BALLADS: Levels of C Quartet: Names and Song List C- (low) Region 16, Cont. #14, Tonal Recall Quartet When I Fall in Love C- (high) Region 34, Cont. 15, Raw Sugar Quartet It Had To Be You C (low) Region 1, Cont. #7, Blue Fusion Quartet Somewhere Over the Rainbow C (high) Region 17, Cont. #13, Vocal Bling Quartet All Dressed Up With a Broken Heart C+ (low) Region 2, Cont. #2, Venture Quartet Just a Song At Twilight C+ (high) Region 12, Cont. #2, Lucky Pitches Quartet Baby Mine B- (low) Region 5, Cont. 14, Midnight Madness Quartet Once Upon a Time
UPTUNES: C- (low) Poor Region 12, Cont. #24, The Loreleis Quartet (song 2) Can t Recall His Name C- (high) Region 34, Cont. 2, As Is Quartet Razzle Dazzle C (low) Fair Region 16, Cont. #2, Flavah Quartet Whose Honey Are You? C (high) Region 2, Cont. # 7, Vortex Quartet The Moment I Saw Your Eyes C+ (low) Acceptable Reg. 5, Cont. #16, Blitz Quartet Bill Bailey Please Come Home C+ (High) Region 2, Cont. #6, Splice Quartet Flirty Eyes B- Satisfactory Region 15, Cont., #5, Hopscotch Quartet Deed I Do
Low C- (Avg. 42) Contestant #1 When I Fall in Love Levels of C - Quartet Ballads Sound - 42 Vocal skills weak Intro was tentative with unclear chords As chorus begins, major tuning problems appear Baritone has trouble fitting into the chords, key center not established Bass/lead do not match octaves, out of tune Breath support development needed Synchronization issues keep chords from aligning Harmony accuracy problems with wrong notes especially at tag Music - 40 An acceptable song, skillfully arranged with some secondary flavor evident Nerves/vibrato in melody delivery distort chord alignment Consistent harmony accuracy problems and tuning errors Widely-voiced chords (see love and heart) impossible to balance with minimal singing skills No sense of harmonizing to a melody among ensemble Complete loss of tonal center as song continues Inaccurate notes=inaccurate chords throughout Choice of material is much too difficult for present level of vocal skill development Expression - 41 Vocal delivery is very individual; any work on unified vocal skills is not readily apparent Wrong notes and chordal integrity inhibit any level of musicality Unit approach to breath support needed Synch suffers from over-pronunciation of words resulting in choppy delivery of the lyric line; synch issues consistently apparent Song and arrangement drains the performers compromising any attempt at communicating the lyrical message Showmanship - 45 Vocal skills are weak from outset and deteriorate as song progresses Posture problems are affecting both vocal skills and command of stage Lack of unit approach to visual presentation Some singers barely making eye contact with audience Costuming preparation is adequate, but poor posture makes it look messy overall
High C- (Avg. 44) Contestant #2 It Had To Be You Sound - 43 Vocal skills weak with some work emerging Breath Support development needed Chords are shaky and wobbly Lead s voice lacks ability to be predominant at times, too fuzzy Phrase endings are frayed Tuning is problematic with wrong notes Octaves esp. at tag were not locked, out of tune Music - 44 Swing song with familiar melody and good structure--but deceptively difficult to tune because of several instances of minor and secondary chord choices Under-developed vocal skills prevent phrase/swipe completion No sense of vowel resonance/unit tuning=harmony accuracy deficits Clarity of chords clouded by consistent lack of musical unity Each singer on her own no harmonic partnership in chord alignment Inaccurate notes throughout Quick, opening pick-up notes/chords at beginnings of phrases often woodshedded, rather than sung with correct chord components Wrong notes in build to tag Expression - 43 Some enthusiasm apparent in into that contributes to synch issues and lack of unified delivery throughout Attention to a more vowel-to-vowel delivery needed Vocal skill development needs a unified approach Appropriate tempo set and often maintained Breath support issues disturb unity at attacks and releases Showmanship - 46 Vocal skills are emerging from singer to singer, still not able to maintain accuracy Faces are in and out of the lyrical story line, consumed with personal vocal responsibilities No real identification with message of song Physical energy is fragmented Each performer is on her own vocally and visually Costuming preparation is fine. Makeup needs more intensity for stage
