Excellent post, Ethan! Thank you for sharing all of that. Now I really want to see some of these shows! Hopefully there is another live feed soon or they appear on youtube.
The only choir from Iowa I could see competing with Classics is Waukee and I still think Classics would win 9 times out of 10.
Taylor, I'm not (exactly) disagreeing with you here, but I am curious as to how many Iowa choirs you have seen this year.
Urbandale, if you were competing, I would have put you right up there with/above Ankeny and Wheaton in my personal standings. When the varsity host choir goes after finals, the kids are tired from the long day and also extremely wired because the entire auditorium is a fan instead of just one fan base. Sometimes this can be a blessing, but other times it can be a curse. Last night, it was definitely a blessing.
Studio 2013, you show is GREAT. The opening dresses (I think opening, anyway, some parts of the day are starting to mix together) were gorgeous. The theme of the show is so... personal. And real. And uplifting. And I love it. Major props to the director(s). One of the most meaningful shows I have ever witnessed. The split between Hurt and Blessed... That was a real show changer for me. I don't think it could have been any more beautiful. Honestly, beautiful is the only word to really describe it. Vocals were amazing, choreography was SO crisp, and the show as a whole was just so pleasing (as Studio is every single year ever).
In the halls I heard nothing but extreme praise for the show and for the hosts throughout the day. Urbandale is honestly such a well run competition and you students/directors have everything to do with that. A sincere thank you to all of you for putting on this memorable and historical event.
Oh, and because I missed it on my first post: Ankeny's opener "Titanium" is one of my favorite show choir songs of all time. I never would have imagined it as nothing but a ballad, but man. VA proved me wrong there.
As you can tell, the entire competition was just amazing. I wish I could repeat it.
I watched the feed for a little bit yesterday. I said Wheaton was going to run it. They won BC and BV and GC. My point stands completely correct.
This isn't meant to be a slam on other Iowa choirs, it's just that Wheaton is in a completely different league and proved it once again.
I've seen Wheaton's show. Nobody in the state of Iowa can touch them. This is coming from a very pro-Iowa show choir person.
The only choir that I've seen that can touch Wheaton this year is Waubonsie Valley of course. So happy I'm going to Wheaton's competition in March.
Taylor, you and I typically agree 100% on two things: show choir and attractive women. But your above comment happens to be a rarity, because I greatly disagree.
After Wheaton went during daytime, Jonathon Liakos, Megan Turner, and myself all agreed there was no way anyone would touch them. A little while later, right after Ankeny went, we realized how wrong we were.
Ankeny absolutely brought everything they had yesterday. Their daytime performance rocked the entire auditorium and definitely took a lot of people by surprise. Was Wheaton Warrenville extremely amazing? Of course. Did they deserve grand champions? Yes. But unless you were there, you will not understand exactly what Ankeny did on the stage last night.
I'm on my phone, btws. Traveling back to LeMars from Urby and bored out of my mind, so I decided to get on here and do my usual rundown.
I arrived just in time to watch Totino's prep group. Of the prep, I saw Totino, Kennedy, and Ankeny. Kennedy prep, can I just say how fantastic you are? Those dresses for 'Set Fire to the Rain'... oh my gosh gorgeous. And that soloist was fantastic. Your entire show was great and it is so difficult to tell you are not varsity. Congrats on 1st place! Ankeny prep, you were not far behind!
Non-Finalists:
(Excluding SE Polk because no one on here is from SEP I don't believe)
Totino Grace: I know there are a lot of Totino kids/fans on here, and I don't want to make anyone upset. But a lot of people are wondering why they are struggling this year, so I'm going to be brutally honest; it is their vocals. The choreo could use some cleaning too, of course, but the vocals are simply not Totino Grace vocals we have become used to. This was very apparent in the ballad. The guy sound just ... lacks. the show as a whole is still great. I loved the closer and those dresses were crazy cool. I don't want any of you to be discouraged by your placing this year. Your show is great and you all are wonderful performers.
