Respect

Attitudes will never make a show choir successful. Unfortunately, they tend to invade the atmosphere of every show choir. Attitudes in show choir tend to stem from laziness, jealousy, exhaustion, and conflicting personalities. In order for a show choir to work as a single unit, the members must respect the leadership and must respect each other. Without respect, show choir becomes a stressful and exhausting experience. It results in constant discord and frustration. Respect needs to be mutual. It is in our nature to have a need for control and a need to be defensive at times. A lesson that anyone participating in show choir (really to ANYONE who has any contact with another human) is that respect breeds respect, and love breeds love, but one must be willing to humble themselves enough to be the first to do so.

Focus

Focus, seems simple and insignificant right? Well the idea that focus is an "easy" part of show choir could never be more wrong. Every student in a choir needs to look at the conductor to know where the music is going, what the dynamic is, when the entrances are, when the cut offs are, and to know the musicality of the piece. If there is no focus in the classroom, there is no focus on the stage. When one student is not focused, their behavior creates a domino effect on the other students. Soon enough, the class becomes chaos, those who are trying to focus get frustrated, and nothing gets done. Not only is focus important in the classroom, but it is most definitely important on the stage. during a show choir set you have to focus on the music, the choreography, the spacing, and everything else all at once. You HAVE to focus. Unlike stand still choirs, in show choir you have no conductor; all of the performance depends on you.

A love of Music.... and Performing

To have a successful show choir, the members of the show choir MUST love music or dancing or performing. A love for all three would be essential, but a love for one or the other is acceptable. If a student, does not love music, does not love dance, and does not love performing, what are they doing in a show choir class??? Show choir is NOT a class that people should take just to get an "easy A." Show choir is not a difficult class to get good grades in if you do what you're supposed to, and chances are, if you love music, dance, and performing, you are going to do what you are supposed to. However, if music, dance, and performing are just not what you are into, then making yourself do the tasks required by show choir is going to be torture. People rarely have luke warm opinions of show choir; you either can't live without it, or it will drive you insane.

Vocals

            Though most people judge show choir on "the big picture", which is definitely important, show choir has it's root in something far more central... choir. I know, big shocker there. Seriously though, show choir without outstanding vocals is nothing more than a dance group. To remove the importance of vocals from the crazy show choir equation would be like removing the heart from a body; without it, nothing works. Therefore, vocals are probably the most important aspect of competitive show choir, not all the glitter and twirling people seem to get caught up in.
     
            Many groups in today's competitive circles have down graded the importance of vocals in a show choir. Groups tend to limit themselves to two-part harmonies and only truly emphasize vocals during their ballads. This is not wrong, but it is not impressive either. The choirs that truly stand out are those that not only tackle difficult choreography but take on difficult music as well. There is nothing more impressive than four-part harmony and dynamic choreography in a show. The two choirs that I feel do this incredibly well in chesterfield county are Cosby's Spotlight and Clover Hill's New Dimensions. These choirs consistently take home the most coveted award of the show choir world: Best Vocals.

           A few years ago, Bird's girl show choir, Reflections, won the best vocals award with their dynamic set which included songs from Mamma Mia to Phantom of the Opera. That same year they took home the title of Grand Champion. Mrs. Gregory was pertinent about making vocals a first priority in all of her choirs. She taught us to "sing like women" and would review measures of music countless times until we had achieved her signature round sound. All chesterfield county schools were aware of her excellent vocal style; it was her reputation and we were taught to carry it on. In our choirs today, I wish we would be further trained in vocals and that we could regain the mature sound that she required from us on a daily basis.

          Vocals are what wins competitions. Vocals are what makes a show choir a show choir. Vocals need to be further emphasized in the competition world again and we, as show choirs, need to refocus. This does not mean that we should downgrade any of our choreography, sets, or show aspects of show choir but we should grow with the sport and step it up a bit. Why not throw in six-part harmonies to the mix? We already accomplish the crazy and impractical. Let's do this sport one better and make it even harder. I mean, we have to grow somewhere. :)

Common Concert Courtesy

             So I know that I am supposed to be talking about what makes a show choir successful but, based on recent experiences, I feel the need to discuss proper concert etiquette. So, if you would please excuse my deviation from the usual topic, I have some things I need to say.
             