Low C (Avg. 48) Contestant #3 Somewhere Over the Rainbow Sound - 49 Pitch was faulty and tonal center not well established Vocal skills shows improvement but breath support needs more developing Some wrong notes especially when bass singer is singing melody an octave low, incomplete chords Harmony accuracies happening too often with wrong notes blue, star, can t I Out of tune singing occurring too often Unit sound is pleasant but only occurs now and then Music - 44 Good, barbershop-worthy song in a beautiful, creative arrangement; however, the challenging melody line with its considerable octave leaps is not for the weak of vocal skills Pretty voices but unsupported, and so are the chords-- consistently inaccurate Not a musical unit Very slow delivery; ploddy phrasing musical energy lacking Bass/lead match faulty and, thus, so are many chords Some sense of musical plan of delivery noted Where you ll find me example of consistently inaccurate notes and harmony accuracy error Expression - 48 Synch issues throughout intro Unity improves as body of the song begins Individual vocal skill development is apparent and occasionally joins together to create a unified delivery Vowels need match across the unit Breath support need further development to prevent synch issues Lyrical plan evident, but shows little connection to the emotional intent of the lyrical message Showmanship - 50 Vocal skills are stronger individually, do not stand up to performance demands Faces are lovely at the beginning, then start to fall victim to vocal challenges as song progresses Not a unit persona each singing for herself Personality not defined Vocal inaccuracies and visual incongruence destroy believability Costuming is great color for stage with attention to detail.
High C (Avg. 52) Contestant #4 I m All Dressed Up With a Broken Heart Sound - 52 Vocal skills are progressing but still inconsistent Octaves not precise, out of tune Breath Support development needed Drops, true out of tune Some attempts of dynamics evident but softs lose support and tuning problems occur Bbshop balance is well maintained in middle range, chords become fragmented at outer ranges Music - 51 Lovely, poignant song with lilting melody; strong arrangement but many musical demands in its vocal ranges, energy expectations, dynamics, and swipe demands Better vocal skills, especially in melody singer; however, still no ring in sound noted, as chords are often fragile and unstable Improved delivery of a musical plan at this level Charms, -drops examples of chords spread so wide that cannot be adequately tuned and balanced with current level of vocal skills Frequent tuning error preventing full chord alignment With a careless woodshedding of pick-up chords End of song beyond current vocal ranges=musical distortion Choice of material way beyond current vocal and musical pay grade Expression - 53 Lyrical plan is apparent and appropriate now needing forward motion applied to the phrase by phrase delivery Individual voices disrupt unity at times Unified vocal skill development is apparent, but inconsistent Breath support varies across the unit Synch issues peppered throughout Softer dynamic attempts highlight their liabilities instead of pointing to the message or emotion intended Showmanship - 53 Vocal skills are progressing, still inconsistent from singer to singer Singers are fairly comfortable on stage individually A somewhat larger sense of physicality adds to story telling skills Faces are inconsistent in their involvement in story Performance is cautious Preparation is good overall. Attractive, well-fitted costume. Make-up needs color intensity for stage lighting
Low C+ (Avg. 54) Contestant #5 Love s Old Sweet Song Sound - 55 Vocal skill is tentative, but displays improvement going in the right direction Breath support development needed Lead/bass match is strong at middle ranges Phrase endings are being clipped off Some attempt at matching vowel placement/resonance Several out of tune words refrain, take, song, long Baritone needs more fill when below the lead Last note shaky and wobbly, ran out of breath Music - 53 Good song/good, simple arrangement/good choice for this level Vocal skills marginal but more consistently correct notes Tuning error is more frequent than grossly wrong notes Chord alignment prevented by musical unity discrepancies Not listening to each other and a lack of vowel resonance preventing true chord lock Still to us wrong notes Intervals often shaved in all parts=chords generally out of alignment Final, widely-voiced chord impossible to balance given current level of vocal skills and stamina Expression - 54 Phrase by phrase delivery in intro and beyond needs forward motion connected to the emotional intent of the lyrical message Long needs vowel match; vowel work showing, clean up in certain words/vowels now needed Synch issues at phrase ends consistently problematic; breath support development needed across the unit Tuning issues detract from attempts at musicality Showmanship - 55 Vocal skills are stronger, still quite unstable at extremities The group appears to feel fairly secure with each other Faces begin the song with meaning, lose that unity as vocal challenges occur There are vestiges of teamwork Performance still lacks unity of purpose in telling lyrical story Costuming well done good choice of design, fabric and fit. Makeup needs more intensity with black costume and stage lighting
