beginning. It was... funky! haha "Sunday" for me was nothing special. I have seen it so many times, and your interpretation was nothing new. It was performed well and sounded great, but it left me bored. "Rhythm of Life/I've Got Rhythym" was great, but was just bland for me. I was VERY impressed with your "Step In Time". I loved the costumes, I loved the flips, and I loved the tap. It was really fun, and even though I have seen this song also done before, it was pleasant and fresh. I love the abrupt ending, very neat. I didn't think you'd receive 2nd... but the show and vocals are VERY solid and it was enjoyed by many. Congrats!
Linn Mar- I was rooting you guys on ALL day and night! Your first two songs in the day show were just dead. But once the ballad started I was hooked. In finals... you guys improved so much! "Jaleo" was vocally intense! I loved it. The energy and dramatics of it was great. "Moondance" is not my favorite show choir song, but your version is probably my favorite out of all the ones I have seen. The ballad is simply gorgeous. Best ballad of the day, hands down. The maturity in the sound was beautiful. The guys song was phenomenal as always, led by the great Diandre Neville (nice add on the splits). I love listening to the male sound... you sound like REAL men (deep voices like the vodka soaked Russians) and not wimpy show choir boys. The girls number was alright, but I don't like listening to the soloist do the "WooHoos" into the microphone... I think the girls should just do it alone. Other than that, I really enjoyed it. "Juke Box Hero/Higher Ground Medley"... I get excited even thinking about it. The vocals are amazing in this ROCKIN' closer. The diction is perfect, and April gave you some tight choreography. I personally think you guys should have gone home with the Best Choreography trophy. Everything was so drastic and powerful. My only criticism is... with the choreography being so physically straining and difficult, it's easy for the facials to wane. Try your best to keep the facials up. The song is too wonderful to have it be held down by lack of energized faces. I love your show, and think it was the most difficult one at Great River, and one of the most difficult I have seen all season. I had y'all pegged in 2nd... but judges thought differently. I am so glad you came to GR for the first time, I hope it was a positive experience and that you will return... and I can't wait to see how you do at Mo Show, because everyone knows Linn Mar never goes out without a "BANG!" Remember... use the power of the trolls!!!
Troy- I'm glad I got to see your show. Thanks for traveling all the way up to Davenport to compete at Great River. The day show was better than the finals show in my opinion. It just wasn't "on" in the night. My favorite song was probably your opener. "West Side Story" never gets old! Congrats on the choreography award, and good luck with the rest of your season.
Iowa City High- The improvement continues with you all. I once again was impressed with the strong show you guys put on. I don't know if I would have had you in finals, but like everyone said... everything was open game and it was a toss up with everyone. The opener is so much more clean and the band really shines in it. I am not a fan of the "Save The Last Dance" arrangement, but it was still performed nicely. The ballad was good, but way too long for my liking. I got very bored. The novelty was awesome, and everyone loves it. I am a big fan of your closer. The male soloist has such a smoky and unique voice. One of the best soloists of the day (along with Diandre). The energy and facials in the entire show were great! Awesome job!
Jefferson- I thought the day show was amazing, but felt there was a clear drop in the night show. I'm not a fan of the opener, but the vocals are very pleasant. I love the cool version of "Something Coming" you guys do. I remember spacing out for the ballad, it just wasn't a catchy song for me. Your "Show Off" was PERFECT! I love the cool touches you put in it. "Alexander's Ragtime Band" was really classy and tons of FUN!!!! I love the tap section with the 4 girls... and the vocals are so strong in this closer! I had you guys going home with Best Band in the day... they did a great job. I hope you aren't upset with your placing in finals... the show was wonderful, but the competition was tight! Good luck in Indiana, I can see that you guys are going to make it tough for the schools competing there.
Xavier- What can I say? I LOVED YOUR SHOW! Every year... it gets better and better and better! I had you in second in the day and was shocked and saddened not to see you in finals. The opener was so classy and filled with awesome vocal moments. "One Note Johnny" was hilarious! Where is it from? The ballad was beautiful. The male sound was SO strong in "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing". This song was a bit contradictory though... I worried so much for the well being of your band when the back drop came down! That was very frightening, and I hope no one was hurt (I did have a chuckle though, so I will really feel bad if someone did get hurt). "Raise The Roof" was ok. I was not a fan of the costumes for this song. "Dr. Jazz/Too Late" was EXCEPTIONAL!!! I don't really have many criticisms and I guess I am just confused as to why y'all weren't in finals. I hope the judges tapes give some reasoning, because I thought the show was powerful. I love the theme "THE UNEXPECTED", because you certainly fit the description (only not to me, because I have known since 2004 the potential that you all had... and now it's REALLY showing). Don't let this placement bog you guys down. You all were amazing! I am really considering coming to Waukee now to see you all and GCS! It would be wonderful! Keep up the wonderful work under the superb Mr. Last! (Go Norse!)
