I've been to a few contests as a competing member where the host school provided food such as bagels and fruit for the finalists so they would be able to have something in their stomachs before they went onstage. That was really helpful.
Look, the thing that I think we're missing here is that we're not complaining about the performance order thing because of a scoring gripe. It was just exhausting, and people were getting sick, and it just wasn't necessary.
I want to give a BBBIIIGGG shout out to Xavier! You were and are amazing. From the start of your 1st number to the ending of your closer, i was in shock! Your ballad, flawless the soloist had so much emotion. It was so good to see, people who believe in the words that they sing. JIMMY, when that boy come out on stage with the 4 or 5 girls wow did he rocked it! Everything about you guys are amazing and im glad i got to see you guys this year! Every last one of you are a star in my book!
Thank you everyone for your kind words about Jefferson!!
I can get your concern about kneeling to the flag. If that's your only gripe about the appropriateness of the song, then I understand it. Also, our Dixie medley is made up of two songs: “The Old Red Hills of Home” from “Parade”, and “By the Sword / Sons of Dixie” from “The Civil War”. Obviously “The Civil War” IS set in that time period, and our medley is as well. Your point about the kneeling though is one I know I have heard multiple times and it makes sense.
As far as the finals time slot... this is one of the things I was planning to comment on, so I guess now is a great time to do it. After Saturday, I feel strongly that what I am going to call the “Viterbo rule” should be implemented across the board. First allow me to say once again that had we performed later it likely would not have changed placements and I am in no way complaining about results. It is a matter of logistics and quite frankly safety.
It is not fair to a group to force them to compete with two shows back-to-back, plain and simple. Our turnaround from the time we were announced as a finalist to the time we were sent to our warmup was about a half hour, if that. We had not dealt with costumes yet, as we had came to awards straight from critique, so we had to wait for costumes to be sorted, dried, or found in some cases. We were scrambling around to prepare ourselves for another show. There was no opportunity to eat anything, much less recover from the day show. Now, I understand our night show was better than our day show! This is absolutely true. But the fact is that we handled the situation as well as we possibly could. I can see groups – including my own group under different circumstances – handling the situation much worse. Just because we handled it well doesn't mean that it's the right thing to do. It is not fair in this situation to throw the last group from the day round first in night. I know that a number of Xhilaration members were physically sick coming off stage after the finals performance. Why is that necessary?
I hope that a number of directors in charge of competitions, including Mr. Hayden, take a look at situations like these and think to themselves, “What benefit is there of having the last group in the day round perform first in finals?” The Viterbo rule is a great idea with no negative consequences. Directors should take a look at implementing it at their competitions.
I sincerely apologize if any comments from xavier have offended you or made you think that you need to stop posting of SCC. We are simply trying to offer a reason our show is the way it is and explain, or in some cases defend, the choices our director made as far as the presentation of our songs. That is all. I know no one intended to be an attack on you, and I'm sorry if it came off that way.
Thats nice of you; but i dont think there is anything that could make jay stop posting on SCC short of death
I guess I can't comment anymore. Obviously any comment towards Xavier that is not glorifying them or their show is not welcome on these boards so I will shut up.
jay,
I sincerely apologize if any comments from xavier have offended you or made you think that you need to stop posting on SCC. We are simply trying to offer a reason our show is the way it is and explain, or in some cases defend, the choices our director made as far as the presentation of our songs. That is all. I know no one intended it to be an attack on you, and I'm sorry if it came off that way.
I guess I can't comment anymore. Obviously any comment towards Xavier that is not glorifying them or their show is not welcome on these boards so I will shut up.
I guess I can't comment anymore. Obviously any comment towards Xavier that is not glorifying them or their show is not welcome on these boards so I will shut up.
Just wanted to shed some light on the Linn Mar scoring issues...
After Daytime awards were announced Benton's director's wife came and got our director and told him to come down to the office right away because there were issues. When the judges found out that tenth street was not in finals they were very confused and called the recount. So they went back and checked the scores because of the one judge that had scored wrong earlier to make sure everything was correct and it was. So to clear everything up... the JUDGES called the recount, not tenth street. And they were all very disappointed to not see them in the finals.
As far as the finals time slot... this is one of the things I was planning to comment on, so I guess now is a great time to do it. After Saturday, I feel strongly that what I am going to call the “Viterbo rule” should be implemented across the board. First allow me to say once again that had we performed later it likely would not have changed placements and I am in no way complaining about results. It is a matter of logistics and quite frankly safety.
It is not fair to a group to force them to compete with two shows back-to-back, plain and simple. Our turnaround from the time we were announced as a finalist to the time we were sent to our warmup was about a half hour, if that. We had not dealt with costumes yet, as we had came to awards straight from critique, so we had to wait for costumes to be sorted, dried, or found in some cases. We were scrambling around to prepare ourselves for another show. There was no opportunity to eat anything, much less recover from the day show. Now, I understand our night show was better than our day show! This is absolutely true. But the fact is that we handled the situation as well as we possibly could. I can see groups – including my own group under different circumstances – handling the situation much worse. Just because we handled it well doesn't mean that it's the right thing to do. It is not fair in this situation to throw the last group from the day round first in night. I know that a number of Xhilaration members were physically sick coming off stage after the finals performance. Why is that necessary?
