Well Cody I have to tell you that ya'll have achieved a problem seldom often experienced in the show choir World. Never have I had a problem with a backdrop being to bright. I have no clue the size of the panels you are dealing with, but dimming them down and not distorting the colors should be interesting. The simpliest way I can think of is gam color gel, but I'm guessing it will take a lot of it and picking a shade that dosen't change the colors might be impossible. Good Luck.
Anyone else remember Homewood's 2005 show? They had these VERY bright flashing lights in the closer that always made me squint to look at the stage. It was almost like looking at lightning.
I agree with electric . . . I was surprised at how well Jackson Prep did. To be a first year show choir, they are really doing an outstanding job! Jackson Academy did a great job as well but I still in the end liked Jackson Prep's show better. Pascagoula didn't do as good as they did at South but still did a good job! I missed several of the big groups but did manage to catch Clinton. Clinton did a better job this year than last year. This was an outstanding competition and I enjoyed it throughly!
Well Cody I have to tell you that ya'll have achieved a problem seldom often experienced in the show choir World. Never have I had a problem with a backdrop being to bright. I have no clue the size of the panels you are dealing with, but dimming them down and not distorting the colors should be interesting. The simpliest way I can think of is gam color gel, but I'm guessing it will take a lot of it and picking a shade that dosen't change the colors might be impossible. Good Luck.
yes. we do. and i agree at times they can be distracting but we are working on it. they are 4 LED panels that can basically do anything you want them to do. but we got them 2 weeks before homewood and Cody didn't really have time to program all the panels to do whatever we wanted them to do. in result, we had to use the already programed effects. maybe by petal Cody can have time to make the backdrops do even cooler things than they already do.
Well at least there is no pressure. :-p
Don't get too excited about new graphics. In addition to the fact that I don't yet have the software needed to create custom animations, it's also VERY time consuming.
As for the moment, this concept takes a backseat to the main issue with the LED X-Panels: their brightness. This is something that cannot be adjusted on the panels themselves, so I am working on an alternative method to darken the actual graphics, which will help prevent the desire for one to seize. lol
Light panels? I'm assuming South has backdrops now? Care to elaborate more on what they look like?
yes. we do. and i agree at times they can be distracting but we are working on it. they are 4 LED panels that can basically do anything you want them to do. but we got them 2 weeks before homewood and Cody didn't really have time to program all the panels to do whatever we wanted them to do. in result, we had to use the already programed effects. maybe by petal Cody can have time to make the backdrops do even cooler things than they already do.
South Jones - I think that the addition of Linda McEachran as a choreographer was an excellent change for the group, and I also think that the vocal sound of the group is much improved from last year (though I did not see you all live last year). I’m pretty sure that I seized several times during the performance as a result of the light panels . Also, the guys’ number seemed like it wasn’t in a very comfortable range for the guys to sing well. And where did Carrie Underwood Jr. come from? Cody and LeeAnne… pleasure as always!
Light panels? I'm assuming South has backdrops now? Care to elaborate more on what they look like?
Another Sunday evening and I seem to be neglecting massive amounts of homework to throw in my two cents (quite possibly three or four) about the competition this weekend, my first this season. I have yet again fallen prey to the harms of procrastination.
I would, however, like to preface the following comments by saying that if any person does not wish to hear my honest and uncensored opinions, both critical and affirmative, he or she should discontinue reading this post with the conclusion of this sentence.
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Homewood - The exhibition performance was very solid. To me, the group seemed to be just as good as they have ever been if not better. Though the sound of the choir might not be the most polished, it is, nonetheless, fairly lucid, full, and natural, which are qualities that I will always be able to appreciate. In my opinion, the choreography is some of April’s best work for the group in as long as I can remember, and it is very clean. I really liked the ballad arrangement; to me, it was noticeably different from any ballad that “The Network” has done in, again, as long as I can remember, and I certainly think that it paid off and was executed very well (except for the massive step out/head pop on the final beat of the song, which struck me as being awkward and, in my opinion, actually took away from a great moment in the show). I also think that the guys as a whole demonstrated an extremely commendable level of energy and engagement throughout the show and (somehow, as usual) were highlighted by several outstanding male performers. I can’t believe they managed to resurrect those purple dresses again, but they still look stunning in stage lighting.
South Jones - I think that the addition of Linda McEachran as a choreographer was an excellent change for the group, and I also think that the vocal sound of the group is much improved from last year (though I did not see you all live last year). I’m pretty sure that I seized several times during the performance as a result of the light panels . Also, the guys’ number seemed like it wasn’t in a very comfortable range for the guys to sing well. And where did Carrie Underwood Jr. come from? Cody and LeeAnne… pleasure as always!
Auburn - I’m still in complete shock that you all were not in finals, as you all were, in my opinion, one of the best singing groups of the day (and in several specific ways, arguably the best). To say the least, it was both refreshing and inspiring to see a group who is clearly striving for choral excellence. The sound was well-blended, balanced, and controlled. Basic harmonies were in tune, the chords were locking, and there was a clear and deliberate stylistic authenticity to every song that was performed…. Who would have thought? If this group continues on its current uphill climb (and at this point I see absolutely no reason why they will not), it will not be long before judges will not even be able to pretend to justify keeping them out of a well-deserved finals performance. You should all, however, be content in knowing that you are receiving what appears to be a legitimate, well-rounded education in music and not just learning how to win a show choir competition.
