QUOTE(shottii @ Feb 17 2008, 06:44 PM) [snapback]420134[/snapback]
glad you're not biast towards wash or anything...
Yah, well I am biased, but also I thought Washington performed better than some other groups. Aren't I also allowed to say good things about my old group? I think I have very valid reasons for how I thought it would go. I didn't say Momentum should've won and everyone else sucked. Cuz no one sucked. This is how I honestly thought it would go after watching all of the groups.
QUOTE(juliofrommississippi @ Feb 17 2008, 01:00 PM) [snapback]420060[/snapback]
Ok so I'm sitting in the Grinnell rest stop because I'm tired of driving 40 mph on the interstate. (I hate the winter)
CR Kennedy: You guys were great. HUGE improvements vocally in the show since Urbandale. By far the most difficult and effective choreography in the competition. Your show was just on here. I had you in first the entire way!!!!
Iowa City West: I didn't get to see your day performance, but I was a little disappointed with the finals performance. The vocals are really pretty, and the blend is really good. There was just no "oomph" in the sound, and you didn't have as crisp of diction as I would like. I really wish you were able to sing over the band in your closer instead of putting little groups of people on mics. I just thought a group of vocal caliber like you guys would be able to do that. The show design was good, but very boring. I don't think it was a bad idea to go classier with your show. It just was not the most entertaining show of the day. The choreography was clean, but really really easy. Congrats on making finals. I heard your day performance was amazing too.
Linn-Mar: You guys have improved so much since Urbandale. The vocals are stronger and the choreography is a ton cleaner. Having said that, I still don't like the show. The first half of your show is just soooo much stronger than the second half. I feel like throughout the show the girls just stand there, smile, and wave their arms. I think the difficulty of the choreography is low, so I have not been too impressed with your choreography this year. I thought you guys sang VERY well. I didn't get to see your finals performance, but I heard it was fantastic! Congrats on your placing and good luck at the rest of your competitions.
Iowa City High: Hmmmm. I liked your opener. I thought the choreography was good. For some reason the vocals were really shaky for me. I thought the girls sound faded in and out, and I didn't like the tone quality you guys produced. I laughed in the novelty, but it wasn't a superior novelty or anything. I was extremely disappointed with your closer. The band fizzled... the choreography was very sloppy... there was not very good singing either. I was not surprised you made finals, but I was surprised you placed as high as you did.
Cedar Rapids Washington: Wow. That just sums up the day. You came out in day round and blew EVERYONE away. You have made so many improvements in your show from Linn-Mar, I was just so happy. No one was really expecting much from you guys here, including yourselves. Well you sure proved everyone wrong. It was a big "wow" finding out you were 2nd in day round. Your finals performance was amazing and you guys know it was. Your energy was INCREDIBLE. Your vocals were amazing. The diction was excellent. The ballad was so beautiful and emotional. You really performed the heck out of this show. Seeing your faces and excitement after your finals performance was really amazing. I know you were really disappointed with your finals placing. You know you guys have a show that can compete now. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens at Kennedy with you guys. I won't be able to be there, so perform the heck out of your show and you will do so well I promise!!!
Davenport North: I was really impressed with the quality of your show compared to last year. It is a night and day difference. Your vocals are so much better than last year, although watch out, they are completely covered by your band in the closer. The choreography is harder, more effective, and more clean. I didn't have you guys in finals, but I was not surprised at all to hear your name called. I'm sure it was a very close point difference in day round. You guys performed really well in finals.
I thought finals would go:
GC: Cedar Rapids Kennedy
1RU: Cedar Rapids Washington
2RU: Linn-Mar
3RU: Iowa City West
4RU: Iowa City High
5RU: Davenport North
Sauk Prairie: You guys were the first show I saw all day. I always come in to Sauk shows with an open mind, and I always come out of your shows confused. I just really didn't understand what was going on. I did not think your vocals were strong enough to get you into finals (although it did). Your choreography was clean and full of energy. The acting was good. I was not surprised to hear that you had made finals, and it was really sad you couldn't perform in finals.
