Cam and I also need to thank Mr. Damon Brown for sharing his specially made "Judge's Cookies" with us (even though we really wanted the fruit… beggars can't be choosers I suppose ).
After Linn Mar- Alex, Nick Seiler, Steph, Ashley, Chelsea, Nikola and I headed to Perkins. We ate our food and at the end… the bus full of Bemidji kids came to eat. These are some of the sweetest kids you can meet on the circuit… they thought we were all a part of a show choir when we were complimenting them. When we began to ask them to sing their ballad, they said they wanted to hear ours. Haha Obviously… we didn't have one prepared. Here is the video of the resulting madness- (apologies to disgruntled Perkins staff or customers and to people who get nauseous with my camera work). Bemidji Perkins Performance - Exclusive
I'm definitely going to make the Linn Mar "Supernova" a tradition.
HAHA... "we're just a hodge podge.. we're all homeless! sing your ballad!" love it
Let me start my saying… Linn Mar was a GREAT competition overall. Props to Bob Anderson and his crew of very zealous show choir parents and volunteers. The large show choir alumni "posse" never had troubles with seating, mostly because we sat in the same seats all day. I never missed one show starting with Johnston "Synergy".
It was great to chat with some parents again as well. We met some really fun parents from Cedar Rapids Kennedy. I also had some in-depth show choir conversations and did some loud cheering on behalf of "Leah's" parents from Totino Grace. Cam and I also need to thank Mr. Damon Brown for sharing his specially made "Judge's Cookies" with us (even though we really wanted the fruit… beggars can't be choosers I suppose ).
It was also wonderful to see so many friends- Ana, Cam, Sam, Adam Miller, Adam Hairston, Steph, Nikola, Ashley, Diandre, Nick Seiler, and Chelsea… it is always a pleasure to share the day with you.
From what I saw during preliminaries… this is how I felt things would go. 1st- Ankeny
2nd- Cedar Rapids Kennedy
3rd- Urbandale
4th- Totino Grace
5th- Bemidji
6th- Johnston
7th- Xavier
8th- Cedar Rapids Jefferson
9th- Iowa City High
10- Waukee
11th- Iowa City West
12th- Washington
After finals, I felt that this is how it would go.
1st- Cedar Rapids Kennedy
2nd- Urbandale
3rd- Ankeny
4th- Totino Grace
5th- Bemidji
6th- Johnston
7th- Cedar Rapids Jefferson
Here are my thoughts of the finals groups AND Xavier.
Xavier- I'm so sorry you did not make it into finals. You SHOULD have been there. Your level of musicianship was not rewarded like it should have been. You sing and dance so well and the show is very entertaining and unique. Don't let this one competition get you down. I'm a big fan. "Let It Be" was amazing again. You did the song justice!
Cedar Rapids Jefferson- You have improved from last year! Congrats. Your ballad was the highlight of the show but needs some definite work on phrasing. You all are taking some breaths in some really careless spots in the song, and it is very apparent. The closer is probably my least favorite song in the show. It tries to be that big "Go Out With A Bang Jefferson Closer" but it hasn't and probably won't achieve that level. The songs and arrangement just don't work for a closer. The stars also seem quite pointless. They make a two minute debut and are quite distracting being hauled around. The cane choreography is in dire need of cleaning. I'd also like to take a moment to comment on performers who go way overboard with energy and facials. You have one boy who is doing this. He strains his face and changes it so much you would think he has some kind of spastic face muscle disease. When he moves around, he does every move so energized and with so much vigor that it actually makes him stick out and look unclean. If he would tone it down, he would be a great performer. You will have a good year once you clean some more and get some of the kinks out of your show.
Johnston- I love the start to your show. So pretty and classy. It was a good show, but I didn't really see much improvement from Viterbo to this weekend… but, I'm going to take a wild guess and say that that was mainly caused by the snow days that occurred. It still was a fantastic show. Can anyone tell me what happened to the ballad soloist during the night? I was VERY disappointed that he didn't sing his solo OR from what it looked like, even perform in the show. Keep working hard!
Bemidji- You have been given a really cool "Jail Themed" show. Other groups in past years have been given this same theme, and have presented it to be kind of lame. You kids did it justice. The opener is amazing. Your day round performance of it was so mysterious and sexy. Sometimes, your sound is sort of hallow, make sure you get good breath support behind it and make it sound more full. The guys song I had major issues with during prelims, but was remedied for finals. April's "Dream" chairs are fantastic, a very effective set piece. Overall, you guys are such a fun choir and you can just tell that you love what you are performing.
