I do realize that this is a community performance that is just meant to boost Cedar Rapids show choirs and to gain support from the community and generate it between schools. I also realize that a lot of the schools have not practiced their shows in weeks and that it has been almost a month now since these choirs have competed.
I had seen all the show choirs multiple times earlier in the season, except for Jefferson.
Prairie opened the night VERY strong. I felt they did a wonderful job and had the overall package.
Kennedy was second with the usual "Happiness, Inc." performance (after Great River). It was energized and the sound was extremely full and beautiful.
Jefferson was third. I really didn't enjoy the song selection. Their opener doesn't really strike me as an opener (It was Buffalo Grove's 2nd song in 2004). The show never really went anywhere.
Linn Mar was fourth. It wasn't as strong as their grand championship performance from "Mo Show"... but like I said, I realize that these choirs haven't performed in a while. The first half of the show was phenomenal, but the last half needed more energy. Their show takes so much out of them physically... you could tell they hadn't done it in a while, because people looked exhausted.
Washington was fifth. I'm hoping it was just an off night, because the overall performance was rough. Their "Great River" performance was incredible compared to what I saw last night. Although... I still love "Dance With The Devil".
My guest who had never seen show choir said he enjoyed all of the choirs... but found himself not really liking Washington. He said that they looked like they were just trying to get off the stage rather than wanting to perform for everyone and show off their show.
I did not say ONE word about ANY of the show choirs before, between, or after they performed. So, he was completely unbiased. At the end, I asked him who his favorite show choir was, to my surprise (because usually show choirs suit personalities... and this is definitely not his.) he said "Kennedy was my favorite. They're show was just so much fun, and you could tell that they weren't faking it. They enjoyed it so much, and that shown through in their performance."
There you have it. Another Fab Five in the history books.
The overall Grand Champion of last night though, was Tim Boyle. I have enjoyed him so much being the MC every year I've gone. He's a laugh riot!
I am bringing someone with me who has NEVER seen show choir before but was very involved in music and theatre in high school. I will get his un-biased opinions and post them here to see what he thinks. I promise... I won't open my trap telling him who I love before they perform. I won't taint his opinions!
I bet this year would be an especially good year to see. All the Cedar Rapids groups are great this year. Most notably Prairie has improved by leaps and bounds.
I saw the Fab Five in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and I miss being able to go down and see it. The Paramount is a beautiful venue and it's amazing to see how supportive of show choir Cedar Rapids is. To have six nationally known varsity show choirs in a city of 130,000 is amazing.
I am bringing someone with me who has NEVER seen show choir before but was very involved in music and theatre in high school. I will get his un-biased opinions and post them here to see what he thinks. I promise... I won't open my trap telling him who I love before they perform. I won't taint his opinions!
It's too bad that you won't be able to make it. Also, I tried to word it in a way not to disparage Xavier. I think it's awesome that Cedar Rapids has 6 Grand Champion level choirs.
Please, don't worry about it! It's annoying for all of us when the topic of Fab Five has to be treated so sensitively because of Xavier. No one should have to worry about disparaging us. Nothing should be taken away from the five great groups that will be showcased in this season's Fab Five. I am just sad that I won't be able to see it
I was going to come on the 8th but Xavier's Voce is going to the Dorian Choral Festival at Luther. And I'm not able to make it on the 7th.
So it looks like I won't ever get the chance to see Prairie...
It's too bad that you won't be able to make it. Also, I tried to word it in a way not to disparage Xavier. I think it's awesome that Cedar Rapids has 6 Grand Champion level choirs.
Who else is looking forward to the annual Fab Five Show Choir Extravaganza?
For those who don't know what it is... It is a concert/fundraiser for the five top-flight show choir programs from five public schools that serve the Cedar Rapids area. Each of the five varsity show choirs from the schools perform their show. In addition, there is a solo or small group performance from each choir. It is a great end to the season, and serves as a cooperative venture for the choirs who have been competing against each other for the previous three months.
Monday, April 7th and Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
This event features:
* Jefferson High School's "West Side Delegation",
* Kennedy High School's "Happiness Inc.",
* Linn-Mar High School's "10th Street Edition",
* Prairie High School's "The Ambassadors" &
* Washington High School's "Momentum".
Tickets are on sale to the public on March 5th for $12 at the U.S. Cellular Center Ticket Office. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (319)363-1888 or at www.ticketmaster.com. If available, tickets will be sold at the door. Proceeds will be shared between the participating show choirs.
Who else is looking forward to the annual Fab Five Show Choir Extravaganza?
For those who don't know what it is... It is a concert/fundraiser for the five top-flight show choir programs from five public schools that serve the Cedar Rapids area. Each of the five varsity show choirs from the schools perform their show. In addition, there is a solo or small group performance from each choir. It is a great end to the season, and serves as a cooperative venture for the choirs who have been competing against each other for the previous three months.
Monday, April 7th and Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
This event features:
* Jefferson High School's "West Side Delegation",
* Kennedy High School's "Happiness Inc.",
* Linn-Mar High School's "10th Street Edition",
* Prairie High School's "The Ambassadors" &
* Washington High School's "Momentum".
Tickets are on sale to the public on March 5th for $12 at the U.S. Cellular Center Ticket Office. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (319)363-1888 or at www.ticketmaster.com. If available, tickets will be sold at the door. Proceeds will be shared between the participating show choirs.
Cedar Rapids Fab Five 2008
