bloomington jeff- i watched a video of your show on youtube, i think from your spaghetti dinner? a preview show? you have come MILES and MILES from that performance. everything has improved. very nice job yesterday, you should all feel proud.
if it was on youtube, i'm pretty sure it was our spaghetti dinner, which is basically our preview show. it was a week before our first competition and we've gone miles since that competition (like, two weeks before eau claire).
This was EASILY one of the best competitions I have ever been too. Seriously, the groups competing were some of the best vocally sounding and clean groups I have seen in recent years. Great work to all groups, you were wonderful!
Waconia "Power Company"- One of the coolest show designs I have ever seen. Mr. Kevin Chase really outdid himself again this year! Your vocals were spot on and the choreography as usual was extremely clean. Your hard work is very evident and you did a great job!
Totino "Company"- Another year with another awesome show! Your opener was different than any other opener I have ever seen and you did it great! The entire movie medley was hilarious and very creative.
Bemidji "Vocalmotive"- I always love your choreo. You have a very clean show and best of luck with the rest of the season
Logan "Class Act"- WOW. How far you have all come this year!!!! After seeing you at Viterbo, I was in complete shock at how far the show has come in only a month. Your vocals have improved IMMENSELY and the dancing is great. The amount of sass in your show is perfect and I really enjoyed seeing you in finals!
Altoona "Locomotion"- Once again, HOLY IMPROVEMENT! You are honestly a completely different group than the one I saw at Viterbo! Your vocals were some of my favorite of the day and your baseball medley was hilarious. Good luck the rest of the year!
Like I said, one of the most enjoyable competitions I have been to in years. Can't wait to see how the rest of the season goes for all of these groups!! Good luck!
Finally figured out my login and I want everyone to know Kaitlin had NOTHING to do with it. I did not mean to offend anyone by what I said. And especially to Kevin Chase I think he is an amazing choreographer and person. And I never said waconias choreography is easy I just think totinos is more difficult and that is an opinion. I was just trying to get people to see that there is more that just how clean it is. There are many different things that go into that section. I was by no means trying to say one group is better than the other because as I said above I think all the groups are amazing. I think people just took my comment wrong and I am sorry I wasn't clear enough and I'm sorry if I offended anyone.
In my opinion, you really can't judge choreography unless you do it yourself. Of course you would say that Totino's choreography was tougher, because you are/were in the group! You know personally how much sweat and perseverance goes into every move. Same goes with the guys backing Kevin, they know personally (like I do) how much sweat and perseverance it takes to pull off that show.
I look up on stage and watch some show choirs thinking "oh they have such simple dance moves" but somehow, when they clomp off the stage in the end, they are just as sweaty and winded as I was. No show is "Easy". Especially the ones that performed this weekend.
Just wanted to say congrats to all the groups who competed and performed at the 2012 Eau Claire Winterfest! I knew from the beginning this was going to be a tight race and an awesome finals, and it didn't disappoint.
It was awesome to see so many friends and loved ones there, and I was so proud of all of my groups who competed (even though i had WAY too many there, haha).
Congrats to all the groups who were in finals. Power Company I am so proud of you!!!
Just wanted to say kudos to Waconia The Current for handling (again) an error this year. You kids understand what show choir is really about, and you were so mature about the whole thing, and in your finals performance (that wasn't scored) I could tell you were doing your show just for the fun of it and for your love of show choir...that was one of the best moments of my whole day, and the best I've ever seen you perform!
Again, congrats to all of the groups...from the first group of the day to the last group of the day, no matter what, it was awesome to sit back, and watch kids do what they love, because at the end of the day, that is why we are all here...not for awards, not to compete and be better than people, and not to sit around judging and talking negatively about other groups...we are here for our love of the arts and particularly show choir...an activity where every one is involved, there is no sitting on the bench, and you get to build experiences, relationships, and express yourself through music and dance, and there is nothing better than that!
Congrats again to all of the groups, and best of luck to you ALL in the rest of your seasons!
I hear there is a ton of positivity on YouTube and Facebook comments... oh wait.
It's frustrating for everyone, but we do the best we can. This is precisely why we have a real name policy here, and sadly I feel like I have to keep re-explaining this over and over again to those who refuse to adhere to it. I can get rid of the thumbs up/down system, but when we didn't have it that's all everyone asked for. You can't win for losing in this town.
Hang in there, because the answer to negativity on the site is not for all of the positive people to run away. That just makes matters worse. I think most of the trolls get ignored and/or called out anyway... this community does a good job of standing up for the good apples.
