Suppose I should add my two cents from a really good competition!
Garfield - I really really like you guys. The people I was sitting with really enjoyed your show overall. Yes, you're a young program, yes, that shows especially in some of the individuals in your choir and it'll be about fine-tuning that look to be more uniform...but you all are in basically your...what 5th year in existence and already making finals at big competitions? I enjoy the song selections, but your choreography is...at times...pretty repetitive, and coming off that...predictable, like I know what move you're going to do just depending on the section of the show. But that being said, you execute your moves fairly well. Yes, you all are one of the "hot groups" this year, and don't let anyone say that you're disappointing, because it's hard to live up to the hype. Just a great year and great job overall!
Teays Valley - I actually hadn't seen you guys in a couple years, and I know you're tired of hearing about "wow, you guys have really dropped off." You know what, don't worry about them. You had a good show and your "drop" from success isn't really that pronounced. It takes time to adjust to a new director and a new way of doing things. Crandall had a phenomenal program, and I'm sure that your new director will take you to new heights. That being said, I was only able to see your prelims performance, and while it was good, it did lack sort of that "wow" section. In all honesty, it was one of those "see and forget" shows where I remember seeing your show, but I don't remember much about what you did. It's important that you keep your momentum through the entire show, and like mentioned early, come to some form of build in that finale. But honestly you guys, keep it up, I was proud to see you all again and I'm sure you'll be back on top in no time.
Piqua - Wow you guys, I remember competing against you all back when I was in show choir, and I, unfortunately, didn't give you all much respect, but you really have gained that respect from me the past two years especially. I really enjoyed the song selections (maybe just because I had heard all the songs before), but that even makes it more important that you execute the songs very precisely, because on popular songs, people want to hear it a certain way. I do think however that you had a major tendency to oversing the songs, and I know in the ballad, I almost felt like I was being yelled at. Additionally, I know I shouldn't pick on individuals, but there is a person on far stage right on the floor whose dancing is dramatically overdone...it's actually distracting, and I know I heard some people around me commenting about that. I think that you placed about right, but I definitely though it would be you or Manchester at 3rd. Ultimately, it just came down to cleanliness, but I really really enjoyed your show!
Manchester - Like Teays Valley, I hadn't seen you all in a couple years. I really liked that old school feel to your show, and--being a huge 42nd Street fan--enjoyed the last two numbers. Tap dancing is EXTREMELY dangerous in a show choir show and generally, I would caution against using it in any show, but for some reason, you all really entertained me through your tap dancing. Vocally, I thought you all were fairly solid, but some of the top sopranos kinda sounded shrill at times and took away from your overall vocal effect. Additionally, while I liked old school, your choreography was very ballroom-like and seemed to be years behind the curve. Now, I understand that the overall concept of your show was to showcase that old school feel, but in today's world of competitive show choir, people want to see more pop-like dance moves. But still, I thought you all were awesome and I look forward to seeing you again!
Hurricane - You and Marysville were really a step ahead of the competition (and I believe that reflected in the scores). This is the 2nd time I've seen you this year and your show literally makes me tired to watch because you honestly don't stop. Vocally, I think you are untouchable, which makes it really impressive with the amount of dancing you do. I saw you on a few occassions last year, and I must disagree with Shoegazer, I think your show is much more impressive this year. Last year's show, if I recall, lost steam right after the girl's number (perhaps Love is a Wonderful Thing?) before it picked up a little bit in the finale. This year, One Vision is so vocally strong that it really boosts that momentum for the last two songs. Yes, at times I do believe that individual dancing takes away from the show, but it's nice to add some flavor and flare to the show, especially ballet, because it's really far removed from show choir today. Maybe do it a little less, but I still like the addition. In most of the show's dance breaks, your entire choir DOES dance and personally, I think it's really solid dancing. On another note, you all did seem a little sharp in prelims, which is probably why you went into finals so behind. I think that if you had had a comparably strong vocal performance in prelims as you did in finals, you would have won. Once again, I think you guys are totally awesome and it's definitely the best Hurricane show I've seen.
