Dear all:
Being my rather late arrival to what I thought would be an over tickted preformance, my apologies to Walnut's "Rahpsody in Blue", Woodbridges "Encore", and Pacifica's "Pearls". Referance to their sets can be made via the previous post (of the program and placing).
The 5th Choir of the evening "Tartan Silhouettes" left me and my "crew" in the lobby via the Theater feed (and my Kudos to my dear Friend Sue Lewis who so wittingly posted the sign "not a V and S DVD feed" below the TV screen, right on!!!). Naturally with such improvment (mainly of the auctual preformance in itsself) with the same selections of last week. "Im a Star" by Cracauer, "Look to the Rainbow" by Althouse, and "It Might as well be Spring" by Shaw. Other selections include "This little light of mine" by Hayes, the specially arranged accapella Ballad by Hayes/Trevor "Heart we will forget him", and finally "If my Friends could see me now" by Huff.
Brea Olinda High School's "Tiffany's" were certainly here to "guide you" in thier traditional "Tiffany's Theme". Then their next 3 selections finds quite appropriate concerning the weather of that weekend. The 2nd being "Singin' in the rain", the 3rd "Soon its Gonna Rain" and their 4th "Don't rain on my Parade" from the Musical "Funny Girl". Their second ballad "My First Love" (with "Soon its Gonna Rain" being the first) takes the stage, as they end with "Too Darn Hot".
The next Choir was Esperanza High School's "Vivance" which presented an interesting Car/Rt.66 Theme last time we met at Brea the week before. The First song, a ballad, was "Sentimental Journey" by Fenton, the next two selections being "Get Outta my Dreams/Freeway of Love" and "Shut up and Drive/Don't stop me now" both by Taylor. The next ballad was the Rascall Flatts's "God Bless the Broken Road" also by Taylor, with "Drive My Car" and "Life is a Highway" following. With the last two songs being "Born to be Wild" and "Rockin' Down the Highway", all of course by....Taylor.
The Final Choir of the evening was Mark Keppel High School's "Women's Choir", directed by Tony Azeltine and Choreographed by Kanatinia Ballard. Both Mark Keppel HS Choirs have shown great improvement this year!!!!!
Yours:
-Justin Rodger
Sunday, March 20, 2011
WHS: "Showtime" I--Intermediate Women's Division-Program and Placing
Women's Division
Host "Rhapsody in blue"
Not until one of their own competitions people!!
Woodbridge HS "Encore"
Director: Rob Blaney
Choreographers: Kari Bastillio & Courtney Ozovek
Fame---Blaney/Lady Gaga
Fighter---Blaney/Christina Aguilera
Sweet Disposition---Blaney/The Temper Trap
Living on a Prayer/ What the World Needs Now---Blaney/Bon Jovi/Vandross
Ever Ever After---Blaney/Carrie Underwood
Pacifica HS "Pearls"
Director: David Joseph
Choreography: Cynthia Kastner
Flashdance---Shaw
I Wanna Dance With Somebody---Jones
Just Dance---Abrahamson
Last Dance---Jones
Glendora HS "Tartan Sihouettes"
Director: Dr.Brian Trevor
Chorographers: Angela Vamos and Stephanie Lizzarraga
I'm a Star---Cracauer
Look to the Rainbow---Althouse
It Might as well be Spring---Shaw
This Little Light of Mine---Hayes
Heart, we will forget Him---Farnell
If my Friends could see me now---Huff
Brea Olinda HS "Tiffany's"
Director: Dave Willert
Choreographer: Doug Khul
Tiffany's Theme---Willert
Singin' in the Rain---Willert
Soon its Gonna Rain/Don't Rain on my Parade---Wetzel/Billingsley
My First Love---Willert
Too Darn Hot---Willert
Esperanza HS "Vivance"
Director: Michael Fenton
Choreographer: Aimee Mauzey
Sentimental Journey---Fenton
Get Outta My Dreas/Freeway of Love---Taylor
Shut up and Drive/Don't stop me now---Taylor
Bless the Broken Road/Don't Stop me now---Taylor
Born to be Wild/Rockin' Down the highway---Taylor
Mark Keppel HS's "Women's Choir"
Director: Tony Azeltine
Choreographer: Kanatinia Ballard
TBA
Placing:
1st Place-Pacifica HS "Vivance"
2nd Place-Brea Olinda HS "Tiffany's"
3rd Place-Glendora HS "Tartan Silhouettes"
Saturday, March 19, 2011
BOHS: 2011 "California Classic" Advanced Women's Division
Dear all:
The evening of Febuary 19th 2011, found us again at the Brea Olinda High School Preforming Arts Center (which btw will hold a highly recommend production of "Beauty and the Beast", but more about that later). Further I would like to officially dismiss any continuing rumor of myself sneaking backstage to spy, So.Cal Show Choir Blog remains officially impartial to any choir.
"Once upon a time" appropriatly sets the stage for this Princess theme in thier opener "To be a Princess" from the Princess Barbie Movie "The Princess and the Pauper", with a ballad of similar Ambiance. Amoung the various other selections with their ending, an upbeat version of "Someday my Prince will come" from Disney's Snow White. All of such with the interesting costumage of real hoop-skirts and corset, all the same for the choreography and vocals. From Bonita Vista High School's "Sound Unlimited" directed by Roxanne Ronacher and Bobbi Adams.
Diamond Bar HS's opener "Let's get Loud" and 2nd "Hot Hot Hot" are conducive of life in Rio De Janero. Then Suddenly we find ourselvs in Texas in their 3rd "Turn on the radio". The location becoming more apparent in their ballad "Fields of Gold" truly a reminder of Diamond Bar's Specialty in accapella, (others examples of this would be Marquis's accapella ballad "Imagine" from the 2009 year). With particular praise of the Alto section. Then we are reminded of "Life in America" in their closer.
The 3rd choir of the evening was Arcadia High School's "New Spirit" opening with a special arr. of "Not for the Life of me" from the Musical "Throughly Modern Mille", and their rather hilarious and enjoyable 2nd "Paris Original" from the Musical "How to succed in business without really trying" with a rather clever use of Costume change and Propery. The next two songs with the beautiful ballad "Someone else's story" and the last song "I'm almost there" from the recent Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog".
"Im a Star" appropriatly starts the set for the 2011 Tartan Silhouettes as they "Look to the Rainbow" in thier ballad from the Musical "Finnians Rainbow" (which I might add, made its recent return to Broadway in the Revival Cast of the name musical). The next song being "It might as well be spring" from the Rodgers and Hammerstien Musical "State Fair". Then the girls let their lights Shine in "This Little light of mine" with thier timely ballad "Heart we will forget him" with some special musical variation arranged by their director. Then they close with the powerful "If my Friends could see me now" from the Musical "Sweet Charity".
The Final Choir of the evening, and of the entire weeked was Los Alamitos HS's "SoundTrax", as they begin as happy 1950-60's house wives with "Happy Working Song" from the hilarious Disney Movie "Enchanted" (with Idina Menzel---yes THEE Idina Menzel). Next up comes thier Ballad "Somewhere That's Green" from the Musical "Little Shop of Horrors". Then all in worry and despair, they come as a "Damsel in Distress". At this point, they are tired of being left alone waiting for that special guy, in the song "So What" and coming to thier compleate realization, they end with "Independant Women".
Plenty of Pictures and videos are up!
Yours:
-Justin Rodger
The evening of Febuary 19th 2011, found us again at the Brea Olinda High School Preforming Arts Center (which btw will hold a highly recommend production of "Beauty and the Beast", but more about that later). Further I would like to officially dismiss any continuing rumor of myself sneaking backstage to spy, So.Cal Show Choir Blog remains officially impartial to any choir.
"Once upon a time" appropriatly sets the stage for this Princess theme in thier opener "To be a Princess" from the Princess Barbie Movie "The Princess and the Pauper", with a ballad of similar Ambiance. Amoung the various other selections with their ending, an upbeat version of "Someday my Prince will come" from Disney's Snow White. All of such with the interesting costumage of real hoop-skirts and corset, all the same for the choreography and vocals. From Bonita Vista High School's "Sound Unlimited" directed by Roxanne Ronacher and Bobbi Adams.
Diamond Bar HS's opener "Let's get Loud" and 2nd "Hot Hot Hot" are conducive of life in Rio De Janero. Then Suddenly we find ourselvs in Texas in their 3rd "Turn on the radio". The location becoming more apparent in their ballad "Fields of Gold" truly a reminder of Diamond Bar's Specialty in accapella, (others examples of this would be Marquis's accapella ballad "Imagine" from the 2009 year). With particular praise of the Alto section. Then we are reminded of "Life in America" in their closer.
