BTW, those cookies tasted like death. A way too delicious, feel the fat crusting around my heart, give me six more please and call the funeral hall because they're so good death. Best food at a competition yet.
haha. i never heard a cookie explained quite like that john.
QUOTE(sunglasses_chic08 @ Mar 4 2007, 09:40 PM) 391413
After all of the bad-weather-related cancellations, I was worried about how things would go.
...
See you next year!
Good post! Lots of detailed thoughts on almost every group. I appreciate it. We've heard a lot that our first two songs don't belong with the last ones...because they don't.
It's a show choir opener, and a show choir 2nd song, then it's a newfangled theme/tell a story/novelty/closer thing. I a lot of our critique judges have said they didn't get the first two songs either.
BTW, those cookies tasted like death. A way too delicious, feel the fat crusting around my heart, give me six more please and call the funeral hall because they're so good death. Best food at a competition yet.
After all of the bad-weather-related cancellations, I was worried about how things would go. Good thing I had nothing to worry about! Spectacular went SO well, and the groups I saw were incredibly talented. It was a blessing to see you all having the time of your life up there and showing everyone what you got. No matter what the placing was, no one should feel like they didn't do well, because you ALL did well. Congratulations on such fantasic performances.
Just a few notes about some groups:
Bemidji: I've actually got a funny story to tell. It is tradition for Totino kids to go to Perkins after Spectacular is over. We were all psyched up about the competition, so things were a little...rowdy. We were talking about our favorite choreography of the night, and lots of people love your moves! Anyway, Wes was standing up and doing his favorite move from your show, not realizing that the waitress was right next to him, giving him this "What are you doing?!" look. He just looked at her, said "I'm in show choir," and ran back to his table. The rest of the night (and the next day), we were all singing your set and doing your moves because they are so fun to do. CONGRATULATIONS!
Urbandale-Studio: Basically, I love your show. A LOT. I don't even know how to tell you how much. My jaw was involuntarily hanging during the whole ballad. It gave me shivers, which is saying something. Your moves are very crisp, and you have amazing diction. Good song selection too. You guys are a fanstastic group, and you know that the competition was close. Don't feel down about 2nd place--you did a great job.
Hastings: I've seen your show like, 6 times or something, and I love it more and more each time. You don't see many themed shows, and you guys pull it off well. The only thing is that I don't think your opener fits well with the rest of the set. I love the song, but it has nothing to do with the "Battle of the Sexes" theme, which is my only complaint. Since you are our "sister-show choir", you know how much we love you here at Totino. Congratulations on 3rd place!
Bloomington-Jefferson: I didn't get a chance to see you on Saturday! I was working the cookie booth during the day, and from what I heard through the speakers in the commons, your sound was phenominal! I was at Waconia, where I first heard your new ballad, and I definitely approve. As always, I love the Candyman song! 4th place is still a great job!
Urbandale-Vitality: Man...are you really a prep group?! You guys are AMAZING! You could definitely compete at varsity and still do well. There's only a few places that need a teeny bit of vocal tweaking, but other than that, great job! You sing well with good vowels and diction (just like your varsity group), and your choreography was nice and tight. Congrats at 5th!
Waconia: I didn't get to see you today either (working the cookie booth for 4 hours...), but I heard that you guys did a pretty good job. I have seen you before, and its a little eery watching you do "Who Loves You" since we also do that song. Keep working hard, and don't beat yourself up. You know you have talent, and you have a great set. Just go out there, work it, and love doing it, and however you place, you gave it your all. Congratulations!
Encore: I say it a lot, and I'll say it again. You guys are SO clean! I'm so proud of you! You have a ton of talent, and I love watching you! It always seems like I have a song from your set stuck in my head. Keep working hard, cause I know you're probably just as excited as I am for Cedar Rapids!
Company: I know I'm biased, but I'm proud of everyone in this group. We pulled of a great performance, and it feels so much....more relaxed...less stressful when you aren't competing. I know I left everything out there because I had nothing to lose, and I'm pretty sure everyone else felt the same way. I hope we looked as good as it felt!
About the cheering thing:
We've learned from experience how it feels when you get 1st runner up and are deafened by the cheers of the Grand Champion group. I think that the varsity groups have been to enough competitions to know that it is common courtesy to be polite and let the 2nd place group receive their award and be congratulated and recognized. At our first comp, Ankeny was very respectful to Urbandale, and I'm sure it would've gone the same way if the places were switched. This is a learning experience for every group that was there. Yes, I know it is exciting to get GC, especially if its the 2nd year in a row. Just think about how you would have felt if Urbandale had done the same to you if you had received 2nd. Hopefully this topic never has to come up again after any competition because I have seen a lot of this, especially this year.
