Carmel girls have been competiting for most of the time the mixed group took off. I wouldn't use them as an indicator of the mixed groups potential success.
Ok, I just checked my email and here's the schedule...
(no women's groups because our school isn't in that division) OPEN CLASS:
CR Jefferson “Ovation” 12:00pm
Moorseville “Spotlighters” 12:25pm
Northridge “Northern Lights” 12:50pm
Pike “Encores” 1:15pm
Carmel “Ambassadors” 1:55pm
Castle Knight “Sensations 2:20pm
CR Jefferson “WSD” 3:30pm
Ben Davis “Premieres” 3:55pm
Lawrence North “New Dimension” 4:20pm
EXHIBITION GROUP
Awards 4:45pm
CONCERT CHOIRS: PERFORMANCE CLASSROOM:
CR Jefferson “Meistersingers” 2:10pm
Ben Davis “Purple Aires” 2:30pm
Lawrence North “Chamber Singers” 2:50pm
Heritage Christian “Concert Choir” 3:20pm
Mooresville Madrigals 3:40pm
Northridge “Concert Choir” 4:00pm
Pike “Concert Choir” 4:20pm
Awards in Auditorium 4:45pm
Also, I heard from my friend who sings bass for Straight No Chaser that they're performing...but he told me this a looong time ago so if anyone has new info, do share. They've got some great new stuff this year.
Um - Lawrence Central's mixed group is missing from your schedule - any idea where they fit in?
Anyone who appreciates show choir and all it does for music education has to be excited that Carmel is returning to competition, for the history of the Ambassadors is practically the history of show choir itself. Carmel showed everyone that a "swing choir" (as it was then called) didn't have to mean weak vocalism and amateur production. The class and sophistication The Ambassadors brought to the aftform then is still sought after today. Show choir staples like platform risers, sequins and rhinestones, brass back-up bands - all introduced or popularized by Ron Hellems and the Carmel Ambassadors. Heck, even "Attache" is a synonmym for "Ambassador."
And for what it's worth, though they would go on to win back to back to back to back titles in 1977-80 (plus 2 more), in 1976 The Ambassadors finished just fifth in their first Luers appearance.
I saw Carmel live in 2004 at Showstoppers Chicago. They were very awesome. Their choreography wasn't too difficult, but then again they did put on a 45 minute show and it was super clean. Their vocals were very impressive. I wouldn't count them out of anything.
Carmel was always amazing, even when they weren't competing. I saw them a year or so ago, and they were very strong and solid all-around. Sure it's not hype-worthy, but honestly, neither is anyone else competing here. North Central's groups (mixed and Single-Gender) are the only hype-worthy groups, and they're just performing in exhibition.
Their marching band is pretty good (8th place at BOA = meh). I know Richard Saucedo, who is a high school music God, used to direct their combo and play the drums. I'm pretty sure he still at least directs them. If he doesn't play, then Carmel will easily take the instrumental award. Of course if he does play the drums, then they won't be eligible.
I have faith that Carmel will impress everyone, including the judges. I've always loved the students and parents of Carmel's groups, I'm sure they'll do very well.
hmmm. hearing all of the talk about the different choirs attending, and with my observation of the choirs that i have actually seen this year, my predictions for the finalist, no particular order, are as follows:
1)CEDAR RAPIDS JEFFERSON West Side Delegation
2)CARMEL Ambassadors
3)CASTLE Knight Sensations
4)LAWRENCE CENTRAL Central Sound
5)LAWRENCE NORTH New Dimension
with that being said, good luck to everyone, this is going to be a really fun and interesting competition!!
After seeing Jefferson, I have no doubt they will pull out the win (granted I haven't seen any of the IN choirs...)
But, I think Jefferson can give Carmel a good run for their money on Best Band.
I think Carmel won't do as well in their first year back just yet.
But I hope they make finals
GO IOWA
North Central Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference Choral Competition 2007
