By Michael McHargh, Ohio Contributor
The Ada Music Feast was a great taste of what is to come for many Ohio groups this season. The event brought together talented young performers from across the region, showcasing an impressive array of vocal talent, choreography, and creativity. From the moment the curtains parted, the energy in the auditorium was electric. Each performance was a kaleidoscope of color and sound, with choirs bringing their unique interpretations of popular songs, classic Broadway hits, and even original compositions. The harmonies were tight, and the choreography was polished, reflecting the hard work and dedication each group had put into their craft.
Class C Results
1st) Van Buren “The Association”
2sd) Crestview “Knight Vision”
Van Buren came back to the competition scene after five years away and continued their previous success with a win over Crestview. While we haven’t seen the rest of the competition schedule for either of these groups, it is safe to assume that we will see both of these groups again come January and February.
Class B Results
1st) South Dearborn “Opening Knight”
2nd) Kenton “Top Twenty”
3rd) Benjamin Logan “Standing Ovation”
4th) Licking Valley “Vocal Impact”
South Dearborn proved yet again that they are a strong force within the Small Mixed competitive field, especially when they compete in Ohio. Despite a recent director change, Opening Knight put on a fantastic performance showcasing those tried-and-true Indiana vocals. This is their third consecutive divisional win at Ada. Not too far behind them was Kenton, debuting a neighborhood show. While both of these groups made it to finals, Benjamin Logan and Licking Valley brought up the back half of the division with their weather and video game shows, respectively. South Dearborn and Benjamin Logan will face off again as the Ohio season officially kicks off at Beavercreek in January, and Licking Valley will face Kenton at Alliance in February.
Class A Results
1st) Teays Valley “Prominent Rendition”
2nd) Alliance - Jet Setters
Teays Valley had a great showing and clinched the division with their Y2K themed show. The Jet Setters fall just behind with their show, which is themed with the music of Michael Jackson. While Teays Valley’s schedule isn’t released yet, it is likely that these two groups will face off again throughout the season as both groups run a typical small mixed comp schedule.
Class AA Results
1st) Grove City “Touch of Class”
2nd) Medina “Encore Entertainment Company”
3rd) Strongsville “Mustang Express”
Touch of Class debuted a part of their competition show “A Weekend in the Park” and maintained their status as a large mixed titan within the Ohio scene. In second place was Medina with their show, "Epic," and Strongsville rounded out the division with a show themed to Spies versus Bad Guys.
Final Placements
GC) Grove City “Touch of Class” (BV/BC/BB)
1RU) South Dearborn “Opening Knight”
2RU) Medina “Encore Entertainment Company”
3RU) Kenton “Top Twenty”
4RU) Teays Valley “Prominent Rendition”
Three out of the five finalists were repeat finalists from last season's Music Feast. Grove City’s Touch of Class took their second consecutive win, although this one was accompanied with a full caption sweep. Following Touch of Class was South Dearborn, who notched their highest-ever placement at Ada. Medina snagged the final spot on the podium, further solidifying their presence within the small mixed scene. Kenton and Teays Valley put solid shows into a finals division that only took five groups instead of the normal six.
The Word of the Day is potential. Every group that took the stage, whether in prelims or finals, showed so much heart, drive, excitement and potential, especially for fall. Each group has about two months until the start of the official competition season to apply the critiques and comments from the judges. This almost gives each of these groups a bit of a leg up on their competitors and could give way to some placement swapping through the season.
Speaking of potential, Ada is an event that's showcased Ohio's potential for over 40 years, hosting fall events since at least the mid-1980s. Several Ohio groups put their potential on stage this year - now, it's time to move forward towards Beavercreek.