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO VOLUNTEERED AND WORKED SO HARD TO MAKE SPECTACULAR A SUCCESS!
On my way home from Luther I went into a ditch, the gods hate me and adam for leaving... $100 to get my car out of the ditch and i had to wait until today to do it. Long weekend.
... since i only stayed thru day rounds here is what I had.
You could have come to Missouri. The weather was fine there
I've never seen decorated warm up rooms, that was really cool. I definetly enjoyed the randomly placed cardboard spectators sitting around.
The warm up rooms got decorated because the people who decorated had their group cancel. The group who was supposed to have Milton decorated the choir room and the group that was supposed to have Lincoln Southwest decorated the theater.
QUOTE(*purplepolkadot* @ Mar 4 2007, 08:03 PM) 391348
That was the best spectacular EVER! Meeting kids from all the groups was so fun!!!!! Special thanks to the nice girl from bemidji who taught Hannah and I the amazing dance move in the back hall way- we will be practicing all year....
One thing is true...ALL the groups really put their heart and soul into their performance! I really had a blast watching Jefferson-and the whole candy land theme!! and yes.....I am glad you liked the Yo quiero Jesus sticker! HAH! Urbandale really blew me away vocally and choreographically(and your band kicked butt)!!!!! WOWza! I could watch bemidji's set for 53 days straight and new get bored!You guys are like energy bunnies that never stop! Hastings has such a cute show and I heard alot of comments about how trully entertaining your show is-it's unforgetable! I didn't get to see waconia or urbandale prep(sadly!) but I heard they were awesome!
If Lincoln Southwest reads this- We missed you!!!!!!!!! and were sad you couldn't make it-ugh weather! But just know all your "would have been room hosts" love you tons!!
As to room decorating...I hope everyone enjoyed the theater! ( and Cassie, Ben, Tim and I were very pleased with whoever drew the smile on the "make him happy" guy!)
I've never seen decorated warm up rooms, that was really cool. I definetly enjoyed the randomly placed cardboard spectators sitting around.
I would never hold a director accountable for how the students and parents act. Nobody can control anyone's emotions or values, it's a part of character. They can be influenced though, but people won't always listen. I know some directors are really strict about these rules though, and I respect that.
More than just show choir, this happens in every day life. Some people don't have the same values in life as other people. Things happen, even if they aren't intentional, they happen. Not everyone probably reacted the exact same way, and to hold an entire group responsible for something isn't right either. I'm sure they are many people in every group that respect any placement. It truly is a shame though, that a few people can ruin an entire group though.
Every year posts like this seem to come up. Everyone knows that when you are in finals and you hear a group called that's not your name....you get a little more excited because you didn't get 6th, then you didn't get 5th, 4th, etc. Whether you are cheering loudly or discussing it with a friend from your group everyone does it. If you don't I commend you for your outstanding sportsmanship. Whether it's loud or quiet, everyone does it. I've never once thought a choir was rude for cheering loudly that they won. Granted of course it's an honor to make finals or even perform, but they are just excited. I'm sure nobody means to hurt anyone's feelings, because everyone is out for the common goal and this is a competition. Everyone works hard throughout the year, and I know their goal isn't to make you feel bad, because you didn't get Grand Champ.
Just a side note, I wasn't there so I don't know what went on. Just a general comment, but congrats to everyone that performed. I'm sure everyone worked hard performing and did their very best job.
It is the responsibility of the Directors to make sure the students and parents react to the awards in a respectful way. Yes the awards are emotional but there is no reason, and I mean no reason, to react in a rude manor. A true winner gives every choir the time to receive their award on stage.
I congratulate all the groups for their outstanding performances. I would like to thank our hosts for your incredible hospitality. Mr. Terry Voss and Ana-Maria Kraemer it is obvious that your kids and parents have a very high level of respect for you. Your event is one of the best we attend and we couldn’t ask for better hospitality. I was so glad the weather didn’t keep us away. See you next year.
QUOTE(*purplepolkadot* @ Mar 4 2007, 04:03 PM) 391348
That was the best spectacular EVER! Meeting kids from all the groups was so fun!!!!! Special thanks to the nice girl from bemidji who taught Hannah and I the amazing dance move in the back hall way- we will be practicing all year....
One thing is true...ALL the groups really put their heart and soul into their performance! I really had a blast watching Jefferson-and the whole candy land theme!! and yes.....I am glad you liked the Yo quiero Jesus sticker! HAH! Urbandale really blew me away vocally and choreographically(and your band kicked butt)!!!!! WOWza! I could watch bemidji's set for 53 days straight and new get bored!You guys are like energy bunnies that never stop! Hastings has such a cute show and I heard alot of comments about how trully entertaining your show is-it's unforgetable! I didn't get to see waconia or urbandale prep(sadly!) but I heard they were awesome!
