I’ve never made a prediction before mostly because I’ve been in a choir, but now that i’m an alum I suppose it’s time to get into predictions!
Also I’ve seen Peoria, Loveland, and Findlay live this season and Carroll and Ankeny virtually so far this season.
This is going to be one heck of a competition and I feel like it’s truly going to come down to the shows these choirs put on next weekend.
GC: Los Alamitos (BV) (BC)
1ST RU: Ankeny
2ND RU: Loveland
3RD RU: Petal
4TH RU: Findlay
5TH RU: Auburn/Peoria I really cannot choose here.
I’m very excited to attend this event!! For everyone competing- put your best shows on!
I do think there is a chance Ankeny can upset and win, however it’s gonna be a close comp for all groups. Good luck cause this one is gonna be 6 great finalists slugging it out.
I honestly have no clue about who the finalists will be. I feel that Ankeny Cent, Los Al, and Loveland are like 90% locks to make finals. I feel Findlay has a really really good shot. Then I think the last 2 spots are going to be an absolute battle between the rest of the field. Also, watch out for Ankeny Cent to win this comp. I think that venue at CRK Raise the Roof may have messed with their vocals a little. Should be an exciting competitive comp, looking forward to the long travel day to get there!
I was also thinking the same. Mr. Gemar is a great clinician and wonderful judge who is more than capable of judging without bias, but it is hard to think there will be no conflict of interest with Glenwood attending. I believe Gemar would not tarnish his reputation by forcing Glenwood over more deserving groups and I'm honestly thinking, if not at all neutral, he would be harder on them. Gemar is a great judge but of course him judging will raise some eyebrows.
Edit: He is also judging at Wheaton South this weekend and Glenwood will be in attendance.
Dave Fehr has been Homewood's arranger for forever, and he's judged them here three times I believe (2010, 2015, 2018). Hard to imagine that he doesn't arrange for any other groups in the South that have been here, but I could be mistaken. Being a well-respected judge is about being fair to all groups, and that's a standard that Darryl Ussery (the guy that runs the contest) has stood by for years.
The final two spots are tough. Auburn and Petal have been beaten by Oak Mountain and Clinton/Oak Mountain/Jackson Academy respectively. Outside of that, they haven't faced very stiff competition. Glenwood and Cedar Rapids Kennedy have been consistently facing tougher competition. I can see any of these four groups taking those final two spots, but my gut is telling me Auburn and Glenwood for now.