The first time I heard about the picture buttons was when I was looking through the Varsity Photos of our JV perfomance. (I am a singer/dancer in both our JV and our Varsity group.) Anyways, I found this really cool picture of me that I liked, and I was like, I should get this made into a button, because that's what I thought the buttons were, Varsity Photo buttons. I finished looking through the photos, and then forgot about the buttons and went on with my day. After my prelims performance for Power Company I saw some of our hosts wearing them and I was like OH YEAH! And I went to button tent and the guy was like "We'll take your picture over here." and I was like Oh...you mean your going to take a picture of me right now? and he was like "yeah." and then I decided not to because I didn't look so good, with my make-up, hair, and that whole "after-show" look.
Lol, but they were a good idea and I regret not getting one.
LOL! Jeff, the looks on your faces was priceless- first, I am SO glad everyone is okay, and second, it was hilarious and SO NOT YOUR FAULT.
And yeah, we're all like "NEW RISERS!!!! YES!", so really, we're secretly grateful for Urbandale's enthusiam.
We used to do photo buttons every year, then one year the kids used them for evil and made photo buttons of Terry Voss in a trucker hat and gave them to everyone- after that, we stopped doing buttons? I was glad they made their triumphant return this year. It's sort of quirky, but who doesn't love a good button?? Personally, I loved the ads for them that featured that super hot picture of Brian from his sophomore year.
I was moritified when the riser gave way. Brian indicated to us that it was the rented stage and not the riser that broke. A couple of Totino kids actually said they hoped they were gonna get new risers out of it. I forgot one other thing that I really liked....the picture buttons. A bunch of our parents had buttons made with their pictures on them and then forced their kids to wear them around all day. I made sure they didn't take them off and reminded them of all the checks their parents have written over the years so they could enjoy show choir trips like the one to Totino-Grace. It was really entertaining.
For the record Kelsey, I'm totally with you- when I was in Company, I LOVED dancing on our risers at Spectacular- I know they can be a bit of surprise, but once you get used to it, it's sort of fun bouncing around. It's like being a little kid again!
I guess one last thing to Totino: Are the giant (inflatable?) people necessary? I found myself not even paying attention to your show because I was just so confused by what was happening... seems like you try to rely too much on props.... just my 2ยข.
Well, since props are one of the least reliable things you can throw in a show, I think I can safely say we aren't counting on them for much. Our choreographer suggested them for the closer concept he created, one of our IMMENSELY talented parents was kind enough to make them, and I think our team of parents and crew members have (secretly) enjoyed the unique challenges they've presented for the show. We like to take risks and try new things- I'm sorry this one didn't live up to your standards, but hey! There is always next year!
Anyway, thank you to EVERYONE who partook in this year's Spectacular. Our parents and students work SO hard for this weekend because they truly want you all to have a fantastic, memorable experience at our little school. Thank you to everyone for the patience and positivity when waiting in line for food or bathrooms- we work with what we've got, but it's really your great attitudes that set the tone for our competition and make it what it is each year.
It was such a joy watching so many groups give great shows yesterday. Lincoln Southwest, you absolutely deserve the success you had- you gave two great shows, and really showed why you should have been with us in finals at Kennedy. I hope you kids know how great you are- your reaction when your name got called for finals put a big smile on my face. I was in the hallway when you got there in the morning, and hearing your comments as you walked in the homerooms confirmed what I thought last week at Kennedy- you're nice kids with a lot of heart and talent.
Waconia, Bloomington Jefferson, and Bemidji- you make me so proud to be involved with Minnesota show choir! Our state is having a wonderful season, and you both have wonderful, entertaining shows that audiences really appreciate. All of our Iowan competitors, you continue to remind me why we drag our sorry butts to Iowa every year- you really set the bar high with the energy and passion you bring. Every single group brought something special to our competition, and for that, we're really grateful. The gym was FULL most of the day and all of finals, with really supportive audience members who clearly just wanted some great performances. When we walked in for the Testostertones exhibition at the beginning of finals, the other prep group director and I almost died- it was PACKED in there. The audience screamed for like twenty minutes straight- it was hilarious- Luke and I were falling over each other laughing- especially during Saby's solo in Guitar Hero! I'm glad you were entertained by the boys.
I walked some Chi-Hi girls to the annex bathroom, and you were all so cute and friendly! Seeing your show yesterday was fun- you've clearly worked hard since Viterbo. Cecelia, we are BFFs now. Don't forget it. Aaron Olson, Luke and I are trying to get some sweet confetti cannons for next year to make you feel even more at home. We'll do our best.
