So I should definitely be studying for my midterms right now but I decided to see what people said about this competition. It was definitely a bizarre experience to even witness show choir let alone my own former group, but I had a lot of fun watching it with other alum from different schools. I sat with my friends from Powerhouse, Music Machine, and Marquis, and it really made me think about what my four years in choir mean to me now. Here's where I get on my soapbox...
Dave Willert's comment about cliques and opinions is one of the most insightful and correct comments about how show choir functions. No performers in show choir really get to choose which school they go to or which choir they make it into. It's unfair to treat another choir and its members less than any other because of material or choreography or costumes etc... I know I never got to choose which a cappella we sang, or what our closer was, or anything of the sort. People are obviously entitled to have an opinion about song selection and style and decide what's original or not, but it's NOT like the kids in the show choir picked all these things. I know that throughout my four years, elitism and cliques ran RAMPANT. It's ONLY hurtful and excluding. Every choir that competes works SO hard to be able to perform and tries their BEST with the conditions that they have.
Not every choir is as lucky as the next with regards to funding, staff, or support from their community, and it sometimes makes a big difference in competitions. I consider myself to have been extremely lucky to have been in the Los Angeles area where performing arts is important for many communities.
I'll make a suggestion, PLEASE consider these things before you decide that you are more deserving or more important than another choir. Besides, if you lived somewhere else, you probably would be in that choir. I was a few blocks from going to Burroughs...
Wow...I think this is the first time I've ever posted a comment on here. Guess there's a first time for everything! " border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />
I know it's been a while since Diamond Bar, but I'd like to say that performing on stage that Friday was one of the most fun experiences I've ever had. And while I was dissapointed at first with our placement, I'm realizing what a great choir I'm in, as well as how great all the schools are this year. I also realized that this year is much more well-rounded. I was incredibly surprised by some groups and the awesome work they've done.
I'm pumped for this season. My photographic memory won't stop playing back almost every song performed that night (especially Burbank's opener).
hey everyone!!!
i am going to state my opinion in this whirlpool of conversations:
personally... i think it is WAY to early to state how good or bad you think a group is.
Everyone i think did an EXCELLENT job on friday night and the competition will only make choirs better. Everyone has stepped up their game and i can't wait to se what the rest of the season has in store. Everyone has room for improvement and good luck to everyone and congrats to everyone on such awesome shows!
In the meantime come to Pop Show!!! (Feb. 21-24)
Well said.
I remember you from the Showcase last year!
You hosted Impressions.
:>
hey everyone!!!
i am going to state my opinion in this whirlpool of conversations:
personally... i think it is WAY to early to state how good or bad you think a group is.
Everyone i think did an EXCELLENT job on friday night and the competition will only make choirs better. Everyone has stepped up their game and i can't wait to se what the rest of the season has in store. Everyone has room for improvement and good luck to everyone and congrats to everyone on such awesome shows!
In the meantime come to Pop Show!!! (Feb. 21-24)
i deeeeeeeeefinately agree with you, andrew, especially in it being way too early. there's so much time for groups to change between now and the next competition... so everyone needs to stop freaking out.
matt did a very nice job with the solo, but i think the mic was pretty hot (therefore loud); my favorite a capella and solo of the night...(maybe a tie solo with nick's "fix you")
hey Jacob...thanks for the comment about my solo....much appretiated
hey everyone!!!
i am going to state my opinion in this whirlpool of conversations:
personally... i think it is WAY to early to state how good or bad you think a group is.
Everyone i think did an EXCELLENT job on friday night and the competition will only make choirs better. Everyone has stepped up their game and i can't wait to se what the rest of the season has in store. Everyone has room for improvement and good luck to everyone and congrats to everyone on such awesome shows!
In the meantime come to Pop Show!!! (Feb. 21-24)
The three men adjudicating at Diamond Bar have about 120 years experience and expertise in working with all choirs, including show choirs in college, high school, community, and professional. They are three of the top half dozen respected choral directors in Southern California in the past 40 years or so. They have adjudicated many, many festivals and have directed National Champion Show Choirs, Madrigal Choirs, and Concert Choirs. They are all very well versed in musical theater. In short, they know what they are doing. The fact that they are all former choir directors, and not just entertainment-type people, makes their evaluations legitimate.
Mr. Maxson,
Could you elaborate a bit more specifically on their accomplishments as show choir directors (ie. groups they directed and how they fared on a state and national level)? Everything i've ever read about them has been a bit vague. Judging by the number of competitions they adjudicate, they certainly play a significant role on the SoCal circuit. Thanks.
thank you mr. willert for your true words of wisdom. and also tay :>
it's easier to say this but just think about it. be appreciative of still having this circuit of performers who fundraise, put forth ridiculous hours of rehearsals, and who instill information beyond the knowledge applicable to choir, because what would the majority of us have to do then to fill the time choir has in our life? the time, effort, determination, and dedication you learn towards your choir during this exhilarating competition season builds some very powerful elements that will help you beyond the short 4 years of high school you have.
in my years of show choir i've been fortunate to make some amazing friends not just in my choir over the years, but in others as well - who now, are some of my closest friends; and sitting with them all at diamondbar (minus a few) was just as exciting as sitting in the performance sections.
i think the placements were total BS! I thought the only choir with a "real" show last night was burroughs. I think its time for burbank to come up with new ideas. its looks pretty bad when you use the same props two years in a row.