I hope that a number of directors in charge of competitions, including Mr. Hayden, take a look at situations like these and think to themselves, “What benefit is there of having the last group in the day round perform first in finals?” The Viterbo rule is a great idea with no negative consequences. Directors should take a look at implementing it at their competitions.
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS JEFFERSON!!! You guys were simply fantastic. Last night was the first time I had the privilege of seeing you all year and it truly was a privilege. My jaw was on the floor the whole time. I am honored to take 2nd place to a group that is the caliber of West Side Delegation.
Secondly, i doubt that any different performance order would have changed the results, so I am not in any way complaining about results. I do, however, believe that the "Viterbo rule" is a must.
Thirdly, Benton is, by a landslide, consistently the best competition experience every year, and I'm glad we keep going back. Other that the lack of the "Viterbo Rule," one would be hard pressed to find any qualms with Benton's "Touch of Class."
After last night, I can attest to the fact that performing last in days and then first in finals is an extremely difficult and challenging situation. It put a huge strain of Xhilaration as a group and caused a lot of problems. No one got to eat dinner until after 9. Hardly anyone was able to get ready as much as they normally do for a performance or as much as they would have liked to (not to mention in put a lot of pressure on the costume moms hahaha). As 'EsAreUnimportant' said, it was a huge scramble to prepare for the performance. And the show itself was tough too. People in Xhilaration had to leave the show early because they were dry heaving and a number puked afterward. A girl even sprained her ankle.
In addition to the safety and logistic problems, there is the issue of judging. The judges saw our show 2 times in a row, which must have been tough for them. Overall, this is a tough situation for everyone involved, so I believe that the "Viterbo rule" should be used at every competition.
Jefferson was the champion and they deserve all the credit for all their hard work and the great show that they put on. Congrats again!
I'd like to add to what Adam said and go with sons of Dixie, our 2nd song in the medley is actually from a flop musical called civil war, great song but that musical is all about confederate soldiers during the civil war and the lyrics go along well with kneeling to the confederate flag, but because that was sketchy, we decided to kneel to the Georgia flag, which intertwines our songs even more and is more appropriate
I understand why you chose to kneel to the confederate/georgia (although its really a made up combination which is why i didnt know where it was from) flag instead of the union flag. It's a confederate song... I get that. I probably knew Parade before most people in Xhil did. But I guess I was sitting there wondering.... why did you need to kneel to any flag? you could've knelt to the audience, or the audience corners... It just was sorta awkward to kneel to that flag specifically. It could be different if you didn't have a union flag, and just the confederate... First of all, if you're being accurate to the period, there were not 50 states at the time when this musical is set, so you should've gotten a more accurate flag. Secondly, the musical is not set in Civil War or even pre-Civil War times. If I remember correctly it's set in the early 1900's. So you could have people kneeling to both flags instead of just one.
It's really nothing to fight about though. It was just a comment I had...
I also wish Xavier people wouldn't complain about their finals spot. You guys performed better in finals! You had much more energy! And it's not like you went down a slot because of your time spot. You should be a testament to the Hastings people because you did have an improved performance, instead of going to their level and complaining about it. Obviously they were complaining because their performance wasn't as good, but you guys don't need to stoop to that level. You are proof that you can have an EXCELLENT performance going last in day and first in finals.
I can get your concern about kneeling to the flag. If that's your only gripe about the appropriateness of the song, then I understand it. Also, our Dixie medley is made up of two songs: “The Old Red Hills of Home” from “Parade”, and “By the Sword / Sons of Dixie” from “The Civil War”. Obviously “The Civil War” IS set in that time period, and our medley is as well. Your point about the kneeling though is one I know I have heard multiple times and it makes sense.
As far as the finals time slot... this is one of the things I was planning to comment on, so I guess now is a great time to do it. After Saturday, I feel strongly that what I am going to call the “Viterbo rule” should be implemented across the board. First allow me to say once again that had we performed later it likely would not have changed placements and I am in no way complaining about results. It is a matter of logistics and quite frankly safety.
It is not fair to a group to force them to compete with two shows back-to-back, plain and simple. Our turnaround from the time we were announced as a finalist to the time we were sent to our warmup was about a half hour, if that. We had not dealt with costumes yet, as we had came to awards straight from critique, so we had to wait for costumes to be sorted, dried, or found in some cases. We were scrambling around to prepare ourselves for another show. There was no opportunity to eat anything, much less recover from the day show. Now, I understand our night show was better than our day show! This is absolutely true. But the fact is that we handled the situation as well as we possibly could. I can see groups – including my own group under different circumstances – handling the situation much worse. Just because we handled it well doesn't mean that it's the right thing to do. It is not fair in this situation to throw the last group from the day round first in night. I know that a number of Xhilaration members were physically sick coming off stage after the finals performance. Why is that necessary?
I hope that a number of directors in charge of competitions, including Mr. Hayden, take a look at situations like these and think to themselves, “What benefit is there of having the last group in the day round perform first in finals?” The Viterbo rule is a great idea with no negative consequences. Directors should take a look at implementing it at their competitions.