High C+ (Avg. 58) Contestant #6 Baby Mine Sound - 58 Vocal skill development progressing nicely but too staid and mechanical Singing is very cautious and careful, need more vocal freedom Intervals (note to note) delivery is belabored giving a mechanical feel to the unit sound Tuning issues occurring with tension in the sound on spread chords Quartet singers showing progress in their vocal skill development Work is evident on matching tone/vowel production, but needs refining Tenor hanger at the tag well done Music - 59 Weak song with monotonous melody; arrangement ok; much secondary flavor, especially in bridge Better vocal skills on display Chord tuning still a problem because of random wrong notes To your; precious wrong notes in tenor line=chord distortion Musical plan of delivery exceeds skills necessary to complete No clear destination of musical line climax not discernible Phrasing stilted; musical communication not credible Lack of musical energy to deliver song well Expression - 58 Forward motion needed in intro and beyond to more effectively convey the lyrical message Coming in and out of a tempo detracts from the lyrical message and needs greater understanding of the ad lib/rubato style used in the Barbershop style Synch issues in almost all embellishments Slow delivery of diphthongs create synch issues; greater emphasis on target vowel needed Dynamic range is very narrow Showmanship - 58 Vocal skills are more stable, but not a unit yet Singers appear to be more at ease on stage Performance is very controlled Some lovely unit visual moments surrounded by periods of self-involvement Intentions are good, just lacking the skill to execute as yet Obvious care taken with grooming lovely makeup Costume a bit incongruent with formal hairstyles well fitted
Low B- (Avg. 62) Contestant #7 Once Upon a Time Sound - 61 Vocal skills acceptable but inconsistent Work evident on vowel matching and resonance Some minor synch errors especially at phrase endings Lead vocal qualities in upper range need more vocal freedom, blend becomes challenged in those instances Breath support and vocal energy needs further development Breath deficits in song s ending causing out of tune delivery Music - 61 Good but long song; fine arrangement Better sense of unit chord delivery Some sense of ring, especially on octave locks on triads Breathing skills still failing at phrase ends Chord clarity still suspect on fast, pick-up chords Better forward motion and sense of conversational phrasing, although artificial in delivery Some vowel match problems affecting chord lock, especially on important and frequent lyric, time Inadequate musical energy to communicate fully this musical message Expression - 63 Internal synch issues in intro Attempt at delivery of the emotional intent of the lyric is evident in their plan even though it is too contained to be authentic E vowel needs unified resonance Breath management issues creep into the last ½ of the song and unity suffers Internal synch issues inside words as target vowel/diphthong delivery needs attention Bell chorus and other embellishment delivery show promise in Barbershop style understanding and delivery Showmanship - 62 Vocal skills established, just not consistent yet Performance is more together than individual Singers show awareness of story line and involvement in telling it Sense of confidence, but still careful As song progresses, stamina fades Costume appropriate for stage, good color selection and fit Makeup needs intensity for stage
Levels of C - Quartet Uptunes Low C- (Avg. 42) Contestant #8 I Can t Recall His Name Sound - 42 Vocal skills weak Tuning/harmony inaccuracies plague the performance Breath support development needed Phrase endings are clipped and abrupt Octaves do not align causing out of tune singing in those instances There is joy being displayed in the Sound at times Music - 41 A good, solid song and arrangement with strong structure and chording; enjoyable to sing, but it must be accurate first--which this performance does not illustrate Unstable tempo No chord tuning integrity because of note inaccuracy Weak vocal skills, especially breathing deficits Matched vowel resonance not at all evident=lack of chord clarity Each singer for herself no sense of unity or musical ensemble More enthusiasm than vocal or musical skill evident in delivery Expression - 41 Intro out of synch throughout Tempo helps their unity Over-pronunciation of consonants create choppiness and consistent synch issues Vowel match is very minimal Individual vocal characteristics need unified approach to help build communication of their story They are having fun with this story, but contributes to a lack of unity in every area of this category Showmanship - 42 Vocal skills are quite weak need development to maintain tonality, especially in performance A performance of individuals. Planned movements lack flow or style in execution Nervous energy rules the performance Muted color of costume not stagey. Fit needs ease on some for visual unity Makeup needs intensity for stage