Sioux City East: I heart Abby Turner. Enough said.
(Also, the choreo is fantastic, vocals are okay. I love the closer. I honestly wasn't a fan of the ballad, which is weird because it seems to be a ballad I would love. The vocals just.. weren't there though completely. Still gorgeous, just left me wanting more. My show choir did Handful of keys when I was a junior. Love that song. Fun to see a different arrangement. My sister said you guys were her favorite all around show of the day by far... though she loves Burlesque so. Keep your chins up and keep working hard. This competition was just too stacked. I can't want to see you again!)
Cedar Rapids Kennedy: In daytime, you were my favorite choir. Not my favorite to win, but my favorite in general. Being Alive is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite Musicals 'Company' and when I heard you start to sing it I started to freak out in excitement. Also, Harder to Breathe has been one of my favorite show choir songs since Dowling had it in their GC set at Eburg in 08. So two major wins with me there already. But your night time performance. I just. Didn't feel it. At all. It seemed like you were a bit displeased with your daytime placement. The vocals were still gorgeous, but I just didn't connect at all. I moved you from 3rd in my daytime placements to 6th in my finals placements because of this. I expect you guys to rebound and work on it. Song choice though, you guys were my #1 favorite.
Johnston: Your finals performance, in my opinion, showed by far the most improvement from the daytime round. The exact opposite of Kennedy, I felt you guys were so pumped to have made finals that your energy was through the roof. It pushed a little, but overall your finals show had me smiling wide. You honestly looked like you were having the time of your lives. Congratulations on making finals and moving up!
Cedar Rapids Prairie: What a creative set. When y'all set up over break in day time, I was so intrigued at what we were going to witness. The white rabbit guy plays his part perfectly, right from the beginning through the whole show. As does Alice. Props to you two. Okay, so when you bring the tables on the stage in the second song and sit behind them... coolest set change/look. Seriously. That was probably my favorite song of the day. You used the tables so well. The red queen.. extreme props. You played the part so well. And of course that ballad... the set up, with alice laying down crying, the a capella, the everything. I was goosebumped up for 90% of it. Tied for my favorite ballad of the day. Easily. I absolutely loved it. Overall you had a very interesting show. So creative and very well acted. I wish I could see it again.
Lincoln Southwest: Opening up with "Make your Garden Grow" was an interesting song choice for me, but it worked. Gah, okay I was gonna comment on the whole show but i'd rather talk about your ballad because holy word I can't say on here. Its not overly in your face powerful like Xavier's Let It Be or Wheaton's Anyway, but this is a slow killer. It's long -- probably the longest ballad I've ever heard -- but it slowly builds, so slow. And you're listening like 'oh, this is nice' and then you realize you're completely captivated and forgetting you're in an auditorium with hundreds of other people. Seriously. Tied with Prairie for favorite ballad of the day. Ugh, can I listen to it again? Anyway. The tap was typical LSW tap, so great as always. Congratulations on your finish. You definitely deserved it.
Ankeny: Honestly, what can I say? Amazing vocals, awesome choreo, an absolutely killer band. I think that pretty much covers it. Your daytime performance was great, but your finals performance made me a believer. And my freaking lord can I say how amazing those closer dresses are? Your director is a genius. Having the girls face one way and the stage is white, then turn around and bam! Black! That illusion from the balcony in finals seriously was the coolest thing I've ever seen. And I'm pretty sure 85% of the auditorium was Ankeny fans. SO LOUD. Anyway, congratulations on 1RU and BB. One of my favorite shows of the year.
Wheaton Warrenville: After your daytime performance, I was baffled. I honestly couldn't find a fault. Vocals were fantastic without going over the top, choreo was ridiculously clean, and the storyline of the concept show was just perfect. The mother was hilarious. And the fairy godfather.... Iol'd so much. The main guy in the storyline is a wonderful performer, as is the main girl. There's really not much to say about this show. Just that if you haven't, you need to see it. Congratulations on winning GC.
