schoiralum - I totally agree with you. Yet to bring out another point on the topic of those politics, who was the Grand Champion groups choreographer, and who pays all these Show Choir Camps of America buddys every year to be a part of SCA? ..hmmm
I think, Teays Valley went over time, and for the first second of every minute you get 25 points docked. They were amazing, but not what I expected. So I think that they went over in time, that's why they didn't make finals. I don't know this for sure though...
As for our placing!
I'm Happy as heck lol...for a competition of this magnitude 1st runner up is great. I thought we performed phenominally, and that's all that matters for us. And Congratulations MTZ!!!!!
The Onalaska events page has been updated with the finalist placements and caption awards for the evening. Congratulations to all of the performers in attendance tonight!
What another crazy show choir classic...here are my opinions of the shows that i saw this year.
Overall i was dissapointed with most shows.
Linn Mar- was not a very big fan of your show espically bring me to life...which by the was is NOT a show choir song, but you have a good concert choir
Crete- everyone is soo surprised they didnt make the finals...yes they had a ok show but there were just better groups and i mean hey that happens, but good soloists.
Waconia- ok show...they had one of the best songs of the competition though and that was "we both reached for the gun" from chicago. It was AMAZINLY creative and was a very impressive song for me. Other than that the show was kinda bla
Tayes- I feel very bad you had to drive that long and not make the finals...but before you went on stage i was soo excited to hear you becuause of all the great things that have been said about you and your vocals. But i was TRULY dissapointed. Vocally you were a decent group and dancing just ok..but the show is bla and both coreo and vocals did NOTHING for me...so sadly you got what you deserved.
Ft. Atkinson- one word WEIRD. where is the ft. i loved four years ago that kicked the classic's ass with you amazing vocals. Now you bring on masks and big drums and dance to much so you cant sing and everything about you is changing. And im sorry its for the worse. You used to be one of my favorite groups 4 years ago with the sailor theme but now....nope to much dancing and props that take away from the show.
Urby- Im very sorry you did not make the finals. Your group should of replaced Buffalo groves. Granted bring me to life is NOT A show choir SONG...but your vocals are very nice and your show was ok...def not a last year show but still worthy of finals so i am very sorry for that
EEE- YOU SURPRISED THE HELL OUT OF ME....best vocals not in a mil years...but all I have to say is is you guys are back fighting stronger than ever...watch out people....PS congrats to male soloist...fine job
FC- I LOVE YOU!! The cookie song was amazing...jelly's jam was fantasic...you show flowed from top to bottom and you guys all i can say is you should be proud of what u have because its truly a gift.
Buffalo Groves- In all my years of show choir and all the years that i have seen you i can honestly say that is the WORST show you have EVER put out. Granted you danced it well, but u cant sing and....it was SOOO boring! I was very dissapointed and u deserved NOT to be in the finals.
Totino- You were my favoirite group. I wanted you to win. Your show was flawless and beautiful and clean. It was entertaining and yet you sounded well and danced great. Dissapointed in you finish is all i can say but look forward to a great season.
GCS- The streak is finally over. Sorry seniors i bet this was a hard loss...but you guys have lost it. I would of given you best vocals BUT your vocals have gotten significantly worse since last year. Your show seems to be the same type of show every year....and for once it didnt work. I will say this though you were as good as Mt. Zion but i didnt see either of you 2 on top. GCS this was your year to be bumped and you were bumped fair and square..becuase this wasnt your year by any means.
Mt Zion- Congrats...your very lucky....you were given a gift by winning becuase you really didnt deserve the win. You can dance like fing no other but you can not sing well at all! I mean you never have been able to well but this year was ick. Granted you did step it up big time in the finals..but all i have to say is your lucky
PS. I HOPED TO NOT AFFEND ANY GROUPS BUT I HAVE TO REASON TO BE BIAS ABOUT ANYTHING BECUASE I GRADUATED LAST YEAR AND IM JUST TELLING THE THUTH AND HOW I SAW IT. OVERALL I AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE SHOWS OF THIS YEAR AND AM SAD TO SEE THE DIRECTION show choir TOOK THIS YEAR. CONGRATS TO ALL GROUPS FOR DOING YOU BEST AND FOR ALL THE FINALS GROUPS WHO TRULY STEPPED IT UP FOR THE FINALS. EACH AND EVERY GROUP DID HAVE A SPECIAL MOMENT BUT FOR THE RESULTS THEY WERE ALMOST RIGHT. CONGRATS AGAIN AND GOOD LUCK FOR THE NEW YEAR
What a bloodbath... I don't think anyone could have predicted what was going to happen... or could they?