Very well put. It's a problem everywhere, but this is where I find it most often. I guess the veil of anonymity is a necessary tool for those who have comments or opinions that would reflect poorly on them. My frustration is only directed at those who abuse it to ruin positive comments. It's just sad that some people can have such poor sportsmanship in a high school activity.
I'll stick around for a while, though. I have way too much fun using this website properly by discussing various topics that, while at times can be seen as controversial, are not meant to hurt others.
The negativity on this website is becoming overwhelming. I think I need a break.
I hear there is a ton of positivity on YouTube and Facebook comments... oh wait.
It's frustrating for everyone, but we do the best we can. This is precisely why we have a real name policy here, and sadly I feel like I have to keep re-explaining this over and over again to those who refuse to adhere to it. I can get rid of the thumbs up/down system, but when we didn't have it that's all everyone asked for. You can't win for losing in this town.
Hang in there, because the answer to negativity on the site is not for all of the positive people to run away. That just makes matters worse. I think most of the trolls get ignored and/or called out anyway... this community does a good job of standing up for the good apples.
I could understand people down-voting predictions or opinions to show that they are against them anonymously, but seriously SCC? Down-voting kind words of congratulations?
The negativity on this website is becoming overwhelming. I think I need a break.
Congratulations to all groups who competed yesterday, especially Waconia! And a big thanks to all people that were involved on putting on this competition!! It was so much fun and so well run, so thank you (:
I wish all parents (and students) could handle rivalries as well as the Totino parents did. In fact, two of the nicest show choir parents I've ever met, Mr. and Mrs. Armendariz, are Totino parents.
wow! what a day! a BIG thank you to eau claire for another wonderfully run competition. i have attended their competition for 5 or 6 years now, and it's always my favorite. so wonderful. i also excuse the mistake, because i had the chance to see my current kids twice. haha! but really, mistakes happen so you can learn from them. thank you to all the volunteers that helped throughout the day. this comp is fabulous not only as a spectator but also as a performer.
about the whole 'parents talking trash' thing. if you're going to do that, why do it in YOUR schools colors by parents in other school's colors? it's dumb. if anything, you should do it in another groups colors..... BA-DUM-CHH. but really, in all honesty, they must be new to the show choir world. not excusing them, but next time you hear it, turn around and tell them that it's not okay and that's not how you behave while others are performing. remind them that these are children on stage, with wonderful work ethic and a love to perform. it's not your responsibility, and it would take a LOT of courage, but maybe we should all try that. i will try that next time, instead of listening to what they're saying and rolling my eyes. i was taught, no... it was drilled into my head that you should never, ever speak badly about another group.... and if you must vent, do it in private, which does NOT mean a bathroom in your track jacket.
also, side note about 'rudeness'! dear SCC, disliking results will not in fact change said results. it really weirds me out and forces me to question my membership on this site. i see it every weekend in almost every forum i creep on.. not just saying this because waconia won this weekend. why would you dislike results? because you don't agree? instead of ANONYMOUSLY disliking the results, write a post on here about what you saw throughout the day and all the things you loved. that's all.
totino 'encore'- i LOVE your opening dresses, so cute. also 'rock with you' knocked me off my feet! as soon as you were done, i whipped out my phone and texted honor society's tour manager that you did their song! they want to see a video of your performance very bad and are super excited. i tried finding one on youtube, but had no luck. if any of you have parents that recorded it, throw it up there and let me know so i can pass it on to them! how cool is that? so awesome.
bloomington 'ESS'- wow! wow! you guys sound better than you ever have in my memory. very full and enriched. wonderful job girls. i loved your set.
bemidji 'LVB'- you know this, but very very very lovely like always. i'm not a big fan of girls groups, but you really pull it off. i can tell that you put tons of hard work into your show and really pride yourself on being a member of the bemidji choir program.
bloomington 'RIG'- wow. i had you in finals, no doubt in my mind. i am a bit bias, as i always love your shows and your attitudes. many of you don't know me, but i've always felt as though power company and RIG were on the same page, interchangeable. i always feel welcome amongst your parents and supporters and a big thank you to them for adopting me during your sets. your vocals were energized, and i could feel that you wanted to be in finals. lizzie shined on stage, truly. i love that you all love performing. this is a mess and a bit of a novel, but i really appreciated your performance.
bloomington jeff- i watched a video of your show on youtube, i think from your spaghetti dinner? a preview show? you have come MILES and MILES from that performance. everything has improved. very nice job yesterday, you should all feel proud.
totino 'COS'- wow! so much cleaner and more crisp than milton. i could feel how much work you put into your show. i really love all the changes you made, and the boxes of pizza rolls.... although they made me hungry. i'm not quite sure if i'll see you again this season unfortunately. i loved watching you guys grow and i wish you a wonderful season.
