I don't know if someone on here saw my plea, but thank you for posting Hastings preview show on YouTube. It's nice to have as a reference for after I see them at swingin' on the river in in a couple weeks. To see the improvements and tweaks.
GC: Burroughs
1RU: Waubonsie Valley
2RU: Hastings
3RU: Carmel
4RU: Buffalo Grove
5RU: Wheaton North
6RU: Naperville North
It's hard to place Carmel since they haven't competed yet but you know they will be good. Also-- WV isn't in 2nd because of the new director, I put them in 2nd because I think Burroughs will slay this year. I think Wheaton should look into having 7 finalists spots because sending one of these groups home after prelims just doesn't seem right to me.
GC: John Burroughs "Powerhouse"
1RU: Waubonsie Valley "Sound Check"
2RU: Buffalo Grove "Expressions"
3RU: Wheaton North "Flight"
4RU: Naperville North "Entourage"
5RU: Hastings "Riverside Company"
6RU: Carmel "The Ambassadors"
GC: Waubonsie Valley (BC)
1RU: John Burroughs (BV)
2RU: Carmel
3RU: Buffalo Grove
4RU: Hastings
5RU: Naperville North
6RU: Wheaton North
I would give this to Waubonsie due to the fact that they have gone against some INSANE competition here and they still come up on top. I dont think Mark Myers leaving them this year should impact them at all because theyre all still incredible vocalists and dancers. I could also see Wheaton North moving up somewhere in the 5RU to 3RU range. But who knows? Its a new year and with groups of such a high amount of talent anything could happen!
Preseason predictions:
GC: Waubonsie (BC)
1RU: John Burroughs
2RU: Carmel (BV)
3RU: Wheaton North
4RU: Buffalo Grove
5RU: Hastings
WV is on-point every year with their choreography (and vocals too for that matter). They've got a massive win streak (beating tons of elite groups including Clinton).
JB always great overall, though I haven't liked any of their shows since Star Wars (2011?). Not their fault of course--personal preference.
Carmel 2013 had some of the best vocals I've ever heard of any group any year. I didn't see them at all last year however, but don't they have WWS's former director now?
Wheaton North these past few years have excelled brilliantly. In my opinion, pretty spectacular vocals. I expect them to continue to grow this year.
BG beat Hastings at SCN last year. That's all I know about either of them recently.
Tbh, anything could happen. The last time JB and WV competed was in 2008 (FAME Chicago), where JB beat Clinton and WV received 3RU. So it will be a beautiful clash of variety at this competition.
After that 4th place finish at FAME Chicago 2008, Waubonsie Valley went on to, and currently has earned Grand Champion in 27 out of their last 29 competitions. Absolutely remarkable. The talent as a whole that will be at the Choral Classic makes this a one-of-a-kind and must-see event.
This competition has an insane amount of big name groups attending... it seems crazy that some of these groups that are used to winning regularly could place so low! (I obviously do not mean that in a negative way.)
I am so excited for this competition!! Still in awe from looking at the lineup! Almost too hard to predict
GC: Waubonsie (BC)
1RU: John Burroughs
2RU: Buffalo Grove
3RU: Carmel (BV)
4RU: Wheaton North
5RU: Hastings (Best Combo)
6RU: Naperville
I'm STILL salty that Waubonsie didn't win FAME that year. SO mad. I loved that show so much. One of the best attended competitions ever!!!! Such a good one!
GC John Burroughs (BC)
1RU Waubonsie (BV, BB)
2RU Carmel
3RU Hastings
4RU Buffalo Grove
5RU Naperville
Idk what it is, maybe Mark Myers's absence, I just have this feeling that Burroughs is gonna take it this year. Their choreo last year was near impeccable. Vocals will make them or break them I feel (they weren't as up to par as they usually are last year). I could see Buffalo Grove and Hastings switching places. I put Naperville over Wheaton North simply because I've yet to see Wheaton North prove themselves in a field this deep. Naperville at Fairfield last year was incredible and I'm sure they'll only get better. I wouldn't be surprised if they switched anyway. So excited for this!!
Um didn't Wheaton N beat Glenwood last year? And that was just their second year with their new director.
I am going to wait until the new shows have been revealed before making predictions but you better believe I will be making sure I am at this competition this year!
And after a strong start by Naperville this year I guess I might have to change this! Point well taken!
Like almost everyone can agree, this competition is unreal to begin with. Each of these groups are excellent and it is amazing that the rest of the show choir world gets to see so much talent in one day. Cannot wait to see all of you that are performing!