Spring roar 2

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R O A R SPRING 2016 Creative Arts And Writing Club Present: Issue No. 2 of The West Hollow Newsletter Advisors: Mrs. Elisa Brosnan Mrs. Kim Sarrosick

When you learn, teach. When you get, give.

-Maya Angelou

In April, West Hollow raised over $2500.00 for Leukemia & Lymphoma in a “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser. Way To Go Wolverines!

Second Issue CAWC CONTRIBUTORS: Jasmine Alicea-Grade 7 Sriya Dhanikonda-Grade 7 Hallie Huners-Grade 7 Alexander Mace-Grade 8

In May, West Hollow is participating in a Walk-a-Thon during their Physical Education classes to help support ALS. Along with extended activities during the month, West Hollow will be part of the annual route from the East end of Long Island to Yankee Stadium as the Ride for Life group will pass through West Hollow’s bus lot. West Hollow hopes to collect over $1000.00 as Mr. Hauk has promised our school community to take place in the “Ice-Bucket Challenge”.

Sydney Perry-Grade 7 Megan Roman-Grade 7 Neeya Shetty-Grade 7 Blake Taylor-Grade 7 Zeina Zahoori-Grade 7

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My Favorite Pastime By: Jillian Martin-Grade 7

The two best decisions I have made in my life have been joining a band and not eating another slice of pizza, because I’ll regret it in the morning.

I have been playing guitar for almost 7 years, and I fell in love with music the first time I ever heard a note. It was amazing to me how every part, seemingly insignificant on its own, came together and magically formed a beautiful form of art. Maybe it’s because I had an amazing teacher who was my friend, my motivator, and basically my musical idol at the time, or maybe I was just lucky to enter the world a music lover!

When I first started playing guitar, I was making progress more quickly than my teacher had ever seen for a chubby six year old. To me, it seemed I was on a rollercoaster that only went up. That continued for about another 4 years, but then I reached a decline in progress, and I realized that I would have to work a lot harder to reach my goals. Music was my life, and it terrified me to think that I might never get better. I have since passed that point, considering it was a good 3 years ago, but I just recently joined a band at my music school, which has been an amazing experience. Joining a band allows you to meet new people, improve your skill, and maybe learn something new about yourself!

When you work with others, you are forced to adapt yourself to fit the others — when we play together, we’re like lost pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Everything must fit perfectly and precisely, otherwise it will all fall apart. When I first joined the band (we call ourselves Dasia Vu) I had expectations that things would be all about me, because, obviously, I was the best at everything, and the world no longer revolved around the sun, but around me instead. Boy, was I kicked right off my high horse! The band is full of talented people who have taught me many things about music and life in general. When in a band, you can’t just have what you want when you want it. I learned quickly I'd have to work for that solo I wanted and that lead part that I really wanted. And when I don’t get it and realize that my bandmate was better at it, I just work harder for the next opportunity. A little friendly competition arises, and suddenly, I’m so motivated to work my hardest because I cannot take it if so and so gets the lead part AGAIN. Experiences like this have improved my skill level drastically in the past months, because I have been motivated to be just as good and as prepared as the people I’m surrounded by.

I have learned the most from those whom I admire. If I see something that my bandmate is doing that I like, I make a mental note, and adapt myself to fits the needs of the band and to reach my expectations of myself.

My bandmates have become reliable friends who are very talented and hilarious; we are always there for each other. I have been extremely lucky to be a part of this band, and if you are looking to improve your life, joining a band could be for you too.

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Animal Rescue and Adoption By: Sydney Perry-Grade 7

Art work by: Sydney Perry-Grade 7

Art work by: Jasmine Alicea-Grade 7

Little Shelter, located at 33 Warner Road Huntington, NY 11743, is the best animal rescue and adoption center I’ve ever seen. Little Shelter is a non-kill animal shelter. They are dedicated to saving dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Little Shelter also offers spaying and neutering. Little Shelter has been open since 1928. They have a small staff and are looking for volunteers (aged 16 years or older).