Marysville - You guys really outdid yourselves this year. While I think--on an entertainment scale--last year's show was better, I think that technically, you perform this show extremely well and definitely better than last year. The choreography is snappy and clean, and the vocals strong (not to mention a very very good backup band!). I know someone else said it earlier (maybe a little snarly), but I feel that it needs to be said, you don't dance that much...I heard on more than one occasion that people were disappointed in how little you danced. I understand that most of what they said was probably exaggerated a bit, but I guess on a personal level, I wish you danced more. That being said, the dance breaks near the end of the show are extremely good and clean and definitely probably some of the best I've seen in a long time. I actually could've seen you all win vocals and Hurricane win choreography, but it really was a toss-up. I think you all are just an incredible choir, and you definitely perform to win. I really hope your soloist was okay (I saw her run off stage in the middle of a song), and you definitely cleaned up a lot of the individual errors that I saw during prelims. Best of luck at Fairfield this weekend and make Ohio proud at nationals!
I pretty much saw everyone (minus the first group)... Here's what I thought:
Brush: I thought you guys upped the energy at Tburg. You know what you have to work on (and have taken the judges comments, now run with it )
Van Buren: I thought for sure you guys were in finals. Your show was absolutely amazing, your vocals were so on today, the energy was pouring off the stage. I had no doubt in my mind you'd make it. Somethings were just meant to be. I just loooove that show. You guys sell it very well. Here's to hoping you guys kick some major butt at the Crystal Classic
Vermillion: I didn't get to see you from the auditorium, but I liked your show.
Ada: It occoured (sp?) to me that you couldn't stay for final awards. That's no fun . I hope you guys can compete sometime later on. As I feel you'll sneak up on a few groups this year.
Euclid: What can I say? You guys upped the energy of the competition. It was such a great show. The faces showed alot of emotion, the dancing was SO on. I thought you guys might've made finals. Apparantly I was wrong
Solon: You guys never cease to amuse me. The guys were awesome, the ladies were rockin it. The ballad was beautiful everyone around me was complimenting you on your vocals. Congrats! Megan Brack, Pam Davenport, & co. have a secret weapon, "Ron Jones". Nuff said ;)
Winfield Mr. Haught is a GENIOUS! Your performance today ROCKED! I was so entertained. I still love the opener. The soloist was awesome. I still am singing "Show Choir for Dummies!"
Both Single-Gender GroupsI didn't get to see you guys
Riverdale: It must be in the name Soundsation "This Joint is Jumpin" and "I Won't Dance" seemed awfully familiar ;). I loved the closer you have a secret weapon named "Brian Rodabaugh" ;).
Garfield Hts. You were so on today. The combo was kickin. The choreo was clean (for the most part) the vocals were crisp. For the first time in a while I got a chill after "Light the Fire Within". Super Geek had people laughing even the "and showchoir.com" bit ;). The Pernod, Carey, and Antwon team = AMAZING. They'll be a force to reckon with.
Teays Valley: Even though Michael Crendall was an adjudicator I still think you guys rock. Regardless of what other people say about your show, brush the haters off and keep doing what you're doing. The ballad was beautiful (typical Teays " border="0" alt="happy.gif" />). Just amazing. "WHO LOVES YOU?"
East You guys were awesome. I loved the "Hillbilly Song" I dont know what it's called. You guys were awesome tho. The closer had sooo much energy. David Legg gave you some really great stuff.
Matoaca: Your show was good. I can tell the songs were reused. But darn it! You added your own unique flair to it. Quite frankly I applaud you. The ballad was good. The closer was awesome. I can tell which choreographer did what strictly by the arms and hands alone.
Manchester: I have to admit I came into this competition thinking. Eh it's just another Andy Haines group. But you know what? You exceeded my expectations. You rocked the house. I loved the ballad (What the heck is it called?) and the closer (Im a HUGE 42nd Street Fan!).
Herbert Hoover: This was a little different than the norm. But I liked it. Your show was awesome. I love the ballad. I sang it in High School as a ballad (in our prep group). David Legg gave you guys some good stuff.
Piqua: I loooooooove your closer. I really like what Mr. Westfall does every year. He selects the best songs. " border="0" alt="thumbsup.gif" /> Here's to you Mr. Westfall. I'm starting to associate flats (The white stairs infront of the risers) with "The Company" I've seen them used 4 years in a row now Quite the trademark ;).