Just wanted to see if others feel whether or not this competition is really a matter of politics. I think today proved a lot of them. For instance, someone has told me that Buffalo Grove placed 1st in prelims, and for those of you who were there to see- while they played to the score sheet, the show was not Finals quality compared to many of the other groups who truly had competitive shows. I love my Mt. Z peeps but I was let down totally. Choreography was definitely there, but I didn't enjoy the show (other than the opener) or vocal quality overall. EEE getting best vocals? Doubtful.
There were several groups during the day that I think really got shafted. Urbandale is the big one. Vocally amazing, combo was dead on. I know they lacked a little in choreography, but I felt they were pretty solid- and way more
entertaining and edgy than conservative Buffalo Grove. Which brings me to another topic for another discussion- should we only be judging on the technical standpoint and not on entertainment value? (For instance, you could work all year on a kicka** version of "Happy Birthday" with perfectly clean layered choreography and tons of vocal parts and naturally HAVE to score well on paper... but should you win with it?) Teays also had a good show, but someone on here kept talking about them changing the end of their set and I don't believe it did since Southmont. It went downhill, but technically it was dead on like Buffalo Grove's show. Why did one make Finals (placing first) and the other didn't along with Urbandale? (FYI- their ballad was the best of the day)
So I'll just say this
Totino had a polished package as did GCS... sure GCS needs to be conquered every so often- it's good for 'em, but I think from a politics standpoint, you know that show choir Camps of America clinicians were judging their pals in the biz-- and not one was left out of Finals. Kinda like how Onalaska always seems to win Mt. Zion. Coincidence? Just food for thought.
Okay I don't know all too much about show choir yet, but i'm gonna make my comments, (forgive me if their ignorant).
Totino, wow, they blew me away. I think 4th place was too far down for them. I love how they play with riser levels! I LOVED THE GUYS PIECE!!!
BG's guy piece made me laugh alot.
FC's cookie piece was the highlight of my night!!! That was incredibly creative and the choir really, really sold it!
GCS's vocals were super great, and I loved the ballad alot!! Amazing Choreography to boot.... again I don't know much about competitions yet, but I think you should have won... either you guys or totino..
MTZ's ballad was also amazing, and I didn't really have a chance to listen to their vocals because I was way too busy gawking at their choreography... it was definitely incredibly cool.
EEE I wasn't too impressed, but their were some really cool choreography moments!!
Umm.. that's about it.. all I saw was finals and I loved it!! And how about Ona's Soloist???!!?! WOW!?!
Okay... Totino... be careful with the box pyramid. It was scary! I loved your show!
I thought it was a toss up between Totino and GCS...
guess I was wrong.
Thanks Jorge,
its always nice to read that people like our show. its not about winning the competition or even making finals. Its about entertaining the audience and having the time of your life on stage and i think that our group did just that
Pat
- oh and i promise to be careful with the boxs, however, its a pretty nice view when your all the way on top.
Josh's Review Of Finals: (in order of performance)
BG "The Expressions"
Proof that placements before finals have no bearing on placements after finals! Your choreography, though simple at times, was incredibly sharp and clean. Your preparation was obvioius! The ladies' song showed your vocal weakness - the girls need more vocal power and maturity. Stage setup and band incorporation were very appealing, but the overall show lacked that tiny something that creates Grand Champions at Onalaska. Look forward to an amazing year!
