At AHS, our students are taught to entertain the audience - the competition is a secondary item on our list. We like to be competitive, because that is an element of the real life experience. Life IS a competition - they need to be ready. However, life is also about working together and making a great experience for others - when we do that on stage, we are successful in meeting our overall goal. Our students are taught to host the groups at the A-Town Showdown in a way that will create the best possible environment for a great day of fun and success.
i just wanted to say that all the kids at pike completely enjoyed the anderson competition. the hosts were helpful, nice, and enthusiastic. not to mention the stellar performances they put on.. =) hopefully musicfest goes just as great next weekend!
I am the contest coordinator and official person of the AHS Choral Staff who has the final decision in all of the matters that have been discussed involving the outcome of the A-Town Showdown.
Lafayette Jeff's choir was not penalized for shooting the confetti on the stage area. However, it would have been better had they actually used it in the prelims - they only did it at night. That seems to give the impression that they had concerns about doing it in the first place and maybe running the risk of some type of penalty. The amount of said confetti was not small - it looked as if AHS had thrown a ticker-tape parade! After Jeff's performance, their crew brought out leaf blowers and blew it into the audience. Not a huge deal, except it made an even larger mess and it may have caused someone to slip on the already slick gymnasium floor. Even after the crew had finished with the leaf blowers, there was still a significant amount of confetti left around the perimeter and underneath the entire set of risers - this caused concern when the AHS stage crew had to change the riser set up for other choirs. The whole thing just wasn't terribly considerate. Also, to speak on a technical level, this is something that could be considered a major change in the show, making it not the same as it was in the prelims. If they wanted to use the confetti, it would have been a good idea to speak to the AHS people about this in advance. Had this been done, the AHS people would have been prepared to help clean up the floor in front of the stage area.
To further clarify, the DQ: At the last minute, the Laf. Jeff director took his kids back stage, into the stage right area (on the gym floor on the stage right side), laid a pile of paper towels on the gym floor, poured a can of Coke on them and allowed his kids to walk though it in order to make their shoes sticky before going on stage. The issues with this are many:
1. The risers used were rented from an Indianapolis arts organization - those were not AHS risers - this action put AHS at risk for not being able to return them in the top condition in which they received them.
2. The stage was NOT slick at all - in fact it may have been better for dancing if had been at least a little slick.
3. This was done on the gym floor, in front of the principal of AHS, who was the emcee, and also was the one who was left to clean up the mess. So consider this: wet paper towels, coke and now, wet confetti all over the place; which leads to point number four:
4. The rules also state that "No hazardous materials are to be on the stage or in the staging area." The penalty for this infraction is an automatic last place.
To address the Best Band issue with prelims: Laf. Jeff's stage layout sheet indicated that they were not eligible for the award. The reason for this is that the director thought that the adult in the band could only play the piano. However, the ONE adult can play any instrument at the A-Town Showdown. Laf. Jeff's director did not ask to have this announced, etc. He also did not indicate that he wished to have the placements changed or rectified at that time.
When it's all said and done, it all comes down to the director of each group being sure to know the rules, ask questions, check and recheck - every time. Also, it's always best to do these things face to face with the coordinator of each competition.
As for the questions about Pike competing in the small mixed category:
The A-Town Showdown rules simply state that a choir with 32 (Singer/Dancer) or less may compete in small mixed. Many people in our state seem to be caught up with school size, etc. This has nothing to do with how each choir performs. We have a student body of approximately 1,500 and we have 27 students in our mixed group. Highland & Laf Jeff both has 32 or less; had either group registered for small mixed, we would have been obligated to let them do so. Every year is different - some years a group is very strong, and some years they are not; it isn't anyone's call, but the director - the one who lives with the kids from day to day, to decide in what area to compete.
This also brings up another point - it isn't fair to require that schools register in large mixed just because that's what they used to do or because of the number of students in that particular school. The level which each group performs at is contingent on a number of things; the most important one being the level of talent and ability of the director. There are so many large groups out there that do not perform at the highest level possible because of the work that the director does with them. The "work" meaning things like: show design, costume selection, band - can they play or not?, etc. The basic here is this: every one of us can tell, for the most part, what kind of performance any choir is going to give by the cues and approach that the director takes from the moment he or she and that school's students enter the stage, etc. We all notice out of tune singing, poor posture, unsynchronized choreography, poor costuming choices, bad instrumental ensembles, prop mistakes or malfunctions, etc. However, when anyone involved doesn't have things turn out in his or her favor, that's when the blame is placed on anything or anyone else - those above listed factors don't seem to matter.
At AHS, our students are taught to entertain the audience - the competition is a secondary item on our list. We like to be competitive, because that is an element of the real life experience. Life IS a competition - they need to be ready. However, life is also about working together and making a great experience for others - when we do that on stage, we are successful in meeting our overall goal. Our students are taught to host the groups at the A-Town Showdown in a way that will create the best possible environment for a great day of fun and success.
