First of all, I can't believe Onalaska is already OVER and we're like into competition season...
Secondly, and more importantly, I am just blown away by all of the support and wonderful comments from so many of you who were at Onalaska this weekend. Thank you SO much, it means a lot to me to see that Company's really hard work this year is paying off, and that people enjoyed the show!
Now, some random responses and thoughts about the competition.
First of all, Onalaska's competition is what it is, and God love it for that. Few competitions will bear the kind of reactions that this comp will. If a lot of people are in agreement on something, it's usually the agreement that the judges were wrong! Many people were shocked by different results etc, but ya know, I highly doubt we could find a set of results that the majority would agree on. And I think that it's something you just have to accept as a part of competing, especially at Onalaska. I admit, I didn't agree with some of the results myself...oh well. I stand by what I said before the competition, Onalaska is unlike any other competition I've attended...that's part of what makes it fun.
If the results frustrated you, then just look at the good sides of this competition- where else this year will you get to see SO many groups, and so many styles, so many different choreographers' work, tons of costuming, staging, hear new songs etc etc etc. The gym was full for almost the entire day, which doesn't happen at some comps.
Hastings- Not only did you all came to Onalaska just to watch 7 show choirs perform, you came and supported the groups...That is so cool, and I cannot tell you how great it is to have a choir like you representing the state of Minnesota- you always make me proud to say I'm from here. It was a great source of comfort and happiness to see you all sitting in the audience, so willing and open to enjoying our show and the shows of the other finalists, and of course Ona in exhibition.
GCS...I have to tell you, I am SO impressed with you this year. You have a great show, an amazing combo, and so much class and professionalism. I cannot for even a second pretend to know what it would have been like to be in your shoes for the past few years, and especially at Onalaska this year. There was soo much pressure from so many sides, and quite frankly, there were a lot of people in that audience who were honestly hoping to see you not win, and I don't know, I can't imagine feeling that much opposition, especially in a performance forum. To give it your all, and get negativity back from the audience, solely because you've been successful...wow. So I REALLY commend and respect you, even more than i did before, for still competing at Onalaska this year, for giving an awesome day show, and an elevated beyond awesome night show, and for being graceful in the acceptance of your placements. I've often read about on here, and even seen on occasion, people complaining about the Grand Champion show choir at a competition not allowing the 1st Runner Up to have their moment during awards. This was not the case at Onalaska, at least in my eyes. Rather, it almost felt like the audience didn't want to allow the 1st Runner Ups to have their moment. SO many people stood up and cheered when 1st Runner Up was announced, and not to be negative, but I really felt like those cheers were more directed at GCS not winning than they were at congratulating them on placing so high at a really difficult competition. That would be hurtful to any group, at least I think...And yet, you all handled it SO well, and I think are a stronger group for it. So the best of luck with your season, I hope you all enjoy every second of it, as you should! And be proud of your talent and your grace.
Finally, just a really big shout out to the groups that competed this weekend at Ona, especially Mitchell, it's SO good to see you all back! What a great show, it was really entertaining! Franklin Central...what can I say? You absolutely did NOT let me down at all! You are an amazing group of performers, and your show was just magical to watch because of it...As in Orlando last year, I was rooting for you, and I was just going crazy because I wanted you to have the vocals to match your amazing performance. If you could get your diction down, it would be impossible not to love everything about you all...I'm so glad you all made the trek to Onalaska for this competition, you definitely made a lot of people's days.
Okay, enough for now, it's so late!! ha...show choir will do that to ya...
It was cold???? Really???? well i guess i wouldn't know maybe oh wait it was cuz groups were moving all of their stuff out of the gym right away! Thats why! both doors were open! wow yea i guess that would make it chilly. " border="0" alt="ph34r.gif" /> haha this face is funny
I'm really interested to see this "cookie number" FC did... I saw them at Southmont and the definitely didn't do it then! But I did see pictures of it that somebody posted and it looks interesting... does anybody know if they're going to MTZ? I can't remember...
Ahh! I have one complaint about the competition (and I'm sure the Class Act people behind me would agree)
IT WAS WAY TOO COLD!
I was like, front bleacher, off stage left and for some god forsaken reason they had THE DOORS OPEN...I don't know which door, I couldn't see over the hut...but some door was open and from like, Totino Grace on I was FREEZING!
Oh well...
Edit: To edit what I said about Teays, I have NOTHING against you guys and ya'll are a great show choir..I was just saying, I think those are the two things that hurt you guys the most, in my opinion.