The 3rd choir of the evening was Arcadia High School's "New Spirit" opening with a special arr. of "Not for the Life of me" from the Musical "Throughly Modern Mille", and their rather hilarious and enjoyable 2nd "Paris Original" from the Musical "How to succed in business without really trying" with a rather clever use of Costume change and Propery. The next two songs with the beautiful ballad "Someone else's story" and the last song "I'm almost there" from the recent Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog".
"Im a Star" appropriatly starts the set for the 2011 Tartan Silhouettes as they "Look to the Rainbow" in thier ballad from the Musical "Finnians Rainbow" (which I might add, made its recent return to Broadway in the Revival Cast of the name musical). The next song being "It might as well be spring" from the Rodgers and Hammerstien Musical "State Fair". Then the girls let their lights Shine in "This Little light of mine" with thier timely ballad "Heart we will forget him" with some special musical variation arranged by their director. Then they close with the powerful "If my Friends could see me now" from the Musical "Sweet Charity".
The Final Choir of the evening, and of the entire weeked was Los Alamitos HS's "SoundTrax", as they begin as happy 1950-60's house wives with "Happy Working Song" from the hilarious Disney Movie "Enchanted" (with Idina Menzel---yes THEE Idina Menzel). Next up comes thier Ballad "Somewhere That's Green" from the Musical "Little Shop of Horrors". Then all in worry and despair, they come as a "Damsel in Distress". At this point, they are tired of being left alone waiting for that special guy, in the song "So What" and coming to thier compleate realization, they end with "Independant Women".
Plenty of Pictures and videos are up!
Yours:
-Justin Rodger
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Brea Olinda California Classic: Advanced Women's Program
Dear all:
The Following is the Program from the Brea Olinda High School: "California Classic" Show Choir Competition-Advanced Women's Division.
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Advanced Women-7:30pm
Bonita Vista HS: Sound Unlimited
Director: Roxanne Ronacher
Choreography Bobbi Adams
To Be a Princess-Hearne
Once Upon A Time-Heare
That's how you know-Hearne
Heaven-Rutman
Some Day my Prince will come-Hearne
Diamond Bar HS: Solitare
Director: Patty Breitag
Choreographer: Aimee Mauzy
Let's Get Loud-Cheng
Hot Hot Hot-Cheng
Turn on the Radio-Cheng
Fields of Gold-Sharon
Living in America-Cheng
Arcadia HS: New Spirit
Director: Rick England
Choreographer: Veronica Ramos
Not for the Life of me-Tesori
Paris original-Loesser
Someone Else's Story-Anderson & Ulvaeus
I'm Almost There-Newman
Glendora HS: Tartan Silhouettes
Director: Dr.Brian Trevor
Choreographers: Angela Vamos & Stephanie Lizarraga
Im a Star-Cracuer
Look to the Rainbow-Althouse
It Might as well be Spring-Shaw
This Little Light of Mine/Heart we will forget him-Hayes/Farnell
If my Friends could see me now-Huff
Los Alamitos HS: Soundtrax
Director: David Mollenkamp
Choreographer: Heather Hoppus/April James
Happy Working Song-Blair
Somewhere That's Green-Blair
Damsel In Distress-Blair
So What-Blair
Independent Women-Blair
Host Group:
Brea Olinda HS: Spellbound
Not until Competition!!!
The Following is the Program from the Brea Olinda High School: "California Classic" Show Choir Competition-Advanced Women's Division.
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Advanced Women-7:30pm
Bonita Vista HS: Sound Unlimited
Director: Roxanne Ronacher
Choreography Bobbi Adams
To Be a Princess-Hearne
Once Upon A Time-Heare
That's how you know-Hearne
Heaven-Rutman
Some Day my Prince will come-Hearne
Diamond Bar HS: Solitare
Director: Patty Breitag
Choreographer: Aimee Mauzy
Let's Get Loud-Cheng
Hot Hot Hot-Cheng
Turn on the Radio-Cheng
Fields of Gold-Sharon
Living in America-Cheng
Arcadia HS: New Spirit
Director: Rick England
Choreographer: Veronica Ramos
Not for the Life of me-Tesori
Paris original-Loesser
Someone Else's Story-Anderson & Ulvaeus
I'm Almost There-Newman
Glendora HS: Tartan Silhouettes
Director: Dr.Brian Trevor
Choreographers: Angela Vamos & Stephanie Lizarraga
Im a Star-Cracuer
Look to the Rainbow-Althouse
It Might as well be Spring-Shaw
This Little Light of Mine/Heart we will forget him-Hayes/Farnell
If my Friends could see me now-Huff
Los Alamitos HS: Soundtrax
Director: David Mollenkamp
Choreographer: Heather Hoppus/April James
Happy Working Song-Blair
Somewhere That's Green-Blair
Damsel In Distress-Blair
So What-Blair
Independent Women-Blair
Host Group:
Brea Olinda HS: Spellbound
Not until Competition!!!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Brea Olinda California Classic: Intermediate Womens & and Placeing
Dear all:
Well what fun we did have that day of Saturday the 19th, with a number of groups throughout the entire weekend just starting to compeate, and some who have already been through the ringer.
Walnut HS: "Rhapsody in Blue" (See previous blog)
To all of the Dear Walnut people, I arrived just halfway through the, what I'm sure was the outstanding preformance of your set, but I am sooo sorry I didn't get to see you, but I hope to soon!
Serrano HS "Bedazzled"
Director: Tamara Cox
Choreography: Brenda Castillo
The opening leavs us in a time, probably the 40's, with the effects of the Harsh reality of War and America's favorite pass time--Baseball. Leaving American's with the great burden of how to fill this new void in American Life, in the song "When you're gone" and "Flagmaker/Over There". Leaving this sport to back Alleys, but no the kiddies are at home, then who could it be? Women!!! In the songs "What a Game/Take me out to the ball game". Then the Women decide to create "A League of their own" in this next tune familiar to fans of the title movie called "All American Girls" (the theme for the AAGPBL) but choosing to forfit thier old fashioned ways in the song "I don't Dance". Then to what joy are we found when the men return safetly from War in thte 80's familiar "The Boys are Back in Town".
Esperanz HS: "Vivance"
Director: Micheal Fenton
Choreography: Aime Mauzy
Esperanza's theme was particularlly appropriate for the California Rt.66 sort of theme for this competition weekend. With a particular use of Prop's and Costume Changes, and an especilly interesting choreography, mostly particular to the speific harmony parts (SSA), which serves very much as that important musical advantage important to the Show Choir World. They opened up interestingly still with the ballad "Sentimental Journey", going into the rather peppy and exciting "Gettout of my dreams" followed by "Freeway of Love". Our next two selections included "Shut up and Drive" and "Don't stop me now". Then interestingly still we find ourselvs into a quartet of songs consisting of "Bless the Broken Road/Drive my Car" followed by "Born to be Wild/Life is a highway".
Los Alamitos HS: Axcent
Director: David Moellenkamp
Choreographer: Heather Hoppus
Just with the opening of the curtain do we see a great strength an advanatge to the Show Choir World, Size!, The Bigger the better as they say. "Axcent" Opens up with the Song "One Night Only", by Pop-star Jennifer Hudson. Then we enter into the strong and powerful medly of "Family/Ill be There", going into the very powerful solo "I am telling you". Next we see the rather strong and effective costume change conducive to a western theme "Cowboy Cassanova", and ending the set with "We like it loud"
Host Group:
BOHS: Tiffany's
Director: Dave Willert
Choreographer: Doug Khul
Not until Competition people!!! (Don't ya just love but hate thease suprises).
Awards:
4th Place: Serrano High School "Bedazzled"
3rd Place: Esperanza "Vivance"
Musicianship: Walnut High School "Rhapsody in Blue"
Showmanship: Los Alamitos "Axcent"
2nd Place: Walnut High School "Rhapsody in Blue"
1st Place: Los Alamitos "Axcent".
YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/ChoirBlog?feature=mhum
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Well what fun we did have that day of Saturday the 19th, with a number of groups throughout the entire weekend just starting to compeate, and some who have already been through the ringer.
Walnut HS: "Rhapsody in Blue" (See previous blog)
To all of the Dear Walnut people, I arrived just halfway through the, what I'm sure was the outstanding preformance of your set, but I am sooo sorry I didn't get to see you, but I hope to soon!
