PrfctTimeOfDay

Well, I guess the easy answer is that scoring/judging is subjective. It rarely makes sense. I saw Miamisburg at Bellbrook and thought their score was fairly accurate, as there are still a lot of issues that need to be ironed out in that Burg show (mainly execution) I heard that Centerville had a wonderful run before leaving for the Tri-State show, but then had a 2 hour bus ride, followed by waiting for another 2 hours before they even got to touch their equipment. The 4 hour furlough seems to have had some unforeseen consequences on their performance. That said, I think they’re going to be fine…they do have their unis and they are GOREGEOUS! Probably the most beautiful uni I’ve seen all season. But getting back to the circuit scores vs. wgi scores analysis, there are some similarities in some circuits and then some circuits just go crazy with numbers. Luckily MEPA and Tri-State usually have numbers that will translate well to what a group will receive at a WGI show. Do all circuits use WGI judges? Nope. For Example, I would say that at a MEPA show, one or two of the judges might be an active WGI judge. However, the other adjudicators may have been past WGI judges or may simply just have a past involvement in the activity. Nonetheless, there is no requirement that you must be a WGI judge to judge in a local circuit (though many judges do) I also feel that flying judges from all over the country to judge a local circuit show has some disastrous ramifications for the school hosting the show and the longevity of our activity (but that's another topic) And like most things in life…there are some really good judges, and some really bad ones. I think in the end.. it usually all equals out. This is also of course not taking into account the politics that might be in play (it happens as much as we pray to sweet little baby jesus that it doesn’t) And let’s face it, as much as we hate it, it’s a fact of life and a part of this activity. I think that what you do with that knowledge and experience becomes the real lesson or teachable moment to yourself and your group. As for what scores should we expect at the Dayton Regional? Well…just purely going on gut, experience and knowledge of the groups. 85-83 range Carmel Avon 80-78 Trumbull Burg Northview 78-75 Norwin Centerville Center Grove LC WC Marian Catholic (I see Burg anywhere from 3rd-7th) I think the big questions are Norwin whom I’ve seen and look fantastic, they might even jump into the next neighborhood, and Marian whom I’ve heard has had a slow start. The fact remains that SW is a bloodbath this year, and this regional has 9 of the SW finalists from last year. That’s Impressive and Exciting!!!

I knew Oak Ridge got promoted last week. I'm glad to see that CTJ also got that honor, as both programs look FANTASTIC! I think both will fair very well in SO. I hear Westerville Central is going to be reviewed after Dayton this weekend(which they'll probably win) Not sure why there hasn't been any announcement? But it's really not a big deal...I really like that groups are getting reviewed by WGI and being placed accordingly. I applaud the process that WGI has put into place as it needs to be done and done so with great scrutiny since they have changed the rules that allows groups to pick which class they would like to participate in. I'm also guessing that Crestview (FL) and a few others will get bumped?

Bumping in case Beatrix is still looking for a floor. any update? Also, I heard they might have been bumped into world class, if so. . congrats!! They look great!

Numerous sources have come forwarded stating that sebastienne has been choreographing recycled and stolen show ideas from previous champions to guards in the lone star state. Never trust sebastienne...he has a heart that is as black as stone.

For those experiencing issues with the fan network, I would recommend calling WGI and asking if they can help. It has been my experience that they are more than willing to help and genuinely care about those who support them. I know they are striving to offer the best service possible. Also, make sure that your connection is through a wired source, and not wireless... as that can affect the playback. Hopefully this helps.

Touche Mon Ami! Scurrying back and forth and rushing through every phrase to get to the next toss should NOT be tolerated and SHOULD be addressed by those who are adjudicating....Hear that JUDGES?!?!?

You can't go wrong with 'Paper Doll' by Rosie Thomas. .it is an amazing piece of music, that's sad and hauntingly beautiful. Corona is definitely my favorite so far, but I think what Sac is doing conceptually is really creative and should vault them ahead of both Corona and Fantasia, which means of course. .that Fantasia will in the end beat them both!

I'm not sure...but many share your frustration. I wish they would do something..even if that's addressing that there is a problem.

HA! you read my mind. . .a 4 point jump in 6 hours!?!? Maybe they changed the rules and now give points for recovery!? A 7.9 in equipment execution seems awfully generous!!?!?

Apparently, Sebastienne has gone all radioactive and is fighting with his alter ego...It's time to redeem some bad karma, I guess... .

rumor has is that the wgi fan network is powered by hamsters running in a stationary wheel. Frustrated customers complain about videos buffering every 10-15 seconds making a 6 minute show take at least 15 minutes to view. Uh-oh...time to think about more bandwith or a change away from the brightcove platform?

