Even if that does seem weird to imply that a competition stopped groups from making finals because the host group didn't make finals at another competition is a bit much to assume.
Just want to clarify....that statement was NOT made by me, but another poster. I, too, think that is ridiculous to assume.
I just wanted to say this was the highlight of my year...I loved this competition. Even tho we didn't make finals we loved staying for finals to watch all the other groups.
Interesting results! Wish I could have been there to see for myself! Anybody want to share their thoughts about Eisenhower's day performance? Also I have loved the Crete Monee girls for forever! Can anyone tell me about there show?
Special thanks to everyone who attended our 29th Invitational. With the performances by all the groups I'm sure that our 30th will be another fantastic competition.
Too many times the integrity of show choir judging/placements/competitions come into question. This, to me, is a sad thing. While it is very important to support your local choir programs and yes, we would have loved to have EEE and Sullivan in finals, it is equally important to support Show Choir in general. I know, as has been stated before, that the top 6 groups made it into finals. There were 17 groups that competed on Saturday, all of them deserving of the best judging we could offer. I think that was done.
Good luck to everyone the rest of the year.
I wasn't implying that rankings weren't fair. Just thought it very odd that Sullivan, Eisenhower, AND Onolaska did not make finals. I'm guessing I'm not the only one surprised by this. Had Wheaton and BG going 1 and 2, but I was a little surprised by the rest of the rankings. Again, not complaining, just surprised. Congrats to all groups.
Even if that does seem weird to imply that a competition stopped groups from making finals because the host group didn't make finals at another competition is a bit much to assume.
We had the opportunity to watch both prelims and finals. As stated by SwingsDad - this was an INTENSE competition. I can honestly say this was one of the few times we have seen finals without a SINGLE WEAK GROUP. I'm sure that MTZ would prefer to have local groups such as EEE and Sullivan in finals - but the most important thing is that the groups with the absolute strongest performances in prelims advance - and having been there, I really think the judges scored it correctly. And, as noted, no time penalties - so those advancing did so purely on strength of show and performance. There were so many strong groups - it was almost a shame to have to stop at 6!
Someone asked about Glenwood - WOW! They were quite good - some very interesting and affective choreography and vocals were decent. Kudos to Jeff Gemar and the Titan kids for a successful outing. No question they are running with the big dogs now!!
There were no time limit issues. Everyone made time in prelims, no time limit in finals.
This was, as I had said, an extremely Intense competition. Not directed at you specifically "show choir4ever", but for everyone who was there I think they would agree. Most of these groups are accustomed to making finals and as we all know, anything can happen on any given day. I think if any of these groups were asked they would say they knew if you held back at ALL in prelims you had a shot of NOT making finals. No one did that. We had 3 kids faint after their sets and I haven't seen football players sweat as much as these kids did today.
The energy level of all groups was out of this world. All directors, parents and schools should be proud of how every single group performed today.
These show choirs represented the best of Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri in sportsmanship, professionalism and most of all extreme pride in being a performer.
And as far as the "payback" comment from a previous post, that comment takes away from all the hardwork and commitment from these kids that I saw today.
Congratulations to WW The Classics, Buffalo Grove The expressions, Crete Monee Cavaliers, Glenwood Titan Fever, Manteno Magic, Troy Buchanon Express, Crete Monee for sweeping the solo competition, best male soloist (comp) WW The Classics, best female soloist (comp) Crete Monee, Best band WW The Classics and every single group today. You all made your families very proud!!
Swingsdad23
I wasn't implying that rankings weren't fair. Just thought it very odd that Sullivan, Eisenhower, AND Onolaska did not make finals. I'm guessing I'm not the only one surprised by this. Had Wheaton and BG going 1 and 2, but I was a little surprised by the rest of the rankings. Again, not complaining, just surprised. Congrats to all groups.
I had a concert today so I only got to see the last 5 performances of the night
Buffalo Grove- Very unique show for you guys. Had some cool stuff going on visually and the vocals once again sounded very good. I just feel like Wheaton had more "interesting" vocals throughout. I didn't really feel like anything stood out in your show, but it was still solid
Manteno- This year is definitely an improvement year for you guys. The show is better than it has been in previous years. I feel like you guys still don't have the raw power it takes to take that "next step" yet. I was also not a big fan of the yellow shirts the guys wear at the end.
Wheaton- VERY GOOD. The entire show was great. The opener is very unique and very well-built. The whole show is just very full of energy and fun. Well deserved.
Mt. Zion- Sorry but I feel like this is the same show that I've seen every year from Mt. Zion. The choreography is tight as always, but the vocals are still not that great. I don't know, I just didn't really get into it. I did like the magic trick thing, but it got kind of distracting as to what was going on in the rest of the picture
Wondering if a couple groups "left all they had on stage" a little too long?? Maybe some time limit issues?? Will be interesting to see how it finishes up!
There were no time limit issues. Everyone made time in prelims, no time limit in finals.
This was, as I had said, an extremely Intense competition. Not directed at you specifically "show choir4ever", but for everyone who was there I think they would agree. Most of these groups are accustomed to making finals and as we all know, anything can happen on any given day. I think if any of these groups were asked they would say they knew if you held back at ALL in prelims you had a shot of NOT making finals. No one did that. We had 3 kids faint after their sets and I haven't seen football players sweat as much as these kids did today.
The energy level of all groups was out of this world. All directors, parents and schools should be proud of how every single group performed today.
These show choirs represented the best of Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri in sportsmanship, professionalism and most of all extreme pride in being a performer.
And as far as the "payback" comment from a previous post, that comment takes away from all the hardwork and commitment from these kids that I saw today.
Congratulations to WW The Classics, Buffalo Grove The expressions, Crete Monee Cavaliers, Glenwood Titan Fever, Manteno Magic, Troy Buchanon Express, Crete Monee for sweeping the solo competition, best male soloist (comp) WW The Classics, best female soloist (comp) Crete Monee, Best band WW The Classics and every single group today. You all made your families very proud!!
Congrats to all.competing groups today. I know many will agree when I say this was an extremely INTENSE prelims.
Every group left all they had onstage and that is all we could have hoped for. We know there is some disappointments but again...no one should be because you all performed amazingly!!!
Finals groups are competing now and I will update again later tonite.
Thanks to all of the groups.
Swingsdad23
Wondering if a couple groups "left all they had on stage" a little too long?? Maybe some time limit issues?? Will be interesting to see how it finishes up!
Mt. Zion Midwest Invitational (Day Two) 2011