bemidji- SO CLEAN. i only saw you in prelims but the cleanest, coolest choreo i had seen that day. very very cool show. very high energy. i love the opener costumes and the girls closer dresses! if i give you one thing to think about, it would be an emotional connection to your set. i didn't feel it. i don't know if i'll be seeing you again this season, but i hope i can. i love the attitude you exude on stage.
logan- i only saw you in finals, unfortunately. i greatly under estimated you!!!! i sat next to some lovely lovely people in your finals performance and i badgered them with questions. you are very wonderful!
waconia- i hate u guys u suxxxxx. just kidding! i am so proud of you guys. you gave a prelims performance that was good, nothing wrong about it (except when alexandra stepped up on that box and my heart stopped beating and i died right there) but nothing amazing about it. i was still proud of you but i knew you had so much more in you. you performed in finals like i've never seen a group perform. you had me crying (so embarrassing) and shaking! i felt the energy and attitude and connection to your songs just pur off that stage. you should be very very very proud of your hard work and be ready to put on your finals performance in prelims next weekend. if you can promise me that, i promise i will be there cheering you on.
i want to say a big thank you to the wonderful bloomington alums who i rode with yesterday. you didn't have to stay, but you did. you didn't have to cheer on waconia but you did! that means so much to me and so much to them. thank you thank you thank you.
i took around 2511 photos yesterday, i'll edit the link in this post when i'm done editing them.
congratulations to everyone who performed yesterday. i don't know the scoring break down but i'm sure it was VERY close. anyone there could have won yesterday. love love love love love.
Like x100,000,000.
It's always hard to keep negative opinions or comments to yourself while watching shows, but when you overhear those hurtful comments, it really puts a damper on the excitement of a competition. I think we can all agree that keeping comments positive or constructive is a good rule to live by.
Same goes for disliking results on these forums. In my time in show choir, there were many occasions when I was less than thrilled with results. However, it would be rude to belittle the success of another group who worked incredibly hard to earn their award.
Congratulations to every group performing yesterday! I'm still disappointed I had to miss this comp, it's always one of my favorites. We have always felt so welcome and had great experiences at Winterfest. Plus they always have great food, which (let's be honest) is really important.
wow! what a day! a BIG thank you to eau claire for another wonderfully run competition. i have attended their competition for 5 or 6 years now, and it's always my favorite. so wonderful. i also excuse the mistake, because i had the chance to see my current kids twice. haha! but really, mistakes happen so you can learn from them. thank you to all the volunteers that helped throughout the day. this comp is fabulous not only as a spectator but also as a performer.
about the whole 'parents talking trash' thing. if you're going to do that, why do it in YOUR schools colors by parents in other school's colors? it's dumb. if anything, you should do it in another groups colors..... BA-DUM-CHH. but really, in all honesty, they must be new to the show choir world. not excusing them, but next time you hear it, turn around and tell them that it's not okay and that's not how you behave while others are performing. remind them that these are children on stage, with wonderful work ethic and a love to perform. it's not your responsibility, and it would take a LOT of courage, but maybe we should all try that. i will try that next time, instead of listening to what they're saying and rolling my eyes. i was taught, no... it was drilled into my head that you should never, ever speak badly about another group.... and if you must vent, do it in private, which does NOT mean a bathroom in your track jacket.
also, side note about 'rudeness'! dear SCC, disliking results will not in fact change said results. it really weirds me out and forces me to question my membership on this site. i see it every weekend in almost every forum i creep on.. not just saying this because waconia won this weekend. why would you dislike results? because you don't agree? instead of ANONYMOUSLY disliking the results, write a post on here about what you saw throughout the day and all the things you loved. that's all.
totino 'encore'- i LOVE your opening dresses, so cute. also 'rock with you' knocked me off my feet! as soon as you were done, i whipped out my phone and texted honor society's tour manager that you did their song! they want to see a video of your performance very bad and are super excited. i tried finding one on youtube, but had no luck. if any of you have parents that recorded it, throw it up there and let me know so i can pass it on to them! how cool is that? so awesome.
bloomington 'ESS'- wow! wow! you guys sound better than you ever have in my memory. very full and enriched. wonderful job girls. i loved your set.
bemidji 'LVB'- you know this, but very very very lovely like always. i'm not a big fan of girls groups, but you really pull it off. i can tell that you put tons of hard work into your show and really pride yourself on being a member of the bemidji choir program.