Serrano HS "Bedazzled"
Director: Tamara Cox
Choreography: Brenda Castillo
The opening leavs us in a time, probably the 40's, with the effects of the Harsh reality of War and America's favorite pass time--Baseball. Leaving American's with the great burden of how to fill this new void in American Life, in the song "When you're gone" and "Flagmaker/Over There". Leaving this sport to back Alleys, but no the kiddies are at home, then who could it be? Women!!! In the songs "What a Game/Take me out to the ball game". Then the Women decide to create "A League of their own" in this next tune familiar to fans of the title movie called "All American Girls" (the theme for the AAGPBL) but choosing to forfit thier old fashioned ways in the song "I don't Dance". Then to what joy are we found when the men return safetly from War in thte 80's familiar "The Boys are Back in Town".
Esperanz HS: "Vivance"
Director: Micheal Fenton
Choreography: Aime Mauzy
Esperanza's theme was particularlly appropriate for the California Rt.66 sort of theme for this competition weekend. With a particular use of Prop's and Costume Changes, and an especilly interesting choreography, mostly particular to the speific harmony parts (SSA), which serves very much as that important musical advantage important to the Show Choir World. They opened up interestingly still with the ballad "Sentimental Journey", going into the rather peppy and exciting "Gettout of my dreams" followed by "Freeway of Love". Our next two selections included "Shut up and Drive" and "Don't stop me now". Then interestingly still we find ourselvs into a quartet of songs consisting of "Bless the Broken Road/Drive my Car" followed by "Born to be Wild/Life is a highway".
Los Alamitos HS: Axcent
Director: David Moellenkamp
Choreographer: Heather Hoppus
Just with the opening of the curtain do we see a great strength an advanatge to the Show Choir World, Size!, The Bigger the better as they say. "Axcent" Opens up with the Song "One Night Only", by Pop-star Jennifer Hudson. Then we enter into the strong and powerful medly of "Family/Ill be There", going into the very powerful solo "I am telling you". Next we see the rather strong and effective costume change conducive to a western theme "Cowboy Cassanova", and ending the set with "We like it loud"
Host Group:
BOHS: Tiffany's
Director: Dave Willert
Choreographer: Doug Khul
Not until Competition people!!! (Don't ya just love but hate thease suprises).
Awards:
4th Place: Serrano High School "Bedazzled"
3rd Place: Esperanza "Vivance"
Musicianship: Walnut High School "Rhapsody in Blue"
Showmanship: Los Alamitos "Axcent"
2nd Place: Walnut High School "Rhapsody in Blue"
1st Place: Los Alamitos "Axcent".
YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/ChoirBlog?feature=mhum
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Friday, February 25, 2011
BOHS "California Classic" Inter. Women's Show Choir Competition Program
Intermediate Women 4:00pm
Walnut-Rhapsody in Blue
Director: Liza Lopez
Choreographer: Tami Flemming & Jacob Harb
Brand New Day/Ease on Down the Road-Watkins
Keep Holding On-Andrew Davis & Huff
That Loneosme Road-Henson
Defying Gravity-Emerson
Don't rain on my Parade-Strommen
Esperanza-Vivance
Director: Micheal Fenton
Choreographer: Aimee Mauzey
Sentimental Journey-Fenton
Get Outta my Dreams/Freeway of Love-Taylor
Shut Up and Drive/Don't Stop me Now-Taylor
Bless the Broken Road/Drive My Car/Life is a Highway-Taylor
Born to be Wild/Rockin' down the Highway-Taylor
Los Alamitos-Axcent
Director: David Mollenkamp
Choreographer: Heather Hoppus
One Night Only-Blair
Family/I'll be There-Blair
I am telling You-Blair
Cowboy Casanova-Blair
We like it Loud-Blair
Serrano-Bedazzled
Director: Tamara Cox
Choreographer: Brenda Castillo
When You're gone-Short
Flagmaker/Over There-Short
What a Game/Take me out to the ball game-Chandler/Short
All American Girls/I don't dance-Chandler/Short
Boys are Back in Town-Chandler
Host Group
Brea Olinda-Tiffany's
Director: Dave Willert
Choreographer: Doug Khul
Tiffany's Theme-Willert
Singin' in the Rain-Willert
Soon It's Gonna Rain/Don't Rain on my Parade-Willert/Billingsley
My First Love-Willert
Too Darn Hot-Huff
YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ChoirBlog?feature=mhum
Walnut-Rhapsody in Blue
Director: Liza Lopez
Choreographer: Tami Flemming & Jacob Harb
Brand New Day/Ease on Down the Road-Watkins
Keep Holding On-Andrew Davis & Huff
That Loneosme Road-Henson
Defying Gravity-Emerson
Don't rain on my Parade-Strommen
Esperanza-Vivance
Director: Micheal Fenton
Choreographer: Aimee Mauzey
Sentimental Journey-Fenton
Get Outta my Dreams/Freeway of Love-Taylor
Shut Up and Drive/Don't Stop me Now-Taylor
Bless the Broken Road/Drive My Car/Life is a Highway-Taylor
Born to be Wild/Rockin' down the Highway-Taylor
Los Alamitos-Axcent
Director: David Mollenkamp
Choreographer: Heather Hoppus
One Night Only-Blair
Family/I'll be There-Blair
I am telling You-Blair
Cowboy Casanova-Blair
We like it Loud-Blair
Serrano-Bedazzled
Director: Tamara Cox
Choreographer: Brenda Castillo
When You're gone-Short
Flagmaker/Over There-Short
What a Game/Take me out to the ball game-Chandler/Short
All American Girls/I don't dance-Chandler/Short
Boys are Back in Town-Chandler
Host Group
Brea Olinda-Tiffany's
Director: Dave Willert
Choreographer: Doug Khul
Tiffany's Theme-Willert
Singin' in the Rain-Willert
Soon It's Gonna Rain/Don't Rain on my Parade-Willert/Billingsley
My First Love-Willert
Too Darn Hot-Huff
YouTube Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ChoirBlog?feature=mhum
Friday, February 18, 2011
Diamond Bar Spectacular 2011 Results
Dear all:
Well I would first like to apologize for my absence of Posts due to recent computer trouble I just simply work my way around. Now without further delay, the 2011 Diamond Bar ***Spectacular***
Results.
Well I would first like to apologize for my absence of Posts due to recent computer trouble I just simply work my way around. Now without further delay, the 2011 Diamond Bar ***Spectacular***
Results.
5th Place-Serrano High School "Vocal Point"
4th Place-Bonita Vista High School "Music Machine"
3rd Place-Carlsbad High School "Sound Express"
Plaques: Musician Ship: Hart High School "Sound Vibs"
Showman Ship: Brea Olinda High School "Masquerade"
...2nd Place-Hart High School "Sound Machine"
1st Place-Brea Olinda High School "Masquerade"
4th Place-Bonita Vista High School "Music Machine"
3rd Place-Carlsbad High School "Sound Express"
Plaques: Musician Ship: Hart High School "Sound Vibs"
Showman Ship: Brea Olinda High School "Masquerade"
...2nd Place-Hart High School "Sound Machine"
1st Place-Brea Olinda High School "Masquerade"
Video of Hart and Masquerade Winning!!!:
And Lots More Videos from Spectacular 2011!!
Congrats to all the Choirs who all worked and pressed so hard, and now off to see the Girls at Brea and Walnut Valley!!
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
2011 Diamond Bar ***Spectacular*** Show Choir Competition part 2
Dear all:
Before I begin, coming up is the 2nd part of the post regarding the recent 2011 Diamond Bar ***Spectacular*** Show Choir Competition.
As always:
-Justin Rodger
The next Show Choir to come up on stage is Mark Keppel High School's "Aztec Singers" blasting us of to space (especilly appropriate as NASA's Jet Propultion Labs is less than 10 miles away from Mark Keppel High School), leading us into the stragne "world" of the Universe, in this "Cosmic Fantasy". We see a strange array of Aliens, as the astronauts travel through the strange planet of Mars, getting themselvs into all sorts of trouble. Ending with the excellant light show conslusion, the Astronauts find themselvs safetly back on Earth.
"Two households, both alike in dignity,In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,"* (http://www.e-text.org/text/Shakespeare%20William%20Romeo%20and%20Juliet.pdf) so appropriatly beings Caralsbad High School's "Sound Express", in this wonderful art piece telling the story of Romeo and Juiet. First we find ourselvs at a Masquerade (ironically enough), with all the fighting and worry between the two families to which they belong. Then with the very emtional ending, with the very interesting set up of the risers.
