Sequins, Suits and Show Choir: Pros and Cons of Competition in Music.

Tis’ the season for sequins, suits and high school show choir competitions. In my time as a college musician I have found that some people really disagree with the idea of judging music the way that show choir and marching bands are judged, due to how subjective it can really be. I grew up competing for dance and was involved in a highly competitive show choir program in high school. It has intrigued me to learn that some educators have very strong opinions on this particular topic. Now of course there’s no right or wrong answer as to whether music should or should not be done competitively. These are just my opinions on the pros and cons of music in competitive settings.

PROS:

Teaches students to work as a team.

It allows those students that are not involved in sports to take part in a team type of competitive atmosphere.

Teaches students that their actions effect those around them.

Similar to pro #1 learning how to work with others is a valuable skill and you actions can effect the outcome of the entire groups success.

It connects people.

Not only do competitions create ways for students to connect with students from other schools; music creates a bond and connection between people that may have never crossed paths before.

Promotes and Encourages Growth.

Students that are in competitive show choirs are constantly being encouraged to make their performance better. This is an awesome for students learn and know that its always possible to improve your talents and strive to grow.

It teaches students how to have a good stage presence.

Students are constantly being critiqued which means they are constantly evaluating their own personal performance and critiquing themselves. This creates ownership and the students are invested in how to better present themselves on stage.

CONS:

Subjective Judgment.

Opinions of music are subjective and very judge is going to have different opinions on what they believe was a better performance. * Your worth is not determined by a score from the judges*

Creates rivalries among schools.

Competition can create hard feelings and bitterness between schools and groups of students. This can turn a fun event into a toxic environment.

Egos become out of control.

This is were directors really need to be in control of their group. With consistent success can sometimes bring big headed-ness and poor attitudes from students. This unfortunately make or break a competition season for any group.

Music is an art form.

For some this is the main reason they’ve stepped away from competitive show choir. Music is an art not an athletic event that can be measures by a points system. The worth and quality of the performance is in the eye of the audience member!

Music should purely be for entertainment.

Enjoying music is more important than deciding who is better. Music is to be appreciated not stacked against each other. Preference of one choir/band over another is purely based on taste.

Thanks for reading! Comment down below your own list of pros and cons I would love to keep the conversation going!