First Runner Up
Best Choreography
Best Crew
People's Choice
Best Treble Soloist [Prelims] (Makayla Bridge)
Best Treble Soloist [Finals] (Makayla Bridge)
Best Overall Performer [Finals] (Shayla Gragston)
We were ahead in finals yes, Kennedy had an amazing show, and their vocals literally blew me away.. Hahaa. At nationals they did the people's choice categorie by giving the students in the choirs a piece of paper and allowed the students to decide who was most entertaining. It was an amazing experience, and I enjoyed every bit of it (aside from performing at 9) I am extremely excited for next year and everyone else should be too ;)
Thank you so very much for clarifying the People's Choice caption. I think it's great that the students could be involved with that decision! I'm also stoked to see what you guys and other choirs come up with next year!
We were ahead in finals yes, Kennedy had an amazing show, and their vocals literally blew me away.. Hahaa. At nationals they did the people's choice categorie by giving the students in the choirs a piece of paper and allowed the students to decide who was most entertaining. It was an amazing experience, and I enjoyed every bit of it (aside from performing at 9) I am extremely excited for next year and everyone else should be too ;)
So now that Fairfield Choraliers 2012 show is up on YouTube and I’ve watched it dozens of times, I just have a few questions (bad timing, right? Since SCC is going down for maintenance soon. Story of my life). Personally, I liked Fairfield’s show better than Kennedy; however that’s simply because I prefer the more story-themed shows as opposed to traditional classic show choir. I just find traditional show choir lacking sometimes, especially since the show choir world has been spoiled as of lately with the creative geniuses that are John Burroughs, Clinton, Los Al, Burbank, WWS, etc. Although I don’t prefer traditional show choir, I can certainly respect a choir that emulates it to near perfection, such as Kennedy. Everything from their costumes, staging, choreography, etc. scream traditional – which, again, not necessarily a good or bad thing, just an opinionated-observation. As I’ve noted several times in this SCN 2012 topic, I pointed out that Kennedy was being severely underrated in predictions and that they’re basically a small army on stage so I have been, in a way, giving Kennedy their dues when appropriate.
So back to my question (since I always seem to get )… what exactly goes into the awards such as “Best Overall Effect” and “People’s Choice”? Is “Best Overall Effect” like…Best Show Design at other competitions or what? I tried to research on SCN’s website to see if they gave any information on the awards, but wasn’t able to find anything. I’m just curious, because in my honest opinion Fairfield’s ‘Around the World’ show had a greater effect on me than Kennedy’s. Like I said, I prefer the newer direction of show choir such as story/themed shows. Again, I thought Kennedy’s show was fantastic in its own right! But I appreciated the culture of Fairfield more so, because I felt like they had a better overall effect with their storyline, set list, costuming, staging, etc. So I guess I was just wondering what exactly “Best Overall Effect” is and how they judges determine that caption! As for “People’s Choice”, does the audience just submit a piece of paper with their favorite choir or what? I just want clarification on captions and how they’re determined!
I’m not saying Kennedy didn’t deserve to win or be awarded those captions – I think they’re great and I stand by the judge’s decisions wholeheartedly. But I also think it’s important to point out Show Choir National’s leniency towards “classic/traditional” show choir. For example, Los Al “Sound FX” receiving Grand Champion over Burbank “In Sync” in 2010. Not saying that placement was wrong – simply pointing out the judges preferred the more traditional show. If anyone has scores/rankings that would be fabulous. Especially since one person noted that Fairfield was ahead in prelims, but perhaps that early final performance time was a disadvantage? I don't know, I just find it all interesting and that is all.
So now that Fairfield Choraliers 2012 show is up on YouTube and I’ve watched it dozens of times, I just have a few questions (bad timing, right? Since SCC is going down for maintenance soon. Story of my life). Personally, I liked Fairfield’s show better than Kennedy; however that’s simply because I prefer the more story-themed shows as opposed to traditional classic show choir. I just find traditional show choir lacking sometimes, especially since the show choir world has been spoiled as of lately with the creative geniuses that are John Burroughs, Clinton, Los Al, Burbank, WWS, etc. Although I don’t prefer traditional show choir, I can certainly respect a choir that emulates it to near perfection, such as Kennedy. Everything from their costumes, staging, choreography, etc. scream traditional – which, again, not necessarily a good or bad thing, just an opinionated-observation. As I’ve noted several times in this SCN 2012 topic, I pointed out that Kennedy was being severely underrated in predictions and that they’re basically a small army on stage so I have been, in a way, giving Kennedy their dues when appropriate.
So back to my question (since I always seem to get )… what exactly goes into the awards such as “Best Overall Effect” and “People’s Choice”? Is “Best Overall Effect” like…Best Show Design at other competitions or what? I tried to research on SCN’s website to see if they gave any information on the awards, but wasn’t able to find anything. I’m just curious, because in my honest opinion Fairfield’s ‘Around the World’ show had a greater effect on me than Kennedy’s. Like I said, I prefer the newer direction of show choir such as story/themed shows. Again, I thought Kennedy’s show was fantastic in its own right! But I appreciated the culture of Fairfield more so, because I felt like they had a better overall effect with their storyline, set list, costuming, staging, etc. So I guess I was just wondering what exactly “Best Overall Effect” is and how they judges determine that caption! As for “People’s Choice”, does the audience just submit a piece of paper with their favorite choir or what? I just want clarification on captions and how they’re determined!