Little Shelter helps animals with medical and behavior problems. They also help the animals they shelter get adopted into good homes, but only if they are ready to get adopted. Any animals that are not adopted go upstate to their luxurious sanctuary, which will become their permanent home.

The shelter holds many fundraisers. The car raffle, a masquerade party, and a pet-a-palooza are some of their more popular fundraisers. Little Shelter has introduced a “reading program” at some of the local elementary schools; they bring dogs who have been specially trained as “reading assistants” to work with kids who show stress and anxiety toward reading in a traditional classroom.

Little Shelter offers their animals any treatment they need, whether it’s training, food, or medical attention. Little Shelter helps animals with disabilities. The animals are very happy at their shelter. They are always surrounded by love. They treat them like their own pets. If I wanted to adopt an animal, the Little Shelter would be my first stop!

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Art: Not just an Activity for in School!

By: Blake Taylor Grade 7 Art has been something I’ve loved since I was little. I drew pictures every day with my babysitter and my love for art has never stopped. Art is really important to me because it is very enjoyable and makes me feel calm. Since I was 7, I’ve taken an out of school art class on the weekends. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Here is a picture of me with one of my beach paintings. My favorite thing by far in art is to paint with acrylics. I think it looks so nice on a canvas. My favorite thing to paint is scenery, especially beaches, like this one. I have about 50 finished paintings and I’d say half of them feature beaches!

A girl from my gymnastics class recommended an art teacher to me who is absolutely amazing. She has taught me so much about art over the past 5 years. She is an amazing artist herself and paints unbelievable things that look so realistic. I look forward to going to see her and take her class every Saturday.

What I really love about this class is that everybody does their own thing. She has hundreds of calendars and albums to choose from. You can also use your mind or bring in your own images.

She comes around and gives everyone tips and pointers. I went to her class never holding a paintbrush before (besides watercolor paintings of random lines when I was very little) and she taught me lots of things. Now I feel almost as if I could teach a beginning artist how to get started painting.

Taking this class has inspired me so much. Art is my favorite thing to do. When I grow up, I want to have a career in some kind of art. I wake up excited on Saturdays because I get to go to my art class. I feel so happy there doing what I love. If you love art, you should look into taking an out of school class to because it has made me love art more than anyone could imagine.

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Overcoming Obstacles by Perseverance -Jillian Martin-Grade 7 Wheelchair Basketball was originally developed in 1945 but only added to the Paralympic games in 1960. Meant for athletes who have a physical impairment that prevents running, pivoting and running, two teams of 12 men or women--five on court--play with the same measurements and hoop height as a game of able-bodied basketball.

In 2012 my family attended the 2012 Paralympic games in London to support a close friend of my family’s, Steve Serio. Steve was on my Dad’s wheelchair basketball team when they were younger, before he became a Paralympic athlete. That year, in 2012, the United States took home bronze--their first time medalling since 2000--after Canada and Australia.

Steve had a spinal tumor removed at eleven months, resulting in paralysis; he's classified as an incomplete paraplegic (he is paralyzed from the waist down, with limited movement in his legs and feet). Steve made his paralympic debut at the 2008 games, in Beijing, China. That year, the U.S team finished in fourth place, just narrowly missing a medal.

The 2012 Paralympics were riveting and full of excitement. My family eagerly attended and watched with ours eyes peeled the whole time. I lost my voice that week; we were screaming so loudly. At the end, team U.S.A was announced the bronze medal winner, and my family was ecstatic.

Art Work By: Jasmine Alicea Grade 7

After the game, Steve let my sister and I hold his bronze medal, which, make note, was tremendously heavy.

According to Steve, winning bronze was the highlight of his career. “There's nothing like representing your country at the Paralympics, and to win a Bronze medal in front of my friends and family is something I will never forget,” he says. When asked what it takes to be on an Olympic team, he says that all you really need is hard work: “When you're passionate and truly committed to accomplishing a goal, anything is possible.”