Totino "Company of Singers"
Wow! That's about all I can say. Vocals, Choreography, Combo, Overall Show - You deserved the championship trophy! The choir who has stood for years as the most entertaining and appealing just raised the bar! Choreography - absolutely stunning and sharp. Vocals - unmatched tonite! Your signature dynamics were the best I've ever heard them, making for a breathtaking ballad and a terrific show! Ladies, your costumes are nothing less than hot! Guy's your song had a greater appearance than any guy song I've seen. Combo - you would have had the caption in the bag if GCS wasn't "GCS." Judges, were you sleeping when you gave Totino the 4th place? Everyone else, look out for this group!
Eisenhower "Elite Energy"
Congratulations on Best Vocals, but honestly, how did you win that? While your show had great appeal, your vocals really seemed bare to me. The judges must have seen something I didn't. Yet, your 2nd ballad soloist really pumped it out! But I felt bad for Urbandale, who had to listen to the choral sound knowing they lost to it! Still, your show has much potential, and I am sure you will go far this year.
Franklin "FC Singers"
Crowd-pleaser. You really know how to make me happy! The cookies, while reminding me of my group's "Muppet Medley" last year, had so much humor and creativity - "Hey Crew..."! However, your overall show will need a bit of fine tweaking before you grab any championship trophies this year! Best wishes!
MTZ "Swingsations"
Hats Off! Your choreography did it! How you pulled off an entirely new show in the last week before the greatest competition I will never understand!!! Your vocals did not meet your choreography, in terms of quality. A bit shouty at times, more diction needed ("TonighT", LoVe"). Otherwise, excellent show! This was your night!
LAX "Grand Central Station"
Nothing to be ashamed of. You executed the choreography and blared your vocals - it's just your time! Your show was a bit predictable. I was debating what this year's novelty props would be - there was ball-n-jack, there were "rhythm" gloves, now there are books! Weaver was able to find something, i see! Nonetheless, it was a crowd-pleaser! Plus, I wanted to rip the costumes off you guys and wear it, they rocked! You gave no less than what I expect from GCS, and I know you have more in the coming weeks. Even if streakless, you are phenominal! Good Luck, see you next week!
Other Comments:
Urbandale coming in seventh place - one shy of finals - was very upsetting to me, especially after seeing their competition (the vocals of EEE and FC, meh!)
Waconia in 13th place makes me question their upcoming year.
Had Totino not been in the top 4, we figured the judges were playing politics and GCS would win. So, when hearing that BG and FC took the low 2 places, i was both upset knowing that EEE beat BG and also excited for an upset!
ok-im back again quick!! I forgot to say I Loved onalaska's performance at the end!!! wow!!! that one girl soloist was AMAZING!!!! I just watched my director's mouth drop open-definitely **orgasmic**- anyone know where I can get a CD?!?!?! " border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />
Wow, I feel pretty cool as the first poster of this topic! Anyway, there's always a suprise. There were just too many strong groups and too few finals slots. It can be a real kick in the rear to have performed your heart out and get sent home early (i.e. West Side at Ona 03), but...I guess you could say a blessing in disguise as well.
Can someone post the judges for the show choirs? In the past, there have been some judges judging groups with whom that judge may have a long term disagreement with a director or choreographer of particular groups. It may not be the case at all, but I firmly believe that politics exist all too frequently in competition. Don't get me wrong, making finals is making finals, winning is winning. And every group that makes finals or wins deserves that honor completely. And the groups that don't, deserve respect as well.
*hops off of soapbox*
Congratulations to all the groups! That one was a real doozie. I wonder if the custodians are managing with all that blood to clean up in the gym.
what the frick was up with those final results people!! they were totally strange and unjustified.
How it was:
Mt Zion
GCS
EEE
Totino
FC
BG
how it SHOULD have been:
Totino
Mt Zion
GCS
BG
FC
EEE
in finals. totino was the only group that was completely on tonight. their vocals were amazing (dont get me started on how EEE won best vocals because i thought that their vocals were HORRIBLE), their choreo was spotless. it was refreshing to see another group win this competition, but i think that Totino had it.
there is no way that you could have eisenhower last....
Buffalo Grove: you were clean vocally and choreographically. i loved the rascall flatts haha, but when it came down to it, there was little energy and you guys just didnt go for it like you have in the past. i think the 5th runner up spot was a little low to drop you, but hey, i'm not a real judge.
