"Sounds like Mr HJA has an issue with "good ole NC" winning state AGAIN, but since you were not there and you asked for comments from someone who was (and saw allh performances) I'll share:"
I'm not saying it's true, but a lot of people have a problem with the fact that Pat Wiehe is on the board, along with Shelley Johnson from dekalb, and no matter what kind of year those groups are having, they win state. Oh, Except when Carmel showed that they are actually the best in the midwest by beating one of NC's best shows, without any trouble. Johnson is pretty much the reason there are 2 classes now, and considering Dekalb used to compete VERY well as a Large Mixed group, placing above groups like FC, MTZ, Ben Davis, Huntington North, Lawrence Central, Sullivan, Sauk Prairie and the like, it seems as though getting 2nd, 3rd, and the occasional GC wasn't enough. Dekalb clenched a state title for the next 5 years bc of their new home in Class B. I would think a group that hasn't missed a finals since 1997 would fight for the chance to compete with the big boys at state, not just take GC every year as a "small group" when Dekalb is far from it...
I know, right?
I can appreciate the new classes, because it allows a lot of smaller groups that are good but that aren't competitive with the Indy schools to compete in finals with groups that are similar to them. I still wish that the classes didn't exist, but it isn't a huge problem with me. But DeKalb should not, should NOT, be in with small school ANYTHING. Luers and Plainfield were competitive with them this year, but it seems even with real competition that judges just like DeKalb's style of show, which is fine, whatever, they're still an awesome choir and they're still really good at it, but for the foreseeable future I see it being DeKalb winning and everybody else fighting for second-ninth, and I feel that such results are NOT acceptable. DeKalb can and has gotten in the top three groups in the state, before classes, back when there were more groups that came to state. I would think they would feel inclined to fight for the same and even better results, rather than just winning over the small half of the state. There's much more honor in the former, IMHO.
I think it's awesome that people want to improve the ISSMA system, it needs it, but bashing certain groups/directors isn't the way to do it. First off, Pat Wiehe and Shelley Johnson are two of the most repected directors in the country. To assume that the trophy cases of North Central and DeKalb have any connection to their directors' involvement on the state committee is making a really big assumption based on strictly opinion, and is probably very insulting to those groups and their directors. Both of these groups have been winning machines all over the country for a very long time, and would most likely win or place well with no connection to ISSMA at all. Every choir works hard for a win, I'm sure North Central and DeKalb are no different, so lets give them that...
I guess my question is: How are North Central and DeKalb's directors being on the state committee any different that the other groups that competed who have directors on the committee...Ben Davis, Plainfield, Castle...?
I may be wrong but, I thought ISSMA created Class B in an attempt to give schools with a smaller talent pool a chance to compete at their state contest, just like band. If so, thats a great way to get more schools involved in this great activity! DeKalb is one of the best groups in the country, but should they, or should they not be competing with schools of the same size? It's just not really cool to say that this division was created for them to win..... I mean, how is DeKalb competing in class B any different than Plainfield and Bishop Luers competing in Class B?
...Just fuel for thought as we congratulate our new state champions
I love show choir so much that I watched ALL of the mixed finalists for class A, and most of the women's division, congrats Descants, that tapping was clean and fierce! But I don't agree with the rest of the women's division placing for class A.
Thanks so much!! We worked so hard on that tapping!
Castle made me smile. =] I feel like you guys had a much better show than last year and it was performed incredibly. All of your soloists fit their roles and I think your show was the one with the most clear theme from start to finish
that's so kind of you! we paid a lot of attention this year to the show design and theme. we spent so much time fitting the theme that we sort of got behind on vocals, but it was definitely a great show to perform
Mr HJA...... "HAHAHA wow issma NEVER fails good ole NC hahaha wow anyone care to comment who watched the performances??" and
"Yea woody, i could really careless about judges at issma. never said they had any affiliation, I was NOT there and did not see the competition and im SURE NC performed so well as usual. But yea congrats to all groups that went to state."
Sounds like Mr HJA has an issue with "good ole NC" winning state AGAIN, but since you were not there and you asked for comments from someone who was (and saw all the performances) I'll share:
Many groups had great openers and fell apart by closing, bad solos, lost energy, utilizing small groups of singers for long periods of time for costume changes, however, every single group had some element that was outstanding. In my opinion this shows that being consistantly strong throughout the show in all the areas outweighs excelling in one area but not living up in others. All the choirs really brought it and it was a very enjoyable evening-so thank you to all the choirs! And congrats to the NC Counterpoints.
"Sounds like Mr HJA has an issue with "good ole NC" winning state AGAIN, but since you were not there and you asked for comments from someone who was (and saw allh performances) I'll share:"
I'm not saying it's true, but a lot of people have a problem with the fact that Pat Wiehe is on the board, along with Shelley Johnson from dekalb, and no matter what kind of year those groups are having, they win state. Oh, Except when Carmel showed that they are actually the best in the midwest by beating one of NC's best shows, without any trouble. Johnson is pretty much the reason there are 2 classes now, and considering Dekalb used to compete VERY well as a Large Mixed group, placing above groups like FC, MTZ, Ben Davis, Huntington North, Lawrence Central, Sullivan, Sauk Prairie and the like, it seems as though getting 2nd, 3rd, and the occasional GC wasn't enough. Dekalb clenched a state title for the next 5 years bc of their new home in Class B. I would think a group that hasn't missed a finals since 1997 would fight for the chance to compete with the big boys at state, not just take GC every year as a "small group" when Dekalb is far from it...
I love show choir so much that I watched ALL of the mixed finalists for class A, and most of the women's division, congrats Descants, that tapping was clean and fierce! But I don't agree with the rest of the women's division placing for class A.
