Way to go Altoona! Great start to your season. Things'll get even better when you plug the closer into place. You should be proud of yourselves, I know I am!
To Milton, I heard you had some bumpy rides on tempos and costume changes. That stuff is easily worked out and we'll get to it on Wednsday. Keep your heads up, I know you're gonna have an excellent year!
Hope everybody enjoyed the contest and I hope Viterbo's show went great!
I'm sad that I only got to see Eau Claire, Hastings, and Viterbo in finals. We had our dance camp from 9-8 30 that day so I rushed over as fast as I could while on the phone with Chelsea from 10th Street hoping to catch as much of finals as possible. It was fun to be around the competitive enviroment again though...it made me excited.
Here are some of the shows: (listed in the program)
Brodhead-
"Brave New World"
"Bohemian Rhapsody"
"Always By Your Side"
"Harper Valley P.T.A."
"Show Choir Girls"
"Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" (not performed at Viterbo)
Who Says You Can't Go Home
Eau Claire-
"Peace Of Mind"
"Down With Love"
"Written In The Stars"
"Roustabout/Heartbreak Medley"
"Prince Medley"
Hastings (girls)-
"All I Want Is You"
"Fever"
"Only Hope"
"Why Haven't I Heard From You"
"Any Man Of Mine"
Holmen-
"Looking For A Place To Land/Another Day Goes By"
"Moondance"
"A Dream Worth Keeping"
"Takin' Care Of Business"
"These Boots Are Made For Walkin'"
"Dance To The Music/I Want To Take You Higher"
Holmen (girls)-
"Starting Here, Starting Now/This Could Be The Start Of Something Big"
"Vogue/Glamorous Life"
"Stand Up For Love"
"Sway"
"Party Time"
Milton-
"It's Your Wedding Day"
"Casualty Of Love"
"It's Only Love/Believe"
"Black Horse and the Cherry Tree"
"Baby To Be My Baby/Livin' on a Prayer"
Fort Atkinson-
"Louder Than Words"
"Freddie Said"
"The World I Know"
"The Big Issue"
"Life Is A Highway"
There was some awesome performers at Viterbo yesterday. Major props to Diandre Neville (best male soloist) from Linn Mar. Mr. Anderson must be thankful to have such a powerhouse performer in his choir. And that Chelsea girl, is she spicy or what? In Fort, the ballet girl always seemed to catch my eye and the ballad soloist was a phenomenal singer. In Hastings everyone had great facials and energy (especially in the day). There was a kid that was short and in the front a lot with darker hair, he was a great performer.
I can't wait to see Linn Mar and Fort Atkinson again.
Hastings--I don't know how you felt about your vocals but we were olading our stuff backstage when you were singing and were getting nervous because your diction had gone so much better in the night round. We were really impressed.
HEY EVERYONE WANNA HEAR MY FIRST EVER SHOW CHOIR BLOOPER?
After our girls number, we have a costume change and I did it in like 2 seconds. I was pumped. So we go on stage for our second to last number and closer. During the tag I see my pants and realize that : "Hey! I'm wearing different colored pants than everyone else!" We walk off stage and I was sooo mad. I suppose it's something to laugh at though.
Viterbo is such a fun competition. Congrats to everyone involved- Nancy Allen and company really run a great competition, it's a wonderful way to kick the year off- very relaxed and supportive atmosphere... what are the odds Linn-Mar will feel relaxed next weekend?!?! It was also fun to see some T-G alums performing in Tonal Impact and Platinum Edition, as well as some folks from other groups that I competed against when I was in show choir!
For me, the highlights of the competition were definitely seeing the Adams, Fort's ballad (interesting choice, nice arrangement) and Linn-Mar's finals show. Hearing you sing your opener and ballad reminded me of why I love show choir. Beautiful vocals! Eau Claire, it's also been fun seeing you improve each year, and become quite a contender at any competition you attend.
I do have to agree with others that have mentioned it was difficult to see songs and even some choreography/ visual structure that have been done recently by other groups who use OTHER choreographers... but as Adam said, that has NOTHING to do with how you are performing everything, and holds no bearing on a scoresheet. It does raise some interesting questions- we talk often on SCC about choreographers recycling their own material, but we haven't really delved into the topic of choreographers using others' materials.
Anyway, congrats to everyone on their performances yesterday- I know there are some groups disappointed with placements or performances, but just remember, it's only January 7th!!! The season is just STARTING, and you all have a competition under your belts!
Our finals performance felt like a debacle . But that's just the way I felt. I had a terrible performance personally, and after we left the stage, we knew it wasn't our best showing...I'm really suprised we moved up after finals since from my perspective we took a step down for finals. The onstage costume change is just really unpredictable...I know I got my hand stuck in the elastic cuff, didn't get the left arm on, didn't velcro, and it just spirals from there. Oh well. The only group I saw was Altoona. Twice.
If anyone happened to go in the elevator and saw our setup...that was me.
