Hello all,
I am hosting large group again this year, but unlike years past, I will be hosting the contest on Friday night. I've never experienced a Friday night contest, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on what preparations need to be made for a Friday night as opposed to a Saturday event. Particularly, what kind of success can I expect from a concession stand on a Friday night? Anything else I should be aware of? Anyone who has previously hosted contest on Friday night who can help, I would be very grateful.
Thanks
Noah Cornelius

While I have never hosted a Friday Large Group experience, I have judged at several. I think you could do well on concessions on a Friday night especially if you have quick light dinner options and easy to get snacks. In addition to having the layout of the school liberally shared and posted, you may want to really think out how you can have unloading and loading done efficiently and where buses are to park. Schools will be getting there in a pinch so time will be of the essence. Would your schools allow you to use classrooms for a homeroom for each choral ensemble?

For your judges, having everything ready to go: tapes and ballots in performance order, IHSMA forms ready for completion and sign-off, sharpened pencils, and reliable power sources for taping judges. If in a darkened room, desk lamps are always appreciated. Having parents or students who are naturals at extending hospitality to others are a huge plus for judges. Having an easy to eat meal that isn't too sloppy (like a sloppy joe or slurpy spaghetti might need to be avoided) would be great as well.

Another thing which is kind of a quriky thing is that at some venues judges, out of necessity, are put in the audience space. When the judges go to make comments on the recorders, it's common that people around us will turn around and shoot daggers with their eyes at us. Of course, a judge will let it roll off but it's too bad they weren't prepped for it or thinking that the judge was being rude in interrupting the performance.

Many of these things will seem very obvious but these have been my impressions to date. Take care and best of luck!

John Hickling
Asst. Dir. of Vocal Music
Valley High School
West Des Moines, IA