Congrats to everyone on putting on great shows and to WSD on your win you guys were awesome! I didn't get to see Xavier so I was deeply saddened. Thanks to everyone at Benton for a great competition. I had a great time.
I had a great day at Benton! It's always one of the best ran competitions, and that just adds to the enjoyment.
I saw every group that ended up in finals in both the day and night rounds. These were my daytime placements:
1) C.R. Jefferson
2) C.R. Xavier
3) Iowa City West
4) C.R. Prairie
5) Lincoln Southwest
6) Pella
And this is what I had for finals:
1) C.R. Xavier
2) C.R. Jefferson
3) C.R. Prairie
4) Iowa City West
5) Lincoln Southwest
6) Pella
(Obviously the judges disagreed with me! Keep in mind my complete lack of qualifications, however )
Every group I saw had something in their show that I really enjoyed. I'll focus on the groups that made finals because they're fresh in my mind, and I saw their shows twice. I'll make a quick comment about each.
Pella - You obviously extremely glad to make finals, and they let that excitement show in their performance. It was fun to watch! Lincoln Southwest - My favorite part of your show by far is your 2nd-to-last number! It got stuck in my head... twice. Iowa City West - You sing beautifully and your ballad is absolutely gorgeous. Prairie - I think the suits are "love 'em or hate 'em", and personally, I love 'em. The choreography in the guys number is sick, too! Xavier - Love you guys. The energy in finals was buzzing. The closer is just rockin' now and the ballad also was amazing. Jefferson - I never thought I would see "Boogie Wonderland" a la "Stomp the Yard", but it was absolutely incredible. The drums are just the icing on the "wow" cake.
In my mind, every group was very close with the "gaps" being between 2nd/3rd, and 5th/6th. Can't wait to see how the Xavier/Jefferson rematch at C.R. Kennedy goes! Congratulations to West Side Delegation on their victory.
Can't wait... Always one of my favorites and I am really missing show choir. Always great to see the show choirs from the area and from far compete. I look forward to a great day with old friends, good memories, SWEET competition and... I forget... was it turkey sandwiches at Benton?
Good luck to everyone tomorrow. We are excited to watch Xavier, Jeff, Prairie, LSW, etc. (in no particular order of excitement). Looks like a great field of very competitive groups.
If anyone gets a chance to watch AcaPella in the afternoon, I'd appreciate your feedback via PM later. My wife is the director (full disclosure).
Tomorrow's forecast for the Van Horne area is bright sunshine, warm temps, hot dance moves and smokin' vocals!
Benton Touch of Class 2011