If Lincoln Southwest reads this- We missed you!!!!!!!!! and were sad you couldn't make it-ugh weather! But just know all your "would have been room hosts" love you tons!!
As to room decorating...I hope everyone enjoyed the theater! ( and Cassie, Ben, Tim and I were very pleased with whoever drew the smile on the "make him happy" guy!)
I throughly enjoyed the theatre and spend all my time in there looking at it when I wasn't attacking girls with static guard and keys and duct tape....it took me forever to get the lookin' sharp sign....=)
That was the best spectacular EVER! Meeting kids from all the groups was so fun!!!!! Special thanks to the nice girl from bemidji who taught Hannah and I the amazing dance move in the back hall way- we will be practicing all year....
One thing is true...ALL the groups really put their heart and soul into their performance! I really had a blast watching Jefferson-and the whole candy land theme!! and yes.....I am glad you liked the Yo quiero Jesus sticker! HAH! Urbandale really blew me away vocally and choreographically(and your band kicked butt)!!!!! WOWza! I could watch bemidji's set for 53 days straight and new get bored!You guys are like energy bunnies that never stop! Hastings has such a cute show and I heard alot of comments about how trully entertaining your show is-it's unforgetable! I didn't get to see waconia or urbandale prep(sadly!) but I heard they were awesome!
If Lincoln Southwest reads this- We missed you!!!!!!!!! and were sad you couldn't make it-ugh weather! But just know all your "would have been room hosts" love you tons!!
As to room decorating...I hope everyone enjoyed the theater! ( and Cassie, Ben, Tim and I were very pleased with whoever drew the smile on the "make him happy" guy!)
This was an amazing competition! it was so much fun to be there.
I almost didn't get to come because of various factors (ice, broken cars, broken bones...) but I managed to finagle a ride.
I'll try to remember what I thought of all the shows I saw, but no promises...
Jefferson: You guys seemed a lot better this year than I remember in the previous two years, so that's awesome. I'm more of a singer than a dancer, so your vocals really were upped from last year. Keep it up.
Waconia: Don't really know what to say... It's obvious you guys are trying really hard... for me, your show seemed really cluttered. It was almost as though you were trying to throw a whole bunch of cool things onto the stage at once, which instead of creating one cool picture, created an insane chaotic mess... I'm cheering for you guys, but maybe slow down a little?
Hastings: I don't really like the whole "musical as a show choir show" thing, but yours was cute for what it was. However, the opener and second song didn't really seem to fit with the rest of the show. Granted, they were cool... but the opener kind of made me feel awkward, and instead of grabbing me up and making me want to anticipate what was coming next, I was a little turned off. On the plus side, I thought your vocals were pretty much awesome.
Urbandale (Vitality... or as like to call them, Urbandale "the younger"): Being a Bemidji "Vocalmotive" alum, I was obviously rooting for our Prep group: "La Voce Ballo", but when I saw your show for the first time, I said "well crap, I guess we get 2nd." You guys were amazing! Rocked the socks for the class A... I didn't know class A could be that good.
Urbandale (Studio 2007... Urbandale "The older"): Your show was absolutely spectacular (like Totino's competition name, hardy-har...) Anyways, the vocals were great (which stands to reason... what with the best vocals award!) and the choreography was clean and crisp. The best male soloist really deserved it... I talked to him a little while, he's an awesome guy. Again, being a Bemidji-ite, I was cheering for Vocalmotive... but when I saw you guys I got really nervous. Your show blew me away, and it was fun to watch (which, for me, doesn't happen often. Much of the time I'm kind of bored (no offense, other show choirs...)).
Bemidji: YES! Grand Champs, again! That's so awesome. You guys kicked it up in finals, and I'm so proud of everything that you guys do. I want to thank Bergsven and Olson, my official protégés, and of course Quamme, my unofficial protégé. Excellent job "singing high."
As for the conduct at the awards ceremony... I think part of the reason was that we KNEW that it was so close. I was thinking "Urbandale got best vocals... they win..." and then Bemidji was announced, so I was surprised, more than anything. This was also only Bemidji's 4th time being announced as Grand Champion in the 12 years we've existed... so, I know it's not much a defense, but we're not used to winning. Everyone that I talked to from Urbandale was really nice, and I'm sorry if we hurt any feelings. You guys are good!
So I just wrote this huge thing... and it didn't post, so basically
On my way home from Luther I went into a ditch, the gods hate me and adam for leaving... $100 to get my car out of the ditch and i had to wait until today to do it. Long weekend.
... since i only stayed thru day rounds here is what I had.