Mt. Prospect: You were the first show to wow me with your vocals. They were strong and had a great energy to them. Your song selection and choreography was just really boring on the other hand. There was no life in the performance, and the song selection was really poor. It is hard to choose a theme like "007" and find a show full of songs to perform. I thought the theme constricted the song choices, and therefore you didn't have a show that was up to your level. However, I thought your vocals were good enough to get you into finals. Hopefully the rest of the season goes well for you!
Crete-Monee: I'm sure you're tired of hearing this, but ya this is a rough year for you guys. Benford is taking you in a completely new direction that you don't really know how to do yet. Don't worry, he is great and I cannot wait to see the future for you guys. I liked your song selection a LOT. I thought it was a really good show. You guys don't have the vocals yet that you really need for this type of show. The composition of the choreography was weak, and you did not put much energy into it anyways, so it was not as successful as it could be. The closer especially. There needs to be a TON of energy in that closer. There was no energy. The faces were really lacking. And the band needs to have more energy too. I really am excited to see what the future holds for you. Good luck!
Cedar Rapids Washington "Celebration": You guys were fantastic!!!! I thought you outsang some varsity groups. Your show was energetic and really well put on. I was so proud of you guys yesterday! DK says you have been working really hard and it shows. Really good job!
This was a really really really fun competition (especially finals). Every group did so well. Yay for hanging out with a bunch of scc people. It was a really good time.
Heeey everyone, I just wanted to thank Davenport West and Central for a great weekend, you guys were such nice hosts! Prospect had a lot of fun and congrats to CR Kennedy, you guys were amazing! Hope to see everyone soon and good luck to everyone on the rest of your season!
QUOTE(senorflojo @ Feb 17 2008, 12:48 PM) [snapback]420016[/snapback]
You guys were amazing hosts! haha sorry about the forrest whitaker thing, but i just couldn't get over it. maybe it has something to do with him being my favorite actor! but seriously, this competition was amazing! thanks so much for being great hosts!
haha don't be sorry about the forrest whitaker thing, i've been told that SOOO many times!
QUOTE(DCK61 @ Feb 16 2008, 11:55 PM) [snapback]419901[/snapback]
GO I.C. DUB! (Iowa City West)
you all are so awesome!
one of your host,
KEENEN! (the one who looks like Forrest Whitaker and left-handed)
Thanks! You were a great host! I was one of the girls who pointed out you were left-handed, because being left-handed is basically the best thing ever! I'm sorry you didn't get to perform.
Again, thanks!
QUOTE(Dr_Ozzie_99 @ Feb 16 2008, 07:47 PM) [snapback]419853[/snapback]
Just got home from Great River and I have to say that my new favorite group this year is "Lights" from Mundelein. I have never heard a girls group sing like that before (well ... I guess "Faces" from Crete would be another great girls group). I saw them perform back in 2004, but didn't remember them to be as good as that. From the first second of their show I was amazed. I was really disappointed not to see them in finals.
Congrats to all of the groups today!
Thanks so much. Yea both of our groups tried really hard so its good that someone felt that our show was great. It was disappionting to not be in finals but winning grand champion is awesome.
Ok so I'm sitting in the Grinnell rest stop because I'm tired of driving 40 mph on the interstate. (I hate the winter)
CR Kennedy: You guys were great. HUGE improvements vocally in the show since Urbandale. By far the most difficult and effective choreography in the competition. Your show was just on here. I had you in first the entire way!!!!
Iowa City West: I didn't get to see your day performance, but I was a little disappointed with the finals performance. The vocals are really pretty, and the blend is really good. There was just no "oomph" in the sound, and you didn't have as crisp of diction as I would like. I really wish you were able to sing over the band in your closer instead of putting little groups of people on mics. I just thought a group of vocal caliber like you guys would be able to do that. The show design was good, but very boring. I don't think it was a bad idea to go classier with your show. It just was not the most entertaining show of the day. The choreography was clean, but really really easy. Congrats on making finals. I heard your day performance was amazing too.