Lol, the group who placed first going into finals shouldnt have made finals... right... What was Buffalo Grove's show?
I have no idea how they were in first after day round. I didn't care all that much for them, except I LOVED the guys' closer costumes...however, the girls didn't go with them at all... " border="0" alt="blink.gif" />
I think a couple things hurt Teays Valley. First thing, is their 1st sopranos. It was like ya'll were shrieking, and when I go to a SC Competition I want to hear singing not massive vibratoy shrieking women. Second, why the hell is your band on stage? It was cool at first, but VERY distracting having the director up there as well. He was contasntly looking over his shoulder at the singer/dancers and having somebody flail their arms around while a group is performing is very distracting. I mean, when the band is behind the group you catch glimpses of the director's arms and what not, but the entire time I could see the director and his arms and it was just very, very distracting for me.
Anyways, thats what I think hurt Teays valley. Anyone else agree? Disagree?...
I agree...
One of Teays trumpets got hit by a flaling arm and it screwed her up.
I dissagree because Teays only have 3 first sapranoes that really sing and I belive they are awsome and as long as they dont go flat that is a good thing. I LOVED Teays show this year besides there closer but besides that I think there opener should have put them in finals then. The Ball room dancing done in that song is fanominal and they are too.
I think all the groups did great jobs at Onalaska! I was ecstatic to see Hastings people out in the audience! I thought during finals that the crowd was way more energetic and the groups fed off of that. And I do have to say I loved how the competition was run! It went so smoothly…. at least I feel it did!
are you kidding??? we wouldn't miss it for the world!! ppl were looking at us like we were psycho when we started chanting "To-tin-o!" though! i just wanted to yell "oh loosen up!" you know we love supporting you guys! just from watching finals, i figured onalaska to be somewhat of a "tight-laced" competition. almost a hostile atmosphere. we decided nobody wants to perform w/ that kind of vibes going on, so we cheered extra loud for you guys! peace!
I think all the groups did great jobs at Onalaska! I was ecstatic to see Hastings people out in the audience! I thought during finals that the crowd was way more energetic and the groups fed off of that. And I do have to say I loved how the competition was run! It went so smoothly…. at least I feel it did!
to OARFreak, i believe it is constructive for members of groups to see that it's not just judges that notice when their diction is off or their dynamics are weak as long as it's said respectively. as to your comment about opinions, it's a discussion forum. generally, one enters these things in order to share his opinions or read others'. and perhaps it's your opinion that the best soloist guy was awesome . . .
I shall bare the children of the guy who won best soloist and the guy who during the song with all the books was on the top on the right while looking toward the stage from the audience.
to all you people who have negative comments toward groups..... there is something called "constructive criticism" you should try it. and by the way, the world will NOT come to an end if EVERYone doesn't know your opinion contrary to common beliefe.
you obviously never saw Totino Grace's "Less is More" from last year. i've never SEEN so many props on stage, and never ONCE was i distracted. maybe you just have a short attention span...
you're right . . . i didn't see their "Less is More" number last year, but it sounds to me like it was a gimmick song making fun of groups that use too many props. maybe if fc had had the diction and the sound behind all those props they wouldn't have been so distracting, but since i couldn't understand what they were saying i guess i had to find some other way of enjoying their show. i must say, i did love their protest-ish signs. "make cookies, not war" definitely should find its way into a peace rally somewhere!
okay, i see what you mean now. i gotcha. and i guess to some extent, i agree.
i think overall, diction with everyone could be better. i guarantee no judge will ever say "you had too much diction in this song..." so take that as your green light to over-do it as much as possible. you may think it's rediculously loud and percussive, but believe me, it's necessary!!
you obviously never saw Totino Grace's "Less is More" from last year. i've never SEEN so many props on stage, and never ONCE was i distracted. maybe you just have a short attention span...
you're right . . . i didn't see their "Less is More" number last year, but it sounds to me like it was a gimmick song making fun of groups that use too many props. maybe if fc had had the diction and the sound behind all those props they wouldn't have been so distracting, but since i couldn't understand what they were saying i guess i had to find some other way of enjoying their show. i must say, i did love their protest-ish signs. "make cookies, not war" definitely should find its way into a peace rally somewhere!
