Tag: Kaleb Baker

Seniors decorate parking lot spaces to reveal interests and personalities

All photos by Kaleb Baker. Interviews by Abbigail Hollins.

Senior Litzy Rubio: “I’ve always had the idea of minions making it to my parking spot because I think they’re cute and wanted to incorporate them.” Photo by Kaleb Baker.
Senior Makayla Robinson: “I love the country and pink and I wanted to put things I love in my parking slot.” Photo by Kaleb Baker.
Senior Cassidy Tomlin: “The gladiolus flower is my birth flower, which represents strength, so it is also a reference for the color guard.” Photo by Kaleb Baker.
Senior Shiann Spaulding: “Over the Garden Wall is my comfort show, and I wanted a space that feels like me.” Photo by Kaleb Baker.
Senior Magdalene Conrad: “I chose this design because Tyler the Creator is my biggest inspiration.” Photo by Kaleb Baker.
by jhshyphen

Performing arts prepare for year of performances and events

by Abbigail Hollins and Aurora Grisham

From voices to instruments to improv, the JHS arts has much to offer those who are musically inclined. While the performances highlight the many talents of the students here, the process of joining each class begins much before the performances do. 

To begin a musical journey into choir, music education and choral  teacher Kyle Broady said students should talk with a counselor about joining.  The requirements are simple for joining chorus class.

The choir practices for Gospelfest on August 11. Gospelfest will be performed next Thursday, Sept. 18. Photos by Aurora Grisham.

“For regular chorus, no skills are needed, although a past (with music) is helpful.  Upper chorus, you have to qualify,” said Broady.

Students are required to be engaged during class. There are also times that students are required to stay after school to practice. However, with the chamber choir, the expectations are a bit higher because they are more experienced.

On Thursday, Sept. 18 Broady said the annual Gospelfest will be performed in the JHS auditorium.  Additionally, On Dec. 9 and 11, there will be a Winter Fantasy performance with solo and ensemble musicians.  In choir, students will be required to wear uniforms for performances, which consist of formal, black attire.  

Continuing the journey into theater, theater arts teacher Derrick Ledbetter said to get into his class that students must audition.  Ledbetter said the biggest skill to have in the theater experience is an open mind.

Ledbetter encourages students to rehearse and prepare for the JHS theatrical performances. In late October, theater students will perform “Once Upon a Mattress” and later in the year, they will perform “Cyrano de Bergerac.”

Finally, ending this journey going into band, music education and band teacher Sidney McDonald said most students participate in band during middle school and sign up when they choose classes for high school.  

Band director Sidney McDonald shows her fourth-period band class how to keep tempo. Photo by Kaleb Baker.

“We’ve started a beginning band as well, for those who have never done band before,” said McDonald.

The teachers also offer extra help so that they can guide students.

“We have an open band room, which is after school on Wednesdays, so students can come work on any music they are struggling with,” she said.

by jhshyphen