Linn-Mar: You guys have improved so much since Urbandale. The vocals are stronger and the choreography is a ton cleaner. Having said that, I still don't like the show. The first half of your show is just soooo much stronger than the second half. I feel like throughout the show the girls just stand there, smile, and wave their arms. I think the difficulty of the choreography is low, so I have not been too impressed with your choreography this year. I thought you guys sang VERY well. I didn't get to see your finals performance, but I heard it was fantastic! Congrats on your placing and good luck at the rest of your competitions.
Iowa City High: Hmmmm. I liked your opener. I thought the choreography was good. For some reason the vocals were really shaky for me. I thought the girls sound faded in and out, and I didn't like the tone quality you guys produced. I laughed in the novelty, but it wasn't a superior novelty or anything. I was extremely disappointed with your closer. The band fizzled... the choreography was very sloppy... there was not very good singing either. I was not surprised you made finals, but I was surprised you placed as high as you did.
Cedar Rapids Washington: Wow. That just sums up the day. You came out in day round and blew EVERYONE away. You have made so many improvements in your show from Linn-Mar, I was just so happy. No one was really expecting much from you guys here, including yourselves. Well you sure proved everyone wrong. It was a big "wow" finding out you were 2nd in day round. Your finals performance was amazing and you guys know it was. Your energy was INCREDIBLE. Your vocals were amazing. The diction was excellent. The ballad was so beautiful and emotional. You really performed the heck out of this show. Seeing your faces and excitement after your finals performance was really amazing. I know you were really disappointed with your finals placing. You know you guys have a show that can compete now. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens at Kennedy with you guys. I won't be able to be there, so perform the heck out of your show and you will do so well I promise!!!
Davenport North: I was really impressed with the quality of your show compared to last year. It is a night and day difference. Your vocals are so much better than last year, although watch out, they are completely covered by your band in the closer. The choreography is harder, more effective, and more clean. I didn't have you guys in finals, but I was not surprised at all to hear your name called. I'm sure it was a very close point difference in day round. You guys performed really well in finals.
I thought finals would go:
GC: Cedar Rapids Kennedy
1RU: Cedar Rapids Washington
2RU: Linn-Mar
3RU: Iowa City West
4RU: Iowa City High
5RU: Davenport North
Sauk Prairie: You guys were the first show I saw all day. I always come in to Sauk shows with an open mind, and I always come out of your shows confused. I just really didn't understand what was going on. I did not think your vocals were strong enough to get you into finals (although it did). Your choreography was clean and full of energy. The acting was good. I was not surprised to hear that you had made finals, and it was really sad you couldn't perform in finals.
Mt. Prospect: You were the first show to wow me with your vocals. They were strong and had a great energy to them. Your song selection and choreography was just really boring on the other hand. There was no life in the performance, and the song selection was really poor. It is hard to choose a theme like "007" and find a show full of songs to perform. I thought the theme constricted the song choices, and therefore you didn't have a show that was up to your level. However, I thought your vocals were good enough to get you into finals. Hopefully the rest of the season goes well for you!
Crete-Monee: I'm sure you're tired of hearing this, but ya this is a rough year for you guys. Benford is taking you in a completely new direction that you don't really know how to do yet. Don't worry, he is great and I cannot wait to see the future for you guys. I liked your song selection a LOT. I thought it was a really good show. You guys don't have the vocals yet that you really need for this type of show. The composition of the choreography was weak, and you did not put much energy into it anyways, so it was not as successful as it could be. The closer especially. There needs to be a TON of energy in that closer. There was no energy. The faces were really lacking. And the band needs to have more energy too. I really am excited to see what the future holds for you. Good luck!