Hurricane: I think I was sitting by a Hurricane parent we were talking prior to your show. I really liked "If I Can Dream" (CONGRATS to Cassie (sp?) Edwards! You rocked that solo.) Your closer is still stuck in my head.
Marysville: I'm just gonna say Im in love! " border="0" alt="wub.gif" /> I realllly can't wait for 16 days to get here so I can see me some SU AGAIN!!!! WOOT! (w00t!)
Twinsburg: Nancy Slife & Mitch Benko are GENIUSES! That show is the second best show (obviously behind the amazing 03 show) I've seen GE perform. The vocals were on! The choreo was hot! Overall I think I really like your style now. I'm glad to see GE going back to the dance break in the closer. Afterall that IS your trademark. ;).
Finalists: I really was entertained by each and everyone of you. Congrats to everyone that performed at Twinsburg High School Saturday. I " border="0" alt="wub.gif" /> show choir
QUOTE(show choirmom @ Feb 25 2007, 03:01 PM) [snapback]388030[/snapback]
Garfield.....I would just like to congratulate you all on a job well done yesterday. I think that this makes the 6th time that I have seen your show now and you just keep getting better and better. You took the stage yesterday with such confidence. Great Job and keep up the good work!!!! I don't understand the thoughts of the judges alot, but hang in there....YOUR day is coming.
Thank you sooooo much! We thought they did an amazing job!
QUOTE(Shoegazer29 @ Feb 26 2007, 01:55 PM) [snapback]388621[/snapback]
i'm an alumnus of Marysville high school. i no longer go to school there or perform in any show choir for that matter. however i do accept that there is a natural bias when one critiques a group of which one was a former member, but i suppose i don't really worry about that. since it is natural, everyone affiliated with a choir that posts here has an existing bias - i'd say that accounts for the vast majority of posters on SCC. also this is a forum for show choir, if one can't express opinions concerning show choir here, then where else?
i do not think i was unecessarily harsh or complimentary in any of my comments. i simply wrote how it was i reacted to each performance. it just so happens that my reaction to groups like Piqua and Marysville (whose dynamics in the opener i actually did take issue with) were more positive than to other groups like Hurricane and Manchester. there is nothing wrong with that, my feelings and thoughts are not going to change because it might be perceived as unfair to certain groups. different audience members will react in various ways to different kinds of performances. to not be entertained by a group or to take issue with their choreography is not to bash a choir, it is simply to not enjoy part of the performance.
i am curious as to some your thoughts, show choirDude123. i wonder if your comment about sitting and singing three songs is directed at Marysville, and if so, could you please explain that comment. i might not agree with your input, but i always find it interesting to hear contrasting opinions.
don't worry about it, I had the some problems with most of the shows you did...and I'm sure the judges probably did too. You weren't being over the top.
QUOTE(Shoegazer29 @ Feb 26 2007, 03:55 PM) [snapback]388621[/snapback]
i'm an alumnus of Marysville high school. i no longer go to school there or perform in any show choir for that matter. however i do accept that there is a natural bias when one critiques a group of which one was a former member, but i suppose i don't really worry about that. since it is natural, everyone affiliated with a choir that posts here has an existing bias - i'd say that accounts for the vast majority of posters on SCC. also this is a forum for show choir, if one can't express opinions concerning show choir here, then where else?
i do not think i was unecessarily harsh or complimentary in any of my comments. i simply wrote how it was i reacted to each performance. it just so happens that my reaction to groups like Piqua and Marysville (whose dynamics in the opener i actually did take issue with) were more positive than to other groups like Hurricane and Manchester. there is nothing wrong with that, my feelings and thoughts are not going to change because it might be perceived as unfair to certain groups. different audience members will react in various ways to different kinds of performances. to not be entertained by a group or to take issue with their choreography is not to bash a choir, it is simply to not enjoy part of the performance.
i am curious as to some your thoughts, show choirDude123. i wonder if your comment about sitting and singing three songs is directed at Marysville, and if so, could you please explain that comment. i might not agree with your input, but i always find it interesting to hear contrasting opinions.