"Chim chimminey Chim chimminey Chim Chim Cherrry, a sweep is as lucky as lucky can be, can't put me finger on what lies in store, but I feel what's to happen all happend before....on the roof tops of London........" then suddenly, a flash, a roar, we are transformed into early 1900s London (as opposed to 1960's London last year), then amoung all of the commotion and hallabalu, Brea Olinda High School's "Masquerade" starts off with their fantastic Mary Poppins mini set of the "The New Broadwy" set for this year, somehow managing a medly on various songs from the Shreman Bros. Musical. Then out comes probably one of the most unusual things in Show Choir history, your classic happy Mary Poppins Penguin starting off the rather sensational Green Day Medly, then boom suddenly he and the entire stage is transformed into the dream of your average Green Day fan, with the concept of love, betrayel, and love again with the beautiful 121 Guns, ending with "Holiday" with the rather suprising toliet paper ending, as the curtain closes.
The last Choir of the evening was the famos Serrano High School "Vocalpoint" which left us with a differnt, but interesting set consisting of Telephones called "off the hook", starting from the 1950's on. Such a marvelous set consisting of various sound and lighting effects new to the Show Choir World. This set included various classics such as "one way or another" amoung various titles, and left the crowd hungry for more, but leaving us next to the awards which will be posted next.
This competition certainly sealed Southern California Show Choir's fate as being the pinacle and standard of Show Choir, especilly with the major political shifts taking place this year. Amoung which, include the cancellation of the Aztec Sing, and various changes in choreography and direction.
Videos on our youtube page (which twice made "Show Choir"'s facebook's "Show Choir Song of the day").
http://www.youtube.com/user/ChoirBlog?feature=mhum
As always:
-Justin Rodger.
Before I begin, coming up is the 2nd part of the post regarding the recent 2011 Diamond Bar ***Spectacular*** Show Choir Competition.
As always:
-Justin Rodger
The next Show Choir to come up on stage is Mark Keppel High School's "Aztec Singers" blasting us of to space (especilly appropriate as NASA's Jet Propultion Labs is less than 10 miles away from Mark Keppel High School), leading us into the stragne "world" of the Universe, in this "Cosmic Fantasy". We see a strange array of Aliens, as the astronauts travel through the strange planet of Mars, getting themselvs into all sorts of trouble. Ending with the excellant light show conslusion, the Astronauts find themselvs safetly back on Earth.
"Two households, both alike in dignity,In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,"* (http://www.e-text.org/text/Shakespeare%20William%20Romeo%20and%20Juliet.pdf) so appropriatly beings Caralsbad High School's "Sound Express", in this wonderful art piece telling the story of Romeo and Juiet. First we find ourselvs at a Masquerade (ironically enough), with all the fighting and worry between the two families to which they belong. Then with the very emtional ending, with the very interesting set up of the risers.
"Chim chimminey Chim chimminey Chim Chim Cherrry, a sweep is as lucky as lucky can be, can't put me finger on what lies in store, but I feel what's to happen all happend before....on the roof tops of London........" then suddenly, a flash, a roar, we are transformed into early 1900s London (as opposed to 1960's London last year), then amoung all of the commotion and hallabalu, Brea Olinda High School's "Masquerade" starts off with their fantastic Mary Poppins mini set of the "The New Broadwy" set for this year, somehow managing a medly on various songs from the Shreman Bros. Musical. Then out comes probably one of the most unusual things in Show Choir history, your classic happy Mary Poppins Penguin starting off the rather sensational Green Day Medly, then boom suddenly he and the entire stage is transformed into the dream of your average Green Day fan, with the concept of love, betrayel, and love again with the beautiful 121 Guns, ending with "Holiday" with the rather suprising toliet paper ending, as the curtain closes.
The last Choir of the evening was the famos Serrano High School "Vocalpoint" which left us with a differnt, but interesting set consisting of Telephones called "off the hook", starting from the 1950's on. Such a marvelous set consisting of various sound and lighting effects new to the Show Choir World. This set included various classics such as "one way or another" amoung various titles, and left the crowd hungry for more, but leaving us next to the awards which will be posted next.
This competition certainly sealed Southern California Show Choir's fate as being the pinacle and standard of Show Choir, especilly with the major political shifts taking place this year. Amoung which, include the cancellation of the Aztec Sing, and various changes in choreography and direction.
Videos on our youtube page (which twice made "Show Choir"'s facebook's "Show Choir Song of the day").
http://www.youtube.com/user/ChoirBlog?feature=mhum
As always:
-Justin Rodger.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
2011 Diamond Bar ***Spectacular*** Show Choir Competition
Dear all:
Well as I write this, I am currently in the process of uploading videos of the 2011 Diamond Bar ***Spectacular*** Show Choir Competition, and I Paraphrase from last night "The 2011 So.Cal Show Choir Competition season has commenced". So here we are at the start of the 2011 So.Cal Competition Season (ohhhh what fun!!!!). Now, I won't be telling you where on this post i've posted the very important post, that is the post of the placings (I think im going to need a Post Office in that regard). Most of what has written has been fashionably edited, but written at the time of the preformance, so lets take a look.
Since the retirement of long time director Rollie Maxson, it is apparent that Arcadia has made quite a few changes. Some of which include the use of Risers, Parasals and Tap Dancing (remember I said "Arcadia" not "Brea"), speaking of Brea, what more of a suprise to Brea when they ("Chaunteurs") ask in their ballad "Where is love" reminiscent of last year's Ballad for Brea's "Spellbound", from the Lionel Bart musical "Oliver". Concluding with a wonderful medly on "He Ain't Heavy, He's my Brother/You Raise me up" arranged by Bobby Scott and Brendan Graham.
The Glendora High School "Royal Stewart Singers", one of the older Show Choirs, is currently under the direction of Dr.Brian Trevor, Choreographed with their new Choreographer Angela Vamos (who will be featured in the "Glee" Superbowl commercial for GM) and Assit. Choreography by Stephanie Lizzaraga. They opend up with the rather powerful mid-20th century classic "Let yourself go" which lead into their first ballad "Come live with me and be my love". Naturally going into the rather suprising Glee hit "Somebody to love". Going into thier hauntingly beautiful second Ballad "Angel Breating Out". Finishing up with the Bon Jovi Classic "Livin' On a Prayer".
At this point in the Competition, we now enter into the world of the more "showy" Show Choirs (typical of the quality of So.Cal). As the Curtain opens in harmony with the "ohhs" and "ahhs" of the crowd, we seem to find ourselvs in a setting Conducive of nature. We find this sort of "nature goddess" who seems to be thet most popular girl in the forest, then she is at the all time low of mistrust and pity (the apittim-y of of pitty as some might say). Then, some how by her good graces, she is pittied so much, that this small group of women come to console, and then more and then more. Then finally, she realizes humility and then all is at peace and Harmony (literally). In this set called "Clear Blue Morning", preformed by the Hart High School "Sound Vides" directed by Gail Hart and Choreographed by Gerald Espinosa.
Our 4th choir for the night, "Sound Machine" from Bonita Vista high School, under the direction Roxanne Ronacher and Choreographed by Bobbi Adams. This set called, "Caught" is a true tribute to the world of Spiders. "The Itsy Bitsy Spider walked up the water spout" beings the set, as the stage lights up to find us with a Choir of laments regarding insects, with a rather huge spider web gracing the stage. So now we open with "Kiss of the Spiderwomen" and the very Hot "When the Jitterbug Bites". Next we come to "Spider's web" and the 2nd hit "Boris the Spider", like its counter part "Jitterbug" from earlier, we see and hear things reminiscent of the 1940's (including tap dancing), and ending with "Fancy Free/I got no strings" arrangments by Hearane.
More later:
As always:
-Justin Rodger.
Well as I write this, I am currently in the process of uploading videos of the 2011 Diamond Bar ***Spectacular*** Show Choir Competition, and I Paraphrase from last night "The 2011 So.Cal Show Choir Competition season has commenced". So here we are at the start of the 2011 So.Cal Competition Season (ohhhh what fun!!!!). Now, I won't be telling you where on this post i've posted the very important post, that is the post of the placings (I think im going to need a Post Office in that regard). Most of what has written has been fashionably edited, but written at the time of the preformance, so lets take a look.
