Thursday, 02 June 2005

Talent show judging: Don't try this at home, we're professionals.

It was quite an experience to judge the 2005 LHS Talent Show. With a year of Hope College's music program in me and the demands that it has, I've obviously become more discriminating in what I'll call "good" and what I won't. This became apparent when I was comparing notes with the other judging panelists after the results had already been tabulated and awards given out. Based on what I said and the others said, I'll venture and say I was probably the toughest one to please.

I thought we'd have a moderately balanced panel of judges: Andy Betka, Eirann Betka, Jason Dobb, Dale Kompik, Sara Plowe, and of course, the Major General Music. I thought it was a little unfair that a brother-sister pair were on the panel since they have almost the same tastes in music and whatnot, but I didn't argue. I'm glad it wasn't "American Idol" with the judges together-I don't think we would have agreed on much of ANYTHING. Bryson Beaver, violinist EXTRAORDINAIRE successfully defended his first-place finish from 2004 against the Major General Music and all other comers again and won himself $100. Apparently it was much closer this year, with four judges picking others for the top. It was Sir Dale and the Major General Music who likely catapulted him to the top, but Sir Dale mentioned he gave out a fair number of higher rankings.

The Major General Music was disappointed. He gave out lower ratings than probably any of the others and isn't at all sorry. To get a high rating from him, you MUST prove that you deserve it. Don't expect it...

*Sigh* The Major General Music has been marked forever by the kingdom of terror and shadow known as "Nykerk Hall of Music" during jury week.

Comments(4)

Aww Bryson won...he is such an awesome violin player...i sometimes envy his talent...and feel jealous...but i am lucky i get to play by his side sometimes...and plus he is going to help me over the summer...anywayz Tyler it is great to have u back for the summer!!!! talk to ya later!! Elise

Princess_Weezie

Yes I was very pleased that the violinist won the night. The comedy was sheer idiocy and there were a few people who sang that shouldn't have done so. I don't sing well-luckily I know this and do not do so on a stage. If you do sing marginally well you should certainly pick a song that is within you range. Please! As a final thought for future information I would like people to know that the only person that should be up there chattering on the stage is the Emcee. I didn't come to hear a lecture on how you did or didn't do you hair and how long it took or how pretty it is. That is basically all I have to say other than it was too dark to doodle properly durning the less impressive acts.

chickenlittle27

I agree about lighting-it was hard to see which number paper I was writing on while I was evaluating each act. I think the judges should get some fancy floating box to sit in-that'd just be fun. The lecture on hair wasn't fun-it did nothing for the overall rating as far as I was concerned except maybe ease the performer's nerves on stage. Too bad for her!

Major_General_Music

Lighting reminds me some of the dramatic lighting and strob light Fx were giving me a headache.

chickenlittle27