I also heard two parents of a group complain that Burbanks show wasn't show choir. While they were talking I kept laughing when I would think how ironic it was that a group that according to them "shouldn't even be considered show choir" would beat their group at any competetion that judged SHOW CHOIR anywhere in the United States lol.
But parents, just like kids, are subjective to what they are used to. If you are apart of "classic show choir" (ex. Clinton, Cedar Rapids Jefferson) then I think you are going to be more partial to it. If you are apart of classic meets edgy (Cedar Rapids Kennedy) then you are going to have a more open opinion, and then obviously if you follow a story (Burbank, Burroughs, Sauk Prairie) maybe that is what you are more partial too.
I am personally open to any parts of show choir as I feel if you do what you have given to you well, then it will turn out fine. I fianlly brought myself to watch Burrough and Burbank on YouTube and I enjoyed the show, I would prefer to watch it live.
My deffinition of show choir is something that entertains me. its a learning tool for students and an entertainment value for an audience, and a mixture of both to a judge, in my opinion.
I also heard two parents of a group complain that Burbanks show wasn't show choir. While they were talking I kept laughing when I would think how ironic it was that a group that according to them "shouldn't even be considered show choir" would beat their group at any competetion that judged SHOW CHOIR anywhere in the United States lol.
In my opinion, and I have only recently gotten involved in Show Choir, I think MOST people would consider what Clinton Attache does to be Classic Show Choir. Great vocals with incredible choreography that is tight, tight, tight.
Some have said that what the Choraliers did this year pushed the edge a bit. I think it is great. Their whole show follows a central theme and their performance is fantastic.
All that being said, I loved the Powerhouse show at Fairfield and am a big fan of the Burbank show from Nationals.
one other possible explanation is that the setting could be Japan ("with parts made in Japan...") haha
i dunno, its fun analyzing a show choir set like you would a work of literature or *gasp* ART.
and to the people saying it's not show choir, I found a quote my literature textbook that fits quite well as a counter-argument:
"Many people find the work of the Absurdists maddening. They say, 'That's not a play!" just as some years ago, steeped in representational painting, some said of abstract expressionism, 'That's not art!' Our expectations of what a play or a picture should be are deeply rooted in us, planted and nurtured by years of exposure to only certain kinds of dramatic experience or certain kinds of painting experience. The best we can do when faced with the strange is to try to remain open to the new, to let it try to educate us and broaden our appreciation, rather than to reject it because it is strange and new."
The same applies for show choir =>
unfortunately it feels to me that show choirs that are considered to be of the "old" style ARE losing merit. It apparently isn't good enough to sing and dance extremely well, you now have to be 100% original in order to be cool/good.
Whether a show is "cool" or not is matter for the individual audience member to decide. Clearly there are judges who consider "'old' style" worthy of still winning as the results of several contests will attest. If a judge adheres strictly to the score sheet, however, style of show should have little bearing on the outcome.
Man, I wish I went to this event, but I had to help out at the Jazz Festival in Fullerton College. However, that's not going to stop me from giving out my congratulations...
Los Alamitos Sound FX - As soon as I read that you guys were the Grand Champions, while using a computer during break, I went absolutely nuts. This was a huge victory for you guys. Moellenkamp so far has done great things, and you all have come such a long way. I still remembered being blown away by your performance at FAME LA, and I always believe you guys would be one of the serious contenders during the Nationals. All I got to say is well done. Congrats, you guys. You've all made me proud to be a Los Al Vocal Music alumni.
Burbank In Sync - I still remember seeing your show this year while I was helping out at Xtravaganza. I remembered closing the curtains as soon as you guys were done performing and said, "This has got to be the best show I've seen from In Sync." Looking back at that moment, I still couldn't believe what I saw. I still think you guys are talented, and your director does an amazing job. Congrats for taking second, you guys helped out with a 1-2 finish for California. I hope to see you guys again at Burroughs.