Since the retirement of long time director Rollie Maxson, it is apparent that Arcadia has made quite a few changes. Some of which include the use of Risers, Parasals and Tap Dancing (remember I said "Arcadia" not "Brea"), speaking of Brea, what more of a suprise to Brea when they ("Chaunteurs") ask in their ballad "Where is love" reminiscent of last year's Ballad for Brea's "Spellbound", from the Lionel Bart musical "Oliver". Concluding with a wonderful medly on "He Ain't Heavy, He's my Brother/You Raise me up" arranged by Bobby Scott and Brendan Graham.
The Glendora High School "Royal Stewart Singers", one of the older Show Choirs, is currently under the direction of Dr.Brian Trevor, Choreographed with their new Choreographer Angela Vamos (who will be featured in the "Glee" Superbowl commercial for GM) and Assit. Choreography by Stephanie Lizzaraga. They opend up with the rather powerful mid-20th century classic "Let yourself go" which lead into their first ballad "Come live with me and be my love". Naturally going into the rather suprising Glee hit "Somebody to love". Going into thier hauntingly beautiful second Ballad "Angel Breating Out". Finishing up with the Bon Jovi Classic "Livin' On a Prayer".
At this point in the Competition, we now enter into the world of the more "showy" Show Choirs (typical of the quality of So.Cal). As the Curtain opens in harmony with the "ohhs" and "ahhs" of the crowd, we seem to find ourselvs in a setting Conducive of nature. We find this sort of "nature goddess" who seems to be thet most popular girl in the forest, then she is at the all time low of mistrust and pity (the apittim-y of of pitty as some might say). Then, some how by her good graces, she is pittied so much, that this small group of women come to console, and then more and then more. Then finally, she realizes humility and then all is at peace and Harmony (literally). In this set called "Clear Blue Morning", preformed by the Hart High School "Sound Vides" directed by Gail Hart and Choreographed by Gerald Espinosa.
Our 4th choir for the night, "Sound Machine" from Bonita Vista high School, under the direction Roxanne Ronacher and Choreographed by Bobbi Adams. This set called, "Caught" is a true tribute to the world of Spiders. "The Itsy Bitsy Spider walked up the water spout" beings the set, as the stage lights up to find us with a Choir of laments regarding insects, with a rather huge spider web gracing the stage. So now we open with "Kiss of the Spiderwomen" and the very Hot "When the Jitterbug Bites". Next we come to "Spider's web" and the 2nd hit "Boris the Spider", like its counter part "Jitterbug" from earlier, we see and hear things reminiscent of the 1940's (including tap dancing), and ending with "Fancy Free/I got no strings" arrangments by Hearane.
More later:
As always:
-Justin Rodger.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The 12 days of Compitition
Dear all:
In order to celebrate our 20th post, to take a break from the soon ending series on advice concerning great preformances, here is "the 12 days of Compitition" by the Bonita Vista "Music Machine" 2009
At the First Compitition my True love Gave to me:
1. A Brand New Acapella Piece
2. Hours of Sleep
3. Tired Judges
4. Broken Props
5. Billion Sequins
6. Nervous Breakdowns
7. Minute Warmups
8. Costume Changes
9. Dizzy Dancers
10. Pounds of Hairspray
11. Pounds of Makeup
12. Hour Festivals
We wish you the best of Luck now, and the grand Championship!!!!
Brought to you by the 2009 Bonita Vista Music Machine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8PeaGRmZ5Y&feature=related
As always:
-Justin Rodger
In order to celebrate our 20th post, to take a break from the soon ending series on advice concerning great preformances, here is "the 12 days of Compitition" by the Bonita Vista "Music Machine" 2009
At the First Compitition my True love Gave to me:
1. A Brand New Acapella Piece
2. Hours of Sleep
3. Tired Judges
4. Broken Props
5. Billion Sequins
6. Nervous Breakdowns
7. Minute Warmups
8. Costume Changes
9. Dizzy Dancers
10. Pounds of Hairspray
11. Pounds of Makeup
12. Hour Festivals
We wish you the best of Luck now, and the grand Championship!!!!
Brought to you by the 2009 Bonita Vista Music Machine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8PeaGRmZ5Y&feature=related
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Great Preforming tips part #2-Getting "In the Zone"
Dear all:
Ok, so it goes without saying, the more energy you have, the better chances of a great preformance and possibly the best chance at winning. It is important to have this energy at every rehersal, but within reason (lets not wear our energy out), but it is especilly important at the shows (and especilly compitition). Naturally, we just don't get this energy on command, it develops, and their are various ways to help develop and nurture this energy the right way.
#1-Singing from your Favorite Broadway Musicals
(like, for example, one of the things that gets me is "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, or "Not for the life of me/Throughly Modern Mille" from Throughly Modern Mille).
#2-Watching other High Energy Show Choirs (I highly recommend watching anything Brea-especilly "Spellbound" and a few "Masquerade" sets on youtube-thus explanning the "Brea Juice" joke).
Brea:
Spellbound 2010-Part 1
Spellbound 2010-Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqOAUuzQBDo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jSPXUkjnXs&feature=related
Masquerade 2009 "Everything old is New again" and "Rio De Janiro"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EITX69el-WM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwzdpVPDzHs&feature=related
John Burroghs:
Powerhouse: "Run"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq7AVYLySyE
Ceder Rapids: "Washington"-"Jai Ho":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGGGbG-5DTQ&feature=related
But if you have you're own particular preferance-No one's twisting your arm (except maybe your dance partner---LOL!----here's to dry humor).
#3 Watch "Gleeful: The Real Show Choirs of America"
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtiUHYxsn5A
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHi1tqLjo6U&feature=related
Part: 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoOVbkaSs20&feature=related
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoOVbkaSs20&feature=related
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoOVbkaSs20&feature=related
And listen to incredibly exciting music, my suggestions:
Caramelldansen: (including the famous dance) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dic_TIFv6mg&feature=fvst (the dance which involves dancing around, with your hands on your head shaped like little Kitty Cat Ears)
Its Ranning Men (which like 6 Girl Show Choirs did last year) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBlbPw7WAqM
and I need a Hero (which Glendora's Tartan Silhouettes mixed into a nice melody with Ranning Men)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBwS66EBUcY
#4-Get the competitive Spirit (IE, where Here to win, etc)
#5-PIZAZZ!!! (Basically, you count 1 2 3 and yell "Pizazz" with a random {repeat 3 times, recommended in a group}).
#6-Watch DVD's of Past Preformances
What NOT to do:
#1 Eat Caffine (the Theater Custodians are tired of cleaning up-after the remains of Show Choir people who suddently explode from over excited-itus) JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!! No really, don't eat large amounts of caffine, beacuse it has been known to dry out your trachea quite quickly. But a small piece of Chocolate chased down with Water could probably improve a preformane in getting your energy (like I mentioned above).
#2 Dairy Products (if you could possibly help it)-also known to down your voice quality.
And we will start posting on YouTube starting Saturday.
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Ok, so it goes without saying, the more energy you have, the better chances of a great preformance and possibly the best chance at winning. It is important to have this energy at every rehersal, but within reason (lets not wear our energy out), but it is especilly important at the shows (and especilly compitition). Naturally, we just don't get this energy on command, it develops, and their are various ways to help develop and nurture this energy the right way.
#1-Singing from your Favorite Broadway Musicals
(like, for example, one of the things that gets me is "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, or "Not for the life of me/Throughly Modern Mille" from Throughly Modern Mille).
#2-Watching other High Energy Show Choirs (I highly recommend watching anything Brea-especilly "Spellbound" and a few "Masquerade" sets on youtube-thus explanning the "Brea Juice" joke).
Brea:
Spellbound 2010-Part 1
Spellbound 2010-Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqOAUuzQBDo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jSPXUkjnXs&feature=related
Masquerade 2009 "Everything old is New again" and "Rio De Janiro"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EITX69el-WM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwzdpVPDzHs&feature=related
John Burroghs:
Powerhouse: "Run"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq7AVYLySyE
Ceder Rapids: "Washington"-"Jai Ho":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGGGbG-5DTQ&feature=related
But if you have you're own particular preferance-No one's twisting your arm (except maybe your dance partner---LOL!----here's to dry humor).