Cedar Rapids Washington "Celebration": You guys were fantastic!!!! I thought you outsang some varsity groups. Your show was energetic and really well put on. I was so proud of you guys yesterday! DK says you have been working really hard and it shows. Really good job!
This was a really really really fun competition (especially finals). Every group did so well. Yay for hanging out with a bunch of scc people. It was a really good time.
Cedar Rapids Kennedy- As my favorite show choir of all time… you didn’t disappoint! About thirty seconds through your opener in the day round, it was clear, you were there to win… and that you would settle at nothing less. The show is amazing. I would have never thought that any of your songs (besides the ballad) would actually work in a show choir show. When I first saw on SCC that you were doing “Toledo Surprise” and “Thataway”, I groaned. But holy smokies! Those are perfect songs for you guys! I say it year to year, so let me repeat myself for the 67th time. Happiness brings something different to the stage that I feel no other show choir brings. It may be that the show choir is steeped with rich history, or that you have/had amazing directors, or a goofy choreographer… whatever it is… it’s different and it’s perfect. I never find myself disappointed with a show you perform. The vocals are exceptional. The choreography was crisp, clean, and energetic. I don’t even need to address the performer’s facials, energy, and intent… because that is what makes a “Happiness” performer. It’s all there, all the time. It was just amazing. I’m so happy (hehe) and proud. You all are very lucky to be working with an incredible director like Mr. Ziegler. We spoke after the competition… and this win marks your fifth “Great River” win (‘99, ‘02, ‘03, ‘07, ‘08). We love having you guys at our competition… and we’re glad that it seems to be the outlet where you unleash your show choir wrath upon all. Keep the wrath up!!!
Iowa City West- You blew me away during the day… but I felt as if your night performance was a little weak. “Super Geek” was super geeky. I loved the “showchoir.com” reference. Your vocals are so beautiful… but they tend to be a little bit toooo choral sounding. Their isn’t much volume with your choir either… it’s either soft or medium soft. Congrats on breaking on into finals for your first time, and placing so high!
Linn Mar- You stepped up your performance from day to night so much! You all were fantastic! I love the show! I don’t have much to say, because really, you all were just “on” in finals. Those green dresses are gorgeous in the opener. Great job!
Iowa City High- Singing about a dead woman? Hmmm. I know it’s supposed to be a novelty, but, I don’t know. I LOVE novelties… ask anyone. But for some reason, the lyrics about her lips being blue just struck me the wrong way. That was the “highlight” of your show, if you want to call it that. But, otherwise, I just didn’t get into your show this year. I think it was a “me” thing rather than things you need to work on. I will say though, the duet stuff needs to be cut in the ballad, it doesn’t work well. Congrats on making finals!
Cedar Rapids Washington- I’m sorry you ended up in 4th Runner Up after being a solid second in the day. You made such an improvement from the day to the night! Your lines and pictures in the blocking in day round were SOOO sloppy and all over the place… but at night, it was all clear as crystal. Your vocals are dominating and really cool to listen too. The show was fun, and y’all always look like you are having a blast on stage! I’ve already heard from others who have seen your show at previous competitions, that once again “Great River” was your best performance!!
Davenport North- You competed with the big dogs and held your ground. The improvement from day to night was seen in the last half of the show. In day, “Move” and “Steppin’ To The Bad Side” were weak and sloppy… at night it was powerful and clean. Your vocals are extraordinary for a 34 member group! And of course, the soloists are all fantastic! I hope to see Joe at SCA this summer. I don’t really like “Let Yourself Go” as a second song… it felt a little random in your show, but it was entertaining. Congrats on showing what Davenport is made of!
Sauk Prairie- I am soooo disappointed that you guys left! I understand why completely, but wow, you guys were fantastic! I can’t even imagine how you all felt when you were told that you made finals. I really feel, had you stayed, you would have moved higher in the rankings. The day show was very engaging. Character development in a 20 minute piece is hard to do, but you guys do it! The vocals were superb and choreography clean. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come back next year! We want you guys to be able to come and stay!
