Regarding the removal of finals- For me, it did take away from the excitement. It felt like something was missing. Finals gives schools a chance to look and see the input from the judges and correct what the judges felt were weak. There is also much more buzz and energy when finals comes around as well. It will be interesting to see the reception to it at the rest of the competitions in Alabama this year.
Auburn has a really good show. I am not sure it shows off their tremendous vocal talents a well as last year's show. Don't count them out of any competition they enter. I think they win this one again.
I'm not really sure, but Joey made the below post in a separate topic referring to Homewood's schedule.
I know Homewood has a very complicated schedule. All three groups go to Jackson Prep. Legacy and Associate go to Tallassee. Network and Legacy go to Albertville. All three go to Opelika. Network and Associate go to Petal. Network goes to Tift County. I'm pretty sure all of those are correct.
It helps to make the day less draining since Homewood only has one director for 150 students. Most of the Southern circuit will not have finals this year because it allows more groups to come to the competition and keeps students from having to perform after midnight, and then have to recover for school, sometimes even rehearsals, on Monday. If my info is correct, the only competitions with finals will be Jackson Prep, Homewood, and Petal.
I am genuinely upset about this. Often times Finals are an opportunity for a group to redeem themselves and sometimes switch placement if you were like 2 points behind a group in prelims.
It's definitely good for what it is, but often times, there are groups going on after midnight. Examples: Homewood at Albertville in 2015, almost everyone at Opelika in 2014, South Central Classic in 2004, Wheaton at Albertville in 2014, etc.
Yes, I remember this we didn't get home until 7:00am on Sunday after Albertville 2015; while that was partially due to one of our busses breaking down, it was still late. To be honest though some competitions just naturally run later than others due to their popularity. Me personally I thoroughly enjoy the thrill of Finals. I'm not trying to be the bad guy here, but I just don't want my show choir experience to be short-changed, due to the absence of finals. Ya know?
((