Enterprise - Honestly, I was pretty shocked with the lack of sound coming from the largest group in attendance. Out of what looked like 70 people on stage, it sounded as if less than half were singing. The combo sounded as great as usual and I always enjoy seeing you all perform Stephen’s choreography, but for the majority of the show, I wanted to stand up and yell “JUST SING!!”
Clinton - I really liked the lightning backdrops, and I definitely noticed marked improvements from last year. However, as far as a significant amount of the singing goes, it seems like the primary goal is sheer volume. The resulting sound, to me, often comes across as somewhat pushed, which, together with the very heavy vibrato, results in the issues with blend and prevents most of the chords from really locking. Undeniably though, the fundamental skills of vocal production are much more evident in this group than many others, but, honestly, it’s just taken a little too far for my personal preference. I’m also not a fan of the percussive “doots” that tend to pop up from time to time. Again though, I found the vocals to be an improvement from last year. The dancing was perfectly executed, and, also as usual, the combo was great (though there were several sax riffs that I wasn’t quite sold on).
Pascagoula - As usual, you all had great energy. Your hard work and passion for what you do was evident in your performance. I think that my main criticism would be that most of the songs tend to be exceedingly similar both visually and stylistically, and many times I feel like I am watching what is essentially the same song over and over again. You all do execute very well though.
Alabama - To me, it was essentially High School Show Choir Part II. I saw no deliberate differentiation between what you all presented and what the groups before and after you did as I have seen with various other college show choirs such as the Auburn “Singers” and Belmont “Company.” Had I seen this group out of context, nothing about the performance would have led me to believe that I was watching or hearing a collegiate ensemble. I did like the costuming for “Joyful, Joyful” though.
West Jones - I think you all should stick with Chad Alexander as he has, in my opinion, done the absolute best job out of the various choreographers you all have used in the past several years. The show was definitely high-energy, but the vocals were really, really pitchy throughout the show.
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From what I can tell, most of the problems that I saw this past weekend stem from a lack of education and training in fundamentals. There seems to be a tendency to neglect or completely ignore the basic skills that work together to allow students to perform these shows in the most efficient and effective ways possible. I think that many of these basic proficiencies are skipped in order to go straight to work on the final product, and it shows (at least in my opinion). If a choir hasn’t mastered singing in two part harmony, why would they try to sing in six parts? If a soprano section can’t collectively produce a “C” with a healthy, pleasing tone, why would they sing, in public performance, an arrangement of a song that requires “E’s” and “G’s” above it? If a choir can’t successfully sing simple, sustained music written with a purposeful adherence to the rules of voice leading without severe issues in the areas of intonation, blend, balance, phrasing, and tone, why, then, would they try to sing a jumpy pop arrangement with thorny part writing and complex harmonies?
In those regards, there also really seems to me to be a lack of vocal pedagogy that goes into preparing many choirs to perform (a problem that I have not found to be limited to show choir in any way). It only makes sense that in order for a choir to sing to its fullest potential, every individual must be singing to his or her own fullest potential, and they’re probably not going to end up teaching themselves about the various structures and processes that are essential for efficient singing.
As I found myself discussing with several different people this weekend, I guess that no amount of flashy dresses or massive hair (or, yes, even choreography), to me, will truly make up for severe inadequacies in basic musicianship. Again, that is nothing more than my honest opinion. Take it, leave it, do whatever you want with it, just don’t blame me for having it.
I just have to say that there is some talent in the 30 and under division.
Oak Grove had a great showing this weekend. Mr. Breland is so nice and his kids performed so well. I like the 2nd red dress.
Tarpon Springs really did a good job..they surprised me. They did an excellent job and I was so surprised they did not place. They really had alot of energy and a very good vocal sound. Their soloist were really good also.
Jackson Academy also made a good showing. Congratulations for 3rd place. They were better this weekend but I still liked their show better last year. They had a good girl sound. Boys were weak. Choreography was good.
Jackson Prep amazed me the most. To be a first year show choir they have really made a great showing. I was surprised at how good they were. They had so much poise. I think they were regal. LOVED their costumes and music. The best show in the 30 and under category I have seen this season. Fantastic soloists and band. Their choreography was really very good and had good pictures. Difficult too. They will be a force to be reckoned with.
Pascagoula was also good although they were much better at the South Jones competition. They seemed to have issues in prelims. I missed their finals performance though. They are a very disciplined group and seem to be a machine! I have always loved their 2nd song. That was the best to me. Loved the choreography.
Congratulations to each of these groups! Can't wait til Petal.
Congratulations to all choirs...I am sure everyone was fantastic!!! Way to go Goula!!!!!If memory serves me right, this is ya'lls highest finish in finals at the Homewood competition!!!! Great job guys!!