Thursday:
Chorus Semi-finals 11:00am-8:00pm
Date: 6 Nov 98 08:38:30 CST
From: Harmonet Reporter <harmonet.reporter@usa.net>
To: <BBSHOP@ADMIN.HUMBERC.ON.CA>
Subject: SAI Chorus Semi-Finals Report
This will be the first actual contest session report going out this week. This time there was enough time between choruses to do each commentary, so it ª± basically untouched since the end of the session. Forgive any errors!
Our emcee for this first session is Bev Miller
Mic Testers are Georgia Harmony, from Region 23, directed by Elaine
Miller. They wore red and black lame' dresses topped with red feather
boas.
LULU'S BACK IN TOWN - Good energetic moves, nice chorus!
SWEET ADELINE - (oops, had to get the camera re-situated. - sorry.)
1 Surrey Harmony #31 (51 on stage)
Directed by Jenny Lawson
Teal and fuschia satin tops over black skirts highlighted with flecks
of the colors in the top.
SING ME THAT SONG AGAIN -
SO LONG DEARIE - Lively with snappy choreo and an occasional
flash of the fuschia underskirt. œ›ª> going as far
away from Joisey as a gal can get m got an enthusiastic round of
applause. Looks like they were glad to be rid of this guy at
the finish!
2 Rich-Tone #25 (~147 on stage)
Directed by Dale Syverson
(the Green Monster is still alive.... A green one legged leotard, topped
with a multicolored fringed tunic with one sleeve.)
YOU'RE BREAKING IN A NEW HEART WHILE YOU'RE BREAKING MINE - At this
level there's probably little I can say to convey the power and energy
they created to fill the Arena. The ballad had few really soft spots,
but the excitement was all there.
SWANEE - They started with the smoothness but not as much tenderness
as I like to hear in this intro (remember it's one of my favorites, so
that's totally partial.) Their Choreo is so splashy and flamboyant
it just throws the sound out with it.
3 Spirit of Syracuse #16 (102 on stage)
Directed by Nancy Field
White satin mid-length skirt topped with a silver one shouldered, semi-transparent
top with silver swirling sequins.
FORGIVE ME - Smooth and mellow delivery of a lovely song.
SWEET GEORGIA BROWN - Cool sexy choreo and a lot of vamping in
the chorus here. The
4 Yankeemaid #1
(85) directed by Karen Sweeters
Wearing pretty crinkly fabric red dresses with a black lacy border
along the V-neck.
The chorus entered greeting each other animatedly, as though they were
just entering rehearsal.
I WANNA BE ALL ALONE - Really cute song. I'm a mother and
a sister and a daughter and wife, who's going to start a brand new life."
"Hallelujah!" They expressed their delight at freedom from housework
and carpools occasionally showing their black leggings under the flowing
skirts.
I CAN MAKE IT ON MY OWN - Pleasant ballad. I don't
hear a lot of variety in the dynamics, but they sold it well with their
faces.
5 Spirit of Detroit #2
(93) Director LeAnn Hazlett
Red crushed velvet street length dresses with a scoop neck. Others
are wearing pants and a tunic top that matches the dresses. The Front
row did a fancy step onstage in pairs and then took a snappy pose and formed
a line as the other took the risers.
SO LONG MOTHER - Lovely moving ballad, done with tenderness and
finesse, building slowly in intensity to the climax. They did a long
slow build to the tag that was extremely powerful! VERY nice!
GOODBYE BROADWAY, HELLO FRANCE- Snappy, complete with wooden
rifles, flashing silver underskirt and a little marching around the stage.
Powerful singing and a really well received performance... attaining the
first standing ovation of the day!
[This chorus had a rule infraction penalty. I believe it was
due to the unnecessary use of props.]
6 Verdugo Hills #11 (107 on stage) Directed by Carolyn &
Bill Butler Red flared skirts, with gold and red sequined tops (one shoulder
is red)
Bill is wearing a black tux, with a red scarf. The two directors
stepped to the front in a draw to determine which would direct first.
She won, he exited.
BROADWAY MEDLEY - Nice flashy performance with tons of personality.
As they turn one direction they are all in red, and the effect is dramatic.
At the end the front row slowly does a spread bow to their knees, as the
risers rise upward, swelling in both directions.
EVERY LIGHT ON BROADWAY - I didn't recognize it from the intro, and
it was very slow building. Then the intensity hit as they got to
the chorus, and put the power on. Clean singing and wonderful sound.
[It was following this performance that Bill Butler left the stage,
and collapsed backstage with a mild heart attack. He was scheduled
for by-pass surgery in Nashville the following Monday, and is currently
in recovery from that. Family indicate that he is doing well.]
7 Crosstown Harmony # 22 (87 on stage) Donna Bates
Red, scarf skirt, with gold and red sequined vested bodice, and short
draping sleeves.
