Music groups foster competitive environment between students
Peter Finnerty, Staff Writer
February 16, 2019
Filed under Arts
From starting the alto saxophone in fifth grade to practicing every day, going to weekly private lessons and participating in two bands, Jake Perdue is one of many who works hard and loves playing their instrument. He brings this dedication to his musical groups, improving his own skills while coming tog...
Alumni use high school arts education in their careers
Jake Zucker, Staff Writer
January 11, 2019
Filed under Arts
When Class of 2012 alumnus Julian Hermano started high school, he was, in his words, “legit mad shy.” The drama classes that he took for elective credit struck a chord with him and helped transform him from a person who would go home right after school to play video games, to the confident, hard...
Kanye’s music trumps his politics
Harry Gordon, Contributing Writer
November 29, 2018
Filed under Opinions
Kanye West has, for the last year or two, been very vocal in his support for president Donald Trump. It started when during a concert of his “Saint Pablo” tour, he told the crowd that had he voted, he would have voted for Trump. He then continued to meet with Trump, wear “Make America Great Agai...
Alumnus Jonathan Mande spreads importance of rhythm
Gabe Lee, Sports Editor
May 2, 2018
Filed under Arts
Jonathan Mande '11 has been inspired by drums since an early age when he listened to his favorite music and wanted to learn how to play along. He created his own drum kit at the age of five using small branches of bamboo that he found in the woods, cinder blocks and cardboard. Mande wants to teach studen...
Review: Open Mic
Dan Friedman, Staff Writer
April 10, 2018
Filed under Arts, Performance Reviews
Open Mic Night is exactly as it sounds: a casual and friendly event for which students sign up to perform, and then do. Open Mic Night is primarily student-run and performed. The atmosphere was very warm and inviting: At the front of the room, there were the instruments, and then directly in front, t...
Album Review: Blue Madonna by BØRNS
Jason Altshuler, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2018
Filed under Album Review, Arts
In his biggest hit, “Electric Love,” singer-songwriter Garrett Borns—BØRNS—describes a love interest as “Candy... sweet like candy in my veins.” BØRNS’ music is like candy, too: smooth, sweet and syrupy. The Los Angeles-based artist made a name for himself with colorful, falsetto-d...
Album Review: Oblivion by T-Pain
Colby Sutton, News Writing Editor
January 29, 2018
Filed under Album Review, Arts, Showcase
After six years out of the public eye, the beloved rapper and singer T-Pain dives back into the spotlight with his upbeat and energetic comeback album: Oblivion. The title track, “Who Died,” jumps right into the album with a fun, rhythmic party anthem. It is reminiscent of his older work, with large autotu...
Review: Music Collective Spring Concert
Sofia Reynoso, Staff Writer
April 25, 2017
Filed under Arts, Performance Reviews, Showcase
A night of jazz music commenced when sharply-dressed musicians walked on stage, eagerly awaited by parents and other audience members. With the first note, the audience was already captivated and would be for the next hour and a half. The Music Collective held their spring concerts on April 6 and 7...
Student rappers find diverse ways to express themselves
Jason Altshuler, Arts Writing Editor
February 1, 2017
At the high school, many students make rap music as a creative outlet. However, these artists approach the art form in different ways.
Lounge shows celebrate SWS music and artistry
Zoe Videlefsky, Staff Writer
January 7, 2017
Filed under Arts
Fairy lights line the stage. There is a brimming aura of positivity and support. The room is full of people on couches and on the floor at the School Within a School Lounge Show. The SWS Lounge Show allows students to express their creative side in an accepting environment. Students say that the show...
Novice jazz band group develops musical skills
Sarah Hughes, Staff Writer
December 3, 2016
Filed under Arts
Instruments are taken out and tuned as students talk and shuffle on music stands as the band prepares to play an especially difficult piece. Upstairs, jazz band teacher Carolyn Castellano works on basics with a smaller group of quiet but enthralled musicians. These musicians are part of a feeder group f...
Music recording inspires future careers
Bertina Xue, Arts Layout Editor
May 27, 2016
Scrolling through SoundCloud and finding a song featuring the familiar voice of a student at the high school is a rare treasure. Many students at the high school write and record their own music, learning skills such as using a variety of equipment, music programs and song-writing. SoundCloud is the main mu...