As for the mixed groups, everyone was just so different!
I knew Ben Davis would be first or second: they had a thrilling show and I'm sad that I only got to see it once! But: the closer soloists all singing different songs at once made me a little dizzy.
Counterpoints didn't impress me the way they usually do. I like the kind of show they put on in 04-08 better. In those years it was more about being intense about the music they were performing than being intense about putting on an intense show. <-- That doesn't make sense, but I don't know how else to say it. (I generally feel the same way about Powerhouse's shows though.)
Franklin was great and I feel like they completely Embodied midwest show choir for the issma judges. It's the kind of show where you really enjoy the music and the visuals and get a feeling that everyone onstage absolutely loves it, even if it werent competitive, if it were just something that they do and do WELL.
I've always liked Huntington's shows because they're always classy with good transitions and this year they sing "Gold" so well.. =] And I laugh at the diamonds/banjo number Every single time.
I've liked other shows from Carroll more than this year as well. And so many groups had military-esque garb this year it felt a little odd. Like I was missing some trend that only show choir knew about, and then I saw what could have been your outfits in Forever 21 the next day.. so maybe I'm just out of the loop. But it did go along with your opener music, I guess.
Castle made me smile. =] I feel like you guys had a much better show than last year and it was performed incredibly. All of your soloists fit their roles and I think your show was the one with the most clear theme from start to finish
I always look forward to ISSMA judges if for no other reason than they have a fresh opinion. (Out of state judges...less history with the competing choirs/directors). I am certain that those history factors matter when the judging gets close. The nepotism in show choir gets to me sometimes.
I completely agree that the top choirs all performed so well that it really came down to personal preference for the show. You can't be completely objective in show choir judging. I know they try...but it is impossible.
That being said...congrats to all of the choirs! You were all amazing! My personal favorite this year was Carroll! I loved that they were a bit of an underdog and surprised everyone. I thought their show was fresh. Keep up the good work!
Thanks!! we were all really surprised with the results. And i totally agree! Even though we are competeting against each other, I hope LC and HN both do fantastic at FAME! Let's show Indiana that ISSMA really doesn't know what they're talking about. I wish the best of luck to LC!! I'm sure they will do fantastic!!
Thank you so much for that, I am sure HN will place very well at this comp. I like the friendly competition we have had this year. It has been fun. It just makes me happy to see show choirs that support each othere instead of tear each other down. It's rare on this website. lol INDIANA HAS TO TAKE THE TOP TWO POSITIONS AT FAME!!! IT'S A MUST!!!
p.s. ISSMA doesn't know what there talking about. Thats why alot of groups dropped them.
Mr HJA...... "HAHAHA wow issma NEVER fails good ole NC hahaha wow anyone care to comment who watched the performances??" and
"Yea woody, i could really careless about judges at issma. never said they had any affiliation, I was NOT there and did not see the competition and im SURE NC performed so well as usual. But yea congrats to all groups that went to state."
Sounds like Mr HJA has an issue with "good ole NC" winning state AGAIN, but since you were not there and you asked for comments from someone who was (and saw all the performances) I'll share:
Many groups had great openers and fell apart by closing, bad solos, lost energy, utilizing small groups of singers for long periods of time for costume changes, however, every single group had some element that was outstanding. In my opinion this shows that being consistantly strong throughout the show in all the areas outweighs excelling in one area but not living up in others. All the choirs really brought it and it was a very enjoyable evening-so thank you to all the choirs! And congrats to the NC Counterpoints.
I mean i do have an issue but im not hating i always congratulate NC I haven't seen their show. CS and CP have always had a good relationship (well most of the time anyway) My issue is not with who won at all but how groups who do well throughout the year at other comps seem to always get shafted at state that is all. Thanks for your comment though. NC does always give energy throughout the entire show and i LOOOVE that about them!!
i hate to post this question again, but i can't find the pictures for the life of me. can somebody PLEASE help. it is really really important
I think the website is:
batemanfoto.com
I found the card in my purse and I think I must have picked it up this weekend. They appear to have taken ISSMA photos for orchestra and concert choir. They don't have show choir photos up yet though. I hope this helps!
One benefit of the "riser rule" is that the event runs on time.
ISSMA does an excellent job of clock management.
A big thanks to Plainfield HS for hosting. You have the most beautiful HS in Indiana. I really appreciate the comfortable seats!
Thanks.. .especially coming from you guys, that means a lot
it was good to compete with you guys again, and there will be no doubt that we'll see you next year too.
She threw off an entire competition in VA last year. They even had to have a meeting about who's allowed to judge at competitions due to her and I believe she was banned from judging in VA ever again.
Not saying this is the case in this competition, her name though... oy.
I could be wrong, but im pretty sure she is banned from VA.
Annette Layman threw off an entire competition in Virginia last year. They even had to have a meeting about who's allowed to judge at competitions and I believe she was is now unable to. I could be wrong?
Not saying this is the case in this competition, her name though...
All of the Class A choirs did a great job on Saturday. The outcome could have gone differently but in my opinion, North Central deserved the win. This was the third time that I saw them this season and this was their best all around performance.
This year was a great one for Indiana as all of the choirs seemed to up their game so everyone pushed each other.
I am especially proud both of Carroll's choirs. They worked very hard and that work paid off. Minstrel Magic.. You guys ROCKED!!
Indiana State Large School Finals 2010
I love show choir so much that I watched ALL of the mixed finalists for class A, and most of the women's division, congrats Descants, that tapping was clean and fierce! But I don't agree with the rest of the women's division placing for class A. 
. I wish the best of luck to LC!! I'm sure they will do fantastic!! 