             Many high school students learn there concert etiquette at rock/pop band concerts and then feel the need to apply what they learned there to formal concerts. Other students learn their etiquette from show choir competitions which is fine.... IF you are at a show choir competition. However, show choir competition behavior is NOT appropriate in formal concert situations of any kind. Let me clarify the differences in expected and proper behavior at varying events.
             
               I don't think I need to go over proper behavior at a regular "boy band" type concert. You all know that such concerts consist of screaming, singing along, freaking out if there is a "he looked at me!!!" moment and fainting is sometimes to be expected. There are really no guidelines at these types of concerts just don't do anything illegal please? Other than that, have fun.
                 
                Now, at a show choir competition the accepted behavior is not quite as unruly as that describe in the previous setting but it is also far less prudent than the behavior expected at a performance of Handel's Messiah. At a show choir competition, it is acceptable and expected that you shout the name of the group and individuals you know at the beginning of the performance. You may also shout during high energy portions of the show and after soloists complete their solos. If a soloist is performing a very showy, high energy and exceptional solo, shout out in the middle of it if you feel so compelled; do not distract from the performer's spotlight but feel free to cheer him/her on. When costume or prop malfunction occur, the audience feels for whoever is dealing with the malfunction and cheers them on, because half of us have been there. We stand in the audience sending support to the struggling performer and practically, if not literally, praying that they will push through and keep up there performance. Standing ovations are expected at the end of every set, for every group, no exceptions. I do not care if the group stood with teddy bears and sang "I'm a Little Teapot,"; stand and cheer for them. There is a understood level of support and respect for fellow competitors in the world of show choir. We all know how difficult it is to do what we do so we cheer for and support each group that takes the same stage as we do, and we cheer as loud for them as if they were from our own school. Mutual support is a treasured aspect of competitive show choir. We all respect each other and it is expected that we show it. Any rivalry that exists does not exist once you step into the competition and does not resume until after you leave. The major thing on the list of Do Nots is this: Do NOT speak poorly of other choirs while at competition. Not a single negative word about anyone but yourself should be spoken at the competition. Save it for the bus ride home.

             Now, in the past week I have been at two more formal events and have been mortified with behavior. At a formal concert DO: clap at the END of each piece, stand politely at the end of the performance, silence your phone and silence yourself. At a formal concert DO NOT: laugh at the prop malfunction of a performer (I was just at a dance performance at TDHS and there was a number in which the dancers used umbrella's as props. One dancer's umbrella broke and flipped inside out and the crowd, high schoolers, laughed throughout the rest of the dance. I was livid.), talk during songs, sing along with songs, text, answer phone calls, yell performers' names, laugh at anything you find funny (unless it is supposed to be funny, then you can laugh.), and DO NOT be one of those people who "does not get easily embarrassed" so therefore, asks questions and makes comments about everything during the performance in a loud voice that carries throughout the entire auditorium (yes this stems from experience).

            I hope this clarifies some of the expectations of behavior at concerts and that from now on high schoolers, and in many cases parents, can stop being ignorant and rude at such events and start being mannerly, civilized citizens.

P.S. Sorry for my intensity on this subject. I have a huge pet peeve about disrespect and this is a terrible reality of the lack at of education about civilized customs in our society. Manners should not be disregarded or forgotten.