Hey, please don't take us cheering as having any malicious intent towards you guys. We all got caught up in the moment, and were excited. Personally, after watching your finals performance, I was very nervous about the outcomes. I wouldn't have been upset at all to take 2nd to you guys, as I believe we both deserved to win. However, there has been that sort of "rude" cheering at every show choir competition I have been to, so please don't feel like we singled you guys out. I have a lot of respect for your show, and really enjoyed watching it.
Hope there aren't any hard feelings,
Chris
Every year posts like this seem to come up. Everyone knows that when you are in finals and you hear a group called that's not your name....you get a little more excited because you didn't get 6th, then you didn't get 5th, 4th, etc. Whether you are cheering loudly or discussing it with a friend from your group everyone does it. If you don't I commend you for your outstanding sportsmanship. Whether it's loud or quiet, everyone does it. I've never once thought a choir was rude for cheering loudly that they won. Granted of course it's an honor to make finals or even perform, but they are just excited. I'm sure nobody means to hurt anyone's feelings, because everyone is out for the common goal and this is a competition. Everyone works hard throughout the year, and I know their goal isn't to make you feel bad, because you didn't get Grand Champ.
Just a side note, I wasn't there so I don't know what went on. Just a general comment, but congrats to everyone that performed. I'm sure everyone worked hard performing and did their very best job.
However, there has been that sort of "rude" cheering at every show choir competition I have been to, so please don't feel like we singled you guys out.
I can name one competition that you attended at which this didn't happen...Linn-Mar.
Ankeny and Urbandale have traded 1st and 2nd place several times in the past few years and we both make sure our students are prepared to react appropriately whether they win or lose. It's basic common courtesy to give the second place choir their moment in the spotlight before celebrating your win.
I wasn't in the gymansium when awards were announced so I didn't witness any of it. My kids were obviously disappointed they didn't win and it was just a little salt in the wound so to speak.
Well, we're a few hours away and i'm sad to say that we've lost groups to this hellish weather. Bemidji, you're room is amazing (I'm not biased or anything)...i'll see everyone in a few hours
Bemidji's room was so amazing, as were the hosts. They made the day very enjoyable and relaxing! Thanks guys
Hey, please don't take us cheering as having any malicious intent towards you guys. We all got caught up in the moment, and were excited. Personally, after watching your finals performance, I was very nervous about the outcomes. I wouldn't have been upset at all to take 2nd to you guys, as I believe we both deserved to win. However, there has been that sort of "rude" cheering at every show choir competition I have been to, so please don't feel like we singled you guys out. I have a lot of respect for your show, and really enjoyed watching it.
Hope there aren't any hard feelings,
Chris
QUOTE(Back Row King @ Mar 4 2007, 12:29 PM) 391132
Hello,
I haven't been on these forums, since I was in Vitality, about two years ago - so cut me a little slack. Yes, I was very impressed how this show choir competition at Totino was run. It was probably the best one I have been to in a while (well, since last year (I look forward to going there every year)). The prices of the food were very reasonably, the staff was very down-to-earth when it came to hosting. I know how much time is spent at setting up a show choir competition, and then especially tearing down. The only thing I was very displeased was how Bemidji recieved their award. When Urbandale's placement was announced, I looked over and noticed that they were cheering. It felt like they didn't give any respect to our group, and I found that very rude. It should be considered an honor even to be accepted to perform in the finals. If the world was perfect, we would all cheer for each other. Again, Totino did a phenomenal job hosting this competition, and if I weren't a senior, I'd love to perform there again.
the 50s soda shop theme in connection room was adorable!!! who ended up winning 4 decorations?(the jungle room was my fave )
Hastings - u totally deserved the spirit award- one of our guys forgot his shoes AND socks and some guy in Hastings gave up both to help a fellow show choir kid out!
Vocalmotive- I know youve probably heard it b4 .. but the choreography is the cleanist Ive seen the entire year !
congrats on 1st you deserve it!
P.s. seeing as how the scores are so close could someone post finals point totals??
Thanks for an amazing time guys
.. and we liked the Yo Quiero Jesus sign in the espanol room.... we took pics...
So I don't usually post but I felt compelled to do so after this competition. Totino you guys are amazing your show is so entertaining! The amount of talent in your choir is phenomenal. Our hosts were great as well...both rooms were so creative! I didn't get the chance to see all the groups but I did see Hastings and I was very impressed. Your show was like nothing I'd ever seen before. The "musical" approach is very neat and I thought your ballad was beautiful. Overall I was very impressed with how well run this competition was: the food was great, everybody was helpful, and again our hosts were more than accommodating.
Totino-Grace Show Choir Spectacular 2007
I was working the cookie booth during the day, and from what I heard through the speakers in the commons, your sound was phenominal! I was at Waconia, where I first heard your new ballad, and I definitely approve. As always, I love the Candyman song! 4th place is still a great job!
