Kevin Chase- Even though you (unfortunately) were not able to judge finals, you were my favorite critique of all of my four years! thank you so much for taking the time to actually watch us do moves and help us fix them and all of your suggestions helped make our finals performance feel much more solid to us! Thank you for making my last critique ever the best one
--all of 4th Ave Jazz thanks you!
Hey! Thanks for the awesome message! You guys have done SOOO well this year, and should be very proud of the success you have had! I am glad you enjoyed the critique ! Best of luck the rest of the season!
I want to offer some thought about how I hire judges. I do not hire all judges based on their availbility to score either pre-lims or finals. I hire judges that I believe have specific expertise, and yet they may also understand all aspects of show choir excellence. I frequently hire critique judges knowing full well they will not be able to judge finals. I want them to work with groups to help them learn about how to develop their shows. Because of the way our ballot is structured I really try to hire scoring judges that I perceive are "total show" judges. This kind of person may be a choral director or choreographer first, but they truly understand all the elements involved in producing a show. Choreographers in general do not do total show production, yet I know many choreographers that really get the whole show production concept and I think they make excellent scoring judges. Each competition manager views all of these issues in their own way, but overall I believe we all want the best and most fair assessment from the judges we hire.
Perhaps a good thing for judges to do is to discuss the groups (with the comp director) that normally come, so as to not have to pull judges out for finals before committing to a competition.
I think that is a great idea. I guess I'm a little ignorant, cuz I assumed that happened already. I just figured that would be normal practice. We all know you would've been very fair and unbiased, and it is really not reasonable to expect a choreographer to know where all of their numerous groups are competing throughout the year. I think competition directors should look into this. I love Michael Reese (he has been one of my show choir idols since 2003) and I am not blaming him for anything, I'm just saying.
Kevin Chase- Even though you (unfortunately) were not able to judge finals, you were my favorite critique of all of my four years! thank you so much for taking the time to actually watch us do moves and help us fix them and all of your suggestions helped make our finals performance feel much more solid to us! Thank you for making my last critique ever the best one
But like I said in my first post... Davenport North comes EVERY YEAR and has been since at least 2003 (probably earlier) and Linn-Mar also has been here every year since 2007. So that really shouldn't be an issue in this instance. And how are you getting the best judges, when they are not even allowed to judge? Makes no sense to me.
Jay, I totally understand the point you are making here. Yes, Bob and I talked. My worry of staying in finals, was if Linn Mar was successful, or perhaps won the competition, I would hate for the backlash to come to them and mostly the kids of people saying "well duh, kevin chase was on the panel" or "their choreography cleaner probably scored them higher". I just didnt want that for the kids. I know that for myself, I would be easily non-biased and judge fairly, and I was not aware that Linn Mar goes to Great River every year, last yr was my first year there, or really knowing anything about the comp!
Perhaps a good thing for judges to do is to discuss the groups (with the comp director) that normally come, so as to not have to pull judges out for finals before committing to a competition.
Jay,
I think in a lot of instances, the judges are hired before groups commit. Also, with some of the best ones. Why not have the most talented, experienced judges you can get? I understand where your coming from, but I would rather have the best judges, and deal with a few that are not allowed to little more than critique.
But like I said in my first post... Davenport North comes EVERY YEAR and has been since at least 2003 (probably earlier) and Linn-Mar also has been here every year since 2007. So that really shouldn't be an issue in this instance. And how are you getting the best judges, when they are not even allowed to judge? Makes no sense to me.
Jay,
I think in a lot of instances, the judges are hired before groups commit. Also, with some of the best ones. Why not have the most talented, experienced judges you can get? I understand where your coming from, but I would rather have the best judges, and deal with a few that are not allowed to little more than critique.
Kevin Chase and I talked about his judging these finals because of his involvement with 10th Street Edition. I was the one who suggested he should not because of the potential conflict of interest. I wanted it to be fair for our kids and all the others at Great River. So he declined the opportunity to judge. We do not have judges score groups that they have a working connection with at Supernova.
