Rule of thumb: If you need a description or an explanation as an introduction to your show, something's wrong.
I would disagree. I think it's just that the culture of show choir is different everywhere and that doesn't make it wrong. Many Midwest show choir competitions include song list, competitions attending, and a description prior to the choir performing. Immediately I think of Twinsburg, because they have had a description for the past several years and I really appreciated it with the "Green" show in 2011 and "Garçon et Fille" in 2012. I think it can sometimes enhance a show.
My feeling is that a show choir has "x" amount of minutes (depending on the competition) and they can use that time as they choose. If that includes a description, then I can respect that. If they choose to include talking in their show like a few show choirs did this year, then that's fine too. The beauty of show choir is that the lack of stringent rules allows for optimal creativity.
edit: Glad to hear VA had a great performance! I watched their show again last night on YouTube and loved it even more!
And now there will never be another competitive performance by Ankeny "Visual Adrenaline" ever again. But wow, what a way to go out. Fantastic performance, VA!
I'm pretty much talking to myself in here right now but Norwell.. For having under 20 singers, and only six guys, wow! Super impressed. Plus that Hannah Pfaff is a show choir babe!
Since I'm too cheap to pay for the live feed, can somebody let me know how JB Sound Sensations did?
John Burroughs women had amazing vocals. I was in awe!
Does anyone know? Are these aspire awards determined only by online voting?
I'm not really sure, but I would guess so. The ASPIRE topic created by FAME earlier this year only mentions online voting via their website. Although it appears from the SCNCS press release that nominations happened through the Academy of Show Choir Professionals, so maybe it's a combination?