Charity is Rarity - A Show Filled with Care
Tuesday, 12 January 2010 15:01
Hana Rudolph
Ms. Tedford has always taught her students to dream big and aim high. So it is only appropriate that this year's Charity Dance Show, an annual event organized by her and the Orchesis Dance Company (ODC), should support those without a chance. This year, on Dec. 17, a production lineup consisting of ODC, Color Guard, the Laker Girls, Barcada Modern and many many more performers will work to raise money for those living in third-world countries. The goal for this year's Charity Dance Show is to donate $5000 for girls who are desperately in need of a dream, giving them a chance to fulfill that dream through the organizations Care and The Girl Effect. Of course, ODC will be at the event, performing five pieces-- from classy to sassy to pure entertainment. Since September, Ms. Tedford's three beginning dance periods have been gearing up for the event, featuring even more dance styles. The girls and boys of Intermediate Dance will perform two pieces: one rock, one musical theater. The latter will be a joint production with Theater 2-- as a tribute to the history of musical theater, the piece will include songs from The Chorus Line, West Side Story, and Hairspray. But Arcadia's talent doesn't end there; the juniors and seniors of Cologuard will be display their talent to It's the Most Wonderful Time. The Arcadia B-Boys will show off their skills, and the Filipino Club will perform a cultural dance called Tinikling. Even Orchestra 3 will be there, providing the music for ODC's opening number. On top of all that, the night will feature many professional dancers. As mentioned above, the Laker Girls and Barkada Modern are amongst the favorite guest-performers of the evening. Yet the list does not end there: Sahira Dance Company performing in a Bollywood-style dance, and Rhetoracle Dance Company in jazz. Chapman University Dance Team, currently first in the nation for collegiate dance teams, will also be performing for the charitable cause. This is the 16th time ODC has produced the Charity Dance Show. Not only is it an opportunity to see an outstanding showcase of performing arts, it is a chance to support the important causes that Care and The Girl Effect represent. Fifty percent of the proceeds will be donated to these organizations-- so every ticket counts! Minimum donations for these tickets are $10 each; the Charity Show will be on Thursday, Dec. 17 in the AHS North Gym at 7:00 p.m. In the words of Ms. Tedford, the event is a way to "feed ourselves, and help someone's life at the same time... Sometimes we get caught up, and it's important to realize how much we have in comparison to others." What better way to give to charity than to enjoy a stunning dance show? For more information about Care and The Girl Effect, see www.care.org and www.girleffect.org, respectively.
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Musical Melodies Filled the Air
Tuesday, 12 January 2010 15:00
Katherine Bay
These days, every radio station in California is blasting jolly holiday songs through the speakers. There is only one reason for this: the holidays are near. Many of our musically-inclined peers got a head start in spreading the holiday spirit when Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Chanteurs, New Spirit, Concert Choir, and Treble Choir performed in the Holiday Concert on Dec. 15.
As Symphony Orchestra and String Orchestra headed down to Pasadena High School, butterflies fluttered within their stomachs, as they hoped they would not make any mistakes. Despite their nervousness, Symphony Orchestra was well-prepared for the show. “[They have] been practicing with the band for a couple of weeks, and had a rehearsal with percussion after school to merge them with [Orchestra’s] music,” said cello player sophomore Caleb Man. With many songs, such as “Mendelssohn Concerto,” “Jingle Bells Forever,” and “Canadian Brass,” they amazed the audience with their talent of for synchronism. String Orchestra also had a superb performance, consisting of great music with a holiday twist. From “Holiday Carol Collage,” “Rejoice Greatly,” and “Caribbean Carol,” the songs helped everyone in the audience truly grasp the holiday spirit String Orchestra emitted.
Chanteurs, New Spirit, Concert Choir, and Treble Choir illustrated their holiday cheer through the act of singing and dancing to festive tunes. Chanteurs rose to the occasion, performing “Sleigh Ride,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and performed full-out, leaving the audience in awe. Junior Vania Wang described that the purpose of the concert “is to bring a little holiday spirit into the hearts of our community.” Their exciting songs and signature dance moves coordinated perfectly. Nevertheless, New Spirit did just as well, impressing everyone with their talent, as they strutted onto the stage with excitement. After many hours of preparation, New Spirit sang outstanding songs, such as “Happy Holidays,” “Bring Them Home,” “Baby It's Cold Outside,” and “The Old Man’s Back in Town,” and practically tied together all of their numbers with a festive ribbon. Concert Choir and Treble Choir sang with amazing clarity throughout the Holiday Concert as well.
Those who watched the Holiday Concert left feeling well-spirited and ready to spread holiday joy to all. The show was an amazing collaboration of all of AHS’ wonderful performing arts groups and really showcased what our school had to offer. This was the perfect way to start off the holiday season.
A New [Christmas] Spirit Profile
Tuesday, 12 January 2010 14:55
Pamela Huynh
One of the most astonishing members of the music and dance teams at AHS is senior, Macie De Castro. While juggling AP classes and handling the responsibilities of New Spirit President, it’s a wonder how she is able to do this all!
When it comes to New Spirit, Macie becomes professional and switches gears. Junior Amanda Chen is aware that Macie “knows when to be a friend and when to get things done.” Many agree that Macie is a natural-born leader. Junior Megan Truong describes Macie as “very kind, organized, caring, [and of course] funny”. But Megan also knows that “when it comes to learning [the] music and keeping everything up to date” Macie can get strict, only because she wants the best for the girls of New Spirit.
To keep herself in line, Macie constantly asks herself “How would I want to be lead?” This helps her see herself through the eyes of the sophomores, juniors, and seniors she leads. She keeps herself on task by organizing her priorities to let New Spirit look good. Macie sees everyday as “a new opportunity ... to learn how to be a better leader.”
As president, Macie is always helping others, whether it’s improving dance techniques or just offering advice. At each performance, Macie is always there to make sure that all the dancers of New Spirit have their necessary materials—their outfits, makeup, shoes, and earrings—ready. Just like the previous New Spirit presidents, Macie was given the task to create a one-or-a-kind design for the New Spirit members. These exquisite outfits are bright pink halters paired with some chandelier earrings, chosen by Macie.
One person that really appreciates Macie is New Spirit advisor, Mr. Rolland Maxson. Whenever he is busy, Macie steps in and helps teach the girls music. Macie has known Mr. Maxson since freshman year, so she gotten close to him and now loves him as her grandpa.
Even though it seems that Macie has a lot on her plate, she knows that it is all worth it. Being in New Sprit, Macie has met some great people and some have even become her best friends. Even through all the up’s and down’s, Macie has “learned to love [them all,] with all [her] heart, through all of [their] trials.” Each year there is a new batch of girls and they become sister through everything they’ve been through, together. When asked about New Spirit, Macie will always say “It gets hard sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
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