I still haven't seen many examples of the rules that are ancient. And I guess since everyone takes this competition so seriously and it is such a big deal, isn't it a good thing that the rules are strict? Otherwise there would probably be a lot more disagreements than there are now.
Well im not going to get into every detail of what I think (in my opinion) was wrong with the rules and how things were handeled. There are a few. I will say that in speaking with Liz Marshall, she too agreed the rules were a bit strict. Also, heres a funny thing, 2 different directors, names disclosed, have e-mailed me to say they completely agree with me. I again will not get into this in a heavy manner, but i have simply scratched the surface with my opinion. I have spoken with who i need to about my concerns and its done. All you can do is voice your opinion.
Again, for the record, this has absolutely NOTHING to do with any of the choirs or students. And i am not speaking as a Morgantown representative. This is how i viewed things coming into this situation from the outside.
Hope Cabell Midland had a good trip to Orlando, I was trying to get there early to watch you. Let us know how you all did. i will be in Orlando tomorrow judging Showstoppers. Finally some sun!
Uhhh.... That one's pretty cut and dry and simple to avoid. Surely that's not what all this is about?
That's really all I can think of...the rules really aren't any different than you'd see most places. Here is a sumerary
-Participation is limited to students and directors who are all members of the same accreditied high school
-No limit to the size of vocal group
-Instrumental Accomaniment must be live and there is no limit to the size of the group
-Sound 60% Visual 40%
-No Limit on the form and style of the movement.
-Said time rules
-A warm up room will be provided
-In the event of a Tie for GC judge rankings will be used
-6 total judges
3 Overall show
1 Instrumental judge
1 Vocal Soloist judge
1 outstanding performer judge
-no flash photography or video recording
-Registration fee is non-refundable for any reason
-Performance times will be done by riser set up
- Host school will receive a $1,000 stipend from the WVMEA
- Chairperson will recieve a $1,000 stipend from the WVMEA
- Chairperson will be done on a rotating basis
-Chairperson will pay a $5 per applicant fee to the WVMEA.
- Decisions of the judges are final
I also know that at States, they schedule people with odd riser setups to go earlier in the day...but surely that's not the only thing to complain about.
What "high standards" does WVMEA have that other comps do not? And what are some examples of these "our way or no way" and "disqualified if you sneeze" rules?
What "high standards" does WVMEA have that other comps do not? And what are some examples of these "our way or no way" and "disqualified if you sneeze" rules?
I had the rules typed out for Rian the other day...he might still have them. Only thing even a little different than most places is..
-Each group gets 25 minutes. 1 point will be taken off for every 15 seconds you go over, and any group going over 30 minutes will be disqualified.
What "high standards" does WVMEA have that other comps do not? And what are some examples of these "our way or no way" and "disqualified if you sneeze" rules?
I wanted to take this time to express my thanks to all the stage crew that worked the festival and also to all the people who helped their show choirs load and prepare. Every school was represented very well by who helped unload and stage the sets before the show. Things back stage went very smoothly and that is a testament to not only the volunteers that were back there all day but also to the respective schools. Also a HUGE thanks goes out to the Dunbar middle fathers who helped backstage. They were a huge help.
I wish I knew the names of people who stood out in particular, I could go into great detail about how great each group was to work with back stage but that would take way too much space. This festival ran well due to great volunteers from Cabell Midland and also due to outstanding people working with each group to help things go very smoothly backstage. My hats off to all of you.
I totally agree! I would like to thank the dads and helpers backstage! they were sooooo nice and accomadating to us. You guys were working your butts off we totally appreciate your help!
QUOTE(pocavvtenor21 @ Mar 13 2007, 02:07 PM) 394232
no offense, and i mean that in the most sincere way, but why does it matter who the best performer judge is??...when people ask who the judges are going to be at a competition, no one ever asks who the best performer judge is...honestly...its not that big of a deal...im not trying to be an (insert other word for butt here) about it, and i REEAAAALLY mean that im not tryin 2 be mean, but it doesnt matter..im just wondering why you care so much about it...i could honestly care less who the best performer judge is...all i would wanna go for is the GC
No offense taken at all. Heres the deal. I have no problem with who the best performer judge would have been. But when rules are made so incredibly harsh, when u are made to feel like you cant even sneeze without being disqualified, and this"youre going to do it our way or no way" mentality, and you are beaten down with the fact that this is the biggest state competition, then you have to look at all aspects of the professionalism involved. Why wouldnt you bring in a complete expert with a good experienced resume for such an incredible hard competition? Now if it were more lax and and not so in your face, than i wouldnt have a problem with it. If the caption awards were coming from cabel midland and had to do nothing with states, then i would have no problem with it. im not trying to slam the judge, im just wondering if they demand such high standards from all the choirs, than i think i should in return demand high standards from them as well. If were going to something so amazing, then dang it i better get something amazing back in terms of qualified personnel.
Again, has nothing to do with students or bitterness. This is simply my opinion. I am so glad we ended up going because Morgantown had a blast performing and did a great job!
I wanted to take this time to express my thanks to all the stage crew that worked the festival and also to all the people who helped their show choirs load and prepare. Every school was represented very well by who helped unload and stage the sets before the show. Things back stage went very smoothly and that is a testament to not only the volunteers that were back there all day but also to the respective schools. Also a HUGE thanks goes out to the Dunbar middle fathers who helped backstage. They were a huge help.
I wish I knew the names of people who stood out in particular, I could go into great detail about how great each group was to work with back stage but that would take way too much space. This festival ran well due to great volunteers from Cabell Midland and also due to outstanding people working with each group to help things go very smoothly backstage. My hats off to all of you.