Best Combo: Eau Claire "Old Abe Show Choir"
(Correct me if I'm wrong about the next two)
Best Male Soloist: Linn-Mar "10th Street Edition"
Best Female Soloist: Hastings "Riverside Company"
Well, this was an amazing comp. Thanks to all involved. A special thanks to all the people at Hastings for just being awesome people. Here's some of the things you guys might want to know/ my opinions:
1) Altoona did not perform their closer so YES, they were missing a song.
2) After prelims the top 3 were close together. Lin-Marr was 2 points ahead of us and we were 9 or 10 points anead of Hastings.
3) I just have to say: I don't understand about Brodhead getting last...it really confuses me.
4) Hastings show is so innovative. I love the story about the prom...so funny and touching. You guys were my 1st choice after finals.
5) Linn-Mar-Really great job. Choreographically clean and beautiful. I love the yellow costumes. Vocals=Beautiful. My only issue was I didn't like "Black Horse and Cherry Tree" as a show choir song...It just didn't have any pull or hook.
6) Fort Atkinson is back in business! A beautiful show and I hear you guys have a young group so it should only get better! Excellent opener soloist! She was my vote for best female soloist. See you at Winterfest!
7) Someone on here posted prelimaries but I got different results:
1: Linn-Mar
2: Eau Claire
3: Hastings
4: Fort Atkinson
5: Altoona
6: Holmen
This is what I got from the Altoona dance captain.
8) Thanks to all that liked our show. It means a lot to all of us.
9) FINALLY--See a bunch of you guys (including GCS) at Monona next week.
THANKS AGAIN--
-Casey
P.S. Here is the one finals point values I remember (for Linn-Mar, Eau Claire and Hastings)
(p.s. - it's john smisek, you know, the cool one...)
did you go for finals only, cuz i left before finals...
anyway, me and hannah were prob. the only t.g. people there. (i smell some extra credit points!) sorry for those who wanted to go but couldn't - there wasn't enough room...
anyway, cool comp. hey maria! it's me, your brother!
okay, linn mar, please what was your ballad? the french was really cool and everyone i talked to loved it. what is it called? the opener was really cool!
hastings - your show was awesome! i didn't see finals, but it looks like you really stepped it up! the guys' costume change onstage with the white oxfords was friggin' sweet! they buttoned themselves! AHHH!
congrats to all!
p.s. i thought the soloist from fort atkinson - the guy who had the ballad solo - was def. going to win best soloist! it was really amazing. darn...
Linn-Mar's ballad is "I Believe In You" by Il Divo with Celine Dion. AMAZING song.
First competition of the season! It was fun, and I enjoyed a lot of the groups. Going to this competition also gave me a chance to sneak into my alma maters rehearsal too, so it was all good this weekend! Now that I'm back home, just a few things I want to say about the finalists.
Linn-mar- Wow, just wow. Your day show was good, not great. Your night show blew me away, the opener was a completely different song, and the closer kicked some major butt. The energy just blew me away. Chelsea Zigtema, you are crazy on stage, but that's a GOOD thing!
Hastings- For me, it's a show that has to grow on me! I think, to me, you're the only group that's pulled off "Bring me to Life" actually decently! I liked the "dark" look, it was very different. Your show is not traditional show choir, it follows more a of a storyline, and I like that a lot. I like how you continue to do that in your show, it adds something innovative to the show choir world! The ballad was gorgeous, U2 is a great band! Personally, I thought you had a better day show, but your night show was still very good!
Eau Claire- Where the heck do you guys keep coming from! Every year you're getting better and better! I loved the girls sound, it was nice an sassy when it needed to be, and beautiful at the other times. The one thing I didn't get was the ballad starting out with the "Aida" theme line, and the beginning text, how does that play into your show? I know it's in Clinton's arrangement (which is the arrangement you're using) but the reason it's in there is because the beginning of their show was Aida, so it worked for them...it doesn't really work in that sense for you. If i'm missing something let me know! I did LOVE the show, and thought you were great. I'll be seeing you next weekend for sure, and probably at Hastings too! Congrats on a good night.
Holmen- Loved it...the girls number was full of attitude, way to go, a bit....inappropriate, some might say, but nonetheless it was performed well. You guys are always good performers, and it really captures me into your shows. I like what the group did with Higher and Higher (I sang that arrangement in 2005), but I think the band could be bigger there! You had an awesome show, and Ruth is amazing on that keyboard!
Fort- My vote for most improved since 2003! Oh my gosh I loved the show! You sing well, dance well, and have great facials! AWESOME JOB! I loved every minute of it!
Altoona- Were you missing a song? I felt like the show needed some more, it was short, and the program said you had another song! It was great seeing you, I've always liked your group!