Steve’s training routine includes training sessions two times a day, six days a week. It’s a combination of team practice, shooting, and lifting weights. He also continues with a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep and eating properly.

Steve feels that the team headed to Rio in 2016 is very strong. They have a good core of experienced and talented guys that have played for the U.S previously, with a good mix of young talent. They are one of the favorites to win gold.

Steve says that he loves basketball because he loves being a part of a team. He says that when a group of people work hard together, and go through ups and downs together, they build a connection that is impossible to destroy; it’s a connection that lasts a lifetime. He says, “There is no better feeling than competing with your best friends at your side.”

The U.S.A team and Steve Serio plan to play at the Rio De Janerio paralympic games, in the summer of 2016.

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Audition Tips

by Hallie Huners-Grade 7 So have you ever thought you did not belong? Were you always searching for the right people because you were too shy to be social? If so, musical theatre or acting may be for you! Here are a few tips if you are shy and/or nervous for an audition. Don't worry; just follow these tips and be yourself and you'll be on your way! Â Here are some tips that have been very useful for me throughout my audition experiences: Â -Be yourself! Directors want to see you bring something new to the table. Anyone can have a good audition, but if you really want to impress your directors show them yourself.

-Be prepared! Impress your directors by memorizing anything that you can, including song lyrics or dialogue. Directors will think you`re unprofessional if you`re unprepared.

-Save your voice! You want to make sure before your audition you are feeling and sounding your best.

Drink TONS of water prior to the audition.

-If you are singing a song don't have a dead face! This means show emotion based on what you are singing. Also don't just stand still the whole time. I`m not saying you have to dance or run around the room but a little movement and emotion will do the trick.

-DON`T BE NERVOUS! This is crucial to your audition! Just let yourself go when you`re auditioning. Have fun and be yourself. Letting your nerves get the best of you will make the directors question your performance skills. I know auditioning in front of people can be quite nerve wracking and scary but trust me; you`re brave already for doing it. So don't worry and just have fun!

I hope that these tips helped you with your auditions! Remember playing a different character on stage and just performing generally can be a great experience! I wish you all the best of luck!

Art Work By: Jasmine Alicea -Grade 7

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The second installment of The Prey series, The Capture takes place during the time after the first book left off. In a world with rarely any adults, plagued with the aftermath of a radiation disaster, Hope and Faith are twins who have been running from the “brown shirts” for years. After their father dies they are taken to a camp for girls.

Book is at a camp for all boys, and believes he is training to be a Lieutenant, but really, all the boys at the camp have been deemed inferior in some way-- they call them Less Thans. After escaping their camps, the kids feel guilty knowing that Sisters and Less Thans still remain at the camps shackled in the bunker under the tennis court. Now the teens must go back to where it all started to save the others, while the journey back is like a journey straight to death itself. Book, Hope, and the rest of their team of misfits must ask themselves an important question-how far are they willing to go to save their friends--and what will happen if camp is not how they anticipated it would be.

The Capture is a must read for all who enjoy dystopian books/series such as The Maze Runner series, The Hunger Games trilogy, and Veronica Roth’s Divergent series. Because this is a mesmerizing immersion into the world of children surviving disaster, I recommend this book to any and all. .

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The Capture by Tom Isbell

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Book Recommendation by Jillian Martin, Grade 7

A Good Read……

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Go Community Service!!!!!

Do you ever find yourself sitting on the couch thinking about what to do with your time? Maybe you can do something productive! Community service is a great way to donate your time to others, especially those in need. There are so many places you can volunteer throughout your community, including: ● Soup Kitchens ● Nursing Homes ● Churches/Temples ● Schools ● Libraries At soup kitchens, you make food for the poor. It's a fun thing to do if you enjoy cooking, but don't forget clean up afterwards. Volunteers are also needed to help pass/serve out food to the people. This simple task means more than you think for the people receiving the food.

