I watched every single open division class today and no offense to Reedsburg, but I watched 6 schools that were just flat out better than them, that didn’t make finals. Good for them though they still did a great job and put up a great show.
I dont think its fair to say the judges are bad . Although there have been times that the rankings and judges actions seem questionable, that's no excuse to call them bad. I watched the groups too and I think they all tried their best, but sometimes that only go so far. From what we see can be completely different from what they see and that's just being human. Although I'm surprised at some placings, it just shows how close the competition was and how good these groups have gotten. Besides, these groups came and showed off, it's not about the destination, its about the journey. I think Reedsburg did great, they blew me out of the park. Its hard being a judge when they get so critically judged. They look for things we might not even think of, so we need to keep that in mind. And, finally, the definition of good varies from individuals. Your interpretation of "good" can be WAY different from others. It's better to keep an open mind about what others believe and think of how to judge compared to yourself. Just saying, not trying to be controversial.
I watched several live streams tonight and in a different competition, the results weren't the way I would have scored it at all. Does that mean the judges were "terrible?" Not even close. We are often swayed by personal biases, whether that's a school association, song selection, preference of style, or any number of things (which may even be subconscious)! If you participate in show choir, you just have to accept that a good majority of it is subjective and by the very nature of that you can't take scores too seriously. That's not to say that I think what the judges do is unimportant; quite the contrary, I think the vast majority of the time they get it right (there have even been times when I have disagreed in the moment, but changed my own opinion after time has passed). Show choir should be educational, character building, and most of all, fun. The irony is that a lot of the times I see these kinds of angry comments, it's actually the parents who seem to be the most heated and not the kids. Of course we all hope to win, but only one group will - even if everyone is amazing. Let's celebrate the ones who are getting their moment to shine this week and work hard to improve ourselves for the next. And even if the results never go the way you would really hope, at least you got to share the stage with incredible friends and share amazing music together. I would trade in a first place trophy to share in that feeling again any day of the week.
The judges have all made a name for themselves in the community and are professionally trained to do these types of things. I think it's a good opportunity for these "robbed" schools to take the critiques they've gotten and grow their show instead of dwelling on something you have no control over
So you’re saying that all the schools that didn’t make it should bring their choreographer and private vocal coach as judges to the competitions they go to, so they can make finals?
Listen, if I hadn’t had the experience of going through disappointment in show choir, I wouldn’t have been able to handle audition rejections as a working professional. Sometimes the most talented groups don’t get into finals for reasons that are completely out of their control. I’ve seen it happen time and time again. But as I said in an earlier post, what’s inspiring is that the kids go out week after week and do their best... and that is the most important lesson. More important than winning is not being defeated.
Opinions are very subjective. Show choir isn't about tearing other people down. It's about expression through dance and singing. Prospect Mixed Company did a great job yesterday and obviously got the critiques and placements to show that. Remember there's more than one judge.
While I agree with a lot of what you say here, you’re not really in a position to be objective about this because you’re from Prospect, Alasky. Just like I can’t be objective about Milton.
No matter what any school and there supporters hope there group makes the finals! all these kids work hard and put themselves out there to do what they enjoy! Quit dwelling on why YOU think certain groups made or didn't make the finals.
Totally! Kids have to learn disappointment and overcoming the things that happen. No sour grapes here… I had no horse in this race Whether people feel cheated or not doesn’t really matter. We have to move on and become stronger.
While it does matter that the kids do work hard, I agree with you, it’s also more fun of a competition when the Top 6 schools make finals. Not when there is a clear bias in some of the judges.
But as I’m sure you’ve experienced as an adult, activities like this can really teach kids how to build character. There are times in their lives when they are going to run into situations they may feel are unfair with getting a job, etc.
Judges, and quick bios from the program, for those interested in that sort of thing. The program does not delineate which judges judged which portion of the event.
- Adam Bassak, Director of Bands, Baldwin-Woodville High School
- Ariana Cappuccitti, Chicagoland-area performer and choreographer for Prospect High School’s musicals
- Colleen Timler, former director of John Hersey “Ladies First” and Prospect “Mixed Company”, current private voice instructor for Prospect, Hersey and Chicago College of Performing Arts students
- Kym Chambers Otto, professional actor/singer/dancer
- Sean Hoffman, Director of Choral Activities, Manteno (IL) School District and freelance arranger
- Meg Aspinwall, Music Director at the Verona Area Community Theatre
- Matthew Endres, music faculty member at UW-Madison and Associate Lecturer of music at UW-Whitewater
- Scott Hines, former director of Elite Energy and current director of Purdue University’s “PMO Express” show choir and five other Purdue choirs
- Jeff Jordan, NYC working equity actor and Show Choir Camps of America staff member
- Darren Sterud, Senior Instructor of Jazz Trombone at UW-Madison and in residency at Madison LaFollette High School
Milton Rock the Rock 2020
Whether people feel cheated or not doesn’t really matter. We have to move on and become stronger.