That is very fair/honorable of you, Mr. Anderson. I guess my question then is why even hire those judges if they have conflicts?
Kevin Chase and I talked about his judging these finals because of his involvement with 10th Street Edition. I was the one who suggested he should not because of the potential conflict of interest. I wanted it to be fair for our kids and all the others at Great River. So he declined the opportunity to judge. We do not have judges score groups that they have a working connection with at Supernova.
I have a question about judging... One that applies to this competition, but also to others.
There were 4 judges who scored prelims and 2 critique judges. Groups came into the competition thinking there were gonna be 6 scoring judges in finals. However, two judges dropped because of conflicts with groups (groups who come every year to GR). Is it fair to groups to have two less judges? Especially when one has already judged the group they are in conflict with?
I am not saying anything against Tara Tober or her judging. I agreed with the results she had in prelims. But if she scored North in prelims, why couldn't she score finals also? And anyway why would Great River even hire judges they know will have a conflict with groups? North ALWAYS comes to Great River. Linn-Mar (whom Kevin Chase had a conflict with) has been coming to GR every year since 2007. I think Tara and Kevin are both very knowledgeable. I would've preferred to have them both score finals. What's the point of telling groups there will be 6 judges and then changing it to 4? If they are unbiased and qualified enough to be judges in the first place, why can't they score finals?
My prelims
1st- Kennedy
2nd- Washington
3rd- Linn-Mar
4th- Sauk Prairie
5th- Iowa City High
6th- Iowa City West
7th- Davenport North
8th- Bettendorf
North- Congrats on scoring in the top 6 at Great River for the first time since 2004! The opener is very very VERY good. I feel as though the show goes down from there. The first three songs are still pretty good but I'm not too big on the show after that, especially the closer. I have no problem with you putting it in your show, but I just don't think it's a closer. I feel like that song and Bad Romance should be switched. You guys were clean mostly except for the rags in the closer and you sang decently but not great. Just keep working on everything and you guys will be able to do even more damage this year.
Sauk Prairie- I was NOT a fan of Sauk last year. I was a HUGE fan this year. I love the show you guys have put together and you guys had more passion than any other group I saw on stage. Yes the choreo is simple, but the most important thing is that it's clean, and you guys always sing well. Couple that with the energy you guys produce and you've got a great show! I do however want to say something that I didn't like about the show: the ending pose. I understand why it's in there, but I just found it very unsettling and uncomfortable for me.
Iowa City High- The show this year is much more interesting than it has been in past years, but I still wasn't completely invested in it. I've heard you guys sing better before, but the choreo was clean. However what I really loved from you guys is the band. Holy cow were they rockin!
Cedar Rapids Washington- When I saw you guys not doing as well this year, I wasn't sure how it was going to be. My worries were soon put to rest. What a show. Everything was just so fantastic! You sang great again, you were very clean the whole show, and the entire show was just a lot of fun! I really wanted you guys to win and you were definitely my favorite group the whole day, but the top 3 were soooo close. Great job!
Linn-Mar- 10th Street is back! Last year was rather lackluster, but this year the show is much better. You guys sing so well this year and have a great dark tone. My only problem was that the closer in both day and night was very sloppy. It was much better at night, but it was still a lot sloppier than songs compared to other groups in finals. Congrats!
Kennedy- You guys never lost a step. All the songs were clean and had had great vocals. The ballad was all sorts of magical. I'm not big on the novelty but I think I would be bigger on it if I could understand what you guys were saying the whole song. Very good job nonetheless and a well-deserved victory for Happiness Inc.!
CSI- I'm so proud of you! You improved the show by sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much since the last time I saw you at your first performance of the season. You make me so proud to be an alumni and I can't wait to see you at Jefferson!
