Um if your director is playing? Then I am not sure. In our case are combo has had the highest score at both Pleasant Hill and Troy Compitions but because one of our members is in college and the other is an adult we are never able to win. So If both are playing then maybe...

Does the one adult per combo include the director? Because we have an accompanist and a director (both adults).

I know that many of my "Non-Iowa" groups would love to come to some of the Iowa competitions but can not because of all the rules that apply in Iowa. That's not to say that all rules are bad, each state is entitled to have the rules they wish, but I really feel that you could draw a much broader competition if they were eased up on a bit. While in Iowa, prep groups are more the norm. A group where younger students get the experience in show choir before being part of a varsity group with more difficult choreography and vocals. In Iowa you would not be in both because one is considered more for beginners/less experienced/ or younger members. While In Illinois we have more Single-Gender groups (all females or males), this is not necessarily a younger group or less experienced. At a majority of schools the girls group is just as good if not better than the mixed groups--they compete on the same playing field and most schools allow girls to be in both groups.

I know another rule that has stopped some of my groups from attending Iowa competitions is the -One adult in the combo. Some of the schools I work with have more than one only because they are unable to get students to play due to the fact that the schedules for band students wont permit them time to go to competitions. At most Illinois competitions this just means that the competiting show choir in ineligable for best combo/best band award. But if my memory serves me correctly, any group with more than one adult in their combo is disqualified or not allowed to compete due to Iowa rules.

Jeni Donahue

Very good point.

As for the justification? The only thing I can think of is that it gives them something to do while sitting around their conference table.

I'm often mystified by random rules that seem to be piled on to just about everything. Many times, I don't know how you directors do it all - it seems you have to be something short of a psychic to follow each and every rule to not get disqualified at some of these State things, and it leaves little time for actual music making.

Furthermore - I don't see how they can expect out of state competitors to know all the quirky rules that differ from their home state rulebook. I think it kind of makes Iowa a bit unwelcoming - which is a pity, because I know we would all love for more out of staters to visit and compete. And I don't see why IOWA rules would have to apply to a program from outside the Iowa jurisdiction.

Thankfully any major disappointment has been avoided - but really, it's just one more example that something needs to be done. IHSMA - are you listening?!?

IMHO, this rule is so rediculous because it is hypocritical. Iowa does allow the sharing of personal for concert groups, so long as they are not of the same gendered make-up. So, the girls from your concert choir can be a women's choir on their own, but they could not be in another mixed group (for purposes of state contest). If that is the rule for concert groups, what is the justification for having a different standard for show choirs?

I'm glad you all have been spared something potentially bad happening... but I hope you guys at least considered maybe sending one group to Jefferson and the other to Washington. Both competitions are wonderful, on the same day, and only 10-15 minutes from each other.

Okay, well I talked to my director at RBHS today and he had NO idea about this rule. He called some people up though and the rule was proven true. So Rock Bridge CITY LIGHTS and SATIN N LACE will NOT be attending Cedar Rapids Jefferson. Althought it sucks, This has saved us all from a lot of dissapointment! SO THANKS FOR THE INFO!!! We would have gone all the way down there for nothing! I dont know where we are going now that we arnt going to cedar rapids. I will keep you all posted when I find out, GOOD LUCK AT CEDAR RAPIDS EVERYONE!

Make your director aware that it's not a competition rule it's a statewide rule and if the competition breaks it they may face penalty from the state music association.

You won't be asked to leave, if you are both chosen for finals, one of your groups will have to make a decision to drop out of finals, it's an Iowa rule. There's another competition in the same city on the same day and potentially you could just have the other group compete there, if you wanted.

You can come with me to Mundelein

I wanna see Haakon, and Burbank, choirs I rarely/never get to see.

Yes it really is a rule. In 2005 our school had one group compete at Cedar Rapids Jefferson and the other Compete at Cedar Rapids Washington because they couldn't be at the same competition (the prep group had 2 guys from the varsity group).