It's good to see someone post full thoughts on shows. Don't worry about the haters... I know all about them when I put these out... 2004 Critiques
Looking back on them... if those critiques would have posted in todays show choir world... I would probably be shanked. Some are just down right embarrassing. haha
i'm an alumnus of Marysville high school. i no longer go to school there or perform in any show choir for that matter. however i do accept that there is a natural bias when one critiques a group of which one was a former member, but i suppose i don't really worry about that. since it is natural, everyone affiliated with a choir that posts here has an existing bias - i'd say that accounts for the vast majority of posters on SCC. also this is a forum for show choir, if one can't express opinions concerning show choir here, then where else?
i do not think i was unecessarily harsh or complimentary in any of my comments. i simply wrote how it was i reacted to each performance. it just so happens that my reaction to groups like Piqua and Marysville (whose dynamics in the opener i actually did take issue with) were more positive than to other groups like Hurricane and Manchester. there is nothing wrong with that, my feelings and thoughts are not going to change because it might be perceived as unfair to certain groups. different audience members will react in various ways to different kinds of performances. to not be entertained by a group or to take issue with their choreography is not to bash a choir, it is simply to not enjoy part of the performance.
i am curious as to some your thoughts, show choirDude123. i wonder if your comment about sitting and singing three songs is directed at Marysville, and if so, could you please explain that comment. i might not agree with your input, but i always find it interesting to hear contrasting opinions.
QUOTE(Shoegazer29 @ Feb 26 2007, 12:29 PM) [snapback]388554[/snapback]
Twinsburg provided a great finals show and my best spectating experience of the 2007 season. i've only been to three competitions this year, but Northcoast definitely stands out amongst those competitions as the one where the greatest number of choirs really felt hungry for a finals spot, and untimately, the GC. because of a dress rehearsal, i couldn't make it to Twinsburg till the start of daytime awards. however i intently watched all of finals and do have some comments regarding all of the competing groups.
Garfield Heights - i have to say that i was more than a little disappointed after watching your show. in no way is the choir bad, but after reading a multitude of posts praising your show this season, i was expecting more than was shown. while it's very true that your group has shown vast improvement since last season, there are still signs of a young program. the high energy level is admirable, but some of the performers take it to the extreme and have more of a frightening, rather than inviting and exciting, prescence. also, i'm just not a fan of the choreography in general. there were too many moments that could've had double the momentum if the choreography didn't consist of standing in place with an outstretched arm.
Teays Valley - i was glad to see you in the night show, though watching your show again actually gave me opportunity to like it less. your singer/dancers on the floor are incredible performers, that's a Teays trademark that i hope never changes regardless of whoever the director may be, but that energy unfortunately does not transfer to the entire group. i'm just less visually engaged by the group than i have been in the past. as for the design of your show, everything worked very well for me until the closer. i know "Who Loves You" is a popular choice this year due to the success of Jersey Boys, but i don't find it to be a great song selection for show choir. it could have a lot to do with the choreography, anything Andy Haines not done in a floor length gown has always seemed at least slightly awkward to me, but the closer had no build to it.
Piqua - i love your show design! Mr. Westfall always does a remarkable job in creating a unique show choir experience with both costuming and song selection, but this year is particularly impressive. though you did not have the same level of cleanliness or projection that Manchester did, i was very disappointed to see Piqua place behind them. i think originality, while a difficult concept to judge, deserves a much larger role on scoresheets. if that were the case at more competitions, and if more vocal moments were enriched outside of the ballad, i think you would be having an even better season.
Manchester - in terms of technical quality, the show this year was better than the Manchester of last year. unfortunately, i found this year's show no more entertaining, if not less so. an undeniable feeling of depression pervades me when i see a group like yours perform, a group that is not on a nationally-recognized, and probably over-worked, choreographer's highest set of priorities. i don't mean to be cruel, and this comment can only really be applied towards the directors of such groups, but why put on a show that any other _____ ______ (Andy Haines, Mike Weaver...) group could just copy and paste and perform the next year? where is the challenge? the respect for your own group? isn't there enough talent within Manchester to hew out something of your own, something unique to your strengths? it would certainly seem so to me. this is more of a philosophical question about show choir in general than something that can be addressed within a group's practice, but i feel it is applicable in Manchester's case and it is something that i felt needed to be expressed.
