Contests are here: You got this!

Contests are upon us, my friends. I know you may be nervous, think you aren't ready, or worry about ratings. I'm here to tell you that nerves are normal! You're more ready than you think you are! Ratings are great, but so is stepping up and performing. Think you should drop your performance because you don't want to "fail"? You're worried you won't be good enough to make it to State or All-State because your performance was rough. Guess what? Not performing guarantees that you won't move on! What do we have to lose by performing?

Every season, we have groups who are on the verge of quitting because they "aren't ready" but they do it anyway. Sometimes they get a 1 rating, sometimes they get a 2. But, I have never had anyone say "Dang it, I really wished I hadn't done that." Literally never. I have had performers who dropped say they wish they hadn't.

Here is some information I want to share with you about contests. Please read it carefully and let me know if you have any questions!

1. Yes, you have to do WaMaC. Even if your music isn't ready - if you only have half your script memorized - if you've never even met your group mates. It's a chance to perform, to rehearse. Don't waste the chance! (Plus, we've paid our entry fees and our program can't afford to pay for entries that don't happen.)

2. The full schedule, along with bus times and links to each contest's information is on the front page of the website, in the right-hand column.

3. I post an information sheet with our performance for each contest. They're linked here. You'll also find links to the contest site's website and Google Maps to each place.

4. Review the Contest Info page for day-of expectations.

5. Look at the FAQ's for more information on how contests work regarding ratings, moving on to State, All-State nominations, and other fun facts.

I'm proud of all of you for your work and talent! You might not see it, but you are a pretty fabulous group of performers.