I NEVER MEANT TO FALL IN LOVE - Strong ballad with a lilting (tenor?)
melody over the base of basses at the end. Very pretty contrast.
The song flowed very nicely.
I NEVER KNEW I COULD LOVE ANYBODY - Dancing and strolling front row
glides smoothly across the stage.
8 High Country #8 (99 on stage) Directed by
Bobby Gray
Black , white and gold band uniforms, with white plumed hats.
WANNA BE THE LEADER OF THE BAND? Lots of marching around the
stage as they wait for the parade band to come. Great energy and
verve in this peppy.
YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE - building from near silence to a really strong
loud right in the beginning. Smooth and exciting (the front row has
their hats in their hands. Very moving, with lots of dramatic changes
of pace. This is the most dynamic variety we've heard yet today.
9 Ronninge #32 (124) Directed
by Britte-Hellene Bbonnedahl
Their support group is standing in the floor section in front of us
reading a ϱ cripted m cheer. We ask what it means,
and a gentleman offers, "When we WIN we'll have a party!"
Red long scarves over a skirt topped by a diagonal black slash and
a diagonal red sequined slash. Topped with a "hat" encircling
their head that resembles a feather made of sequins. Their left arm
is in a black glove to the shoulder. And they are wearing high
heeled boots!
SWEET GEORGIA BROWN - they have so much fun it's almost too much trouble
to listen to how they are singing. We needn't bother because they
sing with perfection. It's the dancing that the crowd thrills at!
What a show!!
ALL THE WORLD AND ITS GOLD - Like I said, we needn't wonder how
they are singing, because this shows that they know what they are doing!
Of all the foreign countries that have taken to barbershop, only Sweden
seems to have fully enveloped the love of it!
INTERMISSION
emcee: Marge Zimmerman
Marge said that she has come up with a few suggestions to give to the
Judges to make the information a little more interesting. These additions
could allow us to give out a few more awards.... such as:
Music
1 Most notes in a 4-part chord
2 Most tempo changes within one uptune
3 Most subtle display of a mechanical performance
Showmanship
1 Most irrelevant use of gestures
2 Most creative use of glitter spray
3 Least noticeable panting by the front row
Expression
1 Most diphthongs turned like Reba
2 Most spectacular chord worship in a ballad
3 Least synch
Sound
1 Most heroic attempt at a key change
2 Most obvious clarion singer
3 Most creative use of a tonal center
Overall (interpret this as you will)
Best Execution of a song!
Now that we have the judges properly focused, it is time for us to get on with the festivities!!!
[I borrowed Marge's notes during the next intermission to make sure I got these funnies right!]
10 Elkridge #19 (140 on stage) Directed
by Michael Gellert
Purple dresses with handkerchief hem, with ORANGE under layers and
purple stockings.! Michael is wearing a black tux and purple cummerbund.
WORLD WAR I MEDLEY - Great Full sound, and a ton of energy. Wonderful
ripple arm wave from a center cone. Ending in a ripple salute!
WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER - It is so neat to see the faces totally involved
in the ballad. Admittedly this isn't too uncommon at International,
but they do it well, and it was worth noting.
11 Pacific Sound # 13 (149 on stage) Carole
Kirkpatrick
Red handkerchief skirts with matching red tunics with feathers around
the v-neck.
WHEN I LOST YOU - Powerful! This song is impeccably performed.
DIXIELAND ONE STEP - Wow!
12 Lincolnaire #20 (56 on stage) Directed by
Karen Koch
Red (again?) dresses with a gold sequined bodice and "leaf" sleeves
edged in gold.
MAMA'S GONE, GOODBYE - This is the smallest chorus of the contest,
but they've managed to find a way to hold onto their share of the stage!
Good delivery and solid performance.
I WILL LOVE YOU TILL THE END OF TIME - Interesting ballad I don't recall
hearing before., and well done.
13 Houston Horizon #10 (121 on stage) Directed
by Betty Clipman
They get bonus points for NOT wearing RED today!! They are wearing
a turquoise chiffon dress with a handkerchief hem and a multicolored large
sequined bodice.
WHEN I LOST YOU - So beautiful.. This may be the song of the contest,
as two choruses have done it, and both have been superb!
LONELY NIGHTS - Snappy dancing and some really cute moves! They've
got the right attitude for this song. The crowd loves it. Me,
too.
14 Lions Gate #26 (63 on stage)
Directed by Sandy Metzger
Extra points for these too! They are wearing black pantsuits
with a kelly green satin front on the jackets.
THE MASQUERADE IS OVER - The tag, "and so is love" was quite
well done, with a long slow build to the end. Very well done!
SWANEE - Light and easy at the start, and building rapidly to a fuller
intensity. They put a few really snappy ϡ ap-type m
delivery and moves
into that œ| ow I ª> going back to Swanee shore! m
Good show girls!