QUOTE(pocavvtenor21 @ Mar 13 2007, 02:07 PM) 394232
no offense, and i mean that in the most sincere way, but why does it matter who the best performer judge is??...when people ask who the judges are going to be at a competition, no one ever asks who the best performer judge is...honestly...its not that big of a deal...im not trying to be an (insert other word for butt here) about it, and i REEAAAALLY mean that im not tryin 2 be mean, but it doesnt matter..im just wondering why you care so much about it...i could honestly care less who the best performer judge is...all i would wanna go for is the GC
I totally agree. If Ms. Crall had been one of the three overall show judges...I can see where you might have a good argument, but it's the best performer judge...ANYONE can judge best performer. While I think States could use some improvements, maybe add a finals round...some more awards or something, I think that they've done a good job with it and I've always looked forward to it as one of the best competitions of the year!
For a highly held state competition? With such strenuous rules? hmmm... i think not. When this is supposed to be the highest honor in the state, and the rules and directors are cut throat, wouldnt you want an experienced judge? I would love to speak with you if you would like to email me.
My thoughts on here have nothing to do with Morgantown, rather than an outsider looking into how things are done here.
Sergio Mejia
www.show choircampswest.com
no offense, and i mean that in the most sincere way, but why does it matter who the best performer judge is??...when people ask who the judges are going to be at a competition, no one ever asks who the best performer judge is...honestly...its not that big of a deal...im not trying to be an (insert other word for butt here) about it, and i REEAAAALLY mean that im not tryin 2 be mean, but it doesnt matter..im just wondering why you care so much about it...i could honestly care less who the best performer judge is...all i would wanna go for is the GC
QUOTE(show choirmom @ Mar 13 2007, 05:21 AM) 394137
I also wanted to add that I thought that Cabell Midland did a great job hosting states. Seemed to be well run and go off without a hitch. I know that it is a huge undertaking and really makes it hard on your kids when they have to perform, but you did do a good job.
I thought the ladies at the door checking wristbands or stamps, were the nicest ladies! They were so helpful with everyone there! I stood there and talked with them for a while!
I do agree that the time slot was unfortunate for Morgantown. I did not like our time slot as well but it was what we were given. At all of out of state competitions this year, our time slot required us to stay two nights.
How do the rules differ from other competition? This is my son's first year in a high school show choir. He was previously in a middle school choir for three years but I know that the rules differ from the high school level. Can you elaborate on the differences? It could perhaps enhance the current rules. Just a thought.
Correct me if I am wrong, but the best preformer judge does only that correct. I did not see a problem with the selection of that judge. I believe we all watch a show and can select one or two performers that stand out above the rest.
Again, let me say, that I am sorry for any adult drama that has effected your students. I personally have always enjoyed Morgantown's shows.
Let me say that I am just asking questions and not being agruementitive. I know that sometimes people might come across that way in writing and not mean to be. Just new to the high school show choir world!
I am actually, per Liz (forgot her last name) from WVMEA, sending a copy of the Showstopper rules as well as the Fame rules. Just so maybe you can take a look at what is accepted as more the norm. Maybe some positive changes will be made. Not taking offense to your comment at all.
Wow, you know what else is real professional? A director getting on here bashing a 19 year old kid. Since I know her personally, I can say with 100% assurance that Kara Call was more than qualified to be the best performer judge. After all, who knows what it takes to be a good performer better than a former show choir member, especially one who got best performer awards themselves. And also, considering that 19 year old judge's pics for best performer had nothing to do with your actual standing in the competition, that was a cheap shot. Very professional.
For a highly held state competition? With such strenuous rules? hmmm... i think not. When this is supposed to be the highest honor in the state, and the rules and directors are cut throat, wouldnt you want an experienced judge? I would love to speak with you if you would like to email me.
My thoughts on here have nothing to do with Morgantown, rather than an outsider looking into how things are done here.
QUOTE(show choirmom @ Mar 13 2007, 05:21 AM) 394137
I also wanted to add that I thought that Cabell Midland did a great job hosting states. Seemed to be well run and go off without a hitch. I know that it is a huge undertaking and really makes it hard on your kids when they have to perform, but you did do a good job.
I agree, Cabell Midland did a superb job hosting...but I still miss Beckley.
I too...am wondering what about States makes it so old and ancient?
And with the judges, anytime you have Mike Crandall and Nancy Slife on a panel...I'd say that's pretty decent.
QUOTE(show choirmom @ Mar 13 2007, 05:02 AM) 394135
Just wanted to take a moment to congratulate all the schools. Everyone did a wonderful job this past weekend representing your schools. I have read all the comments.....concerning rule changes, time slots, questionable judges, etc. I know that everyone feels like they were cheated on something. Bottom line, regardless of where you placed, you all did a good job and you should be proud of that. Martinsburg....I had not seen you guys in a while.....you were awesome. You came out with a bang and never stopped the whole show! Way to Perform!!! For most of us, this wraps up this season. It has been good. If you still have other competitions, then I want to wish you luck and make WV proud! And for all of you seniors....be proud of what you have accomplished. Show Choir will always mean a lot to you. I have one that was in it for 4 years and is now a jr in college, and my youngest is a freshman in show choir. You have made memories and formed bonds that you won't forget. I sure hope that everyone made it home safely. I haven't heard anything, so I take that as a good sign. Good Luck in all you do! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
I also wanted to add that I thought that Cabell Midland did a great job hosting states. Seemed to be well run and go off without a hitch. I know that it is a huge undertaking and really makes it hard on your kids when they have to perform, but you did do a good job.
West Virginia State Show Choir Festival 2007
Good Luck in all you do! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!