Couldn’t have been more honored to be commentating at the hosts desk with Jill. I learned so many things, met so many amazing kids, and saw SO many great shows from groups I’ve never seen in person. Big thanks to Häakon and his crew, Chad Alexander, and Heart Of America for allowing me the opportunity to funnel my healthy obsession with show choir into something I think is not only productive, but super special. Much love.
DITTO!! What a fabulous day of show choir. I truly enjoyed every single show. Here were some highlights for me:
-Seeing the concert choirs in the morning. Many times we forget that the foundations for what the kids do on the show choir stage are learned in the concert choir classroom. Special shout out to Keller Central for performing "Sweetheart of the Sun," which I have a personal connection to, as the composer attended University in my hometown, Bemidji. It was one of my favorite songs to perform in high school
-Being able to interview and chat behind-the-scenes with the students from so many choirs. All of the kids were so kind and have such a passion for what they do <3
-The caliber of all of the groups here was astonishing!
-Meeting so many new show choir friends, especially Bradley.
-HOLY WOW single gender groups! So bummed I didn't get to see them all.
-I love that HOA does a finals round. It was a treat to see those groups twice, as there were a couple groups I have never seen before (Pleasant Hill, Zionsville) and really wanted to get a second watch of them. Also, it was great for the top single gender groups to be able to perform on that stage and broadcast their show on the Live Stream.
-WHAT A VENUE! Thanks to excellent light and sounds, this was one of the best venues I've ever seen and watched show choir in. If you are a director looking for a great "trip" competition, please consider this one.
-Also, I had no clue what a monster of a building the Gaylord Opryland is. It is MASSIVE. What a fun experience for the students.
I still can't get over what a special weekend it was. Thanks, HOA and Haakon!! I'll remember this day for years to come <3
All Mozart - Ben Johnson
Applause - Alaina and Mya Whitis
Opera - Susan May and Emani Armstrong
Carry On - Connor Cravens
Don Giovanni solo - Christian Haskell
Carry on trio- Eli Smith, Christian, Nathan McBride
Ramalama- Anna Line and Sophia Watt
Crazy = Genius trio - Anna Line, Sophia Watt, and Emily Stewart
Great show from Fairfield Choraliers, honestly one of the best choirs I’ve seen in my three years of show choir. The attention to detail and the vocals made me so excited. I was so impressed and am so happy to have competed with you guys this year!!
Yes I loved The Karate Kid show! Michael was amazing. Do you know if he has anything on social media? I wanted to share his voice with some folks who missed the performance
I’ve never been to a HOA competition. Is there really only one judge for vocals and one judge for visuals in prelims? Seems like a low number for a deep national competition.
Heart of America Nashville 2020