As I choreographed that section, I viewed "Closer" as showing the true depth of Leonardo's ruthlessness in protecting what was his, namely all the people, their allegiance, and their souls! When he saw the newcomer threatening his dominance, he didn't want to react diplomatically, but rather with utter ferocity to ensure this kind of "uprising" never occurred again.
All sexual innuendo was removed from the song with the lyric changes, so I had no problem with it whatsoever. It simply showed the true colors of how vicious Leo would become to defend his territory, and the darkness of the song made the sentiment ring perfectly, particularly on the heels of the more light-hearted and inquisitive feel of "Hide In Your Shell"
This was simply my thought pattern as I choreographed that section of the story. Thanks for the kind words. God Bless, Damon Brown
I couldn't have put that better
Well I'm just a student XP hahaha. And like jorge said, a huge part of the show design and concept this year was thought up of by our AMAZING arranger joshua greene. He was very involved in the creative process along with carroll and their minds together created magic. As far as closer goes, I have no idea where the inspiration came from :/ well just have to find out from the geniuses themselves ^__^
As I choreographed that section, I viewed "Closer" as showing the true depth of Leonardo's ruthlessness in protecting what was his, namely all the people, their allegiance, and their souls! When he saw the newcomer threatening his dominance, he didn't want to react diplomatically, but rather with utter ferocity to ensure this kind of "uprising" never occurred again.
All sexual innuendo was removed from the song with the lyric changes, so I had no problem with it whatsoever. It simply showed the true colors of how vicious Leo would become to defend his territory, and the darkness of the song made the sentiment ring perfectly, particularly on the heels of the more light-hearted and inquisitive feel of "Hide In Your Shell"
This was simply my thought pattern as I choreographed that section of the story. Thanks for the kind words. God Bless, Damon Brown
Well, thank you very much! That does put the show into more of a perspective for me (and possibly others). Now I understand the usage of "Life on Mars" haha. Another question, How in the WORLD did Mr. Carroll come up with this? What inspiration did he derive it from? Movie, Comic book, TV show, Live production, personal insanity??? I'm dying to know how this idea came about!
Also, about my "Closer" question, it was more how was he inspired to change the words to fit it into the show? I mean listening to the song, I would NEVER put that into a show simply b/c of the lyrical content and I'm curious why he chose to put it in
Well I'm just a student XP hahaha. And like jorge said, a huge part of the show design and concept this year was thought up of by our AMAZING arranger joshua greene. He was very involved in the creative process along with carroll and their minds together created magic. As far as closer goes, I have no idea where the inspiration came from :/ well just have to find out from the geniuses themselves ^__^
Well, thank you very much! That does put the show into more of a perspective for me (and possibly others). Now I understand the usage of "Life on Mars" haha. Another question, How in the WORLD did Mr. Carroll come up with this? What inspiration did he derive it from? Movie, Comic book, TV show, Live production, personal insanity??? I'm dying to know how this idea came about!
The concept was created by Burbank's amazing arranger, Joshua Greene.
As to why she is a geisha, i feel it was more of a style choice. A Geisha adds class to the character who is Leonardos daughter. As to the word "fix" leonardo rules the society through his integration of technology into its inhabitants. Part machine, part human. here a very basic explanation of the set that i wrote just to shed some light on this subject.
