Here is a preview of this competition from HRSC!
https://www.homeroomshowchoir.com/post/carmel-franlin-central-and-north-central-headline-stacked-pike-musicfest
GC: Franklin Central (BV)(BB)
1RU: Carmel (BC)
2RU: North Central
3RU: Roncalli
4RU: Lawrence Central
While I do think this will be the order, I feel like captions could go either way. Franklin Central has really stepped up their choreo this year, and their vocals are always incredible. On the flip side, Ambassadors have just come off an undefeated season with a very large senior class. Though I don’t doubt they will be good, it may be difficult for them to step it up this year. Going to be a great comp!
Here is a look at where several of these groups stand going into this comp
https://www.homeroomshowchoir.com/post/2024-indianapolis-preseason-power-rankings
Power rankings are always fun, but I don’t know if I agree that there are “easy win” comps anywhere in the country. What makes a win between several top small schools less easy than a win between several top large schools? I think it’s a mistake to start assigning value to competitions, most competitions through the season won’t feature a Carmel, FC, Linn-Mar, Clinton, etc etc.
Obviously Indianapolis is a hotspot for powerhouse groups, but calling for groups like FC to “change” their style seems a bit wild to me. Center Grove a similar thing. There is no “waiting for Carmel to have a down year” for these groups. They are all consistently excellent and trade off that top spot pretty much within every couple years.
In addition to what Joe said, Loveland is not mid compared to Indy groups… they actually beat FC the last time they competed at Northrop 2020! I think these groups have the same shot as the Indy groups do. Most of all, competitions have sooooo many factors. Judges being a big one! I just think you have to be careful with power rankings and keeping the groups in a positive light instead of putting other groups down in order to keep some on a pedestal. One of my friends brought up “Midwest Sound’s” podcast and how positive they are while comparing, ranking, and predicting competitions. Tread lightly!!!
All an "easy win" comp means to me is that there is a large discrepancy between the skill level of the most advanced choir at an event and their closest competitor. That can be said for any division type, large or small, mixed or single-clef. And it might be the case that schools don't know who their competitors will be when they sign up for an event, so a choir can't automatically be faulted for that. But I absolutely think some competitions are far easier for some groups than others.
Pike MusicFest 2024
