Titan Express and Titanium both finished in second place in their divisions after daytime awards!
Perhaps this may not be the venue to express this hopefully not very long observation, but I'll start by writing in this topic. One conversation that I had with some friends, and also with some more experienced members of our community, resulted in three issues (or questions) I have for anyone who may want to chip in with commentary. (Side note: these comments are not aimed at a specific group, but rather general questions I've formulated after seeing many groups over the past month or so.)
Also, if you are a director, choreographer, or observer who can answer some of these questions but not in a public forum, please feel free to PM me!
Issue #1:
How does a judge go about scoring a choir who sings exceptionally well in their ballad (Quality tone and intonation) but those same two characteristics, in specific, are nowhere near that same quality for the rest of their show? I've heard some very unique and powerful ballads this year, but I often haven't been remembering them because I've been distracted by their lack of breath support and blend for the rest of their show. I understand that this can is pretty common with all choirs, but some learn to overcome this obstacle with time. However, I've noticed it more this year, and that may just be that I've learned to see and hear these differences from my previous experiences.....but I still wonder....
Issue #2
How do judges fairly judge choirs who are given moderately easy choreography versus a choir with difficult and agile choreo (in a vocal sense)? I've seen several choirs sing exceptionally well this year throughout their choreographed numbers, but from my angle, it has only been due to the lack of energy required for the choreography. It's more noticeable when two choirs share the same choreographer and it is pretty clear which choir received the more challenging dancing. And perhaps this question is also to be asked of directors and choreographers as to how they find that balance between adequate enough singing and dancing so that both are at similar difficulty levels and challenging the choir to the best that it can.
Issue #3
How do judges fairly and accurately score a choir who's repertoire is lacking in difficulty? I've seen several choirs who have placed higher than others (albeit without seeing their vocal scores) but their music seems very linear and simplistic, while the choirs they have bested are tackling music that is complex, difficult, and challenging. The former has good intonation, tone, and breath support, but I find myself wondering what would happen if that same choir was given the latter's music and faced its challenges. How does a judge score good singing of easy music versus not as good singing of difficult music?
Scores were miscounted: Papio South Titanium and Titan Express were both in seond. Their scores tied with Lincoln east and Millard north in their respective tiers, but both vocal scores from Papio South were higher.
Hearing that Titan Express was actually 2nd place after a tie was broken incorrectly, as well that the same happened to Titanium and Lincoln East with both Papillion South groups having the higher vocal score.
Hearing that Titan Express was actually 2nd place after a tie was broken incorrectly, as well that the same happened to Titanium and Lincoln East with both Papillion South groups having the higher vocal score.
I'm so excited for this competition!!! I'm super pumped to see Titanium, as I haven't seen them since their debut. I'm also really pumped to see Lincoln East and Skutt, as I haven't seen either this season but have heard such great things about both! Not to mention I'm a huge fan of Melanie Walters and Ben Ecklund choreograohy. Can't wait to see everyone!
Note: If there isn't any bagged milk I will NOT be happy
GC: Lincoln East (BV,BC)
1RU: Papio South (BB)
2RU: Millard North
3RU: Pius
4RU: Skutt
5RU: Elegance
I'm sad that Resonance isn't going to Norris this year, but at the same time I'm very excited to watch all my friends compete and have a great time. Best of luck to all these groups here, and I cannot wait to watch you perform this Saturday!
Norris Fields of Talent 2016