Well, another one goes into the books! Once again, Davenport Central and West put on one amazing competition. I’m proud to come from a high school that puts on such a high quality competition. Everyone should come to Great River! The venue is gorgeous- it beats some of the FAME venues I’ve been to.
The competition was fierce. Here are a few of my thoughts-
Iowa City High- This was my 6th and 7th time seeing your show. I’ve seen so much improvement since Waukee- congrats. It was clear to me that your band would take the BEST BAND award. The brass section is just so fierce- something lacking in a lot of bands at the competition. I enjoy a lot of aspects of your show. The opener, ballad, and closer are VERY strong. I just never have found myself enjoying “History Repeated”. I’m really glad you had such a strong season- you all deserve it. I hope that you all use this strong season and build off it to next year. City High needs to be at the top of Iowa like they were ten years ago!
Bettendorf- It was great finally getting to see you! What a bright future this program has!
Reedsburg- Although I was disappointed in the choice to alter the story line of Godspell in talking about a “teacher”, I appreciated your performance. I liked the “masked” beginning and there were some really beautiful vocal moments in “By My Side/Finale”. I hope you continue attending Great River in years to come.
Iowa City West- I really thought you’d have enough points to make finals, but I do understand why the judges didn’t put you in. There was a major problem with consistency. One minute, you were blowing us all away and the next it would get a bit murky. Your vocals are simply divine, I find myself saying every year that I believe you have the potential to be one of, if not THE BEST sounding group in Iowa. The tone is gorgeous- not overproduced or forced and you have such a mature rich sound. That said, there were not many dynamic moments. The band, particularly the drummer, had some major issues with tempo. I also felt that the crash cymbal could be used a little more sparingly. The ballad started out with so much potential- but it didn’t go anywhere. If you listen to Groban’s version, the trumpets and other brass join and make the song a sweeping love song- I was disappointed when nothing like that occurred, it just didn’t build. The “oom pah pah” by the drummer also created a weird vibe. Overall- I think this may just be an off year. I really enjoy your shows. I have a sneaking suspicion that next year will be one of the best years you’ve experienced in years.
Davenport North- Your prelims performance didn’t do it for me… but your finals performance proved why you were there. I enjoyed the opener so much! Great ballad choice! The whole feel and vibe of the show reminded me of 2003 for some reason- which is good! I think its because NSE groups like 2003 and 2004 were so close… you can just tell that you all enjoy performing with each other. That kind of heart really makes your show shine. Work hard on that closer- it’s the only thing keeping you down at the moment. I can’t wait to see the show again at Western Dubuque- I know the Muscatine kids are eager to see it!
Linn Mar- Welcome back! I wasn’t sold by your prelims performance but was very impressed with your finals showing. This “formula” works for you so well. I really enjoyed the closer.
Cedar Rapids Washington- I’m a bit confused… I would have had you lower in prelims and higher and night, but that’s just me. Your show is just chocked full of groovy songs that get stuck in my head! I find myself singing “Everybody Scatter”, “All These Things I’ve Done”, and “Tightrope” all the time now. For the second year in a row, Harrington has given you some awesome moves. Its always a joy to watch the performers in Mo- I just feel like you guys consistently ‘let go’ and just show your true personalities on stage- I love that. No phoniness, all-natural. It is truly a testament to the fantastic direction that Mo has had for years now. I know you all are going to miss Dr. K dearly- the audiences will too.
Sauk Prairie- I so wish you all would have come to Great River when I was in high school. Not much to say about your show other than that once again- I’m a huge fan. Passion drips off of that stage- you all KNOW how to perform. I had the pleasure of chatting with lots of Sauk parents through the day and your directors after finals. You all are so lucky to have such a wonderful support system. Keep coming back and keep doing these shows!
