Happy summer everyone! Spots for Finale 2011 are filling quickly, only a few more spots in each division. Have a safe trip to SCA this coming week everyone!
We are proud to announce our Performing Arts Clinicians for Finale 2011 NYC. All participants will have a chance to take intense master classes from the individuals below:
Modern Jazz and "Dancing in Stilettos"- Dana Foglia
Dana Foglia has taught dance all over the United States and internationally. She trained extensively in ballet and modern with the Seiskaya Ballet Academy and later on a full scholarship to the Ailey School. At the same time, she also studied hip hop, pointe, jazz, tap and African.
She has toured and performed with top artists including Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Kelis, New Kids on the Block, Fantasia and the Latin sensation Thalia and others. Most recently Dana worked with Beyonce for her “I Am…2009 Tour” as Assistant Choreographer, personally training and preparing Beyonce for this tour. Check out Dana @ www.danafoglia.com
Hip Hop- Jonathan Lee
Jonathan was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Jonathan has worked with various recording artists such as Grammy Award winners/nominees Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Tracy Chapman, Mya and Joe as a backup singer, dancer, and choreographer. His Film/TV credits include You've Got Mail, The View, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and Guiding Light. Theatre credits include Once On This Island (Daniel), The Wiz (Tin Man), West Side Story (Bernardo), The King & I (Lun Tha), Miss Saigon, and Candide. He has worked with networks such as Disney, MTV, Nickelodeon, and VH1.
Jonathan has also been seen or heard in several commercials, recordings, and print ads for Verizon Wireless, NIKE, Optimum Online, Texas Instruments, Wendy's and WeeBee Tunes. Currently Jonathan teaches Hip-Hop at Steps on Broadway and Dance Space Center in NYC. Check out his work here:
Poppin and Lockin- Raymond "Spex" Abbiw
Raymond "Spex" Abbiw's career took off and he appeared in music videos with such artists as Mariah Carey, Joe, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and more. Spex also toured internationally in Japan and France. He made his off-broadway debut in the 2002 "Full Circle Productions" production "Soular Power'd" at New York's New Victory theater. He continues as a member of the Full Circle Dance Company touring throughout the U.S. and abroad including the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Spex is currently part owner with founder Brian "Footwork" Green and Ullier Maier of the House Dance Conference. A monthly event providing a platform for entertainment, dance and education. Check out some of his work here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj4LLwb21U4
Theatre Dance- Scott Thompson
Scott Thompson has won numerous awards for directing and choreographing some of Broadway’s brightest tal- ents in over 100 productions nationwide. Scott directed Tony Award winner Betty Buckley in her first GYPSY, country music legend Larry Gatlin in THE MUSIC MAN and Tony Award winner Cady Huffman in DAMN YANKEES.
Scott won the prestigious San Francisco Theatre Critics Award for Best Director, Best Choreographer and the show was honored as Best Musical. He also won the Los Angeles Ovation award for this production and then re-created it at the world famous Goodspeed Opera House. In New York he recently directed the workshop of the new musical CITIZEN RUTH, choreographed the workshop of Joel Paley and Marvin Laird’s JEWSICAL!, and directed and choreographed the highly acclaimed 2005 Gateway Playhouse revival of SUGAR, the musical adaptation of Billy Wilder’s “Some Like it Hot” Check out a clip of his work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bddC8Yv4vCQ and visit him online at www.scottthompsononline.com
Vocal Technique/Solo Competition Preparation- Christina Ascher
Christina has studied voice at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music (B.Mus.) and the Juilliard Music School (M.S.) in New York, the city of her birth. After fulfilling opera contracts at the Lyric Opera in Chicago and at the Dallas Opera, she went to Europe in 1974 where she sang leading roles at the opera houses in Karlsruhe, Zurich, Bonn, Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Graz, Oldenburg, etc., until the mid 80's specializing in traditional opera roles and since the mid 80's in contemporary music and modern music theater.
