This was a very interesting match up to think about, and I’m not at all sure about my predictions, but here’s where I’d put it at the moment.
GC: CG Sound System (BV)
1RU: FC Singers
2RU: Carmel Ambassadors (BC)
This is a strange take, but I really think CG and FC sound great this year. I’d really have to watch Carmel’s show before giving them an advantage vocally. Visually, Carmel is king, and FC always cleans exceptionally. However, style-wise, April and Dwight choreo would trump FC choreo, in my opinion. Overall, I think this order makes sense - CG on top with best vocals and creative choreography, FC second with the best of both worlds (both strong vocals and clean, but slightly less difficult, choreography), and Carmel with cleanest choreography yet slightly lacking in vocals. Of course, I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if this ends up being completely opposite to what the results are, but that’s the fun of it! If any of those groups don’t absolutely work their butts off on Saturday, they’ll get destroyed - that’s how close it’ll be. Very interesting, and looking forward to seeing it.
Let's look at some of the history behind these groups.
- Last year, Carmel show choirs swept this event over Franklin Central. Center Grove did not compete.
- The three top Mixed Groups have won over half of the competitions they have entered in the past 4 years. Mixed Division Competitions Won (2019-2022)
1. FC Singers: 14/20 (70%)
2. Carmel Ambassadors: 8/13 (61.5%)
3. Center Grove Sound System: 11/20 (55%)
- In their only meeting between all three groups, Carmel Ambassadors beat FC Singers and Sound System at Brownsburg last year. Sound System did win Best Vocals at the competition and later beat Carmel Ambassadors at HOA Nationals in Orlando.
Single-Gender Division Competitions Won (2019-2022)
1. Carmel Accents: 9/12 (75%)
2. Center Grove Debtones: 10/19 (52.6%)
3. Franklin Central High Voltage: 8/20 (40%)
- Similar to the mixed division, Carmel Accents won the meeting of all three choirs at Brownsburg. Later on, the Center Grove Debtones beat Carmel at Nationals.
CG Sound System, CG Debtones, and FC Singers all come in with a win under their belt. On the other hand, this will be Carmel's first competition of the season. Overall, the margins will be tight between these talented groups, likely coming down to just a few critical points. With this being early in the season, which group has their show in the best shape in this meeting of top Indiana show choirs?
I do think it is pertinent to note that 2019 seemed to very much be an outlier year for Sound System - they only won a single time for the entire season. However, that didn’t seem to continue after that season. Also, this does beg the question of which groups tend to have a slower start than others - it seems like Carmel’s strength is in earlier competitions compared to FC or CG, who take more of a gradual path throughout the course of the season to achieve a refined show.
What a crazy lineup! I usually do public predictions for these competitions, but the scene has changed so much recently! With Indiana's three biggest competitors fighting it out for an early-season title, this competition will be one for the books - and that's not to mention North Central and Ben Davis who have a great reputation in Indiana as well as Lawrence Central who is really coming to play this year! Very excited to see it play out.
Large Mixed Predictions:
GC: CG Sound System (BV)
1RU: Carmel Ambassadors (BC)
2RU: FC Singers (BB)
3RU: North Central Counterpoints
What a competition this will be! I’m very excited to see it play out. After having seen both the CG and FC pre competition shows (both of which were great and had incredible moments), I do think CG’s show was overall slightly more well-rounded and entertaining than FC’s this year. It seems like they’ve really upped their game this year, especially with awesome choreography (thanks to the incredible April James), and I felt the overall visuals were more unique than FC’s. Although FC’s choreography was clean, it was quite along the lines of what they usually do. In terms of vocals, FC had a very exciting “gospel” sound, but CG also really shone for what they’re known for in vocals, and I thought their blend was a little better and demonstrated better technique. Now, it’s tough to compare with the Ambassadors, but considering their spectacular show last year, I can absolutely see them taking best choreography, or even winning the competition altogether. Time will tell!
Dwight Jordan choreographs Carmel and i love April....dwight gets it and his groups have won choreo this season against april groups that caption will go to cg or carmel I am thinking carmel
I have seen both CG and FC’s preview shows, and both were VERY entertaining. However, FC Singers women are not as strong as they usually are and the choir is being very dominated by tenor and bass voices, which I think could really go against them. Center Grove had more blend and more WOW moments in my opinion. My Carmel prediction is based off of their group last year. They were very entertaining and I just know they will be back for blood this year.
Large Single-Gender:
GC: Carmel Accents (BV)
1RU: Center Grove Debones (BC)
2RU: Fc High Voltage
3RU: North Central Descants
Carmel Accents never disappoints, they’re director always composes beautiful sets with wonderful execution and flawless vocals, thus I have them predicted in first. CG Debtones always has such unique and creative shows that draw you in. I was highly impressed by their preview show and I could see them easily taking 1st place based off the fuel of finals. High Voltage, it’s hard to predict them because they didn’t not place the best last year despite having a very talented and entertaining set. However, their set this year just does not make a lot of sense and the beginning is very slow. However they have plenty of time to up the front half’s energy and come back to bite CG and Carmels butts.
You ever wonder why Indianapolis choirs rarely have undefeated seasons or massive win streaks like some other choirs? Yeah, well, it's because of contests like this. The Indianapolis metro area is just one heck of a grind. Anyways, schedule is added with additional detail below. 5 mixed finalists and 5 women's finalists.
Bingo. 196 ish carmel ambasadors Lafayette Jeff were some of the biggest groups in SC beginning. Id say 80% of Indiana HS have them some don't compete at all but they exist. It is also why indianapolis groups all give classic show choir looks and the regions across the country look different.
They don’t usually have a live stream but you never know it’s possible they could, I know north central will probably have their show choir videos on the NC choirs YouTube page by then
Pike MusicFest 2023
The Indianapolis metro area is just one heck of a grind. Anyways, schedule is added with additional detail below. 5 mixed finalists and 5 women's finalists.