High C- (Avg. 45) Contestant #9 Razzle Dazzle Sound - 45 Vocal skills weak with some work apparent Tenor is in and out of chords at the start Breath support development needed Out of tune singing prevalent as intervals (note to note) are not precise and are fuzzy Some evidence of the barbershop craft being displayed Phrase endings are frayed, causing synchronization errors Tag was pleasant but ended abruptly Music - 45 Good choice for this level but more challenging than other selections in easy folio because of challenging chords, transition chords, rhythmic requirements, many lyrics Immediately out of key; quartet would benefit from taking a pitch If I Could not chords Minimal vocal skills prevent accurate chord delivery I Tell Ya good example of difficult transition chords sung out of tune Tempo lacks consistency All are rusty example of bass singing wrong notes, e.g. melody an octave low Wrong notes throughout in all parts Making up chords often little attention to correct chord component singing No sense of harmony Song is too difficult for current level of vocal skill development More noise than music Expression - 45 Enthusiastic approach needs greater unity Synch issues consistently apparent Need vowel agreement and less consonant interference throughout Tempo set is energetic, needing greater consistency in delivery throughout Characterization attempted, but lost in synch, tuning and vowel disturbances Tag shows the promise of what they could be with unified approach to vocal skills and breath support Showmanship - 45 Vocal skills challenged by this song Taking a pitch on stage would have been a wise decision for this group. Execution of very involved visual plan hampers group s ability to execute vocal plan Lead is very animated other facial expressions are in and out of the story as it progresses Dramatic stage costuming
Low C (Avg. 46) Contestant #10 Whose Honey Are You? Sound - 47 Vocal skills weak especially breath support Faulty pitch, tonal center not well established Recognizable barbershop chords with some sense of the cone Lead voice has vibrato at times affecting blend Tuning issues throughout as intervals are not executed precisely Breath support development needed Phrase endings are frayed Music - 47 Strong swing song and arrangement; good choice for this level; tempo establishment, however, often challenging backbeat emphasis needed Immediately out of key; quartet would benefit from taking a pitch Many chord inaccuracies in intro Weak melody delivery; vibrato affecting chord lock Little swipe tuning and control More accurate notes than level below Expression - 46 Individual vocal approaches detract from a unified delivery causing synch issues throughout Characterization is a strength here; now they need to develop the vocal skills and understanding of Barbershop style that will allow it to shine Choppy delivery throughout Breath support issues and disparate vocal styles disturb unified delivery throughout Showmanship - 44 Vocal skills are emerging, still need development Tentative approach to the song No definition to personality of the group Execution is more individual than unit Bodies are somewhat stiff, need a larger sense of physicality Costuming is appropriate and fit is OK.
High C (Avg. 51) Contestant #11 The Moment I Saw Your Eyes Sound - 50 Vocal skills show progress Some drooping of the tonal center at beginning Barbershop balance is good especially in mid range Lead s head voice needs more vocal freedom Lies not supported and out of tune Phrase endings clipped Eyes at tag never tuned Bass/Bari octave never locked Quartet shows potential, ready to move to next level Music - 51 Good arrangement of ok song with secondary and minor flavor and many spread chords Better musical energy apparent Chords still out of tune frequently Tonal center not established until chorus Stronger, more consistent tempo Range demands at song s end exceed vocal and musical abilities Stronger bass presence noted in chord balancing Expression - 52 E vowel needs unified approach and resonance Internal synch issues throughout Tempo set is not consistently maintained Vowel match is inconsistent Phrase ends lose support and cause synch issues They are having fun that overtakes their vocal skills Showmanship - 51 Individual vocal skills are strengthening, still need development An enthusiastic approach to the song that comes off as forced Visual plan somewhat chaotic in execution Faces are in and out of the story as individual vocal challenges arise Costume design is good, needs ease in fit/ different under garment for visual unity for in under-blouse
Low C+ (Avg. 55) Contestant #12 Bill Bailey, Won t You Please Come Home? Sound - 55 Vocal skills well developed, but inconsistent Some tuning issues in the intro Please, Blame Cone shaped balance well maintained for the most part Ascending chords not clean, tuning issues When lead is below baritone, chords not balanced Some vowel work is evident creating lock and ring but inconsistent Synch issues occurring at times causing minor tuning Last note didn t tune ended breathless Music - 54 Strong barbershop song/creatively arranged. Challenging because of medley structure, range demands, stamina, modulations More consistent tempo delivery noted Some attempt at dynamic variation Phrase endings clipped Low-lying chords know I m, for instance unclear because of pitch slippage Song/medley demands stretch vocal skills, leading to faulty modulations and a tag completely out of tune Although the song seems enjoyable for the quartet to sing and they do try to communicate the fun of the message, the audience finds it difficult to hear due to lack of musical skill Expression - 55 Exciting opening that loses unity and momentum at the intro s end and in tempo choice Tempo set is mostly maintained; lost consistency at breath points E and Oh vowels need unified delivery Attempts at character delivery leads to choppiness and synch issues Disintegrating breath support as they head into the stomp leads to greater internal synch issues Showmanship - 54 Pretty solid vocal skills, still inconsistent Appear at ease on stage Personality is peeking through, especially in humorous spots Stamina becomes an issue as song progresses Execution of visual plan has some flow. Need further characterization to unify style At points in the song, quartet establishes strong communication with audience, doesn t have the vocal skills yet to keep that constant Solid costuming design choice and well-fitted
