Just curious - we have that Peoria also won best male soloist at Dwenger earlier this season, but we have the name as "Joe Maya." I'm assuming this is the same person. Is the correct spelling "Jo Meier"? Soloist names are always a bit tricky, but we do our best to list their correct names.
Is there someone who can explain how Onalasaka’s prep choir was a finalist in both the open class and mixed prep division? Or someone I can email who will provide a valid explanation?
The original schedule that I received and posted showed Express competing as a varsity open choir. Clearly there was a late swap and they wound up competing in the prep division instead of open class. As far as I am aware, Holmen takes the overall top six choirs to finals regardless of division - West Des Moines Valley has had their prep choir make finals in the past here.
Ok that doesn’t give an actual explanation as to why this is allowed. What is the purpose of having judging for two separate divisions? I will contact the competition organizers. Thank You.
There is no separate judging for different divisions. It is strictly just competing in different divisions. My understanding is it was a last second change for express to compete in prep rather than open class. From there, the 6 highest scoring groups will move on into finals!
Best Soloists - Olivia Vicary and Keliah Schertz Peoria Soundwave (Duet) Best Solo - GC: Keliah Schertz Soundwave Best Solo 1RU - Olivia Vicary Soundwave
Onalaska Express competed in the mixed prep division but due to a scheduling conflict with a marching band parade, they were scheduled in the afternoon. My judging team all knew. Different competitions set things up differently and at ours (and many others) all groups have the chance to make finals. This is very common in the Midwest with groups like Uptown Girls from Millard West, Allure from Loveland and Express from Onalaska. Earlier this year, my varsity group did make finals at a competition where Express did. The scoring sheet we use at Holmen looks at total points, not division. Other competitions (like Totino Grace) have a rule that only open class groups can make finals and that is their choice.
Thank you so much for inquiring and have a great week!
Holmen Gathering Of The Stars 2022