#3 Watch "Gleeful: The Real Show Choirs of America"
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtiUHYxsn5A
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHi1tqLjo6U&feature=related
Part: 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoOVbkaSs20&feature=related
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoOVbkaSs20&feature=related
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoOVbkaSs20&feature=related
And listen to incredibly exciting music, my suggestions:
Caramelldansen: (including the famous dance) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dic_TIFv6mg&feature=fvst (the dance which involves dancing around, with your hands on your head shaped like little Kitty Cat Ears)
Its Ranning Men (which like 6 Girl Show Choirs did last year) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBlbPw7WAqM
and I need a Hero (which Glendora's Tartan Silhouettes mixed into a nice melody with Ranning Men)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBwS66EBUcY
#4-Get the competitive Spirit (IE, where Here to win, etc)
#5-PIZAZZ!!! (Basically, you count 1 2 3 and yell "Pizazz" with a random {repeat 3 times, recommended in a group}).
#6-Watch DVD's of Past Preformances
What NOT to do:
#1 Eat Caffine (the Theater Custodians are tired of cleaning up-after the remains of Show Choir people who suddently explode from over excited-itus) JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!! No really, don't eat large amounts of caffine, beacuse it has been known to dry out your trachea quite quickly. But a small piece of Chocolate chased down with Water could probably improve a preformane in getting your energy (like I mentioned above).
#2 Dairy Products (if you could possibly help it)-also known to down your voice quality.
And we will start posting on YouTube starting Saturday.
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Great Preformint Tips #1-Warming Up and Streching
Dear all:
Warming up, and streching can be very well one of the most nessacary and effective ways to prepare for a preformance (including Show Choir activities). Remembering that streching, in a big part, is meant to improve our flexability. Flexibility is imperitive beacuse "It improves muscle balance around a joint, thus improving posture. It reduces the chance of injury when playing a sport or in every day activities (and) "It increases the blood and nutrient supply to muscles and cartilage, thereby also reducing muscle soreness after training"*. In my own experiance, I have preformed in dance shows where they don't even let you on stage (to preform/reherse) until you've streched. Should we not have the same attitude with Show Choir, where 70% is focused in the quality of a preformance? It is also a known fact that streching makes quite a dramatic differance (for the good) in your preformance (higher kicks, straighter and just all around cleaner dancing/physical activity).
A lesson known thing about streching is the importance of warming up before auctually streching. Although nothing particularly strenuous, even taking a 5 minute warm shower helps to lossen your joints (this still doesnt make up for streching though). Although with all things, their is a right way and a wrong way to strech.
"
Warming up, and streching can be very well one of the most nessacary and effective ways to prepare for a preformance (including Show Choir activities). Remembering that streching, in a big part, is meant to improve our flexability. Flexibility is imperitive beacuse "It improves muscle balance around a joint, thus improving posture. It reduces the chance of injury when playing a sport or in every day activities (and) "It increases the blood and nutrient supply to muscles and cartilage, thereby also reducing muscle soreness after training"*. In my own experiance, I have preformed in dance shows where they don't even let you on stage (to preform/reherse) until you've streched. Should we not have the same attitude with Show Choir, where 70% is focused in the quality of a preformance? It is also a known fact that streching makes quite a dramatic differance (for the good) in your preformance (higher kicks, straighter and just all around cleaner dancing/physical activity).
A lesson known thing about streching is the importance of warming up before auctually streching. Although nothing particularly strenuous, even taking a 5 minute warm shower helps to lossen your joints (this still doesnt make up for streching though). Although with all things, their is a right way and a wrong way to strech.
"
"Stretching should not be done as a warm-up to an activity as you could injure your muscles if stretching them when they are cold. At least 3 to 5 minutes of cardiovascular training is recommended to warm up the muscles sufficiently. Each major muscle group should be stretched slowly and with control, holding each stretch for 1 to 3 sets of 10 to 60 seconds. Hold each stretch at the point of mild tension or tightness, not to the point of pain. It is important to stretch after doing any physical activity. When muscles perform any exercise, they tighten and shorten as a result. Stretching them out helps to restore and improve their length. When doing strength training, you could stretch each muscle group directly after performing each set"*.
But as always we must be careful about when and when not to strech. Various examples include after a recent injury (such as a fracture) or when it causes a particular amount of pain (although, we musn't be so quick to give up, after all, no pain no gain!).
Streching after any preformance is also important, and all the more effective to reduce the chance of injury which could possibly keep you out of compitition/future preformances. Even if the IHOP, or Denny's is all that way.
As always:
-Justin Rodger
*http://www.bodyandmind.co.za/healthweb/The_Importance_of_Streching.html
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Great Preforming Tips Series
Dear all:
I hope in this series of preforming tips to impart some of my knowledge-especilly for those who are first timers in Show Choir/Preforming arts!! If you have any of your own advice, don't be bashful! (but don't be rude either!!!).
Don't forget----we will be following up on our local Show Choir events on our facebook events page!!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/SoCal-Show-Choir-Blog/173274506048034?v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=189872341042012&index=1
As always:
-Justin Rodger
I hope in this series of preforming tips to impart some of my knowledge-especilly for those who are first timers in Show Choir/Preforming arts!! If you have any of your own advice, don't be bashful! (but don't be rude either!!!).
Don't forget----we will be following up on our local Show Choir events on our facebook events page!!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/SoCal-Show-Choir-Blog/173274506048034?v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=189872341042012&index=1
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Facebook events!!!
Dear all:
As with the creativeity of the facebook world, a whole list of events are to be posted time by time, but certainly not dull, as two have just been posted today!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SoCal-Show-Choir-Blog/173274506048034?v=app_2344061033
As always:
-Justin Rodger!
As with the creativeity of the facebook world, a whole list of events are to be posted time by time, but certainly not dull, as two have just been posted today!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SoCal-Show-Choir-Blog/173274506048034?v=app_2344061033
As always:
-Justin Rodger!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Is Concert Choir really that important?
Dear all:
Well, with all the hustle and bustle of any standard Show Choir year, some Choirs happen to have a strong "Concert" feel to it at times, and even those without often wonder "is Concert Choir really that important anyways?". Concert Choir reminds us of the roots of Show Choir, in being a Choir. Infact, with true Concert Choir, their are many things that some Show Choirs just plain miss out (like Bach, Mozart, Bhrams etc), naturally due to their busy schedule. It is known that many Britsh Rock Starts started out in similar Classical tranning (like Orchestras for example). Concert Choir also provides those in Show Choir with a great amount of extra time consistant vocal tranning and as with any team, it is only as stong as its weakest link (this is why I also encourage extra dance lessons).
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Well, with all the hustle and bustle of any standard Show Choir year, some Choirs happen to have a strong "Concert" feel to it at times, and even those without often wonder "is Concert Choir really that important anyways?". Concert Choir reminds us of the roots of Show Choir, in being a Choir. Infact, with true Concert Choir, their are many things that some Show Choirs just plain miss out (like Bach, Mozart, Bhrams etc), naturally due to their busy schedule. It is known that many Britsh Rock Starts started out in similar Classical tranning (like Orchestras for example). Concert Choir also provides those in Show Choir with a great amount of extra time consistant vocal tranning and as with any team, it is only as stong as its weakest link (this is why I also encourage extra dance lessons).
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Favorite things about Preforming
Dear all:
We all have our own littler quirks about Preforming, and I invite you to post your own, as the following are mine.
1. All of the stress of costume changes (especilly 17 Second Costume Changes)
2. Makeup and what not.
3. Having a live audiance there watching you.
4. My love for music and singing
5. The Stress of Blackouts on stage.
6. How (especilly with full productions), backstage is a compleatly differnt world.
7. How a message from the director to you (and the cast) backstage, can be compleatly twisted by the time it gets to you.
8. Having to "run" behind the set to get to the other side of the stage (depending on where I am preforming).
9. The quiet of the backstage.
10. Having to memorize all of that music and lituerature.
11. Having a sort of relationship and common understanding with your fellow preformers.
12. At audition, the stress of audition
13. At rehersals and Auditions, all the funny clothes we preforming arts people wear (spandex, wife beaters, etc)
14. Having lots of auditions, rehersals and preformances to do, at a single time.
15. Just being busy with things to do.
16. All of my new friends that I make!!!!!!!!!!
17. Also the "Stress" of the "oh my, thay person is wayyyyyyy better then me" stress, auditions.
18. The stress of audition waiting rooms!!
19. The Stress of "ok where ready for you know"
20. Getting a call back (even If one doesnt get it, or you don't know yet, at least you're going somewhere)
21. Also the stress of the intense waiting period after you audition to find out.
22. Rehersals, and being all sweaty and just ya know.
23.When the stage manager says "Curtain" or "Places please" or therof.
What are yours?
As always:
-Justin Rodger
We all have our own littler quirks about Preforming, and I invite you to post your own, as the following are mine.