Some very quick thoughts from the MEPA Kettering show today. Since I’m exhausted, this is going to be pretty brief with ballpark scores (the scores are posted, I’m just too lazy to go look them up) based on memory. Zydeco still lacks unis and silks. . .but looks huge out there. They have some amazing work, but I think today they had a bit of a rough run. I actually saw a girl fall and hit her chin on a chair, which looked really painful..I hope she is okay! There are moments of intricate and intense rifle work taking place in, around and throughout the chairs. They really play up the bad guys theme and show great potential as they only preformed what seemed to be half of their program today. Score today was 78ish The magic 8 ball says: somewhere between 5th -8th place at WGI Juxtaposition looks like a much more mature group, with a design to match. Talented performers and great execution has them looking very clean early on. That said, I really can’t get into the program, as there is so much going on with the soundtrack that my mind exploded into a musical clusterf**k. I’m sure somewhere conceptually there’s merit to with what they are trying to accomplish, but the classical music infused with queen’s bohemian overlaid with narration and a subtle constant ticking sound only made me want to punch a little baby. I usually enjoy the Juxta shows, but this one just doesn’t work for me. That said…they are a very solid group. 77ish today Magic rabbit’s foot says: 10th-15th at WGI Miamisburg is sooooooooooooooooooooo different stylistically than anything I’ve ever seen from them before. They now have a digitally printed tarp that is composed mostly of black, purples, and blue and is a picture of the cosmos. Appearing in the band hall uniforms, they looked the part for floating into space. Super equipment work and technique, like always. . but a rough run, with yet another person falling ( there were quite a few groups that had members fall) The soundtrack lends itself to the eerie theme with the music cutting in and out while the group continues to spin regardless. They need to clean, clean, clean and they’ll be fine. 73ish today Crystal Ball: 6th-10th at WGI Centerville is exquisite and refined with their beautiful carousel theme. Set to the music of Smile by Judy Garland, Cville takes us back to a time of innocence and wonderment. Staged brilliantly, the program showcases the members in perfect fashion. The floor resembles a carousel floor and the members are the horses. This was one of the best designed shows of the day. Strong sabre and rifle work. They too only had about half of the show done today, but looked loaded with potential. 70ish was their score. Magic Wand: 8th-12th at WGI (could possibly pass burg) Northmont is in SO this season and looks really strong, they have cleaned up in the last 2 weeks with insane equipment work that augments a driving soundtrack. The show kind of ends abruptly, but it’s a good vehicle for them. I think they’re going to fine. I really dug this show on the 2nd viewing. 73ish? I’m running out of witty things to say so: 8th -15th at WGI Westerville is performing a show entitled ‘The Mural’ They finished 4th last year at WGI, and I guess the staff decided not to move them into SO , which I think is a disservice, because Westerville looks like a SO group. Great design, great performers…it’s just a great show all around, but not a SA show, and that’s the class they’re in right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if they get ‘reviewed’ after the Indy regional. They are that good. If they don’t get moved…they will medal at WGI in SA. 77ish Fuzzy dice say: 1st-3rd at WGI Bellbrook performs a show entitled Mysterium Avis and is very strong in all areas. A great design, with uber talented performers really make this show about birds on a mountain come to life. They also move better than most of the SA groups. Strong weapons and silks are showcased throughout. 72/73ish? Confucius say 8th-15th at WGI. Funny, last year I said both Westerville and Bellbrook would make SA finals, and BOTH did…I think it happens again this year. That’s it for who I think makes finals at WGI champs this year. That said, there were some really nice performances today, Kettering Fairmont had a fun show that included Boogie Wonderland from the movie Happy Feet. I really enjoy Springboro’s show “Narcissism” But I really think it’s the wrong title and should be changed to something like ‘spoiled rotten’ or ‘vanity’ Teenage girls are typically not narcissists. Also..I was shocked at how talented some of the Regional A groups are. That class has really blossomed and grown in the last couple of years. It was nice to see that. Okay…I think that’s it’s before I hit the hay. As always, these are just my thoughts, and not meant to offend or to be taken as gospel. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication and wish you all the best this season. I’m not sure which show I’ll get to next. I think it’ll either be Bellbrook or the Dayton Regional. Until then. . .

It probably has to do with lack of entries/financials more so than anything else. I think in this instance, it's the right decision.