Another thing that goes along with that is that we teach our kids to stand up and applaud each and every performance as well as each choir when the groups are announced at awards. It is always disappointing to see other schools that are obviously not taught to do that - it shows where the emphasis is really placed.
I hope that this information clears up any questions.
Both Highland and Pike were absolutely amazing; but, that is why 6 professional music educators and choreographers were hired to make the decision as to who was the best at the A-Town Showdown. Unfortunately in the world of show choir, it comes down to the opinion of a few people who sit on the panel – that changes from week to week and that’s what makes competing a challenge, but also great fun. Good luck to all of the competing choirs for the rest of the season!
About the DQ for Lafayette Jeff, their show was amazing but they did change their show and added confetti in the finals and not using it during prelims. It's just a general rule that states that you have to perform the same show with the same props for both performances (prelims and finals). I went into the competition unbiased and during finals especially, Pike set the standard for everybody and blew the competition away. But overall, it was a very competitve competition and all of the choirs were fabolous.
QUOTE(juliofrommississippi @ Mar 2 2008, 03:26 PM) 424398
Honestly... why would a group get disqualified for leaving a mess onstage? Did they know they would be disqualified because of that? Was it in the rules beforehand? Even if it was, I think it would only be considerate to remind Lafayette Jefferson of the rules and ask them to clean it up, rather than just disqualify them...
Jay, we've gone to many competitions that have rules about that, as well as many other things that might seem silly (disqualification or ineligibility for having food in the homeroom, etc.), but ultimately, whether you like it or not, it's part of the game- if rules are sent out ahead of time, directors are expected to read through them and abide them- or suffer the consequences. Sure, reminders would be nice, but it's hardly an expectation anyone should have.
as to lafayette jeff getting DQed, i just know that i would HATE to be the one that had to clean up the gym at anderson, that's why we don't allow that stuff at pike's competition.
and as to pike should have competed in the large division, fairfield and lebanon are larger than pike and brown county is the same size. norwell only has 2 less people.. not sure about danville or etc?
(i was thouroughly impressed by the highland groups, they rocked!)
Honestly... why would a group get disqualified for leaving a mess onstage? Did they know they would be disqualified because of that? Was it in the rules beforehand? Even if it was, I think it would only be considerate to remind Lafayette Jefferson of the rules and ask them to clean it up, rather than just disqualify them...
QUOTE(zanesadeNewEra @ Mar 2 2008, 11:37 AM) 424303
I think it wasn't as much the "leaving confetti on stage" part, but more the "using leaf blowers to blow it all onto the gym floor and into the audience" part. I know I definitely wouldn't want to be Anderson and have to clean all that up.
i totally agree with this statement, and i actually said it while they were blowing in onto the floor. it was huge mess and took up all the space in front of the chairs. and then kids were playing in it and yeah...definitely not a pretty sight...
QUOTE(AHSshow choir @ Mar 2 2008, 01:39 PM) 424275
I am not the biggest of fan of Laf Jeff shows by any means, but i still dont really understand the DQ. I have a copy of Anderson's rules and they clearly say that debris left on the stage is only a 5 point penalty. Overall I would have put them in third.
Congrats to everyone
I think it wasn't as much the "leaving confetti on stage" part, but more the "using leaf blowers to blow it all onto the gym floor and into the audience" part. I know I definitely wouldn't want to be Anderson and have to clean all that up.
I say that if Indiana is going to divide into small and large mixed than the competitions should be that way for the prelims. For example, at this competition I think that a certain number of groups should have made it to finals from each class (small and large): 4 from small and 2 from large, or 3 from small and 3 from large. After prelims then the finalists would compete together. The only reason I think that it should be that way is because all 4 large mixed groups made finals, so it completely obliterates any chance for a smaller choir to do well in the competition. I mean why compete in small mixed if any group from either division can make it.
I can't say that I completely agree with this statement. After prelims the two small mixed groups that made finals were in the top three. Pike would have swept the large mixed division just as they did the small mixed division but it was their choice of where they wanted to compete. And Norwell was tied for third with Laf. Jeff. after prelims. So I can't say that I agree with the fact that large mixed obliterate the chances of small mixed groups.
After reviewing the judges sheets and talking with the officals, Laf. Jeff actually won Best Band for prelims but was wrongfully DQed because an official thought one of the student players was an adult. The First Edition director discussed this with the officials and had the matter corrected, but unfortunately, the mistake was not announced or corrected in front of all of the choirs.
Also the stuff about Lafayette Jeff. I just heard about the "DQ" for finals placement. They DQ apparently took place not only because of the confetti canon leaving confetti everywhere but also for some ... ... less than considerate actions leaving a mess all over the stage. However, without the DQ I had Laf. Jeff. in fourth personally. I feel like Laf. Jeff.'s show this year is not what it has been in the past. I felt like the first half of the show through their ballad their singing was very good. However I feel like once all the big props that they usually use came out that they lost their vocal power. Their choreography was very good as you can tell from the Best Choreo caption in the large mixed division. However, I feel like Norwell, Highland, and Pike definately had Laf. Jeff.'s number tonight.