Crete Monee- It was almost there… but you guys just weren’t strong enough to break the finals barrier. I find the choreography in “Falcon In The Dive” to be a little far-fetched. It doesn’t really fit the song at all. I think you guys sing well and I am sorry about the one soloist’s microphone.
Mt. Prospect- You all had a case of the “first competition blues” at “Great River”. The show for me is just WAY to slow. The first 30 seconds of it was the climax. There are lots of moments in it that just made no sense to me. I hope you all can take the judges comments given and work on it so you can finish off the season strong!
I’d agree with Taylor… I had-
Grand Champions- Cedar Rapids Kennedy
1st Runner Up- Linn Mar
2nd Runner Up- Cedar Rapids Washington
3rd Runner Up- Iowa City High
4th Runner Up- Iowa City West
5th Runner Up- Davenport North
I’m sorry to all who texted me wanting results last night… my phone died at the beginning of finals, and I did not get home until 1:15.
It was nice meeting UOSCF and TaylorB. I also had a blast hanging out with my usual pals.
Green light means we are ready for results!!!
We won!!!
QUOTE(Dr_Ozzie_99 @ Feb 16 2008, 09:47 PM) [snapback]419853[/snapback]
Just got home from Great River and I have to say that my new favorite group this year is "Lights" from Mundelein. I have never heard a girls group sing like that before (well ... I guess "Faces" from Crete would be another great girls group). I saw them perform back in 2004, but didn't remember them to be as good as that. From the first second of their show I was amazed. I was really disappointed not to see them in finals.
Congrats to all of the groups today!
awww thanks!!! yes both of our Single-Gender groups work really really hard! its nice to know that someone enjoys our show! we all wanted to make finals but being GC was amazing so it was all good!
=]]
QUOTE(senorflojo @ Feb 17 2008, 12:55 PM) [snapback]420019[/snapback]
kevin and tara both were finals judges despite choreographing groups in finals because one of the judges went home sick so without them, there would have only been three finals judges.
Correction: Without them, there would have been only two finals judges.
QUOTE(E @ Feb 16 2008, 09:19 PM) [snapback]419852[/snapback]
I find that interesting. Is that common? I'm not sure I've ever seen a choreographer of a group actually score one of their own groups.
kevin and tara both were finals judges despite choreographing groups in finals because one of the judges went home sick so without them, there would have only been three finals judges.
QUOTE(DCK61 @ Feb 16 2008, 11:55 PM) [snapback]419901[/snapback]
GO I.C. DUB! (Iowa City West)
you all are so awesome!
one of your host,
KEENEN! (the one who looks like Forrest Whitaker and left-handed)
You guys were amazing hosts! haha sorry about the forrest whitaker thing, but i just couldn't get over it. maybe it has something to do with him being my favorite actor! but seriously, this competition was amazing! thanks so much for being great hosts!
QUOTE(AllTimeLow @ Feb 17 2008, 09:15 AM) [snapback]419966[/snapback]
Jorge/Adam I saw you in your purple shirt sitting up behind the judges and making your video. Looked pretty intense lol!
The shirt was actually fuchsia! And yes... My most intense moments of the day were when I was making the "Walk Through Great River Promotional Video". We had twenty minutes to do it in, due to the fact I didn't want to miss any varsity performances in the afternoon, so we scheduled the taping during Cedar Rapids Washington's "Celebration" performance. When you saw me, the video was close to being over. You should have tripped me and said "hi" or something.
The video will be premiered either today or tomorrow. It's really great... a bit cooky and hectic, but fun nonetheless. With many cameos, and interview with Bob Anderson, and people we all know walking in the background.
I will be posting my "finals" thoughts on Great River a little bit later... I just started to come down with the bubonic plague on Friday night, and yesterday was a bit hairy for me. By the end of the day, I felt like a truck had hit me and my nose had lost more fluid than the Exon Valdez. I was doing so well keeping healthy! I blame show choir kids!