Okay...here are my thoughts on Ona. First off I wasn't there for pre-lims, the only afternoon show I saw was GCS. I drove up all the way from Chicago...296 miles to be exact...and I was really excited for finals. So, congrats to MTZ i loved you guys and had you in first all the way! I didn't get to see Crete's performance which upsets me...but i did buy the DVD and watch it. I was shocked! I was in Cavaliers last year, and if we were that good by the end of last year, it wasnt by much. You guys were so awesome and I wish I coulda seen all pre-lims becuz I think Cavs were absolutly amazing. Okay, next...finals thoughts...
Totino- WOW! I loved you guys, I had never seen you b4 and instantly fell in love with you all. Great job, I wish you woulda placed higher!
Buff. Grove- Congrats, but I wish you coulda had some more energy, and a little bit better vocals, but good job!
F.C.- I saw you guys a few times last year...I think. Great job! The cookies song was very funny, and amusing...but i can't decide whether i liked it or not as a show choir thing...
EEE- Great job! That one guy soloist was great, congrats!
GCS-OMG, absolutly amazing! I have never seen you before, and you were the main reason I drove all the way up...I had heard many a good thing and I had to see for myself. BUt that teacher song, same thing as FC i liked it but not sure if i liked the way it was in your show, I like the more traditional, song and dance, not broadway type deal but hey thats my opinion...congrats!!!!!
MTZ- Congrats! I loved you guys so much, I was hoping you would win and had you in first all the way. Your choreo was awesome, and despite what some other people have said, from where i was standing, you vocals sounding amazing most of the time! That one soloist, absolutly great! Congrats, and good luck!
Okay, that was my dumbed down summary of my thoughts on finals, congrats to everyone, and i thought you all did great. But to that soloist for Onalaska, OMG!!!! I fell in love with your voice instantly! That was by far the most amazing sound I have heard in a long time! Excellent job, look foward to watching you again twice at MTZ next week...good luck!
you obviously never saw Totino Grace's "Less is More" from last year. i've never SEEN so many props on stage, and never ONCE was i distracted. maybe you just have a short attention span...
oh gosh, i couldn't stop laughing when i saw their show. i kept wondering when the madness would end! it was great.
fc did not have the diction to back up their singing. the cookie song was way cute, but the diction was muddy and they had so many props it got kind of distracting.
you obviously never saw Totino Grace's "Less is More" from last year. i've never SEEN so many props on stage, and never ONCE was i distracted. maybe you just have a short attention span...
and i didn't think the cookie props were distracting at all. it was cute and well performed. they added very much to the show ("make cookies, not war" is my new favorite slogan!)
I first wanna start off my saying congrats to Onalaska and Mr. Gulsvig for putting on such an awesome competition. It was very well run considering how many groups were there, and everything was very professional.
2nd I'd like to congradulate Mt. Zion. You guys diserved the win. You proved you can sing with the best of 'em, and you danced your hearts out. After your show in finals, I'd knew you'de take home the winnning trophy.
I'll have to admit however, I was a bit confused with the rest of the results. I knew that Buffalo Grove was in 1st going into finals, and was SHOCKED when they were announced 5th runner up. If anybody saw their finals show, they can atest that it was 100 times better then their day show. Their vocals were gorgeous, especially for how small of a group they are. I thought the only group better then them vocally was La Crosse. BG's show was also very clean. I will admit it wasn't the most exciting show, but it works for them. They aren't trying to pull of something that isn't their style. Could you imagine them trying to do mt. zions closer, and in the same sense, could you imagine mt zion trying to do bg's opener. Would never happen. I think going first in finals also killed them because the judges forget the good things about their show, especially since 5 huge groups went after them.
Also, I didn't think Totino sang as great as everybody said. I could not understand a word they said, and they had big time intonation problems in their ballad. Their show was also a bit random for my taste, I didn't get the whole painting/color thing. They did perform their show well though, and they have great energy.
EEE had a great show, but I thought they were vocally inconsistant. Their vocals died by the end, probably because their closer was so intense choreographically. They are going to have a killer show though once they work out all the kinks.
After watching all of finals, I thought it was going to go like this:
Grand Champion: Mt Zion
1st Runner up: La Crosse
2nd Runner up: Buffalo Grove
3rd Runner up: Eisenhower
4th Runner up: Totino
5th Runner up: Franklin Central
Best Vocals: La Crosse
Best Choreo: Mt Zion
Also, I was wondering if anybody knew how each group was ranked during finals, besides Mt Zion and La Crosse. Thanks
Onalaska Show Choir Classic 2004
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