Endurance and Stamina

              Jog, jump, lift, turn, run...in heels... and heavy costumes... under sweltering stage lights... smile... make it look easy... now sing, and don't stop. Dance is one of the most active cardio exercises that a person can take part in and it also requires incredible strength, balance, grace, core activation and stamina. Throw in singing correctly and loudly on top of dancing and you have just entered yourself into a boot camp.
             Before show choir season begins and even before show music is taught, show choir students begin choreography rehearsals. Some choirs have 2 week choreography boot camps in the summer. Others, work for 2 long weekends at the beginning of school. Bird show choirs have several, consecutive,  8 hour long choreography rehearsals on saturday from the end of September through around November. During these rehearsals, we do an extensive conditioning warm-up, learn all of the choreography for one or more songs, and repetitively run through and perfect the details of the dance. After my first choreography rehearsal, I remember being so exhausted that my friend and I were in hysterics over simple events. We were simply too exhausted to control our laughter.... not the best situation when you are trying  to complete a chemistry scavenger hunt project for Mrs. Raybould. You may think that it really isn't that difficult; that you play sports and it wouldn't even phase you right? Well, do you remember Xavier Miles, Allen Spurlock, and Fazon? They were Bird's star football players a few years ago. They were also members of our mixed show choir Sudden Image. They went into their first choreography rehearsal thinking it would be a walk in the park, and came to school on Monday walking like grandpas. Mrs. Gregory never let them live down the fact that they could go through weeks of football conditioning and be completely fine, but one dance rehearsal made them sore to the point that they were whining like little boys when they stiffly walked into her classroom on Monday and TRIED to sit down like normal people.... You see, if dance were any easier, it would be called football.
              Saturday rehearsals are intense. Adding vocals and performance aspects to the mix? That's insane. Running a show full out Just dancing will have every member sweating, gasping for air, and dropping to lay on the stage after the final pose if they give 100%. When you add vocals, it takes 4x the energy and endurance. Now, on top of dancing perfectly, you have to use all the air you need to continue dancing to sing. You do not have time for long, luxurious breaths, but only quick "catch breaths" before you hold a note for sixteen beats, at the end of a song, while doing a complicated follow up that has your quads burning fiercely as you try to pop up from the floor, for the fourth time, on beat, with just as much energy as the first time. Oh and you know when you try to run and sing and your voice shakes up and down with the movement? That can not happen in show choir. No matter what the choreography is, the voices must remain steady. This requires an incredible amount of steady abdominal support. We train this by singing while holding planks, and singing and running, and singing and doing jumping jacks. The same level of volume and energy and precision MUST be maintained throughout the entire 25 minute show set. This is not optional; even when you have back to back shows at a school performance or a concert. Not to mention, typically the highest energy song is usually at the end of the set after 20 minutes of singing and dancing non-stop. The last song has to be 10x what any other song was; you have to leave an impression.
              Show choir is a crazy genre of performance and requires far more than glitter and twirling. Blood, sweat, and tears go into it... literally.... and bruises, lots of bruises. So next time you watch a show choir, realize that we are more than just people who can sing and dance; we are athletes.

