At this level it comes down to two things: preference and total package. Each group is going to do what they do best; just which style, tone, etc, will the judges prefer? Remember that. Just because someone wins best vocals for instance doesn't mean there was anything wrong with the other groups' singing, but that one particular style was preferred by most of the judges. (Another argument for having large panels.) After that, it's a contest between directors and programs, and fairly or unfairly it means all those things students have little control over. Rather it's which school was able to combine the best arrangements, choreography content, show design, etc for the best overall effect. So don't but too much stock in the final outcome because truly just making finals at this one should be considered a win.
I'm going to take a stab at this because this competition intrigues me!
GC: Franklin Central BV
1RU: Los Alamitos BC
2RU: John Burroughs
3RU: Center Grove
4RU: Petal
5RU: Decatur
Petal blew me away last year so I think they can do really well at this event and put on a great showing next to all these other groups. As for the top 4, I put FC on top because they have been on fire since last year when they started beating really high tier groups every weekend. I do think the point spread between especially the top 3 or 4 will be very close, so i split the BC and BV. 1RU to 3RU is definitely a toss up. 3 great groups with great etiquette and great shows. In the past (I have not had the privilege of watching any of these groups, so obviously that is a factor in my predictions), Los Al and John Burroughs have brought phenomenal shows everywhere they go. Center Grove is top tier, so i think 4th place is 100% attainable for them. Obviously every group is going to have to be at the top of their game to really do well here. This is going to be an amazing event.
As for single gender division, I've had a very difficult time deciphering which group will come out on top. FC girls have swept this year and won a big win at Fairfield this weekend. They are probably my top pick based on their consistency. However, I'm going to pass on making a list for this division in fear of skipping over a great group or something. These groups haven't competed all together this year, so predictions are hard, but that's what these stacked competitions are for! This was a lot of fun, I have learned a lot more about each of these groups. Good luck to everyone. I'll be watching creepily from my living room in awe of your great talent.
Hey Charlie, I hope you don't take people's predictions on this forum as a direct insult or anything along those lines. When you run into a competition of this caliber, the finalists could play out in a plethora of ways. And yes, it is possible your group could or could not make it. Part of the beauty in our Show Choir world is being able to experience an event, such as HOA Orlando, where you can recognize that your performance isn't necessarily defined by what other perceive it to be, but rather that it is something meaningful to you and the greater community as a whole. While making finals is something I'm sure every group in attendance is striving to achieve, there is something greater to be understood: competing against such a diverse combination of groups brings out the best in each other. I know this may have sounded like a lecture, but if there's one thing that I've learned throughout my time in this crazy form of art that we all love is that we control our own destinies and what we are capable of; letting other people define our limits and expectations is not something that improves us -- having intrinsic motivation to do the best you possibly can pays off big time!
With all that being said, good luck this weekend and ENJOY this crazy experience with your friends and family - not many people get such an opportunity. ;)
haha it's all good sam! i don't feel insulted at all. i actually love looking at all the polls for this comp and reading everyone's different predictions and opinions. my comment was meant as a mix between a self-deprecating joke and an acknowledgement of the incredible amount of talent in this event. i probably should have added that before posting it (whoops). that being said though, i totally agree with what you're saying about the experience of show choir and performing at an event like this one. super insightful. but thanks for looking out for me and making sure i didn't feel insulted or anything! that was super nice of you. i really appreciate your response, and i am stoked af for this weekend.....and don't worry hahaha—it didn't sound like a lecture at all! ;)
Okay, finally time to make predictions—
GC: Franklin Central (Vocals)
1RU: John Burroughs
2RU: Los Alamitos (Visuals)
3RU: Center Grove
4RU: Decatur
5RU: Petal
This could go any number of ways. But I think FC Singers have proven themselves pretty definitively this season, and I expect them to win out. Regardless the outcome, I am looking forward to watching the live stream on Saturday!
Does anyone need a single ticket to the comp this weekend in Orlando?? I can’t go now, and the tickets are sold out. So, I’m your only hope. Let me know. I’d be happy to sell it to you. Email: [email protected] for more info.
Thanks!!!
Updated Predictions:
GC: Los Alamitos (BC)
1RU: Franklin Central (BV)
2RU: Center Grove
3RU: John Burroughs
4RU: Petal
5RU: Decatur
After watching Franklin Central in person at Fairfield, I say this with just a little hyperbole when I say that I can’t imagine any group singing better than them. I’m also a big fan of Los Al’s shows every year, so I think that they’ll ultimately come out on top with the overall visual affect of their show. Always a treat to watch! I also think Petal will do well here. From what I’ve seen on YouTube, their show is fantastic!
This competition is a toss up. Every group going to this competition is very good, and I think it will come down to which group sings the best and brings the most intensity.
Prediction
GC: FC Singers: (BV,BC)
1RU: Center Grove
2RU: Los Al
3RU: John Burroughs
4RU: Mt. Zion
5RU: Decatur (BB)
Geez. Center Grove just swept Glenwood. So hard to predict placements with so many great groups.
I'll guess
GC: Los Al (BC)
1RU: FC Singers (BV)
2RU: Center Grove
3RU: John Burroughs
4RU: Mt Zion
5RU: Decatur
I would agree with this! I could see JB and CG being switched, and possibly Petal in one of those last two spots. Like everyone has said though, hard to predict!
If you're on the fence about whether or not you think you should pay for this live stream allow me to help you out with some numbers. Out of just the 12 large mixed groups attending this event, they have competed in over 50 events this year combined. You're looking at over 70+ captions shared between these groups, there are 22 shared grand champion trophies in total. 7 out of 12 have placed top three at least everywhere they've gone. And that's just the mixed division. This is looking to be one of the most impressive National lineups this year! (I really hope I got all this information right)
Center Grove is on FIRE with the additions and changes to their show! I’d expect them top 2, minimum top 3! I truly think they’re one of the best groups in the country right now - it’s ridiculous!
We saw them at Fishers, Pike, and in exhibition at their own comp. They were pretty amazing at those, but I’m assuming these changes have happened since the middle of February? If they are even better now than at their first few competitions, they could give FC, LA, and JB a run for Grand Champs.
They’re good, no doubt. But unless they changed a bunch since Shelbyville, I really don’t think they’re going to be able to touch FC. Again, Center Grove is good (I definetly think they’ll make finals) and I like their show. FC is just on another level this year.
Heart of America Orlando 2018
Let me know. I’d be happy to sell it to you. Email: 
