I guess I don’t understand how that works. “You had the best dancers and the best vocals, but you weren’t the best choir.” What is he “overall show score” if it’s not based on the singing and dancing the choir does? (Not being snarky, I’m actually asking). Many if not most of the bands include adults, which shouldn’t be included in scoring, and the “show concept” is 100% subjective. So I’m just not sure how that could work.
Generally overall show is scored based on things like costuming, show design, facials, professionalism, and general effect. It’s definitely the most subjective scoring area, but it usually comprises the smallest part of the score sheet as well.
Is 750 the number in St. Clairsville's rulebook? I don't know what metrics St. Clairsville uses for eligibility to attend their invitational.
In general, Class C (or Division 3 which no one really calls it that except for St. Clairsville apparently) does not have a set enrollment number from competition-to-competition. (Ex. Beavercreek considers Class C to be "under 800 students"). And further muddying the picture - some OH/WV competitions use Class A/B/C based on the choir size not enrollment which is undoubtedly the much better system (choir size), but calling it the same thing can be confusing since they aren't actually interchangeable. Ultimately, there's really no standardization or universal meaning to terms like "Class C" or "Division 3". These terms barely make sense within our own borders with the variance from competition-to-competition, just imagine outsiders from Indiana, Wisconsin, or Iowa wondering what the heck does Division 3 Invitational even mean? That's not to hate on St. Clairsville as this is a regional thing, although one would think it would be wise to simplify their title to small school championship or something to that effect.
This is from their Facebook event:
" This competition is like no other in the regional show choir arena. Our invitational welcomes only Division 3 (small) school show choirs (often listed as Class C or Tier III schools - with enrollment of 750 students or fewer).
At almost all show choir competitions, groups compete within their division during preliminary rounds, then the top groups move on to finals to compete against each other - regardless of their division. Oftentimes, even the best Division 3 small schools don't have a fair shot at winning a championship when they are forced to go up against large Class A schools that operate with much larger budgets and recruit the best singers and dancers from a huge talent pool since their enrollment often ranges from 1,200 to more than 2,000 students.
Our competition levels the playing field by hosting ONLY Division 3 schools' show choirs. The top choirs advance to the finals, and ALL of them will be Division 3. "
Ah, nice! Thanks for sharing that. Certainly a valid discussion topic. I mean it is totally possible our enrollment info on here is somewhat outdated as that information is literally constantly changing. But Tallmadge, for example, does still exceed the 750 number based on current year Ohio DOE data. I imagine a director of one of those schools or St. C folks would have to clarify.
I'm not sure 37 students makes a competitive difference. Plus or minus move ins/move outs they very well could have dropped below 750. If I were the director, I would gladly welcome a group minimally over the requirement. I don't think anyone can argue that they are not a small school.
Absolutely agree, Kevin. Tallmadge and Nitro are within 50 of the 750 cutoff and both would have been considered "Class C" at Beavercreek's competition as I previously mentioned. 750 is just an arbitrary number to pick (and then not stick with). And school enrollment isn't a good indicator to begin with - as I'm not sold on the blurb about resources. The schools that punch above their weight topic shows some of those examples.
Nonetheless, I admire St. C's efforts to make a competition exclusively for small schools and give them a unique experience. I think it's a great thing this exists for those small school directors who connect with and have a similar experience as St. C. I'm ultimately just more of a fan of how Sheridan Spotlight (or even Teays festival division depending on the year) does classifications and finals. I don't think "leveling the playing field" is as simple as drawing a line in the sand at 750 enrollment. But hey, there's nothing wrong with having variety in a competition circuit.
thanks for clearing it up for me. newbie here and this is different than any we had been to this year. but it seems like each one has been a little different.
I really think the best way to do it is to use multiple criteria. TV has done this. The only thing was last year, multiple groups took advantage of the interpretation of "primarily freshmen and sophomores." I think having basic requirements with the understanding of it's the host's discretion to whether or not you meet the spirit of the division is the way to go. We all know when a group looks funny participating in a lower class.
Some standards that make sense...
- Less than a certain amount of students
- Three years or less of competitive experience
- Less than 32 singers/dancers members
- A JV or prep group of a school
St. Clairsville Division 3 Show Choir Invitational 2018
