None of us really know all of the facts. Basically, what we hear by ear and what we read on the majority of these pages are not 100% true facts. They may have some truth to them, but it is typically the grapevine (ha choir reference) and things get messed along the way. Some kids say their trip was awesome, others say it sucked. What we need is a full explanation from Antwon, and he just said he is not allowed to post that yet because of legal matters. This situation is very depressing and extremely shady, but I think we should all stop, take a step back, and stop saying things that we aren't 100% sure on because you don't want to look like a jerk later on if something you said was proven not true.
This event flopped financially due to a lot of bad events. But the choirs still competed and still performed their hearts out and, for the most part, still had fun. They may not have gotten everything they were promised, but that wasn't avoidable given the circumstances.
This may seem out of line and a bit jumbled, but I don't like reading negative posts against Antwon and such when it seems he is having just as much trouble with this as anyone else.
What really matters is that the competition happened. Congratulations to Los Al and all other groups who took home placements.
Quick question: did anyone who paid for the DVDs of the event have the money taken from their bank account yet? I haven't, and now I'm getting a bit worried.
Well it looks like that's the direction things are headed (and it does make sense to me, though I don't know about the copyright issues). Far as I can tell, the FAME Indiana stream costs $29.95.
I would pay 4 or 5 dollars, but this is utterly ridiculous. The simple fact is that they would probably make more money if they did charge only $4-5. (Economics 101, Price vs demand curves.)
Well it looks like that's the direction things are headed (and it does make sense to me, though I don't know about the copyright issues). Far as I can tell, the FAME Indiana stream costs $29.95.
WHAT. I'm a high school student. I DON'T have that kind of money.
I know I wouldn't pay for a live feed of show choir. Not even one cent.
Well it looks like that's the direction things are headed (and it does make sense to me, though I don't know about the copyright issues). Far as I can tell, the FAME Indiana stream costs $29.95.
Why does this have negative posts? I am very happy he posted and told us whats up. I honestly didn't think he'd ever post on here but I'm proud he did.
I have been silent because yes this is much bigger than a discussion board, and has now entered a criminal investigation. Everyone that was apart of Finale did everything we could to prevent the event from canceling.
Canceling this event was not an option, Was it perfect, absolutely not. We did all we could do with 4 weeks of realizing the damage that individuals had done to the event. I had been lied to just as many of directors that had dealings with the individual had.
I just ask before anyone makes false pretenses or bashes myself or any of the members of the team that weekend, just know that individuals including myself had spent well over $75,000.00 total of our PERSONAL SAVINGS to keep the event afloat and ensure that every student involved had a chance to visit NYC, see a broadway show, perform in a great venue, and work with professionals from around the country. This is money we are out and more than likely will never see again. We did this because our first concern was for the kids involved.
Again I can not say thanks enough to the directors, choreographers, and parents who did all they could that weekend to ensure that the students had the best time possible, and also those who have reached out with your support. Please be assured that accountability will happen for the misdoings of this event.
I hope you all understand me being vague on the matter and not responding immediately. Any director involved with Finale has a direct line to me and therefore any proceedings happening, and are always welcomed to give me a call.
i know the week was sort of a letdown, but we got what we went there to do, compete in new york city! this was my second time in new york and i feel really blessed to have been able to go. congratulations to los alamitos and bonita vista on your wins and i hope to see some of the competing choirs at other competitions next season.
I agree with you on one point - "It is truly unfortunate that this is the memory that some students and parents will take away from what might have been their last competition." However, I must disagree on the rest of your statement. I'm not sure exactly how other schools/groups handle the decisions on which competitions the students will participate in, I can only comment on Clover Hill and those decisions are made by the choral director. In addition, whether the decision is made jointly by the choral director and boosters is not relevant because ultimately the school/county must sanction the trip. Once the trip has been approved the school/director acts as the students/parents agents. The school system recognizes this responsibility by the simple act of requiring the groups to use approved bus companies, covering students and chaperons under the school insurance, signing any contracts, etc. As a school sanctioned event the school system does owe some answers to the students/parents. Yes, the immediate explanations should have come from the choral director, but the ultimate decisions regarding what type of legal action will be taken falls under the responsibility of the county, not the employee and not the students/parents because we are not the ones that signed the contract, we are just the poor saps who put up the money.
I'm new and only got on to see if I could learn exactly what happened at Finale since mums the word here at Clover Hill. I would like to add that I had reservations about this competition when I first learned it was connected with Antwon, but more because our director seems to be blind where he is concerned.
I don't personally have any problems with Antwon. He seems like a nice enough person, but of course I don't really know him. I can also understand his silence. Whether he is a party to the embezzlement or not, it is in his best interest to only discuss this matter with a lawyer present. My problem is the lack of information that is being officially passed on by Chesterfield County Schools, which had two schools compete at Finale. To date parents and students have not received any answers about what happened and what actions will be taken to ensure that something like this doesn't happen again.
Please understand that Chesterfield County Schools will probably continue to have no comment concerning what happened at this competition because it is the decision of the choral directors and their Boosters to attend whatever competitions they go to. The expenses, as far as I know, are not paid for with County funds. They come from fund raisers and fees that are not banked with the County, but with the individual schools. I would suggest that the students and parents who want a further explanation keep hounding the company that produced this competiton or take other action until they are satisfied. It is truly unfortunate that this is the memory that some students and parents will take away from what might have been their last competition.
I'm new and only got on to see if I could learn exactly what happened at Finale since mums the word here at Clover Hill. I would like to add that I had reservations about this competition when I first learned it was connected with Antwon, but more because our director seems to be blind where he is concerned.
I don't personally have any problems with Antwon. He seems like a nice enough person, but of course I don't really know him. I can also understand his silence. Whether he is a party to the embezzlement or not, it is in his best interest to only discuss this matter with a lawyer present. My problem is the lack of information that is being officially passed on by Chesterfield County Schools, which had two schools compete at Finale. To date parents and students have not received any answers about what happened and what actions will be taken to ensure that something like this doesn't happen again.
Finale Nationals 2011