After daytime, Megan, Jonathon, and I had it:
Wheaton Warrenville
Ankeny
Cedar Rapids Kennedy
Lincoln Southwest
Cedar Rapids Prairie
Johnston
--
Sioux City East
Totino Grace
After finals, I had it:
Ankeny
Wheaton Warrenville
Lincoln Southwest
Cedar Rapids Prairie
Johnston
Cedar Rapids Kennedy
...yes. I believed Ankeny belonged in first. No, I didn't think the judges would agree, but their show was the one the I got the most out of. It just gave me that indescribable feeling that good show choir performances give you, moreso than Wheaton or any other group. So, Taylor may believe I am an Idiot, but it is what I felt.
Yesterday was fantastic. Just absolutely fantastic. So much talent on that stage. Congratulations to everyone who competed. it was a competition I won't soon forget.
I've seen Wheaton's show. Nobody in the state of Iowa can touch them. This is coming from a very pro-Iowa show choir person.
The only choir that I've seen that can touch Wheaton this year is Waubonsie Valley of course. So happy I'm going to Wheaton's competition in March.
Have you seen Ankeny's show? Their version of Titanium is one for the history books. If Urbandale goes up against Wheaton, I could easily see Urbandale winning. Honestly from what I heard last night Ankeny was the the crowd favorite to win.
It's far to broad a statement to say NO Iowa group could touch Wheaton. Have you seen every show choir in Iowa live this year? Unless you have, there is no way that statement is verifiable. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, and you can believe that if you want, but you can't tell other people that they are wrong for liking one show choir more than another. It's a personal opinion.
I've seen Wheaton's show. Nobody in the state of Iowa can touch them. This is coming from a very pro-Iowa show choir person.
The only choir that I've seen that can touch Wheaton this year is Waubonsie Valley of course. So happy I'm going to Wheaton's competition in March.
I would disagree, Ankeny definitely had their run, and in my opinion was more impressive than Wheaton, and also the point totals after the day round were very close between the two. I think Waukee or maybe even Urbandale would give Wheaton some trouble. They just all have completely different shows and that is the awesome nature of show choir!
I could have seen the top two switched but both places are very well deserved! Also, I can't seem to get Prairie's show out of my head, definitely my favorite show of the year so far!
I completely disagree, Ankeny was amazing! Were you even there?
I think the only thing that separated Ankeny with Wheaton was how easy they (Wheaton) made it look. But I'd say technically that Ankeny was just as good.
Anyone have info on when dvd's will get to us?
I've seen Wheaton's show. Nobody in the state of Iowa can touch them. This is coming from a very pro-Iowa show choir person.
The only choir that I've seen that can touch Wheaton this year is Waubonsie Valley of course. So happy I'm going to Wheaton's competition in March.
Anyone who thought Wheaton was getting beat is an idiot. Real talk.
I completely disagree, Ankeny was amazing! Were you even there?
I think the only thing that separated Ankeny with Wheaton was how easy they (Wheaton) made it look. But I'd say technically that Ankeny was just as good.
(Rumors of a possible Clinton appearance!?!) AMAZING JOB BY ALL GROUPS!
Well this rumor is news to me, but I'd welcome it. They usually have at least a couple of non-students in their band most years so it's hard for them to compete in Iowa. Trust me we've tried to get them to come, but it's never really been that close to happening except once at the end of Mr. Woodin's time here.