15 City of Lakes #6 (107 on stage)
Directed by Mary Dick
Lovely Fuschia dresses with chiffon skirts and ruffly chiffon sleeves.
The bodice is covered with matching shiny sequined fabric
MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO ALABAM - Lively tune with a kick-line choo
choo! Great choro with this! Best ringing final chord of the day
(so far!)
SWEET ADELINE - Clustered in small groups they start the intro, and
then blend together as they approach the verse. Smooth and strong.
As they came to the end of the song three ladies made their way slowly
down between the now reformed clusters, and joined the director at center
stage to end the set as a Quartet. Obviously, intended as a
tribute to the organization and sisterhood we share.
[I received a note from a chorus member saying that my perception was
correct, and all four of the ladies are Queens of Harmony, and sing different
parts, so they have an authentic quartet of Queens!]
16 Willamette Sound #24 (63 on stage)
Directed by Tim McCord
Fuschia long dresses with lots of layers of handkerchiefs at the hem
and sleeves, and glitter draping across the front and down one side.
YOU KEEP COMING BACK LIKE A SONG - Nice, strong and solid.
ALL ABOARD THE BOAT TO DIXIE - (I had a minor equipment crisis at this
point and I failed to get any comments on this song. Sorry!)
17 Vienna-Falls #14 (89 on stage) Directed by
Claire Gardiner
More hankerchiefs! This time they are black with a gold and black
top
with diagonal design
SO LONG MOTHER- This song doesn ª² really need much
movement to sell the
song, but they have a lot of it. They sing pretty well, but the
abundance of choreography is distracting.
WORLD WAR I MEDLEY - œº f it ª± kissin
you ª° e missing, I ª_ l sacrifice once
more. m Triple kick-line that each turned a semi circle.
18 St. Joseph #7 (65 on stage) Directed
by Byron Myers
Purple glitzy tops with skirts with handkerchief hems, and scattered
sequins all over.
I'VE FALLEN FOR SOMEONE NEW -
IT'S THE LAST TIME YOU'LL COME BACK - They give Byron a really tough
time with this song. He was there only as a prop I think!
"Of happiness I hope you'll get your share" sounds like a threat to me!
Then the masses parted, and the 6' tall lead, Kelly Deare made her way
to the front and read him the riot act! Eventually he was driven
from the stage in total rejection and she finished directing the tag!
INTERMISSION
During the break I spoke with Jean Barford in a back corridor and asked
her how she was, following her back surgery a short time ago. Her
response was, "Tell everyone I'm getting a little stronger every day, and
everything is going great. I'm here and having a wonderful time."
I asked if she was enjoying taking a break from the action and she said,
"Oh NO.. I LOVE competing!! There's nothing I would rather be doing!"
19 Song of Atlanta #23 (82 on stage) Directed
by Becki Hine
Red satin with purple sequined sleeves and assorted chartreuse accents.
FOR THE SAKE OF AULD LANG SYNE - Great song.
THE MOMENT I SAW YOUR EYES - During the intro the director moved in
and they ripped the
long dress off of her and revealed a shimmering short lime green sequined
dress. She then took on the "Hot to Handle" persona, with a great
back up group! There was a very effective, well synchronized director
"kick" with the chorus supplying the stomp and clap.
20 Ramapo Valley #15 (105 on stage) Directed by Renee
Craig
Black sequined dresses with white ruffles at the collar and cuffs,
and occasionally they show a flash of purple from the petticoats.
PUT YOUR ARMS AROUND ME Medley?- They've got command of this
song, and the front row polishes it to a shine! I love the snappy
moves and exuberance.
BROADWAY ROSE - Lovely. The tenderness the impart to this ballad
is so clean and solid... it just feels good.
Quoted from the adjacent "transient" Queen: THAT was a demonstration
of feminine dignity!"
21 River Blenders #5 (97 on stage) Directed by Diane
Huber
Fuscia dresses with turquoise inserts and draping sleeves.
BROADWAY?/ HAPPY FEET - Fun stuff here.... they are having a blast
here. They got a nice little kick line going, too. Lots of
activity and animation.
EVERY LIGHT ON BROADWAY - Ahh.. this one just felt so good.
The silence at the end of the last chord is a pretty good barometer that
the audience was with them all the way to the end.
22 Choral Aires #3 (115on stage) Directed
by Joan Boutilier
White full skirts with purple velvet empire neckline tops, ending in
a point in the front. Gorgeous! (especially the director's long purple
velvet gown with a star field of sparkles on the back.)
SENTIMENTAL GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA - The song that helped turn Revival
into champions is not a bad vehicle for this chorus either! I think
the crowd enjoyed that, too.
GOODBYE MEANS THE END OF MY WORLD - Beautiful! That
says it all, both
visually and aurally.