Cedar Rapids Kennedy- (Every year, I usually write you a novel after seeing you at Great River- I’m going to try and keep it short)
I tweeted this during prelims yesterday- “We are one minute into Kennedy's show and I already know they are going to win Great River 2011.” It was as simple as that. I believe the prelims performance of “Yes” had the best vocal moments of the full Great River competition. I had seen “Fireflies” on YouTube and wasn’t a fan, but seeing it live was so different. I loved it. Year after year- you guys just have the full package: Phenomenal vocals, high energy and CLEAN choreography, a band that compliments the group perfectly, and a unique spirit that I’ve never seen any group touch. I’m a firm believer in “everything happens for a reason.” The trials and tribulations of our lives shape and mold the person that we are and become. You all should be so proud of your accomplishments this season. The group that performed on the Adler stage Saturday was the REAL “Happiness, Inc.” 2011. No one else belongs. No one can bring you down. EVER. Congrats!
Just a thought-
This is the 7th Grand Champion win of "Happiness, Inc." at Great River. They have won 50% of all Great Rivers. They also should receive the title "RULER OF DAVENPORT" for winning theonly two show choir competitions held in Davenport in the same year.
After day round Washington was behind Kennedy by 3.5 points. Linn-Mar was behind Washington by 6.5-7.5 points i believe. It was a CLOSE competition all day long. Everyone performed very well, in finals especially!
Linn Mar was behind Wash by about 17 after the day round
1st- Kennedy
2nd- Washington
3rd- Linn Mar
4th- Iowa City High
5th- Davenport North
6th- Sauk Prairie
7th- Iowa City West
8th- Bettendorf
9th- Reedsburg
Great competition everyone! Here's my thoughts on the groups I've seen:
Kennedy- wow! So happy to finally see your show! My favorite part was defiantly Fireflies because it was so different and I loved the part where it gets faster! I didn't enjoy the song selections for the closer, but I felt like Damon Brown gave you guys SUPER awesome choreography! And you guys are just SO clean! Congrats on your success this year
Linn Mar- Your closer was SO energetic! I really liked the choreography! One thing that confused me was the ballad, but I guess my spanish 3 skills aren't good at understanding a spanish song. Very powerful vocals!
Washington- You can really tell you've been working hard and cleaning your show and you did a very good job! I really enjoyed the closer and how much energy it had. You guys also have very fun choreography!
Sauk- I loved the musical choice decision this year. JC Superstar is a very fun musical and I loved the ballad so much! Just work on cleaning some of those moves and you'll be even better!
Bettendorf- You guys are starting to really get your names out there! I love the opener! Although I didn't see you here, I saw part of you on TV in the warm up room and I saw you at Mt. Pleasant. You've improved so much and you look awesome! Thanks again for letting us use your practice space yesterday morning. I love how we can become friends with a competing show choir. I'm sad I didn't get to see you in finals Keep up the great work!
Can't wait for next year! Everyone at IC High is thankful for a great competition season!
I'm guessing 4th-City High but I didn't get to see that far down. Does anyone remember?
After day round Washington was behind Kennedy by 3.5 points. Linn-Mar was behind Washington by 6.5-7.5 points i believe. It was a CLOSE competition all day long. Everyone performed very well, in finals especially!
I know B-dorf was 8th after, I think Iowa City West.
Iowa City High was in 4th, and I believe about 20 points behind Washington, I don't remember who got 5th, but either Sauk or Davenport north, and they were only 9 points behind us. I also believe Iowa City west got 7th place, but I might be wrong.
I'm guessing 4th-City High but I didn't get to see that far down. Does anyone remember?
After day round Washington was behind Kennedy by 3.5 points. Linn-Mar was behind Washington by 6.5-7.5 points i believe. It was a CLOSE competition all day long. Everyone performed very well, in finals especially!
Best band is awarded during the day so it very possible to have that awarded to a group that finishes in 2nd. And the way the scoring breaks down it is very possible have captions be all over. It's rare but happens
Davenport Great River Show Choir Invitational 2011
Keep up the great work!