bloomington 'RIG'- wow. i had you in finals, no doubt in my mind. i am a bit bias, as i always love your shows and your attitudes. many of you don't know me, but i've always felt as though power company and RIG were on the same page, interchangeable. i always feel welcome amongst your parents and supporters and a big thank you to them for adopting me during your sets. your vocals were energized, and i could feel that you wanted to be in finals. lizzie shined on stage, truly. i love that you all love performing. this is a mess and a bit of a novel, but i really appreciated your performance.
bloomington jeff- i watched a video of your show on youtube, i think from your spaghetti dinner? a preview show? you have come MILES and MILES from that performance. everything has improved. very nice job yesterday, you should all feel proud.
totino 'COS'- wow! so much cleaner and more crisp than milton. i could feel how much work you put into your show. i really love all the changes you made, and the boxes of pizza rolls.... although they made me hungry. i'm not quite sure if i'll see you again this season unfortunately. i loved watching you guys grow and i wish you a wonderful season.
bemidji- SO CLEAN. i only saw you in prelims but the cleanest, coolest choreo i had seen that day. very very cool show. very high energy. i love the opener costumes and the girls closer dresses! if i give you one thing to think about, it would be an emotional connection to your set. i didn't feel it. i don't know if i'll be seeing you again this season, but i hope i can. i love the attitude you exude on stage.
logan- i only saw you in finals, unfortunately. i greatly under estimated you!!!! i sat next to some lovely lovely people in your finals performance and i badgered them with questions. you are very wonderful!
waconia- i hate u guys u suxxxxx. just kidding! i am so proud of you guys. you gave a prelims performance that was good, nothing wrong about it (except when alexandra stepped up on that box and my heart stopped beating and i died right there) but nothing amazing about it. i was still proud of you but i knew you had so much more in you. you performed in finals like i've never seen a group perform. you had me crying (so embarrassing) and shaking! i felt the energy and attitude and connection to your songs just pur off that stage. you should be very very very proud of your hard work and be ready to put on your finals performance in prelims next weekend. if you can promise me that, i promise i will be there cheering you on.
i want to say a big thank you to the wonderful bloomington alums who i rode with yesterday. you didn't have to stay, but you did. you didn't have to cheer on waconia but you did! that means so much to me and so much to them. thank you thank you thank you.
i took around 2511 photos yesterday, i'll edit the link in this post when i'm done editing them.
congratulations to everyone who performed yesterday. i don't know the scoring break down but i'm sure it was VERY close. anyone there could have won yesterday. love love love love love.
yesterday was great. i only saw a couple of choirs yesterday so i can't talk about much
waconia- you guys just make me happy. your show was just fantastic. i also became friends with matt miller. i honestly can't wait to go to your competition.
OASC- i was really impressed. i saw you guys last year and thought it was really fun to watch. this year, i couldn't believe how incredible you guys were!
RIG- i saw your pasta dinner and enjoyed your show. as usual, your vocals were incredible. i just hope i can see you guys at waconia.
those were the only groups i saw. i really want to watch bemidji and totino sometime.
this is my third year in connection and i've never seen totino live. i've watched them on tvs and comps, but that doesn't do any choir justice. i saw bemidji's color show and numbers show. again, i saw the numbers one on a screen at totino (their auditorium- i don't mean the gym- is a great place to watch shows. air conditioning, comfy seats, big screen, not crowded...) and i saw the colors show at waconia. personally, the colors show was my favorite. i was a little bitter about results from that comp, but, looking back, you guys totally deserved it
after final awards, i was walking out with a mom i knew (i'm not gonna say from which choir) and she said something about a choir that should have made finals instead of another one and i quickly told her to be quiet. i'm not perfect, and i do sometimes let something slip during a performance. most people do, it's human nature. we always have to be careful about what we say bcause we never know whose parents are around us.
Totino Grace parents are the best parents I have EVER talked to, sat with. Never once have a heard a bad thing come out of their mouth.
If parents (and students) need a lesson on class they should take it from them.
So true. I sat in the middle of a large group of Totino parents during finals. Being an alum of one their rivals, I expected some hostility, but they were very well reserved! When I was a member of Po Co I had a few incidents of overhearing Totino parents complimenting us! I know a lot of parents who get way too gossipy at competitions, and it always disappoints me. I wish all parents (and students) could handle rivalries as well as the Totino parents did. In fact, two of the nicest show choir parents I've ever met, Mr. and Mrs. Armendariz, are Totino parents.
The Bemidji parents I sat near briefly were also very respectful.
Bloomington Kennedy has to be one of the nicest groups of kids out there, though. RIG alumni were all so kind and supportive! It really made me happy.
