I'm sure it has something to do with the change at ISSMA state finals..
This year they're breaking things down into a large school division and a small school division, so smaller schools that would usually go to compete at larger competitions choose not to go for fear of fewer points and not enough points to qualify for state.
Instead I think there are more competitions geared toward the small-school division that those schools are attending.
If the ISSMA judges are all consistent and all use the ISSMA score sheet, then this should not be an issue. I did hear a rumor that last year there were a couple of competitions where the judges scores for all schools performing were much higher. It is possible that schools are seeking out these competitions.
However, I don't think you can overlook schools looking for competition where they can get into the finals and that can be difficult at some of these competitions with several large schools.
I've got to believe that ISSMA implemented the two State finals for the same reason. Remember, there will be 9 schools at both the large and small school ISSMA State Finals. So there will be 18 slots available, vs. 12 in previous years (for both mixed and women's groups).
completely random: has anyone else noticed that the competitions have shrunk considerably this year? North Central's MIC comp only has 6 mixed groups with 3 finalists. LC's only got 8? with 4 finalists. just my observation of the day :]
I'm sure it has something to do with the change at ISSMA state finals..
This year they're breaking things down into a large school division and a small school division, so smaller schools that would usually go to compete at larger competitions choose not to go for fear of fewer points and not enough points to qualify for state.
Instead I think there are more competitions geared toward the small-school division that those schools are attending.
Without a doubt, 5 competitions on the same day and ISSMA also has affected The Classic attendance this year. Last year when it was just FC and LC on the same day we had close to 50 groups in competition. This year it's just a little over half.
Additionally some think that LC might be affected by some of the top choirs that do traditionally compete (NC, Center Grove, etc.) That the tough competition scares off some of the others who chose a smaller comp. that they feel gives them a better chance to win. It's a shame, but I applaud all the schools like Plainfield that continue to go head to head with the best and as a result continue to improve and grow their program.
I think there are 5 competitions this weekend (2/28) drawing central Indiana choirs, Lawrence Central, Mooresville, Edgewood, Franklin Central and Huntington North. Plus ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble contest is this Saturday and some choirs choose not to compete so their members can participate. This may explain why some of the contests have fewer choirs this weekend.
completely random: has anyone else noticed that the competitions have shrunk considerably this year? North Central's MIC comp only has 6 mixed groups with 3 finalists. LC's only got 8? with 4 finalists. just my observation of the day :]
we were actually talking about that in my choir class today. apparently schools are really strapping down the uses of buses because disel is so expensive. we were told that some schools are charging to use the buses, it just shows how much the economy is effecting EVERYONE...
thanks very much to everyone wishing burbank luck!!
we're all very excited
ESPECIALLY for arriving at school tomorrow at 6am for the bus ride to the airport...
nooooooooootttttt....
completely random: has anyone else noticed that the competitions have shrunk considerably this year? North Central's MIC comp only has 6 mixed groups with 3 finalists. LC's only got 8? with 4 finalists. just my observation of the day :]
Warren Central and Ben Davis remain pretty big competitions in indy.
completely random: has anyone else noticed that the competitions have shrunk considerably this year? North Central's MIC comp only has 6 mixed groups with 3 finalists. LC's only got 8? with 4 finalists. just my observation of the day :]
Lawrence Central The Classic 2009