Ms. Ascher has been involved in many radio, television and recording productions. She has given master classes for singers and composers at New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, Hochschule fuer Musik und Theater, Rostock, Germany, International Summer Courses for Young Composers, Radziejowice, Poland, University of Birmingham, Music Department, Birmingham, UK, University of Music, Katowice, Poland. See her also at www.christina-ascher.com.
Actor's Studio- Larry Gleason
Larry Gleason has numerous plays and movie credits. Larry has performed both on and off broadway in his amazing actor career. Larry currently is a private acting coach here in New York City. Check out his credits and resume at www.larrygleason.com.
Tap Central- Tara Tober
Tara received her BA in dance from Pointe Park University Conservatory of Performing Arts. She is a nationally recognized freelance choreographer and clinician. She spent four years in Chicago, IL where she performed with Dunco Funk Dance Company. Check out more about Tara at www.taratober.com
Finale's Best Dance Crew- WE ARE HEROES
We Are Heroes Dance Crew is an all-female, dynamic, popping dance crew that was crowned Champions of America’s Best Dance Crew. Coming from all different areas of the world, this all girl popping crew has the ability to make their show hot as fire! (see video below). They are able to connect with all audiences because of their diversity, talent, and personal stories. We Are Heroes believes it is part of their destiny to have formed this crew to make their dreams come true. These girls take chances, know their foundations, and create a dance style new to the public eye.
After being on talk shows like Ellen and Oprah, featured in music videos, and supporting charity events, We Are Heroes plan on accomplishing their long awaited goal to inspire people of all ages through their dancing. Check out these ladies at www.weareheroesonline.com
We expect to add within the next few weeks classes for BALLROOM AND COMBO INSTRUMENTATION....so participants get ready for a ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!
Remember you can always register online at www.finalenationals.com!
I hope that everyone’s end of the year activities are going well. I know there are lots of final concerts and proms that are consuming lots of time but you are getting to the “light at the end of the tunnel” stage.
There has been an incredible response to Finale, but in such, I have noticed some repeated questions, so I will attempt to answer some of them for all of you.
1) Q: Will the event be at Radio City Music Hall?
A: Yes. All performing groups will have the opportunity to compete on the famous stage.
2) Q: What are the prize amounts to be awarded and who gets what?
A: Finale will award over $13,000 to its finalists to be disbursed as follows:
· Large Division Grand Champion - $4,000.00
· Small Division Grand Champion - $2000.00
· Single-Gender Division Grand Champion- $1,000.00
· Large Division 1st Runner Up- $3,000.00
· Small Division 1st Runner Up- $500.00
· Large Division 2nd Runner Up- $1000.00
· Small Division 2nd Runner Up- $500.00
· Large Division 3rd Runner Up- $500.00
· Large Division 4th Runner Up - $500.00
3) Q: What is the registration fee for Finale?
A: Finale’s Registration Fee is $500.00 per performing group. This fee will be discounted from your final invoiced amount.
4) Q: What additional options are included in the 5 day, 4 night package?
A: This package adds 1 night of accommodations at the Marriott Marquis (Wed. April 6th), and 1 additional Broadway Show selection for that evening.
5) Q: Do my students have to be present the entire scheduled time of the seminars?
A: No. Your students are free to participate in as many or as few seminars as they choose. Each class will be offered at 4 different times, allowing you the freedom to make your own schedule.
6) Q: What Airlines does Finale have a discount through?
A: Finale is proud to have American Airlines and Delta Airlines as partners. They will both offer discounts to Finale participants of 5-7% off of your total cost. For reservation codes to Finale please call 1-800-287-0532.
7) Q: How far are the activities from the Marriott Marquis?
A: Every event of Finale is within six city blocks of the Marriott Marquis.
8) Q: What is permitted during my “sound check” time?
A: This time is yours to familiarize your students to Radio City Music Hall’s stage. Anything from going over lighting cues with the stage manager to running your competition show is permitted in this 15-20 minute time period. Sound Check is fully optional, but is highly recommended. This time does not count as your “warm up” time.
