What makes this contest so interesting is the variability of every group:
Burroughs has had years of show choir dominance, with heavy dance shows, and other years where vocals are emphasized as they showcase more of an artsy show (as opposed to doing more typical show choir - even by their standards).
WV has a new director this year with Myers taking a sabbatical so it's hard to say how geared up and prepared they will be. Early results look promising for them but the ebb and flow of show choirs is as regular as anything else so WV won't just win this one by showing up.
Carmel is in its second year with John Burlace now and seem to be trending up. They have had this contest on their radar since last summer and, knowing the minds behind their show, they will be especially prepared to compete against some of the show choir giants.
Hastings seems unstoppable this year but haven't really been tested just yet (especially in a way that this contest will present)
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There is no doubt in my mind that these groups will place top four but I'm not so sure we can make predictions about anything just yet... It's very, very early...
I'm sorry, but this is unfair. And I understand it, because most people have never met Seth or seen him at work. But let me tell you that Seth is one of the best young directors in the show choir world, and he wouldn't be doing this job for Mark this year if he couldn't do it. I just feel like people are writing off Waubonsie, who has been the best show choir in the country the past five years (that's my personal opinion, please let's not get into that argument here ), just because they have a different director.
I do know Seth haha. And I'm not saying that he won't or isn't already doing a great job with the group. I just think things are different when you change director all of a sudden and results can drastically differ once that happens. I'm not writing them off by any means; I just wanted to bring up an interesting factoid about the group dynamic this year that has the power to change the outcome of this competition. I was in Classics for 4 years and had my butt beat by WV plenty of times... believe me, I respect the hell out the group. They know how to humble the best of the best.
Waukee has been great over the past couple of years (hence the streak) but every year is different for every choir. I like streaks because they show dominance throughout a program's history (i.e. Clinton Attache's Grand Championship streak) but truthfully streaks mean very little on a year to year basis. I don't know how good Waukee is this year; they could be phenomenal (in fact I'm sure they are!) but besides Hastings the next best group I can find who they competed against is Ankeny Centennial and even they are unproven! (You can see how it slowly starts to unravel...)
My original post wasn't meant to stir the pot, I promise!! I just wanted to point a few things out because I saw so many people making predictions and I know that it is extremely early for that. In truth, I think the best time to make predictions for this contest will be a few days beforehand. Even then, who knows what will/could happen?
OMGGGG I'm going to have the bus drop me off on our way back from NYC on Wednesday, March 9 so I can camp out on the front lawn of WWS to be the first in line to make sure I have the best spot in the gym on Saturday.
Maybe we can set up a little tent village and have a show choir tailgate party Friday night.
Or you all could come see me in the chorus at the Lyric Opera in Romeo and Juliet on Friday night!! Directed by Tony award winning director Bartlett Sher (2008 South Pacific, nominee for last year's The King and I). Good stuff... we staged the Mercutio / Tybalt / Romeo fight the other night - and it was really exciting. All the fight choreography is being done by the noted B.H. Barry - fight director for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
But seriously - there's so much going on, it would be a shame to make it just a show choir weekend. I have no idea what B-way tours are in town then, but there's always something to see. So come out a day or two early, and stay late!
Me and Kyler would definitely be down to attend if this ends up becoming a thing!
Also, I'm so excited things worked out for me to go to this, it's gonna be awesome meeting some of the people who I've spent time on here with for the past 3 years and just watching a darn good day of show choir.
I dunno I've always been partial to Giordano's deep dish spinach pizza. I thought it would not be great but then it was like heaven. Then I'd have Lou's then Gino's.
Wheaton Warrenville South Choral Classic 2016
), just because they have a different director.