23 Toast of Tampa #9 (112 on stage) Directed by Susie Bonds
The hot pink dress with a mesh inserts front and back (see photos)
is
ϱ tunning. m Just gorgeous and flattering
on everyone.
RED RED ROBIN - they are marvelous! The song is put out there
with a trememdous amount of energy and verve. When they said "get
out of bed!" They MEANT it, too! Kinda like my mom used to say.
MY BUDDY - Just as intense, but the attitude is tender and sincere.
Excellent!
24 Scottsdale #21 (121 on stage)
Directed by Lori Lyford
Royal blue dresses with filigree
OH PAL HOW I MISS YOU TONIGHT - Strong and as solid as they come!
Wonderful feel to this sweet song. The last chords flowed like velvet.
The "pain in the heart" was not what they conveyed with their gestures!
The tag that wouldn't die! It just kept going... and going!
(Did I miss a song here?)
25 Bay Area Showcase #12 (127 on stage) Directed
by Pat LeVezu
Royal blue lame' dresses with the ever popular handkerchief hemline,
and a long black and white sash draped over the right shoulder.
WHERE ARE THE OLD SONGS - Musically precise, and a beautiful
song.
THE MOMENT I SAW YOUR EYES - Great choreography on this one, with a
slow ripple wave. oooh.. got a good goosebump moment there at the
end of that tag! Definitely a good sign.
26 Pride of Kentucky #4 (86 on stage)
Directed by Debbie Hite
Each person here is wearing white with silver sequins... but they are
all in different, unique outfits. Pretty interesting look.
Susie, my official counter says that this started about ten years ago when
their rehearsal hall burned and took out all of their costumes. The
are here as the second place regional winners from region 17. They
got to come as "runners-up" when Gem City withdrew from the
competition due to Jean Barford's back surgery.
CRYING MYSELF TO SLEEP - I don't think I've heard this done by
a chorus before but they tackled it with warmth and tenderness... easily
conveying the sadness of the message.
ANGRY/BILL BAILEY MEDLEY - Since this morning I've come to like this
medley a lot. They didn't do anything to hurt that opinion!
Great chorus! Great performance!
27 City of Flags #17 Directed by David Wallace
Red satin dresses with two red lame' sashes crossing the bodice....
Correction. Susie informs me that is NOT red. That's scarlet!
She's right!
LITTLE GIRL - Precious song... and so easy to picture the tiny child,
so adored by her mother. Sweet.
THERE'LL BE SOME CHANGES MADE - Great song! As they made
some changes, they dropped the outer part of one of the sashes to reveal
purple... later, the second one was uncoverd and changed to silver.
Gorgeous effect!
That's ALLL!!!
Btw, I am growing to detest BOOM cameras. This one has been front and center with every competitor so far this week. It wouldn't be so bad if he took his shots and then got out of the way, but he leaves the camera parked hanging in front of the quartet or chorus when it's not even being used. It's also a pain for those folks in the front corner seats, who are behind the base of the boom.
------
Introductions: International board are identified and asked to stand
and be recognized, as are the "PIPs" (Past Int. Presidents.)
The Melodeers entertain us while the scores are tallied. They are wearing a cute black dress with wide bands of blues, green, fuschia, and more blue coming to a point in the center. Jim Arns vest reflects the same colors under his black tux jacket.
Mama Goes where Papa Goes, or Papa Don't Go Out Tonight
Forgive me
Orange Colored Sky
I don't have to describe how they do on these songs. They are
the champs and they sang like champions. Besides, I'm fresh
out of adjectives! (However, they are a LOT of fun to watch!)
"Close to You" - Just like me.. they long to be, close to
you. ... as Jim wanders among them they hold up a HUGE photo
of him as a baby... in the buff! He makes faces as they hit
a few loud WAAAA's and then they pick him up in the sling made from the
photo and carry him into the
risers..... and then he re-emerges after a few moments as one of the...
Blues Brothers, with stuffing! He ª± so cute!
....
"You, me, everybody... Everyboy Needs Somebody to love" ... "Gimme
Some Lovin"
Whatta guy.. he sings.. he dances.. he ª± surrounded
by 130 women every
week.... Poor guy!
They sang "The Spirit of Sweet Adelines" as the directors of the competing choruses filed in and took their places in the center of the Melodeers. That's quite an impressive group they've assembled!
As soon as the Melodeers left the stage they announced the finalists. The top ten, in order of appearance on Saturday's Chrous Finals is:
Houston Horizon
Richtones
Pacific Sound
Ronninge Show
Scottsdale
Bay Area Showcase
Toast of Tampa
City of Lakes
Ramapo Valley
Choralaires
Mic Testers: Elkridge
Good night!
Debbie
Debbie Warwick, reporting from the
1998 Sweet Adelines International Convention
in Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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