Another year, another great day of competition at Hinton! I feel like this was one of the deeper line-ups Hinton has had in a few years; a big part of this has to do with groups like Harlan and Spirit Lake becoming actually competitive over the last 2 years and Sioux Center remaining there. I feel like groups 1-7 were all close last night. Some of these groups don't even have people on here but I'm gonna mention everyone anyway.
Westwood - Your consistency continues to baffle me. Coming from a school so small that some crazy number like 25% of your entire high school is involved in show choir and yet you continue to produce the consistent talent that you do? Gerking is a magician. And Sloan must have musical water. Another good showing for THE small-school dynasty of Iowa. Congrats on the win!
Heelan - Your opening costumes make me happy. I can't explain it. So Eastery. I just love the aesthetic. Vocals were very good as usual. Show was a bit forgettable for me (usually HM shows are my fav of the season) but overall another successful performance for Harmonia. I had you winning.
Spirit Lake - The progress you have made over the last two seasons is ridiculous. You went from being just kinda there to being a potential contender and making finals. It makes me very happy to see. Over the years Spirit Lake has had some of my favorite vocal moments of any show, but things just hadn't come together to produce a finals-worthy set. But you're there now. And I am excited to continue to see the progression!
Bellevue West - Your ballad soloist is my favorite. Her voice brought me back to like 70 years ago and it was just so fantastic. I had goosebumps. Really liked the opening dresses - rare to see floor-length in a show but it made some cool shapes during turns. The first half of your show was fire. Those dance breaks were some of the cleanest of the day. Second half lost some intensity. The vocals were a bit shouty at times, but overall I really enjoyed your show. So glad you continue to come to Hinton!
Sioux Center - Y'all have been my favorite the past couple of seasons. I wish I could go back and watch your Clue show from a couple years ago over and over and over again. It has been exciting to see the rise of your program over the last 4 years and I am glad that you have maintained the consistency. Also I am very glad you finally were able to stay for a finals! Dang weather/other commitments. Was really impressed by your vocals, though a bit difficult to hear in places. Overall, great show!
CBAL - I can't imagine what it must be like to attend a school of your size (1200+) but only be able to find 25 or so kids to be in show choir. But it doesn't stop you all from absolutely killin' it up there. Keep the faith and continue to sing your hearts out. Also the girl w/ the short hair was the best performer of the day.
Harlan - WOW. The difference between your group two years ago to now is night and day. I actually thought you would sneak in finals. Chase has you guys in such great position for the future. The vocals were just so, so beautiful. Reminds me of a few years ago when Sheldon had something like 20 all-staters in their group. They were small, but the vocals were just SO on point. That is what y'all sound like this year. And the choreography has such great, clean moments. Keep it up. Really enjoyed you guys.
Le Mars - Best C&B show since 2012 IMO. I'm glad that the group is bigger, as it really expanded your vocals. It was much easier to hear you than it has been over the previous few seasons. Opener was great. Second song lost me a bit, but vocals were still very good. I really like the choreography this year and it is very clean. I was worried about doing "You will be found" as the ballad but the arrangement was wonderful and it was just stunning. Ewing built this program after it cratered (04-06) and has kept it up. Proud to be a former member!
Middle school results
1. Westwood
2. Heelan
3. Harlan
4. Woodbury Central
Spirit Lake did not compete in the MS competition
Siouxland All-City was exhibition only
Excited to take in some show choir tomorrow. Love these "small school" competitions. Last year, two groups who had never made finals in their school's history made finals here. at Hinton Wondering if we see that again tomorrow with Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln. Have a happy St. Patty's Day, y'all!
Hinton Soundsational Invitational 2018