We live in an oppressive society where leonardo rules through the use of technology. He has integrated the members of his world with technological apparatus which he can use to control them. Society is split into 3 factions: the High society, who are made up of the upper class and while are not fans of leonardo's system, play along with it to their benefit. Then their are the bohemians, who embody the oppressed members of society. They're looking desperately for someone to save them or to give them a voice. And last is the military, Leonardo's loyal guard. In mr roboto, we learn of a man who is more that meats the eye. who has secrets behind the mask, Leo. With Leonardo dreams, we here of his visions of grandeur and power, which he has swept up society with, each invention or technological feat growing more dangerous and powerful. After learning of Leonardo's oppressive ways through the narration of geisha (leos daughter) and the rest of society in super massive black hole, an alien comes preaching a new message of peace and freedom to the anger of Leonardo. Some people accept his message (the oppressed bohemians) and some don't (the high society who have it good and wish to stay in the good favor of their master) and this leads to conflict between bohemians and high society with the military remaining loyal to Leo. In the closer/Michael jackson song, Leonardo captures the alien and tries to integrate the technology that he has with the rest of his people. this leads to class struggle as the bohemians fight to save their hero. When Leonardo does flip the switch which would control the alien with his new technology, it ultimately kills the alien. This leads to a period of mourning, realization and acceptance between the social groups in life on mars. We view society and Leonardo's rule with disgust and anger. The alien then miraculously comes back to life. With Leonardo having no control anymore he reveals his true origins as an alien himself. We sing and dance in all white outfits and smiles and everyone lives happily ever after. Then end, Basic summary
I hope that helps a few people put haha
Well, thank you very much! That does put the show into more of a perspective for me (and possibly others). Now I understand the usage of "Life on Mars" haha. Another question, How in the WORLD did Mr. Carroll come up with this? What inspiration did he derive it from? Movie, Comic book, TV show, Live production, personal insanity??? I'm dying to know how this idea came about!
Also, about my "Closer" question, it was more how was he inspired to change the words to fit it into the show? I mean listening to the song, I would NEVER put that into a show simply b/c of the lyrical content and I'm curious why he chose to put it in
The Geisha is Leonardo's daughter (the evil leader guy with the masks). At the end of the show, Leonardo reveals himself to be an alien, just like the miraculous visitor. The Geisha, being Leonardo's daughter, is half alien as well... therefore having white skin. Since Leonardo hid his true identity... the daughter poses as a Geisha, hiding HER true identity... a Geisha, as you know, is someone that paints their face white... so, she doesn't need to.
And that is also very true
Why is the girl soloist a Geisha? Is there symbolism in having the soloists being in all white-faced make-up? Also, what gave you the motivation to change the line "I'm going to F*** you like an animal" to "I'm going to fix you like an animal?"
Overall, I still feel it's an oddly put together show, but it's innovative and executed exceptionally well. If Damon or Mr. Carroll could bring light into how all the songs tie together with each other like last year that'd be awesome!
As to why she is a geisha, i feel it was more of a style choice. A Geisha adds class to the character who is Leonardos daughter. As to the word "fix" leonardo rules the society through his integration of technology into its inhabitants. Part machine, part human. here a very basic explanation of the set that i wrote just to shed some light on this subject.
We live in an oppressive society where leonardo rules through the use of technology. He has integrated the members of his world with technological apparatus which he can use to control them. Society is split into 3 factions: the High society, who are made up of the upper class and while are not fans of leonardo's system, play along with it to their benefit. Then their are the bohemians, who embody the oppressed members of society. They're looking desperately for someone to save them or to give them a voice. And last is the military, Leonardo's loyal guard. In mr roboto, we learn of a man who is more that meats the eye. who has secrets behind the mask, Leo. With Leonardo dreams, we here of his visions of grandeur and power, which he has swept up society with, each invention or technological feat growing more dangerous and powerful. After learning of Leonardo's oppressive ways through the narration of geisha (leos daughter) and the rest of society in super massive black hole, an alien comes preaching a new message of peace and freedom to the anger of Leonardo. Some people accept his message (the oppressed bohemians) and some don't (the high society who have it good and wish to stay in the good favor of their master) and this leads to conflict between bohemians and high society with the military remaining loyal to Leo. In the closer/Michael jackson song, Leonardo captures the alien and tries to integrate the technology that he has with the rest of his people. this leads to class struggle as the bohemians fight to save their hero. When Leonardo does flip the switch which would control the alien with his new technology, it ultimately kills the alien. This leads to a period of mourning, realization and acceptance between the social groups in life on mars. We view society and Leonardo's rule with disgust and anger. The alien then miraculously comes back to life. With Leonardo having no control anymore he reveals his true origins as an alien himself. We sing and dance in all white outfits and smiles and everyone lives happily ever after. Then end, Basic summary
Why is the girl soloist a Geisha? Is there symbolism in having the soloists being in all white-faced make-up?