Hurricane - i dislike what i perceive as typical Hurricane show design. i've only seen three Hurricane shows (2005-2007), but they all seem to follow a general blueprint that i don't enjoy. placing personal preference aside though, i still find this year's show to be weaker than last year's. i can certainly understand why you won the vocal caption - there are wonderful vocal moments featuring your striking natural tone throughout the show - but in every other way, this show didn't hit as hard as last year's. there was never a song with the intensity that made your 2006 opener. looking at choreography, i was diappointed to find that many of the tics that annoyed me last year were still in place. though the singer/dancers on the floor often perform difficult ballet-inspired choreography during dance breaks, those blocked on the risers are often found standing in place performing arm ripples, or even just walking back and forth on the risers while holding blocking. it's easy to miss when 4-5 couples are spinning and twirling like madmen, which might be the point, but i wish the entire choir would get a chance to perform during dance breaks.
Marysville - i was very glad to see you pull out the win here. this competition was significantly more difficult than any other i've had opportunity to attend this year, and i was nervous about the group's ability to perform under that kind of pressure, but you delivered an appropriately accomplished performance during finals. the energy level between performances at Teays Valley and Twinsburg really is incomparable, and though i could still stand to hear more projection from both the singer/dancers and combo in the opener, the whole show popped more than when i've ever seen it before. i especially love the newer transition into "Home," the "Feeling Good" homage is both more exciting and dryly humorous. my one hope for you as you prepare for one of the biggest competitions in the nation this year is that you practice smartly. Fairfield features an amazing line-up with wonderful choirs of many contrasting styles, and i think you can best serve yourselves and your chances of impressing audiences and judges alike by putting on the best Marysville show you can. there are groups that sing better, there are groups that dance better, but there is no group with your show that can perform in the manner which you do. go out there and leave an impression that is wholly yours.
Hmm...First of all, if you're from a certain choir that was performing, I think your opinion becomes automatically biased. Marysville was the only choir you didnt have anything negative to say about. And I dont see how you can bash Hurricane or Manchester saying they didnt dance or that they were just not entertaining. No offense, but you all sit and sing for 3 songs. I find that boring.
But congratulations none of the less.
Twinsburg provided a great finals show and my best spectating experience of the 2007 season. i've only been to three competitions this year, but Northcoast definitely stands out amongst those competitions as the one where the greatest number of choirs really felt hungry for a finals spot, and untimately, the GC. because of a dress rehearsal, i couldn't make it to Twinsburg till the start of daytime awards. however i intently watched all of finals and do have some comments regarding all of the competing groups.
Garfield Heights - i have to say that i was more than a little disappointed after watching your show. in no way is the choir bad, but after reading a multitude of posts praising your show this season, i was expecting more than was shown. while it's very true that your group has shown vast improvement since last season, there are still signs of a young program. the high energy level is admirable, but some of the performers take it to the extreme and have more of a frightening, rather than inviting and exciting, prescence. also, i'm just not a fan of the choreography in general. there were too many moments that could've had double the momentum if the choreography didn't consist of standing in place with an outstretched arm.
Teays Valley - i was glad to see you in the night show, though watching your show again actually gave me opportunity to like it less. your singer/dancers on the floor are incredible performers, that's a Teays trademark that i hope never changes regardless of whoever the director may be, but that energy unfortunately does not transfer to the entire group. i'm just less visually engaged by the group than i have been in the past. as for the design of your show, everything worked very well for me until the closer. i know "Who Loves You" is a popular choice this year due to the success of Jersey Boys, but i don't find it to be a great song selection for show choir. it could have a lot to do with the choreography, anything Andy Haines not done in a floor length gown has always seemed at least slightly awkward to me, but the closer had no build to it.
Piqua - i love your show design! Mr. Westfall always does a remarkable job in creating a unique show choir experience with both costuming and song selection, but this year is particularly impressive. though you did not have the same level of cleanliness or projection that Manchester did, i was very disappointed to see Piqua place behind them. i think originality, while a difficult concept to judge, deserves a much larger role on scoresheets. if that were the case at more competitions, and if more vocal moments were enriched outside of the ballad, i think you would be having an even better season.