Totino Grace parents are the best parents I have EVER talked to, sat with. Never once have a heard a bad thing come out of their mouth.
If parents (and students) need a lesson on class they should take it from them.
Congrats to waconia, I feel you guys have gotten the monkey off your back! I am so proud of you guys. You and Totino were my first two show choir loves and still are to this day.
PARENTS: why do you still believe that if you are in a crowded facility with background noise this gives you the freedom to speak negatively about other groups? I was amazed at the comments I heard throughout the day from parents as they watched one group tear down and another set up. And when it got noisier, they sat forward in their seats to better hear each other so they were speaking directly into the back of my head! And they did not stop during the performance. I came to watch the shows and enjoy the hard work of the group on stage NOT listen to your personal critique what you believe is a “horrible” group onstage. Even worse, I moved 3 different times throughout the day and this happened each time with parents representing the same group.
I understand you love your group, your student and you think your show is the best. You wouldn’t show that kind of passion, drive so far and give all the sacrifices you have if you didn’t believe that. I admire and encourage that in all parents. But tearing down other groups is not acceptable. Even worse, I heard one parent that must have attended practices all over the state as she stated “Well I heard …(fill in the blank)” about EVERY group on stage! And the half-truths and rumors were about the group, the director, the cost of (you name it), the look and color of the spirit wear etc. WHY do you think this is acceptable behavior? Would you want other groups talking about YOUR student’s hard work or your director this way? Must you debase others to feel good about your group??
PLEASE discover tact and proper etiquette or do not attend these competitions. If you must attend, save it for the ride home or if you can’t help yourself, buy a DVD invite all your friends over and tear apart whomever you wish in the privacy of your own home. PLEASE stop doing this at competitions and ruining the day for everyone.
Parents –remember you represent your students, school, town AND community. So if you speak and act this way it reflects negatively on all. It also debases the placing your group receives at the competition and leaves a bad impression of your overall fan base. The last thing I want to do after leaving yesterday is to travel to this group’s competition and spend money to support their program.
Well said! (And I hope that the parents of this particular school know WHO they are and WHO they are hurting!)
As a current show choir parent, I am disgusted that this goes on. There is plenty of talk about who is the "best," or who has "what costume/choreographer/vocals/set or show design." No particular group is the "end all and be all" of the show choir world. It is subjective and there are no rights or wrongs. When it becomes personal, it's just plain mean. Get over yourselves...it's a kid's activity...
And congratulations to ALL of the groups! Finals were amazing, and there were several others that could have made it or deserved to make it! A great day of watching show choir all around!
Speaking on behalf of mostly everyone from OASC, we absolutely loved yesterdays competition. We are so happy that everything worked out at the end and we thank everyone for coming. Another successful Winterfest.
PARENTS: why do you still believe that if you are in a crowded facility with background noise this gives you the freedom to speak negatively about other groups? I was amazed at the comments I heard throughout the day from parents as they watched one group tear down and another set up. And when it got noisier, they sat forward in their seats to better hear each other so they were speaking directly into the back of my head! And they did not stop during the performance. I came to watch the shows and enjoy the hard work of the group on stage NOT listen to your personal critique what you believe is a “horrible” group onstage. Even worse, I moved 3 different times throughout the day and this happened each time with parents representing the same group.
I understand you love your group, your student and you think your show is the best. You wouldn’t show that kind of passion, drive so far and give all the sacrifices you have if you didn’t believe that. I admire and encourage that in all parents. But tearing down other groups is not acceptable. Even worse, I heard one parent that must have attended practices all over the state as she stated “Well I heard …(fill in the blank)” about EVERY group on stage! And the half-truths and rumors were about the group, the director, the cost of (you name it), the look and color of the spirit wear etc. WHY do you think this is acceptable behavior? Would you want other groups talking about YOUR student’s hard work or your director this way? Must you debase others to feel good about your group??
PLEASE discover tact and proper etiquette or do not attend these competitions. If you must attend, save it for the ride home or if you can’t help yourself, buy a DVD invite all your friends over and tear apart whomever you wish in the privacy of your own home. PLEASE stop doing this at competitions and ruining the day for everyone.
Parents –remember you represent your students, school, town AND community. So if you speak and act this way it reflects negatively on all. It also debases the placing your group receives at the competition and leaves a bad impression of your overall fan base. The last thing I want to do after leaving yesterday is to travel to this group’s competition and spend money to support their program.
Thanks to all the groups who worked so hard and once again congratulations to the finalists and winners of yesterday’s competition. I can’t wait to get my DVD and watch it all over again!
GOD BLESS YOU! I could not have said this better!
Eau Claire Memorial Winterfest 2012
