SCC: Waconia Star Power 2007

First, I have to say hey to our hosts! Girls, you did such an amazing job hosting- our room was wonderful (duh, it won the decorating contest!), you were SO helpful, and SO supportive.

I think that hosting is one of the things Waconia does best with at their competitions- we have had great hosts every year. I don't know if they make you guys take a class or something, but whatever you do, it's working! All of our questions were answered promptly and correctly, you girls were always around when we needed you, and you took the time to get to know our kids- all very awesome things which we REALLY appreciate!

Second, congrats to all of Waconia, and especially Aaron, on a great competition.

The gym was really set up with nice sound this year, and the facilities for performing and warming up were great. I know you had less groups than you have had the past few years, and quite frankly, I think it served the competition well. It never felt crazy or overcrowded, but there were still a good crowd for the majority of the competition. You didn't run out of food- all of the finalists got to eat dinner!!! It's sad that having dinner available for everyone is uncommon, but it is, so thank you for not skimping on that.

Aaron, I know we chatted about this, but I really do appreciate the scoresheet you have. I think most directors would agree that a more thorough, developed scoresheet is really important in making show choir an education experience for students AND directors, and I think your scoresheet does a wonderful job of that. Thanks for putting the video critique camera in the center this year- it was nice to see the wide-angle, "director's cut" of our show instead of seeing it from a weird angle off to the side.

Oh, and thanks for helping us get our stuff back today- sorry we left a bunch of our crap there lol! Star Power is definitely an accomodating and helpful competition from beginning to AFTER the end!

Lastly, yay Encore!! Our division was really tough- I think like four of the groups we went against had already won their division at least once at other competitions this year. It was definitely a close competition! And a big yay for being 6th with two judges!

Oh, one more thing... I just wanted to correct whoever said there was only 7 open class groups- there were actually 8. I tend to agree with people who think taking 5 Open class groups and 1 prep group for finals seems silly, but Waconia DOES take the top 6 groups- which is the standard number for most competition finals- it's not like anyone who would typically make finals because of their placement is being cut out. It's just kind of an added incentive for the groups in class A, and a very cool experience for kids who may not otherwise get to compete in a finals competition- PLUS it gives the Open class finalists a bit more time to get ready before they have to perform again.

Just kidding- I can't believe I forgot this: BEMIDJI!! Congratulations!!!!! I'm so excited for you guys- you REALLY stepped everything up in finals, and gave a GREAT show! Your vocals are always so easy on my ears- and with all the choreo you have, most other groups would just shout their way through it. Thanks for using restraint and continuing to produce a beautiful sound. I have been telling people that I think April gave you some amazing choreography, but I have to say, I think you really make it special with your approach to it. Kevin, I tried to find you at the end of the night to say congrats, but hopefully you were off celebrating another great competition with both of your groups! Can't wait to see you all at Spectacular!
Just my thoughts... I'm sleepy now!