To celebrate the 2011 year, as well as having survived 2.65 days without having a cigarette or throwing a temper tantrum, Sebastienne has put together a video montage highlighting a few previous 'award winning' convalescence shows for all to enjoy.

Avon: Soup of the Day Warren Central: Fiat Lux (Didn't they do this show in 2004?) Arcadia: The Long Goodbye Seminole: Surrender unto Sleep Also really excited to see what West Johnston does with their 3-D show...handing out 3-D glasses to the audience members is going to be such a neat thing. Great idea! BIG style change for the burg...I'm diggin' it!

Some quick thoughts from Ohio. . . Bellbrook looks to improve upon their 10th place finish at WGI last year. Performing a show entitled Mysterium Avis, these mysterious birds look strong in all captions. Very intelligent writing and smart design choices really showcase their 19 members. At times Bellbrook looked like an open guard, and that will bode well for them in the ever super competitive SA class. This show will entertain and score well throughout the season. Major kudos to both the design team and performers. Northmont is back to SO which looks like a good fit for them. Their show entitled BeLIEeve showcases 12 members who perform on abstract swirls of blues and greens. A dynamic orchestral soundtrack drives this show that is augmented with intense and intricate work. There are some design issues with flow and cohesiveness, but if they get those ironed out, I think this show could take them into SO finals. Miamisburg has again reinvented themselves, and this season they’ve gone brooding and dark. Set on all black, the show entitled S.O.S (sound of silence) opens with morse code. Throughout the show a lone acoustic female voice hauntingly sings the sounds of silence. The song is sliced and diced, and at times during the show the soundtrack just stops as to metaphorically reflect the silence…and there’s something special about watching Miamisburg perform in silence (’91 Anyone?) :-) The Burg again showcases extremely difficult work with refined technique. Surprisingly.. their Achilles caption (movement) has taken a HUGE step forward and the work that Carol Abohatab has done with this group is evident. In other Ohio News. . . I’ve heard that Onyx is in great shape to defend their title and performs 2 completely different shows simultaneously. Love the innovation coming from this design team. I also think they might field 40? Zydeco performed for the first time this season to great results, and is a crowd favorite with a super high energy show. Everyone loves a bad guy, right? I think they march 37? O2 is holding their own in IW, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they sneak into IW finals. I hear there are some really good things taking place in this show with lots of room for growth. Also in the not surprised box, I think Zydeco Open has a good chance to medal in IO, their literal and metaphorical take on being a zombie is being well received and performed at a very high level. That's how things are shaping up in the Buckeye State!

I love the Father Ryan Show from last year, and can't wait to see what they do this season...they are a group not to be missed!!

Trumbull's show is entitled 'Hope' with music by Michael Giacchino :-) Miamisburg's show... I've been told is entitled 'The Sounds of Silence'

2 more groups have officially announced. Onyx World Performing: 'Abandonment to Impulse' and Bellbrook HS: 'Mysterium Avis' As always...I have created graphics based on just the show title...it's not in anyway affiliated with any program, just a fun hobby and past profession. Enjoy: Onyx World: Abandonment to Impulse Bellbrook HS: Mysterium Avis

That section is lovingly referred to as the 'run and gun'! It's an amazing passage, that is going to be hit with audiences! I already love it! :-)

What happens when you lose Your Voice? Your Autonomy? Your Freewill? Zydeco Open’s 2011 show “And What Followed...” will be an introspective passage into the emotional complexities that can augment one into a zombie like state of existence. Taking on both literal and abstract qualities of being a zombie, the show will feature 28 talented members who will present a fresh stylistic change for the Zydeco family. The show will be a fun and unique departure for both members and audiences alike. Based on past shows, the creative team of Patricia Simmons, Eric Jones and Byron Valentine will once again give us a high-brow performance that will be equally evocative and entertaining!

Since Centerville announced today (on WGI's website) I guess it's safe to say that their production of Carousel looks to explore a time when we were all filled with the wonder and excitement that comes along with the innocence of being a child. Centerville has always managed to do these types of show really well...silent era in 03, make someone happy in '04...i'm excited to see what they do with this one. Here's my take:

A few additional SW nuggets Flanagan will explore the six degrees of Kevin Bacon Separation. Expect big things from Norwin, and don't expect to be forgiven! Marian Catholic will plow ahead with their show 'Siren' Hello darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again... within the sound of . . . . Miamisburg!?!?

This whirlwind just blew in...and it appears Onyx's schtick will involve constant movement and motion! Meanwhile... in the shadow of trees, O2 will reflect on sorrowful songs.