9) Q: Where will the Pizza/Dance party be held?
A: The “NYC JAM” party will be held Friday evening in the “Grand Lounge” at Radio City Music Hall. Food and refreshments will be provided free of charge to all attendees.
10) Q: What are the most popular dinner locations?
A: Every dinner option is highly rated. Although locations such as ESPN Zone and Dave and Busters are the most well known, other selections such as Mars 2112 and BB Kings are highly recommended as well.
I hope this answers any questions you might have, if not please do not hesitate to email me or call us at 1-800-287-0532. Our website at www.finalenationals.com is also a good source of up-to-date information. Thank you for your time and I hope to see you all at Finale 2011!
NEW PROMO VIDEO FOR "WE ARE HEROES" Season 4 America's Best Dance Crew Champion
See and WORK with them at Finale 2011 April 7-9 in New York City, NY. These five ladies will be hosting our "Finales Best Dance Crew" and in the last hour teaching a hip hop dance open to all students. In addition, on Saturday these girls will open our Fantastic Awards Ceremony!
Well there certainly shouldn't be any arguments over the quality and qualifications of the judging panel. One of the best judging line-ups i've seen in a long time. Not often do you see a single judging panel that includes names like Eric VanCleave, Shelley Johnson, Jeff Clark, and John Baker...
I hope all is well for everyone. We have had a phenomenal response to Finale so far. In keeping everyone up to date on all aspects of Finale, we are sending the list of the judges that will be judging Finale, along with a brief description of the way our scoring system works. Finale producers have observed that a more efficient way of judging groups is needed in order to be fair to all groups, and give directors the positive feedback that everyone needs in order to move forward.
The system itself is designed around the idea that every judge should judge their own separate caption such as Vocals, Choreography, Show Design, and Combo Instrumentation. By separating these captions and having specific judges for them, the scoring system helps to eliminate any "bias", and also allows for the judges to give more complete and accurate notes on the performance.
The Finale 2011 judges will consist of the following:
John L. Baker- Director of Choral Activities at Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Alabama, and director of the award-winning Enterprise "Encores" Show Choir.
Andrew Last- Director of Choral Activities at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and director of the award- winning show choir "Xhileration".
Melissa Stainbrook- Director of Choral Activities at Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Indiana, and director of the award winning "Spotlight Singers" & "Starlight Voices" show choirs.
Eric Van Cleave- Former choral director at Lafayette Jefferson High School and award winning show choir "First Edition" in Lafayette, Indiana. Arranger for numerous shows at theme parks across the country, in addition to working with many of the leading show choirs in the country.
David Legg- Former director at Poca High School and award winning show choir "Visual Volume" in Poca, West Virginia. In addition he has arranged and choreographed for many groups across the country.
John Neubauer- Director of Choral Activities and choreographer at Mundelein High School in Mundelein, Illinois and director of the award winning show choirs "Sound" and "Lights".
Jeff Clark- Director of Choral Activities at Fairfield High School and director of the nationally acclaimed choirs "Choraliers" and "Pure Elegance".
Scott Thompson- has won numerous awards for directing and choreographing some of Broadway's brightest talents, including Tony Award Winner, Betty Buckley in her first GYPSY, and country music legend Larry Gatlin in THE MUSIC MAN.
Shelly Johnson- Director of Choral Activities at DeKalb High School in Auburn, Indiana and of the award winning show choirs "Classic Connection" and "Sound Sensation".
As always if you have any questions feel free to call at 1-800-287-0532, or check our website for updates at www.finalenationals.com. Don't forget you can also register for Finale right on our website. Thank you again and have a great week!
Antwon Chavis
Co-Founder/Show Producer
Finale National Show Choir Championships and Performing Arts Seminars
www.finalenationals.com
In an effort to keep everyone up to date we at Finale have been honored to have airline partners work with us in an effort to make this event easily accessible.
