Pascagoula isn't coming, my friend. But seriously, if you are referring to Prep, I hate to inform you that West and Northeast on top of their game are better than Prep any day. Now granted, this is Prep's first year, so I can definitely see them making big noise very soon. I just don't think they will beat BOTH West and Northeast this weekend.
Agreed that Pascagoula isn't coming but some of the groups 30 and under groups are doing extremely well. Last year if memory serves correctly JA beat Northeast several times in competition. Just because they moved up doesn't mean they are automatically in the finals. I think everyone will come in fighting so only the competition will show. This is just my opinion!
I think you have pverlooked the winner of the 30 and under division in your FINALS. I know there are several groups that could score as high as some large groups from what I have seen.
The top small group would probably have a higher score than the last several large groups.
Just an observation! Pascagoula isn't coming, my friend. But seriously, if you are referring to Prep, I hate to inform you that West and Northeast on top of their game are better than Prep any day. Now granted, this is Prep's first year, so I can definitely see them making big noise very soon. I just don't think they will beat BOTH West and Northeast this weekend.
I think you have pverlooked the winner of the 30 and under division in your FINALS. I know there are several groups that could score as high as some large groups from what I have seen.
The top small group would probably have a higher score than the last several large groups.
Just an observation!
PREDICTIONS:
GC: Albertville
1RU: South Jones
2RU: Homewood
3RU: Tupelo (Haven't seen them yet but heard great things about them)
4RU: West Jones (LOVE THEM SINCE I'M FROM THERE!)
Well I can't disagree that I don't think it's wise for people to judge groups whose show they have helped design or groups whose music they have arranged. Let me put the best face on this I can, and that's the fact that at least we have some diffrent judges at this comp. The comps. I have been to so far have had several of the same judges and at least the directors will get a chance to hear a diffrent opinion. Now watch some of the other judges be the same ones at the other comps.
In my opinion, the Albertville I saw at Opelika would win this competition without Mike Weaver judging anyways...
I can't say that I disagree with you, Drew; I was very impressed with Albertville's actual performance when I saw them at the SJ Invite, and I'm certain they've improved since then. They'll be tough to beat, regardless of who is on the panel.
In my opinion, the Albertville I saw at Opelika would win this competition without Mike Weaver judging anyways... So you can throw that out the window for me... But what about NE Jones? Let's say Weaver has Albertville #1 and NEJ #2... Hypothetically speaking, that would help NEJ's score tremendously and probably put them in Finals...
In my opinion, the Albertville I saw at Opelika would win this competition without Mike Weaver judging anyways... So you can throw that out the window for me... But what about NE Jones? Let's say Weaver has Albertville #1 and NEJ #2... Hypothetically speaking, that would help NEJ's score tremendously and probably put them in Finals... Now if they deserve it, let it be... But I don't honestly think Weaver can put NEJ ahead of Homewood, South Jones, and probably Tupelo without being biased... Not saying it will happen, but it certainly doesn't help my group, who will be fighting for one of those last spots in Finals... Now, for my predictions:
GC: Albertville
1st RU: Homewood
2nd RU: Tupelo
3rd: South Jones
4th RU: West Jones/Northeast Jones (The fact that Mike Weaver is a judge will probably make this last spot VERY, VERY CLOSE)
Why are directors putting up with this? Mike Weaver not only choreographs, but in most instances chooses a choirs material as well. How do you suppose he's going to score elements of show design and choreographic content? And, sure, Eric will may be more critical of how his own arrangement is performed, but isn't that equally unfair to that choir? This is not a level playing field.
I don't care if Mother Theresa is the person in question, no one who has contributed to a competing show can objectively adjudicate that show. Contest officials should do whatever is necessary to avoid even the suggestion of impropriety, and likewise, adjudicators should recuse themselves from ever judging their own work.
It's something I've been complaining about for years. You're absolutely right in all that you said above. Competitions and their results are often compromised when things like this happen.
However, I do not have an education degree, nor am I a choir director, so I clearly have no say in the matter.
Why are directors putting up with this? Mike Weaver not only choreographs, but in most instances chooses a choirs material as well. How do you suppose he's going to score elements of show design and choreographic content? And, sure, Eric will may be more critical of how his own arrangement is performed, but isn't that equally unfair to that choir? This is not a level playing field.
I don't care if Mother Theresa is the person in question, no one who has contributed to a competing show can objectively adjudicate that show. Contest officials should do whatever is necessary to avoid even the suggestion of impropriety, and likewise, adjudicators should recuse themselves from ever judging their own work.
Petal Show Choir Invitational 2009