Our parents are constantly working to improve on what we do each year at our competition. Hopefully, everyone found something to enjoy throughout the day. We'd love to have you all back next year, you can count on us working hard until then to find ways to improve everything we do... and who knows? Thanks to Urbandale, we may be investing in some new risers! " border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />
Oh my gosh, I'm not sure what you're all talking about. I LOVED the trampoline risers!!! They were so fun! And they made the skirts on our orange dresses bounce more
and as for mall jail (I'm too lazy to go back and quote the person). I don't think it's an actual room or anything. That's just what we kept calling it. To my knowledge they just stood with the kids until an adult claimed them. The directors basically took them out of site of the mall workers and then let them go. Eitherway, fun story to tell.
And wasn't there a company taking pictures? Do they have a website?
I also thought that this was a very well run competition. I especially appreciated the quality of the sound system in the performance venue. It was some fantastic sound, and none of the mikes cut out for any of the groups I watched (always a plus)!
Also, congratulations to all the groups in competition. It was very apparent that everyone was on their 'A' game that day. Thanks to Totino for a wonderful weekend!
QUOTE(Drew-B_Carter @ Mar 2 2008, 09:33 PM) 424539
Lincoln- I am in love with your vocals and the tap number was amazing (I thought you were going to fly right of the stage when you were dancing on those trampolines...excuse me, "risers").
...
Overall, well done Totino!
Ha, thanks. We learned the tap in two weeks time, and let me tell you, it was not easy. We were fairly satisfied with how it turned out, though.
The risers weren't bad. I liked:
-the bounce
-the height
-it makes it easier, dynamically, for the band to balance
As far as how the competition went overall, I think that it's easily the best one I've ever attended. Thanks so much to the hosts for such a great event.
congratulations Urbandale I am so glad you won! You were an amazing group to host! It was nice talking with you guys before you had to get ready! I hope you have a good rest of the year!
HEY DYLAN!
I am supposed to stomp really harddd, KAYYY?
totino darlings, you rock.
our hosts were the best. not gonna liee.
SHOUTOUTS TOO: sadie, DANIEL FELTON, sebastian,annnnd the girl at the cookie stand who let me pick up my cookies late.:>
BJeff-I didn't see your show, but I did talk to alot of you, including your director,and gee!You kiddos are my favorite. Seriously, you rockkk. WHENS YOUR POP SHOW?
Bemidji- You rockked it kiddosss
TESTOSTERTONES-or how ever you spell it. totally made my night<3 guitar hero medley.
Encore- YAY MEGAN! YAY DANIEL! YAY KEELAN!<--inside joke
CeCe, I'm not mad, I said I liked it, it was really fun, I'm sorry you took it the wrong way.
And my step-dad already can't make it to Star Power next year.
This was the first and only competition I get to go to this year... so I'm glad it was a good one. Naturally I wanted my Vocalmotive to win, but Urbandale kicked it up enough in finals so I pretty much knew the answer...
I think I liked Lincoln's show the best because I loved their vocals more than any other group. Don't get me wrong, Urbandale had "powerhouse" vocals, but Lincoln had amazing tone quality and chordal structure... which is what I'm all about. I think they should've gotten best vocals...
Otherwise, I'm proud of Waconia-- finally starting to see you guys for what I've always heard you could be.
I guess one last thing to Totino: Are the giant (inflatable?) people necessary? I found myself not even paying attention to your show because I was just so confused by what was happening... seems like you try to rely too much on props.... just my 2ยข.
I almost forgot the most important thing! The one thing that puts T-G's "Spectacular" over the top for me was the cold 24 oz. bottles of Diet Mt. Dew on sale all day. I was in heaven.
Totino was the best!!! With the exception of the risers that I wasn't used too, but it's all good
Congratulations Urbandale, and all other groups... I hope to see many of you at the Jefferson Invitational this weekend ( March 7th and 8th )
Lincoln Southwest- You were my favorite of the day, your show is awesome and your ballad gives me the serious chills. If you guys have any videos of your show you should def let me watch them!
HEY DYLAN!
I am supposed to stomp really harddd, KAYYY?
totino darlings, you rock.
our hosts were the best. not gonna liee.
SHOUTOUTS TOO: sadie, DANIEL FELTON, sebastian,annnnd the girl at the cookie stand who let me pick up my cookies late.:>
BJeff-I didn't see your show, but I did talk to alot of you, including your director,and gee!You kiddos are my favorite. Seriously, you rockkk. WHENS YOUR POP SHOW?
Bemidji- You rockked it kiddosss
TESTOSTERTONES-or how ever you spell it. totally made my night<3 guitar hero medley.
Encore- YAY MEGAN! YAY DANIEL! YAY KEELAN!<--inside joke
Ha ha. I love dancing on Totino's risers! they're so much fun. Thanks Totino for another awesome competiton this weekend! It was so much fun, and thanks to our hosts for being amazing, and making our room amazing!...and the food was good too!