Strong Leadership

          In show choir, there are two main forms of leadership: the teacher and the dance captains. Let's start with the role of the teacher. A teacher needs to be a magnificent musician and conductor. The saying that "those who can't do, teach," could not be farther from the truth. To be a good teacher, you not only need to be the best at your profession but you need to be passionate about it, because if you are passionate about something you will be eager to share your knowledge with others. Teaching show choir can be a very stressful job but if the teacher truly loves music and sharing it with others then teaching show choir should be a joyous blessing. A teacher must be firm but understanding and needs to show that they know what they are doing. In show choir, the teachers abilities need to be evident to the students. When they are, the student will trust the teacher's direction and efforts and will be excited to learn from the teacher. It is also important for the teacher to be encouraging. Cruelty and harshness Do Not work well in a classroom, especially in one full of sensitive high school students who are putting themselves in a position that will either bring them praise or embarrassment. The teacher must be structured and firm but they should carry themselves in such a way that the rules are understood and no one will test their boundaries simply because they respect their teacher. A teacher should never, under any circumstance, tell her students that she is "disappointed" in them. It is proven that this single word sticks with people, especially children and teens, for a very long time and is far more devastating and hurtful to their confidence and emotions than if someone were to say they were angry with them. Students can handle the anger but they can not handle the permanent effect of being called a disappointment. Lastly, the teacher needs to expect the utmost from his/her students. More often than not, students will rise to expectations when they are held to a high standard if the students feel that someone believes in them and will accept nothing less than their best.
          Dance captains are the second type of leader in show choir and, quite frankly, it may be the harder job. Dance captains are students chosen to be in charge of helping the class learn or perfect choreography.  I have been a dance captain for two years and I know that, to be a dance captain, you must take a breath before every practice because you are stepping into a potential line of fire. I feel responsible for preparing my class and making sure that I do everything I can to help the class as a whole and each individual student reach their full potential. Dance captains must present themselves in a tricky manner. We must be firm and make ourselves seem in charge but we do not want to give off a sense of superiority. We know that people will not like us on certain days, that they will be frustrated with us, and that they will talk behind our backs. We know that we will face endless chatter, blatant attitudes, laziness and distractions. We are responsible for the performance of our choirs and we try our hardest to make every instruction we give count. We do not enjoy being harsh or repetitive; we do not enjoy the comments and conflicts that may arise, but there is no words to describe how proud we are of our group when they begin to scratch the surface of their potential. When they do well at a competition and feel good about themselves walking off of that stage, that is the greatest reward and blessing to us and we beam with joy and pride of their accomplishments. We know that at times we must be harsh or strict, or make everyone drop and give us 20 push ups for talking too much at rehearsal, but we are right there beside every classmate doing the push ups with them and we will never ask anything of the student that we would not be more than willing to do ourselves. Strong leadership helps a group stick together and form a team no matter how long it make take to turn individual performers into a cohesive show choir.
         As a quick personal note, I just want to say that LJ, BB and I are extraordinarily proud of how far Sudden Image has come this year. They are truly stepping up their game and proving to themselves that they posses the talent and potential that we saw in them from day 1. I am extremely excited to perform with them at our last competition next weekend and blow expectations out of the water once again.

Choreography

      Many people will tell you that judges don't really care about your dancing at show choir competitions. This is not true. More so now than ever before,  show choir has become an event where your dancing and singing are expected to be at the same level of difficulty and that level of difficulty is a very high standard. Dance may not be quite as important as vocals, but, to the audience, the better you look, the better you sound.
     
     Show choir choreography is all about visuals. There are ripple effects, diagonals, group work, sharp movements, level changes, and an infinite number of jazz hands. This all contributes to the visual appeal of the show to the audience. However, no choreography would have a positive effect if it were not precise. The two show choirs that I believe are the best at precision are Clover Hill and Cosby. These two schools have completely different styles of choreography but they are both sharp, together, and precise.
     
      Clover Hill is wonderful at making every move count. The members of Clover Hill's New Dimensions make every lift of their chin and turn of their head look like as amazing as a triple pirouette into an aerial. They are fully aware that every single move they make makes an impact on the audiences experience. They also have discovered the trick of easy choreography executed at high speeds. New Dimension's choreography is not incredibly complex or difficult but they master every step and every step is very fast. This makes the choreography seem 10 times more impressive than it would be at slower speeds. Their quick choreography not only increases the "wow factor" of their show but also helps to hide minor flaws. When a judge or an audience watches a high energy performance, they are less likely to pick up on minor choreography imperfections than if the show was slower paced.

      Cosby's Spotlight is one of my favorite choirs to watch because of the visual effect of their flawless ripples. A ripple is when the same move is executed by every one but in groups at different times. This creates a domino or chain reaction effect. Spotlight always has high intensity ripples that take place at half beat intervals. This is a wonderful effect when seen from an audience's perspective. They are also very creative in how they execute their ripples. They start ripples from the front, back, sides, corners, and center of the stage which always keeps the audience intrigued and mesmerized.

     Here is a video of New Dimension's show from last year. They were undefeated. In this you will see precision and ripples as well as many other aspects of choreogrphy. Enjoy :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsotG4LmMcI

Facials!!!!

