I think next year will be very telling for Fame. I'm sure it will bounce back as well and I agree they have done a lot for show choir with trying to make an actual national championship as well as the aspire awards. Although it wouldn't be unprecedented if it was starting to be on its way out. People never thought the Showstoppers chain of competitions would ever die out but when Fame started to rise Showstoppers dwindled away. If Heat of America can keep gaining a lot of steam then it could happen. Although it would be nice to have multiple big national competitions.
I don't believe that FAME will be timeless, I just wouldn't expect to see them start to fade away just yet.
I'd be shocked if FAME were on its way out. I believe that this is just an off year for them, and next year these competitions will be back up to what we have come to expect.
FAME has really helped the growth of show choir in the past few years, allowing students to compete against new groups (to them) and help add a sense of pride for schools. Their national competition has become the best ever attempt at such a thing in show choir's history. I'm sure they'll keep coming up with great ideas.
I think next year will be very telling for Fame. I'm sure it will bounce back as well and I agree they have done a lot for show choir with trying to make an actual national championship as well as the aspire awards. Although it wouldn't be unprecedented if it was starting to be on its way out. People never thought the Showstoppers chain of competitions would ever die out but when Fame started to rise Showstoppers dwindled away. If Heat of America can keep gaining a lot of steam then it could happen. Although it would be nice to have multiple big national competitions.
I'd be shocked if FAME were on its way out. I believe that this is just an off year for them, and next year these competitions will be back up to what we have come to expect.
FAME has really helped the growth of show choir in the past few years, allowing students to compete against new groups (to them) and help add a sense of pride for schools. Their national competition has become the best ever attempt at such a thing in show choir's history. I'm sure they'll keep coming up with great ideas.
I've noticed that Chad Alexander is with Heart of America, and thus presumably no longer with FAME. Can anyone confirm this?
For one thing, Heart of America happened this year, which drew a lot of groups that would normally go to FAME. It's the new thing. Conveniently located and less expensive.
Also, some local competitions have continued to become more popular, proving to be more competitive than FAME anyway.
In my opinion, FAME expanded a little too far during the success of their re-invention (adding a National Qualifying Championship). For example, trying to have two Orlando competitions and attempting to put together FAME America and International competitions. Everything is getting too pricey for groups to attend FAME every year. And removing "finals" from regional competitions might have deterred some groups.
In the coming years, they will probably have to make some changes. Maybe consolidation to fewer competitions and trying out new locations (I'm still waiting for FAME New Orleans, which would appeal to a lot of Southern groups, IMO). Or perhaps, FAME is on its way out (kind of how showstoppers phased out) and HoA will be the new FAME. I'm personally hoping that FAME survives and continues re-inventing. They have produced very high quality competition opportunities for show choirs for many years, and they hopefully will continue to do so.
I'd be shocked if FAME were on its way out. I believe that this is just an off year for them, and next year these competitions will be back up to what we have come to expect.
FAME has really helped the growth of show choir in the past few years, allowing students to compete against new groups (to them) and help add a sense of pride for schools. Their national competition has become the best ever attempt at such a thing in show choir's history. I'm sure they'll keep coming up with great ideas.
I'll be rooting for my friends in Vibe!! .... but on a side note.. anyone want to discuss the elephant in the room? What happened to FAME this year?
For one thing, Heart of America happened this year, which drew a lot of groups that would normally go to FAME. It's the new thing. Conveniently located and less expensive.
Also, some local competitions have continued to become more popular, proving to be more competitive than FAME anyway.
In my opinion, FAME expanded a little too far during the success of their re-invention (adding a National Qualifying Championship). For example, trying to have two Orlando competitions and attempting to put together FAME America and International competitions. Everything is getting too pricey for groups to attend FAME every year. And removing "finals" from regional competitions might have deterred some groups.
In the coming years, they will probably have to make some changes. Maybe consolidation to fewer competitions and trying out new locations (I'm still waiting for FAME New Orleans, which would appeal to a lot of Southern groups, IMO). Or perhaps, FAME is on its way out (kind of how showstoppers phased out) and HoA will be the new FAME. I'm personally hoping that FAME survives and continues re-inventing. They have produced very high quality competition opportunities for show choirs for many years, and they hopefully will continue to do so.
11:45 - Brantley Country High School "Herons Elite"
12:30 - South Jones High School "New Edition"
1:00 - Daniel Hand "Vibe"
1:30 - Bishop Luers High School "Minstrels"
2:00 - South Jones High School "Company"
2:30 - Awards