I'm a part of a musical at my school with Jared Tetreau ^ on Saturday... so needless to say that we'll be watching during the breaks and possibly missing our cues
The folks at FAME are again offering a live feed for Friday night's women's competition as well as Saturday's mixed division. I'm not sure I'll be around this weekend, sadly, but for folks who want one last show choir viewing party... here's your chance!
I feel like everyone is sleeping on Findlay for this competition. I don't make predictions, and I won't start today, but just remember how well FFE has done this year and how put together their show is.
I can't blame them when the competitions call the 1st place group "National Champions."
I don't hide the fact that I don't like these so-called "National Competitions." I personally feel that they are just a way for a company to make money. Why support them when we could be supporting other music programs by exclusively going to competitions hosted by the schools? If a trip is what you want, take one but spare me from the competition aspect and enjoy the city.
National competition series and events like FAME, HOA, or SCN provide things that most regional comps just can't. The venues that FAME and SCN especially, hold their events in provide incredible experiences for the performing groups. I think just because a corporation is putting on the event instead of a high school music department it doesn't mean that the comp can't have the same wholesome supportive atmosphere that is felt at most regional comps. Supporting these national competitions strengthens the show choir community as a whole because it provides a base. It gives us the closest thing to a central governing body that we will ever have because show choir is so vast and rules and regulations vary greatly based on region. I think that it is important to have national comps because it gives show choirs from all over the country the chance to compete in a mutual location that no group is exceedingly familiar with than any other with a set of rules that each group can adapt to. It provides a level playing field and they are vital to the expansion of show choir.
I think it's important to note the "National Championship" term is also perpetuated heavily within our own show choir community - forgetting about the "travel company events" - students and directors herald themselves as National Champs after winning FAME, SCN, HOA, etc. I don't think the finger should be pointing entirely at the travel company events as the folks who make up the conversation and content within our community - students, directors, fans, etc. - are also guilty as charged.
I can't blame them when the competitions call the 1st place group "National Champions."
I don't hide the fact that I don't like these so-called "National Competitions." I personally feel that they are just a way for a company to make money. Why support them when we could be supporting other music programs by exclusively going to competitions hosted by the schools? If a trip is what you want, take one but spare me from the competition aspect and enjoy the city.
GC: Los Al (BV, BC)
1RU: Ankeny Centennial (BB)
2RU: Findlay
3RU: Daniel Hand
4RU: Danville
5RU: DeKalb
6RU: Jackson Academy
7RU: South Jones
8RU: Oak Park River Forest
However, I could see Centennial perhaps stealing BC from Los Al, I mean they do both dance incredibly well and have April James as their choreographer. I could also see Danville switching with Daniel Hand. Should be a fun time for those attending! Like Jeff said, it may be a small field but there are some great groups attending. I'd also like to point out that despite there being only 9 groups, 7 different states will be represented which should make for a very diverse day of show choir
PREDICTIONS:
You must have been reading my mind as I have to agree with this prediction and comments almost to the letter.
The possibility is there for two genuine National Champions to emerge from this competition, but of course, no matter how you look at it the true National Champion will always be controversial. Personally, I believe the # 1 in my Annual Final Ranking should hold the National Championship. I will run and seek a safe haven to immerse my-self in after making that statement!
If Uniondale would have taveled to this show, I think I might have too.
I think it's important to note the "National Championship" term is also perpetuated heavily within our own show choir community - forgetting about the "travel company events" - students and directors herald themselves as National Champs after winning FAME, SCN, HOA, etc. I don't think the finger should be pointing entirely at the travel company events as the folks who make up the conversation and content within our community - students, directors, fans, etc. - are also guilty as charged. We need to challenge ourselves to think more critically about this. It's similar to when directors might share that they dislike SCC, because it's "negative," "unproductive," etc. Our community thrives off of user-generated content - from this website, to Twitter accounts, to conversations at competitions among show choir fans. If the audience changes their perspective, then the community itself can be more healthy as a result.
Ultimately, it is high school and these are still kids who are learning to be their best selves, as we all are, so I think some slack should be given. We're all growing and learning at different paces. Who cares what a competition chooses to call itself? We should be able to look beyond that. FAME created an unprecedented opportunity that sparked the community with a lot of excitement with the formation of the "Show Choir National Championship Series." Obviously, it's not a true National Championship and the semantics of it can clearly be frustrating. But I think their efforts and previous National Finals should be applauded for the amazing talent demonstrated and experiences that folks were able to have. I would agree with Sam on Kevin's apparent sarcastic post. Many FAME attendees do not advance to the National Finals, so the notion that FAME is trying "to woo groups in by calling them a national championship" is misleading. Sure, it's part of the package for some folks, but I think everyone, including FAME, realizes there's much more to it than that. At the end of the day, events such as FAME, SCN, and HOA can lead to some extraordinary educational opportunities that might not be available at a regional event.
We too often forget that show choir is just high school show choir and that the learning moments - not ranking systems, trophies, or titles of competitions - are what students truly remember from these incredibly awesome and transformative years singing and dancing.
Would be better if the term "National Champions" was simply retired altogether.
Agreed. Especially with Show Choir Nationals still being a more than relevant competition, and like regional comps gathering huge amounts of talent, the terms "National Champions," "Best ___ in the Nation," or what have you should really cease their use.
I don't know if this was intended with as harsh/condescending tone as I read it...however I do agree with your point that some regional competitions have equal if not better turn out (based on how we "rank" how good groups are or not). For example, Wheaton-Warrenville was definitely the most stacked competition this year.
the accusation that you have made at fame is slightly (in my mind) misleading because this is indeed a cumulation of multiple events across the nation in which the groups will be competing at a final competition...that's why I think it is okay to call this a national finals
Los Al Xtravaganza was pretty stacked this year too!
While several of these groups are very good, this competition is pretty lackluster for a so-called "National Championship." I think we should just all agree that the Crystal Classic should be the National Championship and not waste our time on the travel company events that try to woo groups in by calling them a national championship.
I don't know if this was intended with as harsh/condescending tone as I read it...however I do agree with your point that some regional competitions have equal if not better turn out (based on how we "rank" how good groups are or not). For example, Wheaton-Warrenville was definitely the most stacked competition this year.
the accusation that you have made at fame is slightly (in my mind) misleading because this is indeed a cumulation of multiple events across the nation in which the groups will be competing at a final competition...that's why I think it is okay to call this a national finals
While several of these groups are very good, this competition is pretty lackluster for a so-called "National Championship." I think we should just all agree that the Crystal Classic should be the National Championship and not waste our time on the travel company events that try to woo groups in by calling them a national championship.
Here's the full list of the FAME Aspire Award nominees:
Sad that these were announced so late. I know of at least two on this list who are unable to come due to prior commitments.
My group "Esprit" is still grateful for the help they received from the Onalaska show choirs earlier this year, and they congratulate you on your recognition! Well deserved!
FAME Show Choir National Finals 2016
This show would photograph extremely well.