Facials:
      A show choir may have the most precise choreography, the most dynamic vocals, the most appealing costumes, and the most wonderful song set, but, if the performer's faces look like the walking dead, well, in this case, the singing and dancing dead, the group may as well forfeit the competition. A performer cannot, under any circumstance, look like a zombie facially even if every other aspect of the performance is flawless.  The audience will notice sharp choreography and tight harmonies, but what they naturally look at are faces, and facials are what draws them in. Facials bridge the gap between the stage and the audience. They are the communication tool that makes the audience a part of the show. By using facials, a performer shifts from a one sided show to expressing a conversation with the audience. Facials are NOT an option in a successful show choir. Facials are a requirement.
      There are a few crucial keys to effective facials:

1.   Eyebrows: As crazed as it may seem, performers need to lift and shift their eyebrows in order to have effective facials. This allows light to reflect off of the eye, instead of creating shadows. 
2. Over Articulate: Over articulation creates more than understandable lyrics, but it also makes a performer look more engaged in the message or story they are singing/saying. 
3. Change Character: To keep the audience interested, try to create distinctively different characters for each song in the show. Be alluring, then spunky, then have an attitude, then be tender, but do not be stagnant. This prevents the overly used, fake, cheesy grin from taking over. 
4. Believe: You MUST believe in what you are singing about, even if it is only make-believe. If you are not convinced that every word you are saying is the most important message for the audience to hear at that point in time, then the audience won't be convinced either. 

       Basically, if every face of every show choir member does not look completely ridiculous up close, they are not doing it right. The best performers know how to make an audience captivated by their expression. This is why showmanship winners are chosen for each group at competitions based on THEIR FACIALS. Facials bring meaning and energy to show choirs. Without them, show choir would just being singing groups who dance, but there would be no show. 

Commitment

   
        Last night was the Mixed Show Choir Competition at Powhatan. The crowd sat in awe of the amazing visuals, striking choreography and intense vocals. To an audience, show choir is about the performance; to anyone who really knows about show choir, it's about the practice behind the performance.
      Last night, every performance was the product of practice, and the effectiveness of each practice is determined by the level of commitment of every student in the show. Show choir DEPENDS on commitment. A show choir student must give up their weekends for brutal 8 hour choreography rehearsals and after school hours to repeat the same movements over and over again until the movement is "cleaned". For some schools, show choir students give up a week of their summer vacation to learn their entire show before school starts. Every person must share the same level of commitment; if one person doesn't, it shows. A classic pet peeve of show choir students is when we watch a choir perform and there are 2 or 3 people who stick out... in a bad way. When almost every person on stage hits each movement in a dance with equal commitment and conviction, as if that one move was the most important thing in the world at that moment, and then a few people do not dance with the same fire, it is incredibly noticeable. It's the same with facials. In show choir, you MUST sing every word as though it is the most important message that the world will ever hear and you have to sing to every person in the auditorium with a face that shows you feel what you are saying is the deepest desire of your heart. A single person, whose face just seems "dead" brings an entire performance down a level.
       One example of commitment from last nights show comes from Clover Hills show choir, New Dimensions. The girls in this group danced in 4 or 5 inch gold stilettos last night as though they were wearing the most comfortable shoes in the world. This does not happen without practice. And for these girls, that practice consists of wearing extremely high heels to school every day. Trust me, that is commitment. Another example of commitment that I saw last night was simply incredible. In mixed show choir, almost everything depends on having your dance partner. When people's dance partners are not present it makes it very difficult on the group because it effects choreography and visuals. A girl in Atlee's show choir last night obviously knew this. As she performed, she was wearing a knee brace, but beyond this, nothing seemed wrong with her. She performed flawlessly. When we saw her off stage after the performance she was on crutches and was barely able to move her knee. My friends and I were speechless. This girl was so committed to her group that she would not let them down even with an injury. This is commitment. And that is what it takes to make a show choir successful.
        Every other aspect of show choir depends on commitment. Without it, nothing can truly be accomplished. The show choirs that win consistently are the show choirs who have the highest level of commitment from every member in the group. Commitment is the glue of show choir, without it a group can be good but they will never be great, and everything will, at some point, begin to fall apart.