Kennedy- I know this can be a tough thing to got through when you're so used to winning but you really have nothing to be ashamed of at all, this competition was STACKED
Johnston- Good for you and your program! You deserved your placement 100% and should be very proud of the vocals you put out there
Prairie- I got to see your show twice and I absolutely loved it and I keep thinking to myself, "why didn't they place higher?" But again this competition was stacked and when its this high of competition level, it's the really nitty gritty stuff that comes into play. LOVED IT
Lincoln Southwest- I knew you were good, but WOW! Your choreography was matched with your extremely crisp vocals and there isn't a song in your set that I didn't enjoy
Ankeny- VA never ceases to impress me. TITANIUM WAS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
Wheaton- You definitely deserved your Grand Champ status, and the only thought I can leave with is that holy cow your guys can dance! Vocals were extremely appropriate also.
Urbandale- First time I've seen you since Woodin left. BUT VOCALS! HOLY CRAP WOWZA! Also you were extremely kind and fun people to be around this weekend and not getting off schedule was extremely impressive with the crowd control situation!
My thoughts
Best Choreo: Wheaton for effect, Ankeny for cleanliness
Best VocalsProbably Urbandale)But for competitors I'd say Ankeny but with Wheaton there was no where you could have said "oh there they messed up" so I think Wheaton won on cleanliness
Best songs (purely personal opinion)
Best Opener: Ankeny or Prairie
2nd song/meat of a show: lol can I say Urbandale?
Ballad: Prairie or Lincoln Southwest
4th song/meat song 2: Wheaton's fairy godfather. Not sure if 4th song but WOW
Closer: Wheaton, you closed you show with such cool choreography and you didn't miss a beat
Best Male soloist: Prairie "White Rabbit" FALSETTO WAS SO GOOD!
Best Femal Soloist: Lincoln Southwest Ballad. Also known as Aretha Franklin's daughter
Overall amazing competition! Hopefully I can attend again next year! (Rumors of a possible Clinton appearance!?!) AMAZING JOB BY ALL GROUPS!
Thanks to everyone that came out to our invitational today. It was a fantastic day filled with very, very talented groups.
I want to thank everyone for their patience with the live feed. I hope it at least helped some of you to get a glimpse into our event. It was a first attempt and we learned a few lessons. We're definitely going to plan to do it again in the future and are going to take Haakon's suggestion and get the feed hosted outside of the district's infrastructure.
It turns out the founder of a pretty big web hosting company in our area is an Urbandale alumnus and a recently retired VP from said web hosting company is a neighbor of our director. So...he's going to see what it would cost us to get the feed hosted by them next year. (Maybe we can talk them into doing it for some positive publicity and a big ad in our program.) Anyway, hopefully next year it will be smooth as silk.
I was there at 8 this morning and got to see everyone's prelim performance! They were all great! And if course, props to the Urbandale staff for running this competition smoothly! It's always so well organized and ON TIME!
And congrats to Nick Prior for Best Male Soloist!
Actually, after watching finals I predicted Johnston jumping Kennedy. Johnston really brought it for finals and I didn't see the same improvement in Kennedy. I also wouldn't have been surprised to have seen Ankeny jump Wheaton for the GC. Ankeny was honestly fantastic in prelims and even more so in finals.
I will post complete thoughts later.
Well yes Ethan, maybe after finals But I meant initially. I'd thought Kennedy would place much higher, and I didn't see Ankeny getting second, but now that they did I can wait to see some of the Youtube videos from this competition. There must have been crazy talent in all these groups.
WOW. Safe to say nobody could have predicted this outcome.
Actually, after watching finals I predicted Johnston jumping Kennedy. Johnston really brought it for finals and I didn't see the same improvement in Kennedy. I also wouldn't have been surprised to have seen Ankeny jump Wheaton for the GC. Ankeny was honestly fantastic in prelims and even more so in finals.
Urbandale Show Choir Invitational (Day Two) 2013
Probably Urbandale)But for competitors I'd say Ankeny but with Wheaton there was no where you could have said "oh there they messed up" so I think Wheaton won on cleanliness
But I meant initially. I'd thought Kennedy would place much higher, and I didn't see Ankeny getting second, but now that they did I can wait to see some of the Youtube videos from this competition. There must have been crazy talent in all these groups.