Totino Grace- I can say it now… you proved the judges very wrong at Viterbo. The show is so exciting! Everything you are doing is sophisticated and energized. It looks and sounds fantastic! "Easy Street" was quite possibly the favorite song pick of the day from the majority of the alumni spectators. Its sooooo cool and you perform the pants off of it. The ballad is too short! We want more beautiful Minnesotan singing. "Break My Stride" hit some snags in the day, but was in full force during finals. Sebastian- props on your solo. I've been singing it ever since I have left the school (not as well as you). The closer was just the right ending. Leah, amazing solo! April has transformed your show choir into something that was even better than before. Don't listen to anyone that say things like "I miss the OLD Totino Grace", "Totino Grace just isn't an April James group", or "Totino Grace can't handle her choreography"… they are warped and delusional. You guys look amazing. She gave you some really fresh and cool stuff. Be proud of your accomplishment, proving judges wrong doesn't happen often! I can't wait to see you again at your competition!
Ankeny- The opener is really fantastic. I remember one of the Crisler brothers introducing me to "Shooting Star" at SCA. I loved the song and was eager to see you perform it. You really did it well. You guys sing and dance so beautifully… but you guys need a show that can really take you somewhere. This is not the show. The ending is pretty flat. The closer just isn't a closer and doesn't really do anything. You could put all the energy in the world (which I feel you did) in it and it still does not come off as a closer. It's the song… not anything that you are doing. I felt that you were pretty set for 1st in the day and was surprised to see you in 4th. I don't know if it was because of the show, or what it was. April gave you some beautiful choreography. I feel like you have done a really nice transition into your new director. Hopefully, with a better show next year, you can really show what Ankeny is made of before the high school split in a few years.
Urbandale- Not much to comment on. It was quite apparent that you guys were holding back in the day. Which worked for you guys… I just don't like it when groups don't give a full performance to their audience. The vocals sounded great. The choreography is clean and precise. The band was fantastic as well. The show just didn't interest me. The ballad was the only thing I really got something out of. All the rest was just sequins and facials. It was no doubt a winning performance, don't get me wrong. I just don't enjoy the show. Don't worry though, there are plenty of people that DO (lots of squeals of delight from the Urb finals crowd) Have a good season!
Cedar Rapids Kennedy- I always start off my Kennedy critiques with professing my undying love for this group. So, I'll get it out of the way. I love you guys. You are my "last meal" show choir. Let me explain that one… If I could watch songs from ONE show choir before dying, I'd pick "Happiness". I know, I know… I'm a dweeb. But… you guys just know what you are doing. Since taking over Happiness, Inc. for the 2004-2005 season, Storm Zeigler (and Damon) have just churned out phenomenal shows for you to perform. Since that first "Z" year, Kennedy has taken their level of show choir to new heights. Back to the food analogies… your shows are like full course meals. You guys are always doing so many different genres of music, giving the audience a little taste of everything. You never, EVER, fail to entertain. Entertaining your audiences seems to be more of a tradition than the yellow jackets are.
Your vocals are phenomenal. Your choreography is fun, crisp, and clean. And your band never fails to make it known that they too are great. You guys came to Linn Mar, ready. The opener was elegant and gorgeous. "Transylvania Mania" was everything I dreamed it would be. I must say though, I think the arrangement could have been better. I wanted the "howling" section to be as dramatic and as big as the c.d. and was really disappointed when it wasn't. You guys obviously can fill up a room with sound- It would be great to make it that frightening sound to send goose bumps (and show off your dazzling sopranos) up the audience's arms. "Fix You" was gorgeous. The intonation problems were there though, and that is obviously the only part of the show vocally the judges could pick at... and seeing that you were first in the day, and second at night, they picked at it. Your ballads are always so meaningful, this one is no exception. This one also takes a step beyond other years ballads as well. The difficulty of this a cappella piece is immense. It really says something that Mr. Zeigler would take the risk of choosing this song for this year's choir. It says he knows you guys are amazing. It says that he doesn't focus on putting together a show that is simple and just meant to win like others. He wants to challenge you as performers and help make you grow as musicians… and its quite obvious he is succeeding.
I really like the costumes for the 4th song (props to the beat boxing "MADE" celebrity… I finally realized where I knew you from in finals) and closer. "Hung Up / Don't Stop The Music" was incredible. I can just imagine Damon choreographing this song like the Madonna/Rihanna megafan that he is (he is the President of the Promise Keepers chapter of the "Madonna Fan Club" ;) ). It was sooo much fun I, and the others didn't want it to end. This is your year. YOURS. Go to Nashville… and win. Go to every competition and win (I have no worries for you at Great River, where I will see you next) It is yours, I say it is. (and that's what matters, right? Ha) I had you guys down for the win at Linn Mar due to the fact that #1- your vocals, choreography, and band were the best and #2- unlike other shows in the top three, none of your songs made me want to fall asleep… none of them conjured up any negative feeling whatsoever.