FC:the cookie song was HILARIOUS! i have never seen a group take the stage and steal the spotlight like you did this competition. i think that you performed amazingly, but your vocals were a little too shouty.
EEE: i think taht choreographically, you were one of the best groups up there. i didnt really like your vocals too much though. your male soloist was amazing, the guy who won. i think you started out very strong, but in the end lost it a little too much. your rendition of crazy in love, ummm i have no comment.
Mt Zion: you deserved the choreography award kids, holy crap. only you could pull off me against the music. vocally i noticed that you were a lot better than last year, but i think that you still could do so much more. at times you were a little too shouty, but that is the style that you guys do. the one girl still caught my attention teh entire show, even though she now has short brown hair, she was still the star of the group. congratulations guys, you took the comp!
GCS: amazingly clean like normal, and your vocals werent too shabby either! that was to bad when the mikes cut out! you guys perfomed teh show you ahd so well, but i think taht you need to find a new formula. the novelty was cute, but a little too predictable. dont worry about teh streak, 2nd place at Onalaska is still amazing! congrats, and i'll see you at milton
Totino: i think that you guys got royally screwed. your vocal sound was the best of the night for sure, and choreography wise you were second best only to Mt Zion. your show was amazing, you were dead on in all aspects, and your ballad was gorgeous. i am so impressed by you guys! i think that you deserved teh Grand Championship. wow, i cannot even believe this. 3rd runner up is so not right, but at the same time you should be so proud gettin this far! best of luck to you the rest of the season, you will go far!
I think that the final results were dead on...although I thought the cookie song may have put FC over TG, but I was wrong. But anyways, I agree 100% with these results.. I don't remember EEE's vocals, I was too busy staring at the awesome choreo and the shoes (" border="0" alt="wub.gif" />).
To respond to Chris's question about any groups that you just fell in love with or w/e...
I have fallen in love w/ EEE and Crete - Monee. I have also refallen in love with Mount Zion and that's about it...
WELL...Hastings Riverside Company all trooped down to onalaska for finals after being at our school since 9 am practicing and doing our preview for all our family and friends-and I would have to say I just expected more- like, really-my whole group was SO pumped to watch-and I do have to say I was a bit disappointed. I Reeely wanted to see Urbandale, and was shocked they didnt make finals- secondly-i was not impressed with BG(they were clean, sure-but not entertaining) I agree with you MrGQ212- I actually thought FC was going to beat out Totino- I mean there vocals are still amazing-but yeah...um- EEE was very entertaining-and now for the final two....Id never seen MTZ-i did hear there choreo was amazing-and Id only seen GCS two times in the past two years- so-id have to say I was more impressed with MTZ tho. Granted their vocals were not quite as strong as GCS, but i do think they deserve it(and i Loved their costumes!!!!! ) oh and can I say COOKIES?!?!?! hahaahaha " border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />(it reminded me of Riverside Company's muppet babies last year ) ya know whats cool-when you meet people for the first time in person after talking to them on this site!! haha I cant wait to do more of that in the coming week and weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ahhhhhh I just want to reveal our show...but ONE more week!!!!!!! its 2 am...i knew I shouldnt have come on here.....
what the frick was up with those final results people!! they were totally strange and unjustified.
How it was:
Mt Zion
GCS
EEE
Totino
FC
BG
how it SHOULD have been:
Totino
Mt Zion
GCS
BG
FC
EEE
in finals. totino was the only group that was completely on tonight. their vocals were amazing (dont get me started on how EEE won best vocals because i thought that their vocals were HORRIBLE), their choreo was spotless. it was refreshing to see another group win this competition, but i think that Totino had it.
if anyone has any critiques on how any of the groups did that would be great. and as soon as someone knows the day results that would be great info to know too...
Onalaska Show Choir Classic 2004
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Anyway, there's always a suprise. There were just too many strong groups and too few finals slots. It can be a real kick in the rear to have performed your heart out and get sent home early (i.e. West Side at Ona 03), but...I guess you could say a blessing in disguise as well. 
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) oh and can I say COOKIES?!?!?! hahaahaha