I think part of the reason we are seeing more and more of these kind of results is the parity among groups. Things are more evenly matched among the choirs in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Illinois than ever before.
It used to be there were a select few top tier groups and then a sizable middle tier. Now that top tier and middle tier have of melded into a giant top tier. Competitions now regularly feature 5, 6, and 7 groups that can legitimately make a claim for the top spot. The results can be maddening to decipher and interpret, but it sure is more fun going to an awards ceremony where anything can happen.
I understand that judging show choir competitions is extremely subjective, different judges have different likes or dis-likes, and they see different things. But a score difference of a 1 and a 5 from two judges who observed the same show seems excessive. Is this common? Does it have to do with the qualifications of the two judges? The prejudices of judges towards different types of shows? The reputations of the competing groups? Or as a show choir newcomer, are these questions better not to be asked? But I am really curious.....
This happens all the time, unfortunately. It comes with the subjectivity of art. I've seen judges give a group 7, 9, and 1 at Great River. I've seen 4, 6, 6 and someone not make finals, again at Great River. At Onalaska this year someone got a 1 2 4 6 6, so they really ran the gamut. Some shows are controversial and they provide that range. Others it's just the way the competition works. That's one thing I'm coming to realize. Sometimes you benefit from the way a competition ranks groups, other times you die by it. It just depends.
I understand that judging show choir competitions is extremely subjective, different judges have different likes or dis-likes, and they see different things. But a score difference of a 1 and a 5 from two judges who observed the same show seems excessive. Is this common? Does it have to do with the qualifications of the two judges? The prejudices of judges towards different types of shows? The reputations of the competing groups? Or as a show choir newcomer, are these questions better not to be asked? But I am really curious.....
What if the choirs in question are pretty evenly matched? When there might be five or six outstanding choirs in finals - each doing what they do very well - judges can only rely on their personal preferences to determine the outcome. And not just regarding show styles either; equally qualified judges can have differences of opinion as to what constitues proper vocal technique, tone quality, diction, etc, etc, etc.
But don't assume that a 5 ranking meant that judge thought the other 4 choirs were that much better; perhaps he thought they were quite even. For example, let's say a perfect score was 200 points, and a particular judge had the choirs scored 198, 197, 196, 195, and 194. You couldn't say with a 194 out of 200 that he thought that particular group was bad. Nor with only 4 points difference could you say that he thought the group with 198 points particularly outshone the choir with 194.
I understand that judging show choir competitions is extremely subjective, different judges have different likes or dis-likes, and they see different things. But a score difference of a 1 and a 5 from two judges who observed the same show seems excessive. Is this common? Does it have to do with the qualifications of the two judges? The prejudices of judges towards different types of shows? The reputations of the competing groups? Or as a show choir newcomer, are these questions better not to be asked? But I am really curious.....
Yesterday marked ten years of Great River for me. (9 actual competitions- it was canceled my senior year of '06 due to the Adler renovations.) This competition NEVER disappoints. Congrats to all groups!
I have to say David from IC High just slays that solo, and he quite the performer. Hands down the best i've seen in YEARS of show choir.
Also IC High, I really have come to enjoy your show, the first two numbers are just so much fun, and that guys number into bringing in the girls with David solo, just high energy and a ton of fun.
Kennedy- Your ballad just gets me every time. I really love it!
but my surprise of the whole day would be IC West. Adam has been talking about you guys to me for quite awhile now and after day round I was left scratching my head. I could feel everything about the show and enjoyed it but it wasn't this show adam talked about. but let me tell you... the turn around to your finals performance was absolutely incredible. You guys were PHENOMENAL, and that ballad.... almost in tears (I have yet to have a ballad bring me to tears every but I was on the verge) Everything about the show was great and I just loved it.
My personal predictions for the night were:
GC: Kennedy (BV/BC)
1st RU: IC High
2nd RU: IC West
3rd RU: Sauk
4th RU: Linn Mar
5th RU: Davenport North
It was a great day of show choir and some great performances.
Also:
Best Male Soloist- IC High (David Maize)
Best Female Soloist- Davenport North (Teria Littman)
These two have made a habit of winning best soloist awards! Congrats to them again!
It used to be there were a select few top tier groups and then a sizable middle tier. Now that top tier and middle tier have of melded into a giant top tier. Competitions now regularly feature 5, 6, and 7 groups that can legitimately make a claim for the top spot. The results can be maddening to decipher and interpret, but it sure is more fun going to an awards ceremony where anything can happen.