High C+ (Avg. 58) Contestant #13 Flirty Eyes Sound - 58 Vocal skills shows work, but inconsistent Vowel work evident Cone balance well maintained except on the very lows. We lost the bass affecting balance and chord clarity How I wish tuning issue there Bass hanger and tag a bit wobbly as breath supply gave way Good vocal energy displayed Music - 60 Strong, ring-able arrangement of ok song; frequent difficult descending chromatic progressions difficult to deliver accurately Some sense of barbershop style and chord tuning evident More consistent tempo establishment, albeit rather conservative and sometimes confusing changes Tuning problems occur at descending progression in opening of chorus Intervals often short-changed=flatting Better individual vocal skills and sense of musical unity Insufficient vocal energy to deliver total song; forced voices at tag Some random wrong notes on pick-up chords at beginning of phrases Expression - 58 Tempo set is a bit languid for the energy of this lyrical message; stronger pulse needed Tempo inconsistently maintained, especially in B section ( Good Morning, Sir. Synch issues consistently peppered throughout internal due to choppy delivery Stamina waned in last 1/3 of performance Development of unified target vowel/diphthong delivery is needed. Showmanship - 54 Vocal skills solid, not totally consistent Group looks at ease on stage Two outside people spend more and more time looking into quartet as performance unfolds, blocking their communication with the audience, Faces are pleasant, but not telling this story. Need characterization Group is performing the paper, not the song Design and fit of costume is good. Need intensity in make-up application for stage
Low B- (Avg. 64) Contestant #14 Deed I Do Sound - 64 Vocal skills are good, work in this area evident Sound is pushed at times more vocal freedom needed Do (ooh) vowel a mismatch there causing tuning issue Preacher out of tune Key change well done with new key well established Some minor synch issues affecting tuning at times Showing vocal style in the delivery Tag breath support gave way and became out of tune Music - 64 Musical energy immediately apparent Better tuning demonstrated More well-developed vocal skills, but tension in sound and vowel mismatch mars resonance/chord alignment, e.g. now Chord alignment inconsistent good on triads, out of tune often on closely-voiced triads Problems tuning descending chromatic progression at beginning of tag Better sense of tempo; transitional chords between tempo changes ragged because of synchronization errors Tag almost completed; tuning almost there; unit delivery of chords almost achieved Smoother musical line in second song, but more chord inaccuracies arise as medley continues Little dynamic variety Expression - 63 Energetic opening that lacks unity Good tempo set and mostly well maintained Internal synch issues problematic more pulse needed; less word focus Barbershop style apparent just messy Energy dips, especially from stomp forward, cause greater synch issues; stamina needed Showmanship - 64 Vocal skills good, not totally consistent Group looks excited to be on stage More of a unit approach to the music and the visual The performance is more external than internal Group is still careful in their approach, rather than letting go Costume is appropriate and flattering Makeup needs intensity for stage
Overall Sound Comments C Level C- Vocal skill is lacking often adding a cringe factor to the performance Synchronization is problematic, trouble singing as a unit with togetherness Breath support development needed Only moments of chord clarity Harmony inaccuracies/tuning issues apparent C Evidence can be heard of unit vocal skills and vocal production Breath support development is needed Synchronization errors mar tuning and unity Phrase endings are clipped at times Some moments of acceptability as musicality is more recognizable in the barbershop style, usually 50/50, as much right as wrong C+ Vocal skill development is apparent but inconsistent Tone/vowel production becomes apparent with more vocal chord clarity Cleaner intervals (note to note) starting to emerge creating better tuning and harmony accuracy Breath support development is needed Phrase endings become more lifted and energized but inconsistent B- Vocal skills strong but inconsistent Outer vocal ranges need more vocal freedom as they move through vocal registers Barbershop cone/balance becomes more consistent Artistic Sound descriptors such as energized vocal line and vocal style starts to emerge Harmony accuracy problems related to inaccurate intervals, tuning and intonation