(p.s. - it's john smisek, you know, the cool one...)
did you go for finals only, cuz i left before finals...
anyway, me and hannah were prob. the only t.g. people there. (i smell some extra credit points!) sorry for those who wanted to go but couldn't - there wasn't enough room...
anyway, cool comp. hey maria! it's me, your brother!
okay, linn mar, please what was your ballad? the french was really cool and everyone i talked to loved it. what is it called? the opener was really cool!
hastings - your show was awesome! i didn't see finals, but it looks like you really stepped it up! the guys' costume change onstage with the white oxfords was friggin' sweet! they buttoned themselves! AHHH!
congrats to all!
p.s. i thought the soloist from fort atkinson - the guy who had the ballad solo - was def. going to win best soloist! it was really amazing. darn...
Viterbo did a wonderful job of keeping things running on time (even ahead of schedule). The venue was wonderful and the choirs attending were very awesome. Some of you probably thought, "Oh, this is the first competition of 2007, groups won't be ready... etc." Well, you are wrong. I did not see one BAD group today... whatsoever.
Now to my thoughts...
Daytime results went like this (as Chris already stated) 1st- Linn Mar
2nd- Eau Claire
3rd- Hastings
4th- Holmen
5th- Fort Atkinson
6th- Altoona
7th- Milton
8th- Holmen (girls)
9th- Cedar Rapids Washington
10th- Hastings (girls)
11th- Brodhead
In the day, this is how I saw things... (Remember, these are only my opinions) 1st- Hastings
2nd- Linn Mar
3rd- Eau Claire
4th- Fort Atkinson
5th- Brodhead
6th- Altoona/Milton (couldn't decide)
8th- Holmen
9th- Cedar Rapids Washington
10th- Holmen (girls)
11th- Hastings (girls)
Hastings- What a fun show! The choreography is really clean and cool. The "Girls VS. Guy" piece was really innovative and fresh. The day show was on the target for me. The ballad was very moving. The energy was top notch. I hope that you just keep improving through the season, and not just level off. You guys have so much talent with a neat different type of show. Don't let any judge tell you differently. Linn Mar- I thought the day performance was great... but it lacked just a bit. The opener was weak for me. Everything else was pretty great. Eau Claire- You were the first group of the day to blow people away. The vocals were very full and mature. Too much diction is used. I thought the band could probably tone it down a bit, at times it was too loud. I have one problem with the show that can not be changed and I am almost sure isn't intentional, therefore should not be penalized against the group. The show is basically one blur of other show choirs such as Ankeny, Urbandale, Clinton, Troy, and Eisenhower. I just felt I was watching their stuff performed by you. Fort Atkinson- Watch out folks... Fort is back in business! I haven't really enjoyed the past few years of shows, but WOW was I impressed with you all. The show is very "Fort-ish" but it seems more tame and more capable of going somewhere. No goofy back drops either! The ballad "The World I Know" rocked! And "The Big Issue" was really cool as well. Keep working hard, because I believe you are in for a really good season. One key to your success this season will be your guys working on their choreography more... the group needs to be at the same level. It's wonderful stuff, so make it look amazing! Brodhead- I don't know what the issue was. Why did you guys end up last? I have no clue. You guys seemed to sing a little bit too forced, inconsistent with your sound, but last place? I don't think so, I was for sure you all were in finals. You know you were better than a lot of those groups, do not take these results and dwell on them. I just really don't understand, why last? Keep working hard, and show Viterbo that they were WAY wrong. Altoona- Pretty vocals, soft and nice. Ending with "Run Freedom Run" was a little weird. Milton- Fun show! Just get cleaning choreography and vocals and I am sure success will catch you in your upcoming season. Holmen- I just don't like mics. Sorry. Good performance. Cedar Rapids Washington- Nice clean choreography! The vocals in the ballad were a bit shaky. Great job representing Iowa. Holmen- I liked "Vogue". Hastings- Nice costumes.
For finals... the only group who truly stepped it up was Linn Mar. They were 58372763% better in the night than in the day. They basically showed everyone who was boss! I thought that all of the other groups took a step down in finals. Eau Claire and Hastings just didn't seem to be "on" all the way. Linn Mar's opener was improved so much at night. Their ballad is so beautiful and their 4th song and closer are too hot to handle! Watch out folks... Linn Mar is a beast!
It was great seeing everyone there! Especially you Ana!!!!! " border="0" alt="thumbsup.gif" />
i know some songs opener
Jaleo By Ricky Martin
Moondance Michael bubble
don t know name of ballad
guys is Don t stop till you get enough
girls Black horse cherry tree
Closer is Juke box hero and Higher Ground
Viterbo 101 2007
, and i wish we were going to your competition this year... 
. But that's just the way I felt. I had a terrible performance personally, and after we left the stage, we knew it wasn't our best showing...I'm really suprised we moved up after finals since from my perspective we took a step down for finals. The onstage costume change is just really unpredictable...I know I got my hand stuck in the elastic cuff, didn't get the left arm on, didn't velcro, and it just spirals from there. Oh well. The only group I saw was Altoona. Twice. 
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