I am not the biggest of fan of Laf Jeff shows by any means, but i still dont really understand the DQ. I have a copy of Anderson's rules and they clearly say that debris left on the stage is only a 5 point penalty. Overall I would have put them in third.
Encores - I'm so proud of you guys. I wasn't there but I saw your show at BD and I LOVED it. Stainbrook really gave you guys a great show and you guys really ran with it.
Mystiques - My babies....You guys make me happier than anyone else ever. You have a really fun show and you (from seeing a few of the other girls groups at other comps) REALLY deserved to make finals.
I know I'm a big cheesy alumni and I've been out for like 3 years, but still, you guys rock my world and I love it!
Now, there has been a lot of discussion and turmoil about whether or not it was fair for Pike to compete in small mixed. The way I see it is this. We don't compete in classes here in Indiana for the most part... therfor whether or not you're in small mixed or large mixed has nothing to do with the size of your school simply the size of your choir alone. With 26 kids Pike is well under then small mixed cut off. I think you kids were all simply amazing today. There was no doubt in my mind that you guys would pull off the win in finals. You guys had a sweep (other than best costumes) over the small mixed division. And with your daytime scores could've easily pulled the same sweep over large mixed. Congratulations to you all!
It's true that for the most part we don't compete in classes (or sizes) because at this competition and many, many others the small mixed or large mixed could go to finals. I was asking people why competitions just call it the "open class" because it doesn't matter what size your choir is.
I say that if Indiana is going to divide into small and large mixed than the competitions should be that way for the prelims. For example, at this competition I think that a certain number of groups should have made it to finals from each class (small and large): 4 from small and 2 from large, or 3 from small and 3 from large. After prelims then the finalists would compete together. The only reason I think that it should be that way is because all 4 large mixed groups made finals, so it completely obliterates any chance for a smaller choir to do well in the competition. I mean why compete in small mixed if any group from either division can make it.
This was a great competition. Great job to everybody.
Congrats to New Era, as well as all the rest of the finalist. I was not there, bit was so proud of Busco for making their third finals spot in a row, keep it up!! Hope to see you all next weekend.
First let me start off by saying that none of the things I say should reflect the views of Anderson High School or anyone involved with the choirs at AHS. I am an alumni who happened to be working at the competition today and has his own opinion.
Now, there has been a lot of discussion and turmoil about whether or not it was fair for Pike to compete in small mixed. The way I see it is this. We don't compete in classes here in Indiana for the most part... therfor whether or not you're in small mixed or large mixed has nothing to do with the size of your school simply the size of your choir alone. With 26 kids Pike is well under then small mixed cut off. I think you kids were all simply amazing today. There was no doubt in my mind that you guys would pull off the win in finals. You guys had a sweep (other than best costumes) over the small mixed division. And with your daytime scores could've easily pulled the same sweep over large mixed. Congratulations to you all!
Also the stuff about Lafayette Jeff. I just heard about the "DQ" for finals placement. They DQ apparently took place not only because of the confetti canon leaving confetti everywhere but also for some ... ... less than considerate actions leaving a mess all over the stage. However, without the DQ I had Laf. Jeff. in fourth personally. I feel like Laf. Jeff.'s show this year is not what it has been in the past. I felt like the first half of the show through their ballad their singing was very good. However I feel like once all the big props that they usually use came out that they lost their vocal power. Their choreography was very good as you can tell from the Best Choreo caption in the large mixed division. However, I feel like Norwell, Highland, and Pike definately had Laf. Jeff.'s number tonight.
As for everyone else... I'll try to do this quickly.
Highland: Today was my 5th and 6th times seeing your show. It gets stronger and stronger every week. And I love the show. I can't wait to see how much you grow into next weeks show at HN. I do however not necessarily agree with the fact that only a handful of you stood up with the Grand Champion choir was announced. That was not the best impression to put on people.
Norwell: I was very impressed by you guys. For a small group you guys definately hung in there with the big groups tonight. A win over Laf. Jeff. is definately something to be proud of. Congrats!
I didn't really get a good view of Beavercreek or Busco simply because I was running in and out of the gym all day and running around like a chicken with its head cut off. But congratulations to everyone involved!
Encores has 26 people in it this year. That's right around the same numbers Norwell has.
not to cause waves, but norwell also only has a student body of 800. that's 24 kids out of 800. they have a hard enough time getting the 24 on stage to try out, let alone develop a large mixed choir. but, in numbers, it was fair for pike to be in small mixed. although i think that their small mixed group should be entered as a large mixed b/c they are very good. that is what carroll always did. they were technically "small mixed" but competed in the large mixed division. but i will admit, i loved pike's show and it was a well deserved grand champion!
Beavercreek, just sounds like it wasn't your day. I'm still really proud of you guys and the season you've been having and you've got one more chance to rise up next week and close it out super strong! I know you can do it.
Congrats to Drew Stainbrook and Pike for what obviously was a well-deserved and hard fought championship! God Bless, Damon Brown
Anderson A-Town Showdown 2008