Prairie- Everything was solid. I could have easily seen you all in finals.
Cedar Rapids Jefferson "Ovation"- Amazing show! I loved everything... especially the costumes. I wish WSD would have done this show in one of their "off" years.
Davenport North- Great show! The energy was wonderful and I really enjoyed "Unwritten"... it was the other song stuck in my head all day.
Other highlights of the day...
- Meeting some really awesome Sioux City people.
- All the microphones going dead right before the 6 finalists were announced and having Michael Reese yell the finalists to a packed theater of over 2000 people.
- Hearing that Central has had a show choir since 1920.
- A new night time MC! It was a wonderful change from the day.
- Shout outs.
- Mr. Drinkall testing microphones during finals... you are a smart man, and we cheered you on.
- Having Adam Miller reminding the MC that he forgot to announce 2nd Runner Up before captions, and then him saying "Oooops! Thanks for the reminder... 2nd Runner Up..." (I was saddened by the group called though)
- Cheering on Linn Mar.
- Troll gifts.
- A wonderful unpredictable competition.
- Seeing "Happiness, Inc." take home the GC!
QUOTE(bryantsgrlno8 @ Feb 18 2007, 03:19 PM) [snapback]385184[/snapback]
I only have one issue with the day. When they announced 1RU during PREP daytime awards, I saw the worst display of sportsmanship from a choir I think I've ever seen at a Show Choir competition. We all need to remember that the 1RU deserves their moment of recognition, and the GC should never EVER celebrate before their name is called.
Haha. I've seen worse!!!!! THe night before, at the Middle School comp, the kids who won the competition were running around screaming "WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON!!!! YAY YAY!!!!! WE WON!!!!!!" in front of all the kids who went home without trophies and such.
I laughed.... pretty hard. In fact, I'm still laughing.
QUOTE(MJayH1201 @ Feb 18 2007, 04:38 PM) [snapback]385298[/snapback]
Umm sure thing!!! Plus it's on my way home and you still haven't visited me or steph all year yet....what's that about??
But for real all the happiness kids sat around me and my friend, who was a show choir virgin and she was like who are these people? She was soo lost...haha and then I was like it was the group you liked. She was like ooh they better win and this was her first show choir experience. And we cheered excitedly with happiness.
QUOTE(UOSCF @ Feb 18 2007, 05:01 PM) [snapback]385311[/snapback]
Where are you going?
Haha, I'm going down to Central in March... I'll be in the area, I'll be sure to stop by. I have some other ISU friends that I've neglected.
and I'm going to Central College for German and International Business Management as my double major. I can't wait!
Back on topic, I love show choir virgins... they're so amazed their first times... it's great.
QUOTE(MyFlakeIzFrozted @ Feb 18 2007, 06:32 PM) [snapback]385294[/snapback]
HAHA! That's hilarious. I love you kid.
Hang out with me next year? I'm going to school about 30 mins from DSM. Holla.
Umm sure thing!!! Plus it's on my way home and you still haven't visited me or steph all year yet....what's that about??
But for real all the happiness kids sat around me and my friend, who was a show choir virgin and she was like who are these people? She was soo lost...haha and then I was like it was the group you liked. She was like ooh they better win and this was her first show choir experience. And we cheered excitedly with happiness.
QUOTE(unicoffeeboy @ Feb 18 2007, 06:02 PM) [snapback]385278[/snapback]
Once again i feel the need to state that everyone has their own abilirty and right to feel the way they want to about an individual show. Just because someone chooses not to like a certain show, it does not give you the right to make personal stabs at that person or why they like a show. Once again take everything in that is written and let it digest before you choice to write that way you do not write in an offensive manor. When you write this way it does not make the person you are writing about look bad but it makes yourself and your choir look bad.
Im not writing in an offensive manor.....i said that i loved linn mars show...and for me saying what i need to say to chris...chris used to go to my school....so whatever i said if it offended you...then dang...get a life...cause i said that I LOVED YOUR SHOW...take a complement
Once again i feel the need to state that everyone has their own ability and right to feel the way they want to about an individual show. Just because someone chooses not to like a certain show, it does not give you the right to make personal stabs at that person or why they like a show. Once again take everything in that is written and let it digest before you choice to write that way you do not write in an offensive manor. When you write this way it does not make the person you are writing about look bad but it makes yourself and your choir look bad.
Davenport Great River Show Choir Invitational 2007
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I met her at Mt. Pleasant and she is also one of the sweetest girls ever. I've heard from people that she is the most humble person you will ever meet. I love watching her on stage.
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