You're a group of remarkable kids, a group of endless talent and drive. Your energy and verve during your shows hasn't matched any other group I have seen ever. EVERYONE is invested. Not one sore thumb sticks out.
So there… I'll stop gushing. Keep up the fine work. And make sure you give props to your exceptional director and nutty and fantastic choreographer.
I'll be in my "Happiness, Inc." jacket for Great River. Just look for "Kevin". Haha
After Linn Mar- Alex, Nick Seiler, Steph, Ashley, Chelsea, Nikola and I headed to Perkins. We ate our food and at the end… the bus full of Bemidji kids came to eat. These are some of the sweetest kids you can meet on the circuit… they thought we were all a part of a show choir when we were complimenting them. When we began to ask them to sing their ballad, they said they wanted to hear ours. Haha Obviously… we didn't have one prepared. Here is the video of the resulting madness- (apologies to disgruntled Perkins staff or customers and to people who get nauseous with my camera work).
"Dance With Me"/"Into the Night" by Santana/Chad Kroeger
"Grazin' in the Grass" (Disney version; soloists Nick Evans, Allison Kane)
"You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" by Josh Groban (soloist Alan Nagel)
"Dancin'" (from the musical Xanadu)
"Swing With Me" (Jessica Simpson version)
Just kidding I was probably hiding at that point, for fear of a repeat of last weekend. I didn't really get to talk much to anyone. Sorry I missed you!!!
BUT right now, weather permitting, a group of us will be at Johnston- FIND US!
I know! The one time I went back to the SCC section you weren't there, and then later on when I looked back nobody was there anymore!
Congrats on the placing and I hope I get to see you guys again somewhere this year
You didn't say "Hi" to me either, Jason. When you came over to talk to everyone I had no clue that was you until you left and they told me. Thanks for being a good show choir friend.
Jason, like you were there and didn't say hi!!!! Glad you liked Easy Street/ I Gotcha though lol!
I know! The one time I went back to the SCC section you weren't there, and then later on when I looked back nobody was there anymore!
Congrats on the placing and I hope I get to see you guys again somewhere this year
CR Kennedy "Happiness Inc."
-Starting Here, Starting Now/Can You Feel It (Calgary Olympic Theme)
-Transylvania Mania
-Fix You
-Abracadabra/Magic Man
-Hung Up/Don't Stop The Music
Urbandale "Studio 2009"
-When You're Home (In The Heights"
-What Goes Around/Tainted Love (Marylin Manson version)
-No One Is Alone
-A Little Upset (Broadway's "Cry Baby")
-Boston Medley (Cool The Engines, Rock-n-Roll Band, Piece Of Mind)
There's a couple to get you started. God Bless, Damon Brown
THANK YOU! I would LOVE to see Urbandale's show. What a great mix of songs! Also would love to see CR's Transylvania Mania (a perfect show choir song).
Ankeny "Visual Adrenaline"
"Shooting Star"
"Here I Am"
"She"
"Carry On My Wayward Son"
"You Can Dance"
Iowa City High "4th Ave. Jazz Company"
"Play It Again"
"Morning Glow"
Whenever You Call"
"The Winning Side"
"Rhythm of the Night" / "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You"
Totino Grace "Company Of Singers"
"Somebody's Out There"
"Easy Street / I Gotcha"
"If I Own Today"
"Break My Stride"
"Go Your Own Way / Roundabout / Long Train Runnin'"
Waukee "Millennium"
"Dancin' Machine"
"Because"
"Let It Be"
"Far From Over"
"What You Need"
"Run / Let Me Entertain You"
CR Kennedy "Happiness Inc."
-Starting Here, Starting Now/Can You Feel It (Calgary Olympic Theme)
-Transylvania Mania
-Fix You
-Abracadabra/Magic Man
-Hung Up/Don't Stop The Music
Urbandale "Studio 2009"
-When You're Home (In The Heights"
-What Goes Around/Tainted Love (Marylin Manson version)
-No One Is Alone
-A Little Upset (Broadway's "Cry Baby")
-Boston Medley (Cool The Engines, Rock-n-Roll Band, Piece Of Mind)
There's a couple to get you started. God Bless, Damon Brown
Linn-Mar Supernova 2009
).
I was probably hiding at that point, for fear of a repeat of last weekend. I didn't really get to talk much to anyone. Sorry I missed you!!!
I would LOVE to see Urbandale's show. What a great mix of songs! Also would love to see CR's Transylvania Mania (a perfect show choir song).