After sleeping for a bit, I'm going to spill my brains on this competition...
CR Wash Vivace-Awesome job guys! You were my first show of the day that I watched and I'm glad I did. I loved the whole "Play that funky music white boy" medley. You had some great moments and it was fun to watch.
CR Kennedy Protege- I don't remember too much from your show but I remember liking it. Gotta admit though, I kept comparing you to John Burroughs 07 even though your a prep group, because of your closer medley.
Benton-Your ballad was nicely executed. The last 2 songs sorta disturbed me, I mean it was very well done but the whole Kim Possible song threw me off. And the spiderman's eyes on the shirt looked like bra's the guys were wearing. I was really hoping you would throw in "Spiderpig Spiderpig does whatever Spiderpig does" to get some laughs." Anyhoosiers, I thought you guys deserved you GC in 3A, it was a nice show.
IC West-Overall nice show! Supergeek was pretty much the highlight of it, nothing else really stands out. The vocals, band and choreo were just good.
IC High-Highlight of your show was the women is dead, I don't know who it was but there was some lady cracking up to that song during finals. During "I Drove All Night" it was different seeing you use the dance break to run up and down the stage and not dance a lot.
Linn Mar- You opener was "unique". I mean it sounded celtic (is it supposed to be). The violin sound was really loud. The soloist had a unique voice too. Hero was pleasing, soloist was good, really added a lot to the song. The Maroon 5 meledy was probably the lowest point in your show...the soloist was a bit...pitchy it seemed like. The closer was very good and effective. Congratulations!
CR Washington-Wasn't expecting miracles from you guys but I must say this was probably the most entertaining show I saw. The closing outfits were very elaborate.
CR Kennedy- I want a Toledo Surprise! I loved how the guy screamed in the corner when you said "surprise!". I really really liked the closer. Your ballad was very good, I've heard it before this year don't remember where though. Congratulations on the GC!
Let's just say North was very disappointed when we found out our placings in Day and Night. The caliber of groups is so high we thought we could do better. Thanks to everyone who supported us. Jorge/Adam I saw you in your purple shirt sitting up behind the judges and making your video. Looked pretty intense lol!
I'm mad I didn't get to see West and Central's show's they probably would have been great.
My friend is very happy that you had cheese sandwiches cause she's vegetarian.
Hey All,
It was great meeting a lot of you here. I got home a little while ago after not having my laptop. Oh well. Thankfully, the hardest part of getting home, was the walk from the driveway inside. That was really the only ice I experienced.
Awesome competition!
Just a couple sentences about the finalists:
Kennedy- I think they should just become like the resident hosts of Great River. Every year, they just seem to take the Adler stage and overwhelm it. The finals performance seemed like a victory lap. They let it all hang out until through the very last note.
Washington- This is the first time that I have seen you since Johnston. WOW! You have improved so much. I have to admit that I was afraid of what I would see, after I am sure that you haven't been getting the results that you normally expect. I think you have places to go with a pretty young group.
Linn-Mar- First time that I have seen you since your own competition. I thought that your show was very well done. I really enjoy April's choreography with you.
IC West- I really enjoyed your showSupergeek is really neat. Someone needs to youtube that quickly.
City High- This was really your last competition? Awww... I wish I could see you one more time. You guys continue to rock Damon's choreography and compliment it with some good vocals. Congrats!
Dav. North- I really enjoyed your show. I was very glad that I was able to see it again. This was the first time that I had seen it this year, and it was a treat.
Sauk- I missed you during the daytime, because I was hoping that I could see you in finals. Grrr.... well, you will just have to come back next year. I have heard some really good things.
I know, I sound like I am just kissing everyone's butt, but the finals were very, very good.
Davenport Great River Show Choir Invitational (Day Two) 2008
