| | I believe that SPCC is the most competent and respectable opponent we have encountered in the Music Festival. I also believe, although I wasn't among the audience tonight, that they put up a brilliant performance in the SMC Chinese category and fully deserve their acclaim. However, it is most frustrating hear that the Diocesan choir was deprived of any award, being disqualified due to a slight violation of the festival rules.
The adjudicator made it clear in the score sheet that our choir's performance deserved official recognition. And from what I have heard, the adjudicator did make two phone calls to the association office requesting the officials responsible to bend the rules. However the association decided that it would ignore the adjudicators wishes and refused to even give our choir a single mark.
If the adjudicator had made the decision, I would not be questioning the disqualification. However, I do believe that it is completely inappropriate for the association to interfere in such a manner. Either the officials decided that the regulations had to be strictly adhered to even when the adjudicator thought otherwise. Or the association assistants at the competition simply decided to exercise their authority over the adjudicator and modify the results.
The question here is not whether an extra choir member should lead to the disqualification of the entire team. It is whether an overmastering body should be allowed to meddle with the decisions of the adjudicator. By taking part in a competition, every participant is making a pledge to acknowledge the adjudicator's authority. It is basic sportsmanship to respect the adjudicator's artistic decisions.
For what remains of a competition, when the adjudicator cannot make the final judgment regarding the results? What is the purpose of having an adjudicator when assistants who lack professional knowledge and proper conduct are allowed to irrationally veto his or her decisions? What do the results stand for if the association can adjust them because and just because the regulations entitle it to? I strongly feel that the association's decision is a sign of complete inflexibility and disrespect. Personally I am very dissatisfied by what has happened, and I believe that this incident should never, ever be allowed to repeat itself.
Based on my knowledge of the association, it is very unlikely that they will change their mind. And I do not think that it would be fair to other competitors if the competition were redone. Nor would it be right for our SMC to be granted an admission ticket to the choir finals as compensation of any sort, for they will rightfully compete for one on Wednesday.
All I wish is that no more adjudicators will suffer from such ridiculous treatment from the association. I also hope that all choirs, Diocesan or not, will not find themselves in a similar situation in future events.
What we want is fair competition and unaltered adjudications. What we
need is an organizing body which realizes what justice is all about.
And to our choir, I am confident that you will step forward in unity and overcome the obstacles that await.What doesn't defeat you only makes you stronger. I am fiercely proud of being a Diocesan because I know that the SMC strives for perfection in making music. Rise again and soar - I just can't wait for the good news on Wednesday =]
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| | Posted 3/13/2007 12:49 AM - 75 Views - 18 eProps - 12 comments
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