1. All of the stress of costume changes (especilly 17 Second Costume Changes)
2. Makeup and what not.
3. Having a live audiance there watching you.
4. My love for music and singing
5. The Stress of Blackouts on stage.
6. How (especilly with full productions), backstage is a compleatly differnt world.
7. How a message from the director to you (and the cast) backstage, can be compleatly twisted by the time it gets to you.
8. Having to "run" behind the set to get to the other side of the stage (depending on where I am preforming).
9. The quiet of the backstage.
10. Having to memorize all of that music and lituerature.
11. Having a sort of relationship and common understanding with your fellow preformers.
12. At audition, the stress of audition
13. At rehersals and Auditions, all the funny clothes we preforming arts people wear (spandex, wife beaters, etc)
14. Having lots of auditions, rehersals and preformances to do, at a single time.
15. Just being busy with things to do.
16. All of my new friends that I make!!!!!!!!!!
17. Also the "Stress" of the "oh my, thay person is wayyyyyyy better then me" stress, auditions.
18. The stress of audition waiting rooms!!
19. The Stress of "ok where ready for you know"
20. Getting a call back (even If one doesnt get it, or you don't know yet, at least you're going somewhere)
21. Also the stress of the intense waiting period after you audition to find out.
22. Rehersals, and being all sweaty and just ya know.
23.When the stage manager says "Curtain" or "Places please" or therof.
What are yours?
As always:
-Justin Rodger
SCSCB On: "Gleeful: The Real Show Choirs of America"
Dear all:
Well, amoung the totall explosion of Show Choir to the World with the continuing of "Glee" last April (of 2010) quite a number of Local, National and even Inter-National News Outlets have put quite the spotlight on the real life of Show Choir, including this wonderful British Documentry about Show Choir, featuring quite a bit of the Southern California Show Choirs (including, Burroghs, Burbank, Brea, Arcadia, Hart and a little bit of Glendora and other local Choirs). It also provides a totall Choir Room/Back Stage interviews and bits from various places, inculding the Los Alamitos EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! Compitition. It is also a great window into the World of Show Choir, especilly for an area of the world where their is literally only 1 Show Choir in the entire Country (England). It is finally a great warmer upper and energizer for any preformance (especilly Show Choir Compititions and what nots), and I highly recommend watching before you preform.
Links:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtiUHYxsn5A
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHi1tqLjo6U&feature=related
Part: 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoOVbkaSs20&feature=related
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NZZlGd-XYY&feature=related
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvlNZoTYJxA&feature=related
As always:
-Justin Rodger
P.S: We are still putting together our schedule for Show Choir Compititions. If I am not able to attend, we are looking for attendies to write a 1-4 Paragraph synopsis of the program. If you are interesting please write choirblog@yahoo.com.ShowChoir (remove the .ShowChoir for it to work).
Well, amoung the totall explosion of Show Choir to the World with the continuing of "Glee" last April (of 2010) quite a number of Local, National and even Inter-National News Outlets have put quite the spotlight on the real life of Show Choir, including this wonderful British Documentry about Show Choir, featuring quite a bit of the Southern California Show Choirs (including, Burroghs, Burbank, Brea, Arcadia, Hart and a little bit of Glendora and other local Choirs). It also provides a totall Choir Room/Back Stage interviews and bits from various places, inculding the Los Alamitos EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! Compitition. It is also a great window into the World of Show Choir, especilly for an area of the world where their is literally only 1 Show Choir in the entire Country (England). It is finally a great warmer upper and energizer for any preformance (especilly Show Choir Compititions and what nots), and I highly recommend watching before you preform.
Links:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtiUHYxsn5A
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHi1tqLjo6U&feature=related
Part: 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoOVbkaSs20&feature=related
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NZZlGd-XYY&feature=related
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvlNZoTYJxA&feature=related
As always:
-Justin Rodger
P.S: We are still putting together our schedule for Show Choir Compititions. If I am not able to attend, we are looking for attendies to write a 1-4 Paragraph synopsis of the program. If you are interesting please write choirblog@yahoo.com.ShowChoir (remove the .ShowChoir for it to work).
Thursday, January 20, 2011
YouTube and So.Cal Show Choir Blog
Dear all:
Well as you all may know, we happen to have a Facebook and a YouTube page, both growing as fast as they can, in time for the So.Cal Show Choir Compitition Season. We have recently added some favorites on our YouTube page, which will continue to grow "as time goes by", and we will be sure to start posting videos as soon as the So.Cal Show Choir Compitition Season Starts!!!! And be sure to tell your Friends about our Blog!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100000699738314
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ChoirBlog?feature=mhum
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Well as you all may know, we happen to have a Facebook and a YouTube page, both growing as fast as they can, in time for the So.Cal Show Choir Compitition Season. We have recently added some favorites on our YouTube page, which will continue to grow "as time goes by", and we will be sure to start posting videos as soon as the So.Cal Show Choir Compitition Season Starts!!!! And be sure to tell your Friends about our Blog!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100000699738314
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ChoirBlog?feature=mhum
As always:
-Justin Rodger
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Show Choir and the use of Risers.
For as long as music has been around, the use of a rising effect on stage, choir stalls and lofts have been quite prevailent, even in the design of Instruments, so it was no suprise that Show Choirs would follow suit when they started in the late 60's-70's. Thanks to YouTube user tskot, we clearly see evidence of this in the early Show Choir Compititions of the 60's and 70's. Particularlly with Mid-West Show Choir, the Mid-Westerners, even to this day, do not exactly have a "Plethora" of Preforming Art Centers, simply Gyms, Cafeterias and even Classrooms (to some of us veteran Southern Californians it tends to make you feel like you're in several "DIMENSIONS" especilly with all of those "Wheat Fields" blocking the way for the next Orpheum or Carnegie Hall {ok enough with the cameos}), so to many the Risers where the stage themselvs (ok maybe a bit of an exaggeration).
Here is Video of a 1970's Show Choir Compitition, the Marion High School 26th Street Singers-1977:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfEtPXJsLUw&feature=related
ohhhh how Show Choir Has changed.
The Use of Risers became especilly important as Show Choirs started to go "all out" in the 1990s, for example the Nogales High School Chamber Singers**, the Brea Olinda of its day (especilly since Brea's Director and Choreographer where employed at Nogales during that time). As Show Choirs tend to grow more and more into the Show (with Southern California leading the way) the use of Risers have become practically the norm. Even amoung Middle Schools we have seen the growing trend. "If its not growing is decaying"*, such words from Brendon Jennings, the director of the famos John Burroghs HS Show Choir "Powerhouse".
Shocker: A Middle School Show Choir Clearly using Risers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgMJZKb4v9M
Brea Jr.High-Show Choir Express 2008
Even if the Show Choir in question, is a simpler more traditional Show Choir (yes, with the Sequins) Risers have helped choreographically and even musically (is it anywonder why Risers have been used for Hunders of years now?), they really "up" the preformance, per say.
As always:
-Justin Rodger
* http://www.choraldirectormag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=5E0A89BA2464490285FF554FBAEDF3F6
**http://www.davewillert.com/
With a Couple of camios to Dave Willert's Book Series "DIMENSIONS"
Here is Video of a 1970's Show Choir Compitition, the Marion High School 26th Street Singers-1977:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfEtPXJsLUw&feature=related
ohhhh how Show Choir Has changed.
The Use of Risers became especilly important as Show Choirs started to go "all out" in the 1990s, for example the Nogales High School Chamber Singers**, the Brea Olinda of its day (especilly since Brea's Director and Choreographer where employed at Nogales during that time). As Show Choirs tend to grow more and more into the Show (with Southern California leading the way) the use of Risers have become practically the norm. Even amoung Middle Schools we have seen the growing trend. "If its not growing is decaying"*, such words from Brendon Jennings, the director of the famos John Burroghs HS Show Choir "Powerhouse".
Shocker: A Middle School Show Choir Clearly using Risers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgMJZKb4v9M
Brea Jr.High-Show Choir Express 2008
Even if the Show Choir in question, is a simpler more traditional Show Choir (yes, with the Sequins) Risers have helped choreographically and even musically (is it anywonder why Risers have been used for Hunders of years now?), they really "up" the preformance, per say.
As always:
-Justin Rodger
* http://www.choraldirectormag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=5E0A89BA2464490285FF554FBAEDF3F6
**http://www.davewillert.com/
With a Couple of camios to Dave Willert's Book Series "DIMENSIONS"
Monday, January 17, 2011
So.Cal Choir Blog on Facebook and Youtube!
