I think I saw where an associated "Show Choir Clinic" might be a part of the weekend at the Murat (Murat Shrine Theatre, downtown Indy, is one of two venues that hosts touring national shows). The other obvious venue is Clowes Hall on the campus of Butler University (Go Dogs! 5 seed in this years NCAAs)
I suppose a school could host, but they'd want one with a Performing Arts Center attached, like Warren or Pike, or another school with a load of seating (like Lawrence Central, Center Grove, North Central, Carmel, etc.) Still, I imagine FAME will want to go more upscale than a high school.
Which may bring us, eventually, to the new Regional Performing Arts Center in Carmel. That would be a jewel for the new concert hall to snag, but I don't think it will be in play by Spring 2011.
it would be amazing for show choirs to perform at the murat!
I was thinking they'd just set up a stage in one of the convention center ballrooms or something.
ok so I dont know if somewhere you can read about it all, but they did talk about it at awards at fame orlando on saturday... I was kinda distracted because I was talking with stolby lol
But basically what I understood was they have 5 qualifying events starting next march. Fame Hollywood, New York, Branson, Chicago, and Orlando
If you qualify you go to National Championships in Indy
They are paying for all hotel fees for the qualifying groups, but I think you still need to pay for flights and such
Where I got confused was what places qualify and if anyone winning at this year fame events get an automatic bid
I do think this is a great idea... but what about schools who cant afford going to a fame event... or this is their off year for going to a big competition for this... So then now they cant qualify for Nationals but I bet people would vote them in because they are good.
We will see how this all plays out... but of course... i will be there :D
The top three finishers at each of the 5 qualifiers you mentioned would get the automatic bids. This years competitions don't count, just next years.
ok so I dont know if somewhere you can read about it all, but they did talk about it at awards at fame orlando on saturday... I was kinda distracted because I was talking with stolby lol
But basically what I understood was they have 5 qualifying events starting next march. Fame Hollywood, New York, Branson, Chicago, and Orlando
If you qualify you go to National Championships in Indy
They are paying for all hotel fees for the qualifying groups, but I think you still need to pay for flights and such
Where I got confused was what places qualify and if anyone winning at this year fame events get an automatic bid
I do think this is a great idea... but what about schools who cant afford going to a fame event... or this is their off year for going to a big competition for this... So then now they cant qualify for Nationals but I bet people would vote them in because they are good.
We will see how this all plays out... but of course... i will be there :D
...does anyone familiar with Indianapolis know where they are considering having the actual competition?
I think I saw where an associated "Show Choir Clinic" might be a part of the weekend at the Murat (Murat Shrine Theatre, downtown Indy, is one of two venues that hosts touring national shows). The other obvious venue is Clowes Hall on the campus of Butler University (Go Dogs! 5 seed in this years NCAAs)
I suppose a school could host, but they'd want one with a Performing Arts Center attached, like Warren or Pike, or another school with a load of seating (like Lawrence Central, Center Grove, North Central, Carmel, etc.) Still, I imagine FAME will want to go more upscale than a high school.
Which may bring us, eventually, to the new Regional Performing Arts Center in Carmel. That would be a jewel for the new concert hall to snag, but I don't think it will be in play by Spring 2011.
The hard thing is that vocal judges a lot of times are choir directors, and with great choirs competing, that takes their directors (and choreographers) out of the mix for judging. It will be very tough to find a full and unbiased panel...it's an interesting thing to think about.
i think vocal judges would be the EASIEST to pick out, but who knows. It is crazy!
I am curious as to how the judges would work. I think you'd have to have the super panel of judges, but who knows! lol
The hard thing is that vocal judges a lot of times are choir directors, and with great choirs competing, that takes their directors (and choreographers) out of the mix for judging. It will be very tough to find a full and unbiased panel...it's an interesting thing to think about.
I am curious as to how the judges would work. I think you'd have to have the super panel of judges, but who knows! lol
They should have a judge competition. Take the top 3 judges from each competition and pay for their everything, too.
Actually I believe the entry fees and what not will be cost-free to the "qualifiers." I'm not sure, but does that mean that the lodging, entry fees, and tour buses are free as well?
Oh Rian....just read!
Hotels (for two nights) and entry fees will be paid for by sponsors. They just have to get there.
A California group wouldn't be going to Chicago or Branson to qualify, they'd go to FAME LA. Then the Indy trip becomes the "big trip" they'd do for the year.
Actually I believe the entry fees and what not will be cost-free to the "qualifiers." I'm not sure, but does that mean that the lodging, entry fees, and tour buses are free as well?
Say it's a California group that qualifies through Chicago or Branson - they'd have less than a month to get the money to go to Indianapolis.
A California group wouldn't be going to Chicago or Branson to qualify, they'd go to FAME LA. Then the Indy trip becomes the "big trip" they'd do for the year.
Wow, I am a huge fan of this idea. Thanks to mom for posting this in her facebook status. To respond to Ethan, I believe that the concept should be taken with a grain of salt. It's just like SCRS, in the fact that many people will argue with the idea. But I believe this method will be much more legitimate in determining a 'national ranking.' Although funds are limited, to be honoured with the title of 'the nation's best' seems worth the extra cash. I hope show choirs decide to utilize this.
Yes, but getting to Indianapolis is going to cost a pretty penny for a choir not based in IL, IN, or OH.
I think the idea, though, is that the "qualifier" events are much closer to the groups - so that the "finals" becomes the big trip of the year. Obviously, that's not going to hold true for everyone, but it should help.
The following quote is from the bottom of the home page for the championship: "The top three finalists from each qualifying event will receive an invitation to the "National Show Choir Championships" in Indianapolis at the end of April. These National Show Choir Finalists will be sponsored into the event at no charge. Each of these Show Choirs will also receive complimentary hotel accommodations for Friday and Saturday nights as well."
Yes, but getting to Indianapolis is going to cost a pretty penny for a choir not based in IL, IN, or OH.
I think making the claim of 'True National Champion' is a bit steep. There is always going to be a group that will not compete in a FAME event that could contend for the national championship. I mean, sure the winner is obviously one of the best choirs in the country and yeah a lot of the years it will probably get the correct choir as the best. But for those choirs that can only do FAME every other year or something like that. And especially in a time where many schools are doing budget cuts, etc. Certain schools that should vie for the championship wont be able to make it. It just isn't fair and will cause some unneeded drama, not to mention crush some seniors if their choir can not attend a FAME competition.
Do i think they shouldn't do this? Absolutely not. It's a great idea and looks like quite a bit of thinking has gone into it. I just think that putting the weight of 'TRUE national champion' could be a bit misleading.
FAME Show Choir National Finals 2011
lol
To respond to Ethan, I believe that the concept should be taken with a grain of salt. It's just like SCRS, in the fact that many people will argue with the idea. But I believe this method will be much more legitimate in determining a 'national ranking.' Although funds are limited, to be honoured with the title of 'the nation's best' seems worth the extra cash. I hope show choirs decide to utilize this.