I think you should watch your mouth and have more respect for groups who work really hard on their shows. Props are props. When it comes down to it, it's about the singing and dancing, not props. So nice try justifing why burbank should not have won.
QUOTE(emmanemgurlie @ Feb 11 2008, 12:31 PM) 418520
I'm pretty positive he was trying to be cute, not vicious.
You know Emma, you are exactly right. Kevin is always looking to be cute, just look at his hair =). Second off, everyone lets just love eachother and not be snippy... i mean after all isn't that what show choir is all about. Of course, after vocals. And well, Choreography too. Plus Facials. But mainly its about love.
Burbank, reading all these comments make me more proud than ever to work with all of you. Thank you for the way you're handling yourselves and know there's a guy with a receding hairline sitting in his house during a snowstorm 2000 miles away who's honored beyond belief to work with you. You're amazing singers, dancers, actors and people, and you have a director who I consider not only to be a great friend, but one of the finest musical minds and educators it's ever been my honor to work with in my 26 years in the business.
Celebrate your success because you deserve it. You're blessed to have so many wonderful groups in your area that have diverse styles (as do you) and approaches. Mr Carroll is constantly complimenting these other programs when we talk on the phone and telling me about the great material they produce each year. Appreciate and embrace what every other school does, accept both winning and defeat with class and dignity, grow from watching the amazing choreography and listening to the wonderful singing that your competitors perform, but NEVER EVER apologize for the wonderful work you do, and the shows you share with others so artistically. If you won't, I won't. Deal?
I think what everyone has been saying is so correct. But I also think that we should look at the bright side..
At what other kind of competition event does every group root for the other? Los Al is a school where sports are a huge focus and I have never been to any kind of event where we root for the other team. ON THE CONTRARY, I've NEVER been to a show choir competition where my group hasn't been cheered on or well supported.. and I wouldn't say Los Al is the most supported group in the So Cal circuit.
Yes, there are groups that we all seem to worship more than others.. but rightfully so. Which choir doesn't work for a sound like Burbank, consistant showmanship like Burroughs, or facials like Brea? I mean, really, its part of being in a competition is trying to become as good as or better than the other groups so that hoepfully, you can take home a bigger trophy than that one group.
Thanks, Mr. Maxson and Taylor for your wise comments.
Encouragement and appreciation build people up; unsolicited (and public) criticism never helps anyone. Keep up the good work; you are ALL amazing! (I'm much less sarcastic when it isn't so late...)
So I should definitely be studying for my midterms right now but I decided to see what people said about this competition. It was definitely a bizarre experience to even witness show choir let alone my own former group, but I had a lot of fun watching it with other alum from different schools. I sat with my friends from Powerhouse, Music Machine, and Marquis, and it really made me think about what my four years in choir mean to me now. Here's where I get on my soapbox...
Dave Willert's comment about cliques and opinions is one of the most insightful and correct comments about how show choir functions. No performers in show choir really get to choose which school they go to or which choir they make it into. It's unfair to treat another choir and its members less than any other because of material or choreography or costumes etc... I know I never got to choose which a cappella we sang, or what our closer was, or anything of the sort. People are obviously entitled to have an opinion about song selection and style and decide what's original or not, but it's NOT like the kids in the show choir picked all these things. I know that throughout my four years, elitism and cliques ran RAMPANT. It's ONLY hurtful and excluding. Every choir that competes works SO hard to be able to perform and tries their BEST with the conditions that they have.
Not every choir is as lucky as the next with regards to funding, staff, or support from their community, and it sometimes makes a big difference in competitions. I consider myself to have been extremely lucky to have been in the Los Angeles area where performing arts is important for many communities.
I'll make a suggestion, PLEASE consider these things before you decide that you are more deserving or more important than another choir. Besides, if you lived somewhere else, you probably would be in that choir. I was a few blocks from going to Burroughs...
Damn, this young man seems so insightful. He must have amazing parents.....
So I should definitely be studying for my midterms right now but I decided to see what people said about this competition. It was definitely a bizarre experience to even witness show choir let alone my own former group, but I had a lot of fun watching it with other alum from different schools. I sat with my friends from Powerhouse, Music Machine, and Marquis, and it really made me think about what my four years in choir mean to me now. Here's where I get on my soapbox...
Dave Willert's comment about cliques and opinions is one of the most insightful and correct comments about how show choir functions. No performers in show choir really get to choose which school they go to or which choir they make it into. It's unfair to treat another choir and its members less than any other because of material or choreography or costumes etc... I know I never got to choose which a cappella we sang, or what our closer was, or anything of the sort. People are obviously entitled to have an opinion about song selection and style and decide what's original or not, but it's NOT like the kids in the show choir picked all these things. I know that throughout my four years, elitism and cliques ran RAMPANT. It's ONLY hurtful and excluding. Every choir that competes works SO hard to be able to perform and tries their BEST with the conditions that they have.
Not every choir is as lucky as the next with regards to funding, staff, or support from their community, and it sometimes makes a big difference in competitions. I consider myself to have been extremely lucky to have been in the Los Angeles area where performing arts is important for many communities.
I'll make a suggestion, PLEASE consider these things before you decide that you are more deserving or more important than another choir. Besides, if you lived somewhere else, you probably would be in that choir. I was a few blocks from going to Burroughs...
Diamond Bar Spectacular 2008
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