Manchester - in terms of technical quality, the show this year was better than the Manchester of last year. unfortunately, i found this year's show no more entertaining, if not less so. an undeniable feeling of depression pervades me when i see a group like yours perform, a group that is not on a nationally-recognized, and probably over-worked, choreographer's highest set of priorities. i don't mean to be cruel, and this comment can only really be applied towards the directors of such groups, but why put on a show that any other _____ ______ (Andy Haines, Mike Weaver...) group could just copy and paste and perform the next year? where is the challenge? the respect for your own group? isn't there enough talent within Manchester to hew out something of your own, something unique to your strengths? it would certainly seem so to me. this is more of a philosophical question about show choir in general than something that can be addressed within a group's practice, but i feel it is applicable in Manchester's case and it is something that i felt needed to be expressed.
Hurricane - i dislike what i perceive as typical Hurricane show design. i've only seen three Hurricane shows (2005-2007), but they all seem to follow a general blueprint that i don't enjoy. placing personal preference aside though, i still find this year's show to be weaker than last year's. i can certainly understand why you won the vocal caption - there are wonderful vocal moments featuring your striking natural tone throughout the show - but in every other way, this show didn't hit as hard as last year's. there was never a song with the intensity that made your 2006 opener. looking at choreography, i was diappointed to find that many of the tics that annoyed me last year were still in place. though the singer/dancers on the floor often perform difficult ballet-inspired choreography during dance breaks, those blocked on the risers are often found standing in place performing arm ripples, or even just walking back and forth on the risers while holding blocking. it's easy to miss when 4-5 couples are spinning and twirling like madmen, which might be the point, but i wish the entire choir would get a chance to perform during dance breaks.
Marysville - i was very glad to see you pull out the win here. this competition was significantly more difficult than any other i've had opportunity to attend this year, and i was nervous about the group's ability to perform under that kind of pressure, but you delivered an appropriately accomplished performance during finals. the energy level between performances at Teays Valley and Twinsburg really is incomparable, and though i could still stand to hear more projection from both the singer/dancers and combo in the opener, the whole show popped more than when i've ever seen it before. i especially love the newer transition into "Home," the "Feeling Good" homage is both more exciting and dryly humorous. my one hope for you as you prepare for one of the biggest competitions in the nation this year is that you practice smartly. Fairfield features an amazing line-up with wonderful choirs of many contrasting styles, and i think you can best serve yourselves and your chances of impressing audiences and judges alike by putting on the best Marysville show you can. there are groups that sing better, there are groups that dance better, but there is no group with your show that can perform in the manner which you do. go out there and leave an impression that is wholly yours.
wooh, I just uploaded our prelims performance from Northcoast onto YouTube - not like anyone really cares, but I'm excited, haha. The links are in my signature if you wanna watch!
QUOTE(osumondo @ Feb 25 2007, 05:47 PM) [snapback]388170[/snapback]
the marysville contingency are recalling the number that was discussed in the homeroom after daytime awards... there were only 9 points separating first thru sixth, based on the average judge's score.
the marysville kids are recalling the number that was discussed in the homeroom after daytime awards... there were only 9 points separating first thru sixth, based on the average judge's score.
(edited for improper noun/verb usage in a non-academic setting... lol)
QUOTE(OHshow choirFan @ Feb 25 2007, 04:28 PM) [snapback]388105[/snapback]
Wow, what an awesome competition!
Congrats to Marysville on the big win! But definitely big props to Hurricane for winning vocals. The way I understand from some of the people at the competition, Hurricane cut a 25 point deficit to 6 points in finals.
No..it was 9 during day time, and then 6 during finals.
I LOVE this comp!! Def one of the best!! its SOOO much fun
Congrats to Marysville on the big win! But definitely big props to Hurricane for winning vocals. The way I understand from some of the people at the competition, Hurricane cut a 25 point deficit to 6 points in finals.
Twinsburg Northcoast Invitational 2007
)
. I hope you guys can compete sometime later on. As I feel you'll sneak up on a few groups this year.
" border="0" alt="happy.gif" />). Just amazing. "WHO LOVES YOU?" 
" border="0" alt="thumbsup.gif" /> Here's to you Mr. Westfall. I'm starting to associate flats (The white stairs infront of the risers) with "The Company" I've seen them used 4 years in a row now Quite the trademark ;). 
" border="0" alt="wub.gif" /> I realllly can't wait for 16 days to get here so I can see me some SU AGAIN!!!! WOOT! (w00t!)
