I just got home from spring break. This year, we had to haul ass around the country to get ready for ICCA competition in Madison on Saturday. Driving around in the XRV was enjoyable, though we felt a bit rushed. It was a lot of driving.
I got sick with a massive fever and sore throat on the second day, and it didn't go away for about 3 days. It was mostly annoying because I couldn't project my voice enough to talk to anyone we met on the road.
I got healthy enough in time for ICCA. This was the semi-final round -- the winner would be moving on to New York. As we stood on stage along with all the other groups, awaiting the verdict, we were feeling satisfied with our performance. As we went unmentioned in one category and then another, (arrangement - Other Guys, choreo - A Cub Bella, Solo - Dicks and Janes, 3rd place - Rip Chords... 2nd place - A Cub Bella... ), we started getting nervous. This competition wasn't our 'everything', but we wanted to do well.
First place was announced (The Other Guys), and we left the stage, disappointed. The judge sheets didn't shed much light on the verdict -- apparently, we were just not well-liked by the judges, for some reason or another.
Several judges did strange things -- one rated our energy and stage presence 7 out of 10. Another wrote "Choreo -- why?" next to 'Friend Like Me'.
Some of their comments were understandable. Our tone quality, blend, and intonation are not perfect, and I certainly don't expect them to be rated perfectly. But as we prepared to drink the disappointment away at the Nitty Gritty, we still found ourselves wondering, "Not even 3rd place -- why?"
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2 comments:
It's alright K. ICCA is not what being in Xchords is all about. My fondest college memories have to do with the group, regardless of bragging rights or lack thereof. Not placing takes nothing away from ya'll and your incredible experiences. Further, ICCA judges don't know any more than you or me, and have made odd decisions in years past. I have no doubt that palooza is gonna kick some ass. Wish I could be there. Bring it on home bro.
eh, competition.
Might this incite grumblings that it's not worth it to bother? The old discussion of whats-the-point-of-judging-a-musical-performance-like-a-sports-match...There's no objective way to do it, it basically a gamble...I dunno. I remember being in the not wanting to compete camp, and getting overruled.
But I'm sure the week in the XRV was awesome, and hope that a journal was kept to commemorate the experience
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