I’m not saying Kennedy didn’t deserve to win or be awarded those captions – I think they’re great and I stand by the judge’s decisions wholeheartedly. But I also think it’s important to point out Show Choir National’s leniency towards “classic/traditional” show choir. For example, Los Al “Sound FX” receiving Grand Champion over Burbank “In Sync” in 2010. Not saying that placement was wrong – simply pointing out the judges preferred the more traditional show. If anyone has scores/rankings that would be fabulous. Especially since one person noted that Fairfield was ahead in prelims, but perhaps that early final performance time was a disadvantage? I don't know, I just find it all interesting and that is all.
Just wanted to say that our experience at SCN with Sumrall Legacy was one I will cherish forever! This was an awesome competition and the atmosphere and venue were so wonderful!! Our kids had the time of their lives and enjoyed every minute of the competition. Our parents also had a wonderful trip! Many thanks to Attache for all they did in making this competition a wonderful memory for us. Our director, Mrs. Jeneanne Miller, received the Director Appreciation Award this year!! What an awesome testimony to her hard work and dedication to our small group which is only in its third year of existence. We also had an Outstanding Male Soloist winner in the preliminaries, Brandon Hudson, and we are so very very proud of him as well!!!
Congrats to all those winning in this competition. I thoroughly enjoyed Kennedy's show! Your vocals were amazing! I especially enjoyed the signs during the show regarding the soloist got her part as her mom was the show choir booster president.....my daughter has a solo and I am the booster president.....it was a priceless moment for us that we thoroughly enjoyed.
It's tough sometimes being a small group competing against the powerhouses of show choir, but I will say our kids had a wonderful time at this competition!!
I am extremely proud of my group Oak Mountain "Con Brio". In less than a year these guys and girls went from hardly even making finals anywhere to getting 3rd runner up and Show Choir Nationals, beating most peoples predictions. Though I am graduating, I hope this choir continues to make a name for itself and becomes a force to be reconed with.
Could someone please tell me where I can order a DVD? Thanks so much in advance. This is the link to the Show Choir Nationals website and their dvd page, but it appears that it hasn't been updated yet this year. There is a number to call, though, so I'd check that out if you're interested!
Such a great trip: hats off to the Opryland staff and Attache (who is fantastic as always). Just some quick notes for some choirs that I saw:
Albertville: As you've most likely heard all year long, you have a fantastic set. You really take advantage of it to help bring out this "new age rock" kind of feel and your performing definitely plays off of that. I thought that your dancing especially was great and I loved the tone of the men. Soloists were great and whoever played the guitar was phenomenal.
Auburn: Fantastic show. I am much more of a fan of traditional show choir and you guys blew me away during the first round (I didn't see you in the second round). I liked the colors of your costumes and your soloists were of the best I've heard all year long. The man who won best male soloist both days was just too good. Also one of the coolest vocal things that I heard all day came from the last or second to last number when it was like a waterfall of sound layering on from the top or something.. It might have been an Ooh or an Aah.. I'm not sure. Very cool though.
Fairfield: The only other show that I got to see from the Friday round. All around an AMAZING show. Great vocals and superb dancing with a theme and set that were genius. It wasn't too story-line driven, which I loved, but it was connected enough to actually give a meaning to the songs. I thought that the different styles of dance and singing must have been very difficult to learn but you all have mastered them. The riser set up was so new and cool; I imagine there will be a few choirs next year that try something similar. My favorite moment in the show was the stop in "india" where there was the snake charmer and the soloist.. that soloist was SO good. Other than the Auburn soloist he was by far the best there. I was very glad I finally got to see you live after seeing you on youtube so many times for the past few years.
A shout out to all the Happiness members, from band to crew to singer/dancers. Thank you all for an amazing ride this year, and for the incredible way you brought the season to a close. Seniors, you'll be missed so much! To the rest of you,......big shoes to fill next season. Honored to be part of Happiness and proud beyond words of all of you. God Bless, Damon
who really got choreo? It says that both Kennedy and Fairfield did.....
I will assume Fairfield because nothing I've heard from the kids or parents indicate that Kennedy received Best Choreography. I believe they mistakenly put Kennedy's Best Band award in the results as Best Choreography.
He is judging the Middle School, Women's division, and soloist. The mixed groups/ Finals judges are
Dave Fher
Dave Moellenkamp? (Los Alamitos director, spell check)
April James
Krietzer?( Can't remember that guy. I wanna say maybe the director of Sullivan? Or Cedar Rapids Jefferson... Idk)
Congrats Kennedy! I told you all that you were definitely underestimating Happiness in your predictions! They're seriously a small army and incredible every year!
Also congratulations to Fairfield Choraliers for, i'm sure, representing Ohio very well and coming away with Best Choreography which is also something to be stoked about!
And I second Scott about wondering who the judges were as well as wondering if anyone would happen to know a final points spread/rankings since I'm sure this was a tight competition!