The Geisha is Leonardo's daughter (the evil leader guy with the masks). At the end of the show, Leonardo reveals himself to be an alien, just like the miraculous visitor. The Geisha, being Leonardo's daughter, is half alien as well... therefore having white skin. Since Leonardo hid his true identity... the daughter poses as a Geisha, hiding HER true identity... a Geisha, as you know, is someone that paints their face white... so, she doesn't need to.
Why is the girl soloist a Geisha? Is there symbolism in having the soloists being in all white-faced make-up? Also, what gave you the motivation to change the line "I'm going to F*** you like an animal" to "I'm going to fix you like an animal?"
Overall, I still feel it's an oddly put together show, but it's innovative and executed exceptionally well. If Damon or Mr. Carroll could bring light into how all the songs tie together with each other like last year that'd be awesome!
unfortunately it feels to me that show choirs that are considered to be of the "old" style ARE losing merit. It apparently isn't good enough to sing and dance extremely well, you now have to be 100% original in order to be cool/good.
But nor do I feel any of the 'old' style is now totally devoid of merit. Note - the initial definition I wrote says NOTHING of what show choir MUST be, just what it CAN be - and it can be a rock opera, or it can be a revue style show of 5-6 totally unrelated songs - and both can work.
unfortunately it feels to me that show choirs that are considered to be of the "old" style ARE losing merit. It apparently isn't good enough to sing and dance extremely well, you now have to be 100% original in order to be cool/good.
I've always tried to keep an actual definition VERY open ended. I simply say it's "adding visual elements to vocal choral music". That's it. Visual can be dance, theater, special effects, costumes - anything goes. And vocal choral music can be anything from show tunes to classical. If a show is sung well and performed well - I'm game for anything.
But I think it's safe to say that the general stereotype of show choir tends to be jazz hands and show tunes all done in a fairly square manner. Heck, even my boss said as much when I was asked about my trip to Nashville for this event (I think he even included dorky bow ties - just to amp up the cheeze factor). And, in some cases - yes, the stereotype fits.
Perhaps what Burbank's show did was just tip what had already been done before (VERY in depth investment in a theme show) into newer territory - adding a linked story. I actually predicted YEARS ago that I thought show choir would become much more theatrical, and gee - I was right. So I'm not surprised at all.
But nor do I feel any of the 'old' style is now totally devoid of merit. Note - the initial definition I wrote says NOTHING of what show choir MUST be, just what it CAN be - and it can be a rock opera, or it can be a revue style show of 5-6 totally unrelated songs - and both can work.
So - what's next? Well - until someone can top this theme and storyline, I wonder if this style of show has reached its peak. I kind of hope not - it was incredible and I'd like to see more. But regardless of what the whole concept and design of their show was, it was the actual skills in performing it that I am also still impressed with. These kids can sing, dance, emote and perform the heck out of it - and they'd be just as good doing a show 'inside the comfort zone of what most would consider show choir' - and I'd probably enjoy it just as much.
Anyway - long story short (too late) - I think the comment that sparked this latest bit was more or less just complementing on how Burbank's show is indeed ground breaking (or, at least taking another step further into territory in what Burrough's had already smashed open the past few years).
I do find it fun that the show most being talked about wasn't even the winner! Proves there was a LOT of great stuff going on in Nashville this past weekend - should make for a great DVD to add to one's library...
My thoughts and feelings exactly.
Jeff is right too... I did hear people grumbling in front and in back of me from different schools about how Burbank's show "isn't show choir". But they were also the same people saying other ridiculous things about other schools which they really have no clue about.
Show Choir Nationals 2010
