Honestly it was really nice! The whole time I was thinking to myself "This venue could support the largest competition in the state without running into the normal issue of sending people to some type of overflow."
The Amphitheater can seat around 8,000 people. The sound was really good as well. I hope this competition continues to grow. That all being said, here are some things that I think are either points of conflict (kinda) or that can be improved.
1) The livestream wasn't very good in my experience, and although they put a disclaimer about the livestream having issues if the internet connection isn't as strong, I've watched many show choir live streams this season on the same internet with no issue. The sound on the livestream was fine but the visual consistently lagged.
2) obviously its outside which means that wasps, bees, mosquitos etc are flying around all the time and people are walking around more than they would at an inside event. This can be a bit distracting for the performers and for the audience. Weather has a big impact as well. So let's just pray that it remains clear each year *fingers crossed*
3) Not sure this will be the case in the future but most groups had to come directly to the amphitheater because (i assume) there wasn't a place for home rooms closer to the actual building. Even for this event size, which was relatively small. So I Imagine groups would have to bus over from a nearby facility from their homeroom. Walking was suggested as a possibility but I'm not sure how safe/practical that is.
For their first competition, I think all of the staff and volunteers did an amazing job. It really does take a village, and they put on an excellent comp. I will definitely come back next year if they continue it.
Actually, homerooms were an option at Rouse Elementary 1-2 minutes down the road. Only one group requested a homeroom this year, but hopefully next year this will be looked at more closely! Thank you so much for your positive comments.
Congrats to Madison Central! This is their first GC since 2016, as Brad mentioned earlier. And congrats to Brandon on hosting their first competition. Hopefully more groups will attend next year!
Despite it's smaller size, this will still be a very worth while competition to keep an eye on due to the quality of the competitiors. A couple of things....
You have a very strong Jackson Academy, who has had a really good year thus far. This season, they've only really allowed themselves to be bested by Brandon, Oak Mountain, Clinton, and the F.C. Singers - groups that share 11 Grand championships between them collectively from this year alone. And then you have Reveille, who had a bit of a rocky start at South Jones, took a major step forward grabbing the choreo caption from Brandon at JASI, and again lost a bit of ground at Homewood. Both groups have something to gain winning this competition. It will be a first GC for JA Since 2020, or a first GC for Madison Central since 2016 (My sophomore year in High school) ((i know im old, shut up)).
Since it's one-and-done, my predictions for top 5 are as follows
Grand Champion - Jackson Academy (Vocals, Show Design)
1RU - Madison Central Reveille (Choreography)
2RU - Madison Central Renown
3RU - Laurel Showstoppers
4RU - Pisgah Innergy
Despite my predictions, I don't think there's a large gap between these groups and Reveille could definitely take this one home. I reckon them holding ground on vocals and taking choreo and show design would do the trick at the very least. Pisgah has also been improving in the tier III division across the season, I wouldn't be surprised to see them pull and upset over Laurel (who has competed 5 times this year already, wow).
Seems the women's division for HS and MS won't face any competition, but shoutout to renown for a strong first year as a women's group, as well as Kadence. Looks like Kadence will finish their inaugural year undefeated, and Renown having only lost ground to Tupelo should be very proud as well.
That all being said, I have a history paper to write, and I'm procrastinating by doing this ha.
Brandon Show Choir ELITE 2022