Dear all:
Keep updated on the latest with "So.Cal Show Choir Blog: Rantings of a So.Cal Show Choir Wannabe" on Facebook, and various Choir related things (including the up and coming Show Choir Compitition Season) on YouTube (especilly as the season rolls along).
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ChoirBlog?feature=mhum
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1164692992#!/pages/SoCal-Show-Choir-Blog/173274506048034
As always:
-Justin Rodger.
Keep updated on the latest with "So.Cal Show Choir Blog: Rantings of a So.Cal Show Choir Wannabe" on Facebook, and various Choir related things (including the up and coming Show Choir Compitition Season) on YouTube (especilly as the season rolls along).
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ChoirBlog?feature=mhum
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1164692992#!/pages/SoCal-Show-Choir-Blog/173274506048034
As always:
-Justin Rodger.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
What do you look for in Show Choir?
As I write this, I am currently waiting for the callback list in regards to my audition for Citrus College's Production of "Ragtime", if im not called back it doesnt mean im not in, but it doesnt look to shiny. Also awaiting The very much anticipated 2011 Show Choir Competition Season for Southern California. Speaking of which, a shout out to my good Choir friends at Brea Olinda High School/Jr.High School. After enjoying a good “preview night” on Saturday the 8th, I fully intend to keep quiet what they are doing this year (its going go be quite spectacular). I am also awaiting the news of Costume Changes for the “Guys and Dolls” of the Glendora High School Show Choirs, and interested to see what the other choirs have in store (I seriously have no idea).
We all have our likes and dislikes about Show Choir (I invite you to post yours in the comments section, but DO NOT trash or put down anybody or any of the choirs themselves). As for myself, much of my likes and dislikes are rooted in my years of musical theater when I was younger (and recently re-continuing). So one can expect I happen to have a particular sweet tooth for the big Showy Show Choirs (as I do). But all sequins and steam machines aside, I also believe in doing what you do well (like Arcadia High School’s, Chanteurs and New Spirit). These choirs are living proof, that doing what you do well is particularly important in Show Choir, just in General, (like when Chanteurs totally ate up Brea Olinda’s “Masquerade” at Aztec Sing 2010-NOT TO IMPLY that Brea does not do well, what they do, but their more of a “Show” focus unfortunately can knock any Choir’s points down (it depends Judge to Judge and partially their own likes and dislikes).
As I mentioned earlier, being my prior and continuing experience in Musical Theater, I also happen to have a “Hart” for the more Showy Show Choirs (like Brea, Burroughs and Burbank-----OH MY!). I have a particular love for the Brea Choirs due to their spirit of love and family not found in most choirs (from what I can understand) present at each and every performance. So here is my thumbs up to Dave Willert and Doug Khul, of making your choirs a “world of imagination”. I don’t have a particular preference for the Mid West Show Choirs, but admittedly enough, they help keep alive and keep us Californians aware of our wonderful Show Choir History and Tradition (30 years strong!!!).
As always:
-Justin Rodger
P.S: This whole copy and pasting from word is still acting up, so excuse the mistakes if they show.
Well, we Southern Californians are at that stressful point where we are perfecting and tweaking the various sets and whatnots. “You work right into the bitter end, their’s a
phrase that says ‘the show is frozen’ which we try to do a few days before opening, but really your tweaking that show until the critics come”1 such was said in a documentary concerning the musical “Wicked“. Could not the same be said for Show Choir? Personally I find it rather interesting how the Show just naturally changes and develops as the seasons rolls along, infact one of the interesting things about Show Choir is that no 2 performances are exactly the same. Especially with the more “Show” Show Choirs (like Brea-Burroughs and Burbank-oh my!),one of the best parts about competition is seeing what they have changed since then.
Another factor of this pre-competition rush is the excitement and hullabaloo of what the other Show Choirs are doing this year, and especially with more of the “Show” Show Choirs, you just never know. I’d doubt I was the only one in the room who didn’t expect those 30ft Bottles during Brea’s climax of “Rendezvous in Paris” (Be Our Guest). Their are certainly some surprises from Brea and Glendora that in all kindness I’d rather not reveal until after Diamond Bar Spectacular 2011 (unless otherwise instructed from either of their directors). But its going to be, as always fun and unexpected, especially with the Popularity of Glee.
What are your thoughts? (Remember: No Choir Gossip/Bashing, and out of common manners, don’t reveal what the other choirs are doing)
As always:
-Justin Rodger # From “Wicked The Musical Documentary Part 1”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZVp2ZOGAhw
Do pardon the messed up font-im copying and pasting from Word.
A worse mistake than not smiling at during your Choir's preformance. LOL!
You know you're a Show Choir Wannabe if
1. Your in Concert Choir or currently in a Show Choir
2. You shovel out old Choir DVD's and learn the Song and Dance, and just have some pretend time..................... (LOL!)
3.. Your Blonde
4.. You say "Sequin" with a musical tone of voice.
5. During rehearsals you peer in the window of the Choir room with the biggest puppy dog eyes and paw at the window for 3 hours (if you’re Choir room doesn’t have windows, then the government must have declared the bright Sequins unsafe for non-Show Choir people’s eyes!!!!)
6. You would wear your Choir T-Shirt everyday of the week if you could.
7. You attend Show Choir Competitions
8. You watch Glee
9. You know half of the songs from Glee
10. You get all excited and sing to your lungses's death when you hear the opening to "Don't Stop Beliving".
11. You don't drink caffine the day of a Show Choir Compitition (that you attend) beacuse you're afraid you're going to literally explode with excitedness.
(Note: If someone can Sing and Dance at the same time, you can still be in Show Choir and be a Show Choir wannabe at the same time, LOL!).
2. You shovel out old Choir DVD's and learn the Song and Dance, and just have some pretend time..................... (LOL!)
3.. Your Blonde
4.. You say "Sequin" with a musical tone of voice.
5. During rehearsals you peer in the window of the Choir room with the biggest puppy dog eyes and paw at the window for 3 hours (if you’re Choir room doesn’t have windows, then the government must have declared the bright Sequins unsafe for non-Show Choir people’s eyes!!!!)
6. You would wear your Choir T-Shirt everyday of the week if you could.
7. You attend Show Choir Competitions
8. You watch Glee
9. You know half of the songs from Glee
10. You get all excited and sing to your lungses's death when you hear the opening to "Don't Stop Beliving".
11. You don't drink caffine the day of a Show Choir Compitition (that you attend) beacuse you're afraid you're going to literally explode with excitedness.
(Note: If someone can Sing and Dance at the same time, you can still be in Show Choir and be a Show Choir wannabe at the same time, LOL!).
Saturday, January 15, 2011
****!!!! Introduction !!!!****
Ratings of a So. Cal Show Choir Wannabe
(Aka-So. Cal Show Choir Blog)
“and now all the way from G-town Ca. please put your hands together for………..So. Cal Show Choir Blog!!!!!!!”
12/30/10
Ratings of a Southern California Show Choir Wannabe follows the ratings and activities of a Show Choir wannabe, in the worst place ever for someone who wishes to recover from this, well what some call an addiction. This wonderful place being Southern California (ever hear of John Burroughs High’s “Powerhouse?????”). This blog follows the various Choir and local musical theater performances in possibly one of the hottest places for entertainment (or for someone with fair skin). This blog especially follows various Show Choir competitions, as the season is just around the corner.
Ratings of a Southern California Show Choir Wannabe follows the ratings and activities of a Show Choir wannabe, in the worst place ever for someone who wishes to recover from this, well what some call an addiction. This wonderful place being Southern California (ever hear of John Burroughs High’s “Powerhouse?????”). This blog follows the various Choir and local musical theater performances in possibly one of the hottest places for entertainment (or for someone with fair skin). This blog especially follows various Show Choir competitions, as the season is just around the corner.
This blog is not associated with any particular School, or website, but is associated with itself. I have the rite to removed anything I may find inappropriate.
You can also follow us on:
(I would have twitter, but I don’t want my blog to fly away J ) Mind you thease are still under construction, so be patient.
This blog is not a tool for Gossip or Bashing of anybody or any Choir/Production. As well this Blog does not take any official political or religious stand* but the author and moderator will not use his blog to contradict or deviate from the teachings of his Christian faith which he holds dear.
*At the same time, this Blog is consercrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, under the Co-patronage of St.Cecelia patroness of musicians in order to ask God's Blessing upon our work as preformers/musicians. This is not a relegious or politically focused blog.
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