Secondly, the musical is not set in Civil War or even pre-Civil War times. If I remember correctly it's set in the early 1900's. So you could have people kneeling to both flags instead of just one.
You are treading in dangerous territory J.E.B. "Parade" is my favorite musical of all time... due in part to the hugely historical and important non-fictional plot of Leo Frank and the murder of Mary Fagan. I'm a wiz when it comes to anything related to the trials, the murder itself, and the musical adaptation. Yes... the main plot of "Parade" is not set in the civil war period... but the opening "The Old Red Hills Of Home" STARTS during the Civil War, then flashes to fifty years later, with the young soldier becoming the old soldier (or who Xavier has rearranged to be "Leo"). I find the kneeling to the flag VERY appropriate to the song. I also applaud Xavier for NOT using a confederate flag. I've seen Xavier perform 4 times already this season, with 2 more to go, and they never had a flag with 50 stars on it.
Glenwood- I really wanted to see you in finals, but i guess the judges just werent feelin it. You sang well, and were pretty darn clean. I also really love the start of your show. Good luck with the rest of the season.
The judges totally felt their show... I was talking to DK after their performance and him and the guy next to him said they were great. There were just 6 groups there who were top-tier, quality groups.
I understand why you chose to kneel to the confederate/georgia (although its really a made up combination which is why i didnt know where it was from) flag instead of the union flag. It's a confederate song... I get that. I probably knew Parade before most people in Xhil did. But I guess I was sitting there wondering.... why did you need to kneel to any flag? you could've knelt to the audience, or the audience corners... It just was sorta awkward to kneel to that flag specifically. It could be different if you didn't have a union flag, and just the confederate... First of all, if you're being accurate to the period, there were not 50 states at the time when this musical is set, so you should've gotten a more accurate flag. Secondly, the musical is not set in Civil War or even pre-Civil War times. If I remember correctly it's set in the early 1900's. So you could have people kneeling to both flags instead of just one.
It's really nothing to fight about though. It was just a comment I had...
I also wish Xavier people wouldn't complain about their finals spot. You guys performed better in finals! You had much more energy! And it's not like you went down a slot because of your time spot. You should be a testament to the Hastings people because you did have an improved performance, instead of going to their level and complaining about it. Obviously they were complaining because their performance wasn't as good, but you guys don't need to stoop to that level. You are proof that you can have an EXCELLENT performance going last in day and first in finals.
just thought id start with what i know is the collective feeling of Xhilaration: gotta love Benton. It hasnt always ended well for us, but there's just something about that place that feels like home for our group. a few thoughts...
Jefferson- I know this has been said like 12 times, but welcome back. It must be the magic touch of Schloetterbeck (sp?), because between Ovation last year and WSD this year, the Jeff program is back on its way some serious success. I really enjoyed your show and there was definitely no shame in losing to a group such as yourselves. The first 30 seconds of your show is pure show choir dynamite, and it just completely smacks the audience in the face...and i love it. And let it be said, i was never a fan of "set" stages that groups would bring in to create different pictures. Ive just never thought it was effective...until last night. I dont know, maybe it was just the height of the box in the back, but the pictures just really popped. Also, this show is by far and away the best choreography Antwon has ever given you guys. The vocals were good throughout, though i'm still not sure i can say i love your ballad. It just doesn't really go anywhere for me. Good tone, good emotion, but it feels like its about to climax...and then it doesnt. But i love the song! John Legend is one of my all time favorites, so i really think it has potential. The only song im not really a fan of is I'm gonna live till i die? maybe? I think thats what its called. Its your second number, and it just seems to fill time. It's not bad, and it doesnt detract from your show...i just dont think it adds anything. Just some thoughts. Wonderful show, and good luck on the rest of your season.
Glenwood- I really wanted to see you in finals, but i guess the judges just werent feelin it. You sang well, and were pretty darn clean. I also really love the start of your show. Good luck with the rest of the season.
Thanks to all the SCC guys that came. It was cool to know some of you got to see our show.
We changed the flag already this season to avoid as much controversy as possible. We are trying to stay true to the historical aspect of the piece without being offensive. It's a fine line to walk and at this point, we think we're walking it pretty well.
After all, it is a song about Confederate soldiers.
Ya; i heard from your guys preview show it was a confederate flag; which is why i was confused as to why it was changed; but i figured you guys changed it to be non offensive. No matter the flag; personally i like the song and the show.
i dont know; i know this wasnt to me; but im just really curious; could you explain? cause im with jay, i just dont think its right.
hello run-on-sentence
We changed the flag already this season to avoid as much controversy as possible. We are trying to stay true to the historical aspect of the piece without being offensive. It's a fine line to walk and at this point, we think we're walking it pretty well.
After all, it is a song about Confederate soldiers.
I'm quoting this one because it's shorter, but jay, do you really not know why we kneel to the flag, it's the Georgia flag btw.
i dont know; i know this wasnt to me; but im just really curious; could you explain? cause im with jay, i just dont think its right.
Benton A Touch of Class 2010