Delta Airlines will be offering between 5-7% discounts on the lowest published fare, from anywhere Delta/Northwest flies into LGA.
American Airlines have offered any group attending Finale a 5% discount on the lowest published fare from anywhere in the United States into LGA or JFK Airports.
Look for our website to give more detailed information regarding transportation discounts in the near future.
We are also excited to annouce that we are in the works of confirming "We Are Heroes" - Season 4 Winner of America's Best Dance Crew to host our "Finales Best Dance Crew". They will also be opening our amazing preliminary awards ceremony! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPi3LIrhwjw
Hope everyones year is coming along well! Congrats on a great year for SHOW CHOIR ALL OVER!
Any small school has the option to compete in the large division if they choose. For example schools like Dekalb or Xavier are clearly more advanced then your typical small school but is technically a small school, they have the option to compete Large.
So I was reading the rules for Advanced Mixed Groups on the website and it said: 1201 students or more in high school population. That kicks out TG... also Clinton "Attaché," Twinsburg, and a bunch of other schools. So small schools won't be attending if that rule holds still.
It is interesting about the seminars... are they on a different day, or how does that work out. But it is exciting that there are PRIZES!
Competition looks good!
Twinsburg is not a small school by any means, also the seminars will be on Friday, and the competition on Saturday.
Also, there are several divisions for smaller groups (Prep/JV/etc...), or if you're under 1201 in high school population.
The venue is amazing... Radio City Music Hall! The pictures on the website are fantastic! It would be amazing for any group to perform there.
A lot of choices next year for national competition: FAME Events, FAME National Championship, Show Choir Nationals, & Finale Nationals.
I wonder if this will command as many groups, good groups. Or will FAME's National Championship thing be the heavy hitter. We will have to see.
So I was reading the rules for Advanced Mixed Groups on the website and it said: 1201 students or more in high school population. That kicks out TG... also Clinton "Attaché," Twinsburg, and a bunch of other schools. So small schools won't be attending if that rule holds still.
It is interesting about the seminars... are they on a different day, or how does that work out. But it is exciting that there are PRIZES!
Hey to answer any and all questions, yes Byron Sabree & myself are hosting Finale next year in NYC. Between the two of us we have a total of 20 yrs of SC experience. We both took part in helping with a competition that truly changed the view of competitions entitled "Terpsichore". This is not our first event, as stated by Rian, we hosted Finale in Cleveland of '03 where we had an amazing event, especially for being 21 & 22 at the time! We then took time off to obviously finish school and now we feel its time to bring back a great event. We are extremely excited about what we have in store for next year here in NYC.
The information that was sent to directors is much more detailed and explains everything from who is running the event to our vision for Finale, no secrets here. If your director has not received any information as of yet, its on its way. We currently have 6 groups that have expressed interest in the event and expecting much more. We have a great panel as we did in '03.
Some of the confirmed judges for Finale 2011 are:
Melissa Stainbrook
John Baker
Eric Van Cleave
David Legg
We hope all of you can attend Finale 2011 especially Totino choirs, if any of you have any questions or comments feel free to email me at [email protected].
Have a great end of the season...I saw some innovative shows this year and Im excited to see where show choir is headed.
I was surprised to not see any names on their website- until the names of the people in charge were posted on here, I was incredibly suspicious... maybe we're all too cynical, but when you're looking at a trip that could cost well over $20,000, you want to know who you're trusting your group with- and your money with!
Perhaps Finale is trying to brand themselves differently than SCN, but I have to admit, the "we're show choir people, too" pitch from Daryl Ussery and his team is one of my favorite things about Show Choir Nationals, and one of the reasons I think they've been so successful. Same reason I think some people appreciate FAME- having people like Chad Alexander on staff who get the ins and outs of what we do makes the entire process of planning a national competition trip much easier.
Rian, do you know if they've had any groups express initial interest in this competition for next season?
Finale Nationals 2011
