The "sanctioned competition" piece you're referring to is a provision mentioned above in terms of winning GC somewhere. That doesn't apply to Northrop as they haven't earned a GC this year, but I think FAME kind of makes up/changes their rules as they go. From the SCN topic, it looks like Grand Island from Nebraska was invited, but will not be attending. Churubusco has also received an invitation. At this point, it appears FAME is just trying to pull together enough choirs to make this an event. Still a ways to go before FAME Nationals, so who knows what will happen.
I know that Northrop is going to FAME Nationals by way of a video entry,I believe. You are right, FAME has spent money on the venue and needs to fill it!
The "sanctioned competition" piece you're referring to is a provision mentioned above in terms of winning GC somewhere. That doesn't apply to Northrop as they haven't earned a GC this year, but I think FAME kind of makes up/changes their rules as they go. From the SCN topic, it looks like Grand Island from Nebraska was invited, but will not be attending. Churubusco has also received an invitation. At this point, it appears FAME is just trying to pull together enough choirs to make this an event. Still a ways to go before FAME Nationals, so who knows what will happen.
As more FAME regional competitions are occurring, is there any word on who's coming to finals? I'm aware both Carroll groups are attending. I've also heard Northrop Charisma was one of the groups invited due to a "sanctioned competition" and they'll be attending. Anyone else confirmed? This already seems to be an exciting lineup, well represented from Indiana!
The "sanctioned competition" piece you're referring to is a provision mentioned above in terms of winning GC somewhere. That doesn't apply to Northrop as they haven't earned a GC this year, but I think FAME kind of makes up/changes their rules as they go. From the SCN topic, it looks like Grand Island from Nebraska was invited, but will not be attending. Churubusco has also received an invitation. At this point, it appears FAME is just trying to pull together enough choirs to make this an event. Still a ways to go before FAME Nationals, so who knows what will happen.
As more FAME regional competitions are occurring, is there any word on who's coming to finals? I'm aware both Carroll groups are attending. I've also heard Northrop Charisma was one of the groups invited due to a "sanctioned competition" and they'll be attending. Anyone else confirmed? This already seems to be an exciting lineup, well represented from Indiana!
So after bumping back announcing the FAME 2017 participant list, FAME has now unveiled attending choirs and cancelled a few events. The update, per FAME's website, is below:
FAME New York - 3/3/17
Belfast Voice & Dance Academy "Show Choir" (UK)
Eldorado HS "Gold Rush" (NM)
Eldorado HS "24 Carat" (NM)
Jackson Prep "Reveillon" (MS)
Uniondale HS "Rhythm of the Knight" (NY)
FAME Orlando - 3/11/17 Cancelled
FAME Orlando - 3/18/17
Brantley County HS "Herons Elite" (GA)
Carroll HS "Minstrel Magic" (IN)
Carroll HS "Select Sound" (IN)
Clover Hill HS "New Dimensions" (VA)
Clover Hill HS "Iridesence" (VA)
Davenport Central HS "Central Singers, Inc." (IA)
FAME Chicago - 3/25/17 Cancelled
FAME Show Choir America - 4/1/17 Cancelled
FAME Branson - 4/1/17
Broken Arrow Freshman Academy "Tiger Momentum" (OK)
Jenks HS "Trojanaires" (OK)
Oak Grove MS "Spotlight!" (MS)
Omaha South HS "The Ambassadors" (NE)
Totino-Grace HS "Company of Singers" (MN)
Walsh Jesuit HS "Harmony Gold" (OH)
FAME Hollywood - 4/8/17 To be announced on 1/25/17
Also worth noting the venues were adjusted for New York, Branson, and Hollywood. It's pretty clear that FAME is considerably down from a depth of competition standpoint compared to SCN and HOA. Shouldn't be surprising as that's been the trend. We'll see how many other updates there are as there's still open registration and who knows who will show up at the National Finals. Nonetheless, I'm sure it will be a memorable experience for all students participating.
Big news! According to the Fame Website, Fame Nationals will be returning to the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago in 2017! I always loved watching groups perform on the Arie Crown's huge stage. It really gives Fame Nationals that stadium feel. Hopefully some more top notch groups will be in attendance this year. I'm already hearing rumors....
This is fantastic news. I loved watching the choirs in the Arie Crown Theater. It gave nationals such a majestic feel being in that huge auditorium. I also think the kids got a real kick out of it having to walk on the walkway over Lake Shore Drive with the Chicago skyline in the background. You really can't beat that atmosphere.
Big news! According to the Fame Website, Fame Nationals will be returning to the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago in 2017! I always loved watching groups perform on the Arie Crown's huge stage. It really gives Fame Nationals that stadium feel. Hopefully some more top notch groups will be in attendance this year. I'm already hearing rumors....
As a heads up, FAME has formally modified their Show Choir National Championship Series to include choirs that do not attend the FAME regional/qualifying events. Obviously for folks who paid attention previously, they did this last year with their National Finals by inviting Los Alamitos and Ankeny Centennial, but a lot of folks on here were confused by that. So luckily, FAME has released more transparent information about their new process. So aside from being top 3 mixed or top 2 single-gender at their regional events:
Choirs may still qualify at large by meeting one of the following requirements:
1. Immediate past National Champion or National Runner-Up,
2. Grand Champion at a sanctioned* Regional Show Choir Competition,
3. Submit Application with audition for review by selection committee. *SCNCS Sanctioned competitions may qualify each year by submitting their participant list which will allow the sanctioning review committee to validate the level of competition at the event.