Although predicting can be fun, there really is no certain way of having an accurate prediction because a many number of things can happen:
-Show choir just doesn't perform well that day
-Judges don't like a certain style (although I would love to believe that Judges are very objective about the show and try to follow the score sheet exactly, we all know that some judges may take off points from every category in Vocals because they didn't like the diction or something to that matter)
-Certain shows do better in a gym or auditorium than others (Sullivan looks great in a gym because of their backdrop etc.)
-One or two points difference in between choirs
-The score sheet (60% vocals at one competition, 75% at another, some groups dance better than others, and some sing better than others. That is why it is good to be well rounded)
-The Rogue judge that ranks a choir 10th while the other judges ranked them 1st or 2nd (doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen, but isn't a difference in opinion what makes competitions fun)
-Rank judging vs. score sheet judging in finals (more entertaining shows do better with ranking vs. solid vocals/choreo do better on a score sheet)
-And the ever controversial topic of placement in the day (going later USUALLY, not always, results in higher scores)
Overall, I think the show choir competition process is great and very entertaining! I hope that score sheets are never standardized because I think that takes the creativity and excitement out of the competition. What is the point of going to 6 competitions if every competition judges you exactly the same?
Here is a listing of the groups for the day. After being in the "Show Choir World" for about 11 years now, I have seen many of these groups. I have bolded my recommendations for the day to see. (Sorry, don't take offense if I don't bold someone, you may have a great year, I am just saying my favorites) Good Luck to Everyone!
Single-Gender Groups:
Pekin "Intuition" 7:55 AM
Sullivan "New Generation" 8:20
Wheaton-Warrenville "Esprit" 8:45 Crete Monee "The Faces" 9:10
Tallassee "Gold Edition" 9:35
Festival Groups:
Davenport "Harmonics" 10:00
Troy "TBHS Soundwave" 10:25
Add in Waubonsie Valley (didn't see that they were going) from my last post - and that's my top 3 (Twinsburg, Wheaton Warrenville, and Waubonsie Valley).
They haven't competed yet, so I won't ruin the surprise! (I know, it's annoying when people do that. haha) It's just a really fun show... I helped design it, so I'm kind of a proud and gushing father to it. (My official title is Assistant Collaborator- it didn't make it into the Mt. Zion program, but will be in the rest) The last half is sort of CR Kennedy-esque. Their first half is big Broadway like West usually presents. It's great! The kids sing very well for their awkward numbers and their dancing is pretty good. The only thing I am worried for is the band.
I am going to have to say that i think finalists will be
Wheaton Warrenville
Waubonsie Valley
Twinsburg
Troy
EEE
and then the last spot will be between Crete and Sullivan.
I think it will end up being between EEE and Wheaton Warrenville. After seeing them both in finals it can be really close, and another week will just make it all more competitive. But as Onalaska prooved this weekend that nothing will go as thought. We'll be thrown a curve ball
I am really hoping I can attend this competition. I am working on my manager to let me have saturday off
Mt. Zion Midwest Invitational 2008
You best be behaving yourself at MTZ! And cheer really loud!!!!!!!!!