Overall Music Comments C Level C- With few exceptions, choice of material is much too difficult and singers do not understand chord structure, form, or harmony principles They usually choose better uptunes than ballads to match their vocal skills They do not take well-established starting pitches, lessening chance of beginning in tune Lack of vocal skill development, especially breathing deficits, prevents chord accuracy Wrong notes prevail and preclude any sense of chord alignment Musical unity is completely lacking C Problems noted at C- level continue to exist but at a lower rate Vocal skills still lacking development They are somewhat comfortable with A1 and A2 sections of chorus, especially in uptunes, but intros, tags, and bridges cause them considerable problems with harmony accuracy, chord balance and tuning, and musical unity Vocal ranges and musical energy often fail them at musical builds and climaxes in ballads, tags in uptunes Quick pick-up chords at phrase beginnings in both ballads and uptunes often incomplete, inaccurate, or ignored Little sense of musical partnership in song delivery Choices still too difficult for singing skills C+ Bit closer correlation between choice of material and skill level Some growth in vocal skills noted; some moments of musical skill observed Better plans for phrase delivery; more breath reservoir available to do so Harmony accuracy still problematic=distorted, cloudy chords Tempos inconsistent in uptunes; tempo disagreements across quartet Lack of musical unity in phrase delivery in ballads Consistent inaccuracy in bridges of songs Dissimilar musical energy across quartet Still not a musical unit B- Often overly-ambitious arrangement selections vs. vocal skill/stamina development Vocal skills developed but inconsistent Correct notes Tempo inconsistencies Harmony accuracy problems related to inaccurate intervals, tuning and intonation Too often Groups in search of a Team in all areas of category Suitability matching issues, especially demands of last 1/3 and tags of songs Problems in Sound category directly affecting musical performance: total and instant accuracy, resonance development, synchronization, breath management, part balance
Overall Expression Comments C Level C- Vocal Skills are minimal and little unity is apparent Breath Support is almost non-existent Synchronization errors are rampant Vowel match development is needed Even at this level, they can exhibit joy and/or fun that makes the lack of skills bearable C Attempts at vocal and breathing skill development are becoming apparent Lyrical plans become more obvious, but reveal a lack any discernable connection to the emotion of the lyrical message Lack of Vowel matching become more apparent now that unity is beginning to be established Synch issues consistently disturb unity both internally and attacks and releases Becoming aware of singing with others, but lose some of the spontaneity and freedom heard at C- C+ Need for Forward Motion becomes more apparent as the plan becomes more defined Vowel matching improves leaving only particular vowels in need of a unit approach Mostly pleasant vocal delivery that shows continued effort to build unity Attempts at dynamics are hindered by breath support and tuning issues Barbershop style is still only understood by singing a plan, not felt in delivery of artistic elements Synchronization still problematic B- Barbershop style is seen with some energy and understanding applied Vocal skill issues become more refined and are more noticeable by the moments they are not proficient than in the moments they are Synch issues are more prominent inside word and phrase delivery Stamina and breath energy become more of the issue than breath support Enthusiasm for the art form sometimes overwhelms their skills to create messy yet compelling performances
Overall Showmanship Comments C Level C- Vocal skills need development and should be a priority Posture problems are common, affecting vocal skills and telegraphing their unease Faces get caught in the dilemma of vocal problems rather than engaging the audience in the message of the song Performances are individuals rather than unit Stamina is often a problem Performance energy is elusive C Vocal skills are emerging need further development Faces tend to be pleasant rather than involved in the song s message Visual plans are non-existent or grandiose Physical expression is somewhat mechanical Stamina is problematic in second half of songs, affecting audience connection Performance feels somewhat forced C+ Vocal skills evident still need development for onstage control Stamina is still a factor in performance quality Characterization is starting to appear Beginning to understand performance energy Faces more consistently involved in song s message Teamwork begins the road to unity B- Vocal skills are apparent, still inconsistent Performers have an acceptable level of comfort on stage Performances tend to start as a unit and evolve to more individual than unit Inconsistent performance energy Characterization not well developed Stamina is still an issue Preparation is usually pretty well covered