Oh my god that was rediculous expecially during our tap i thought they would break
I think Totino-Grace is officially my favorite competition. The food is so good (I ate the equivalent of 4 meals there) and the hosts are always so awesome! Only two negative comments- our home room was extremely small and it was an adventure to try and find an available bathroom. The risers were very interesting because instead of going side to side we went up and down (kinda cool). I love the DVDs too, I can't wait to get mine.
Lincoln- I am in love with your vocals and the tap number was amazing (I thought you were going to fly right of the stage when you were dancing on those trampolines...excuse me, "risers").
Waconia- Once again I loved your performance and I love your show. Congrats to Brandy, I did get to see your solo in finals and it was amazing!
Urbandale- Congratulations! I wasn't able to see your show but I'm sure you guys have improved a lot since Linn Mar. I wish I could have seen and heard your well executed choreography and outstanding vocals again before the season was over.
Totino- This was the first time I got to see your show this year and I love it! You guys are so good. Those tambourines are the first prop I've ever liked and I believe they added a lot to the song. Those puppets made me hysterical, who came up with them? Very creative! One thing perplexes me. Why in the world would you want to add blocks to make those risers even higher than they already are!?!? Oh well, I can't wait to see you guys next year!
Unfortunately those were the only shows I got to watch.
Cecelia, you should come find me tomorrow. This is like, literally how I talk when I'm not thinking about it. Ask Ben or Adam. When I answer my phone, I sound like an extra from Clueless. It's embarrassing. But charming, I'm sure.
Anyway everyone, we're really REALLY excited to see you all tomorrow! If you need ANYTHING at all, don't hesitate to ask someone- especially me!
ANA!
i met you.
hooraaaay, cept' i was smelly and still in my hot pink outfit.
First of all thank to all the Totino people for making the competition so fun. Our hosts were magnificent. I didn't get to spend much time with the Studio hosts because our administration isn't too keen on boys and girls changing in the same room, so we always just make the Vitality room into a boys only room and the Studio room into a girls only room. I pretty much never set foot in the Studio room so I got to know the Vitality hosts a lot better. Vitality's host Corinne went above and beyond to make us comfortable and welcome. She even trekked about 200 yards across the parking lot in the cold wearing her closer outfit from the CoS exhibition show just to say goodbye and tell us congratulations. She was officially hosting Vitality, but when it was time for Studio's daytime performance she did double duty and went with us to retrieve our equipment.
The 11-inch risers are tough to adjust to if you are used to the 8-inch ones. Luckily our backup set of risers have legs that can make them 10-inches each so we are able to practice on those for a week leading up to Totino which really helps. Our kids were a little surprised by the trampoline effect when they jumped off the top risers at the beginning of the show even though we warned them about it.
All of the group were so nice and supportive of one another and it was just a nice environment. It was so nice to see the genuine excitement Lincoln Southwest showed when they made finals after the disappointment at Kennedy the week before. I was also very happy that another Damon group (Waconia) finished so strong. Congratulations on winning best band. I really hope you guys do well at Showstoppers later this month. I had several of our parents tell me that they were very impressed with your show and I love your director, Mr. O. He's one of the nicest guys around.
We were very honored to come out on top with such high quality groups competing there and once again it came right down to the wire between us and "Vocalmotive." They push us to do our best at this competition every year.
We didn't know that!!! Like ALL of our freshmen and sophomores got stopped by mall nazis...or so we called them. The choir directors kept having to pick them up from mall jail.
MOA has a Mall Jail? Describe this Mall Jail to me because now I'm interested.
QUOTE(Treyfizer @ Mar 2 2008, 08:12 PM) 424474
i have one bad thing to say about this compation....
the RISERS......were like hard trampolines(at least the back row) and PLEASE if you have gunna have like 11in risers instead of 8 in please have some 11in in the warm-up
but other wise i was satasiphed
I LOVE Totino's risers. We were going into Hit Me Up, where the girls are doing the stomp, and I was crouched over doing my part, and my partner sent me like flying into the air. It got me so energized! Thanks CeCe! lol.
i have one bad thing to say about this compation....
the RISERS......were like hard trampolines(at least the back row) and PLEASE if you have gunna have like 11in risers instead of 8 in please have some 11in in the warm-up
but other wise i was satasiphed
QUOTE(TMDOC4 @ Mar 2 2008, 08:19 PM) 424475
Ha ha. I love dancing on Totino's risers! they're so much fun. Thanks Totino for another awesome competiton this weekend! It was so much fun, and thanks to our hosts for being amazing, and making our room amazing!...and the food was good too!
the height difference on the risers was a bit alarming, and when I was pulsing downstage while on the back riser, I could feel it lifting off of the ground!! other than that, I love the risers!! I think the bouncing up and down is really fun!! especially when we were in a big clump in the middle pulsing right and left... so much fun!! thanks again totino!!
Totino-Grace Show Choir Spectacular 2008
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