Nursing homes are also a great place to do community service.At nursing homes, you can talk to lonely residents who don't get many visitors. Also, they love children. When we went to a nursing home, we performed music for the residents and they really enjoyed it.

You can even volunteer at your church or temple. You can help teach a religion class to younger students with the teacher. Maybe you can sing in the choir or help out at a fundraiser.

In schools, there are many clubs you can join for community service.

Some clubs in our school include S.O.A.R. and One World Youth Club.

S.O.A.R. Stands for “Support Our Autism Rainbow.” This club encourages members to play and help kids with autism. There are a lot of games and other things that you can do with them to make them feel happy. One World Youth Club can be considered as a “leaders club”. In this club you do many different types of community service in many different places like animal shelters and nursing homes.

One last place where you can do community service is at your local/community library. There are plenty of activities you can do at your local library. You can help tutor kids or help decorate the library for different seasons.

There are many different ways you can give up your time to help others. You can volunteer and spend your time at your local/ community library, your school, church/religious service, soup kitchens, and nursing homes. So instead of sitting on the couch wondering what to do, get out there and start making a change!

Story and Art work by Jasmine Alicea and Megan Roman-Grade 7

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Hunger Games: The Exhibition

by Neeya Shetty, Grade 7 In December 2015, I went to the Hunger Games Exhibition in Discovery Times Square. I went to this exhibit because I am a huge fan of the Hunger Games trilogy. I have read the books and watched the movies, so I wanted to get some interactive experience of the exhibit.

The Hunger Games Exhibition is an exhibition that celebrates the country Panem from The Hunger Games book series. The exhibition features many of the outfits and props of characters from the Hunger Games series, such as Effie Trinket, Caesar Flickerman, President Coriolanus Snow, Haymitch Abernathy, Peeta Mellark, Gale Hawthorne, Primrose Everdeen, and, the main character, Katniss Everdeen. The exhibition also explains Katniss Everdeen’s journey, Panem’s history, and the story behind the Hunger Games. You can also buy a mobile guide for $8, which will explain the exhibits in detail or you can get the mobile app.

The Hunger Games Exhibition was an exciting way to understand the Hunger Games, Panem, and Katniss Everdeen in more depth than reading the books or watching the movies. It also had a lot of futuristic objects and hands-on exhibits to interact with. The only problem with the exhibit was that there was mostly information from the first three movies, rather than all four, as it was open in Discovery Times Square from July 2015 up to January 2016.

Other Ways To Learn……

New York Math Circle, or NYMC, is an advanced math class that takes place on Sundays at Queens College and Saturdays and Sundays at NYU. The price for 10 classes is $295.00. NYMC is a program for middle school and high school students who want to be challenged in math. At NYMC, you never leave the classroom without learning something. In the middle school class, which is the class that I take, you learn a lot about critical thinking in math. The teachers always explain how to do the questions properly, and they always answer your questions. This class takes your understanding of math to the next level, and I found myself doing a lot better in my math class at school as well!

By Neeya Shetty-Grade 7

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Benefits Of Participating On A Sports Team Being on a sports team is extremely beneficial to children of all ages. Organized sports teach children valuable lessons they will need later in life.Those who participate in a team sport can improve physically and mentally. Organized teams teach kids to get along with everyone and provide important lessons about how to win and lose. Recently, the two of us were on the West Hollow 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Team. Sriya is now on the swim team and Jillian is on the Lacrosse team.

At the beginning of the Volleyball season, the girls on the team had a very hard time cooperating with each other and communicating. Throughout our time on the team we learned to get along and became friends. We may not have won any games, but we improved greatly in skill and as a team.

The team sport experience was amazing. It provided a great opportunity to learn more about the sport and make friends. Every girl on the team was super unique, but we adjusted to a new environment and were able to look past our dierences, helping each other on and o the court. We all hope to have the chance to play together again next year.

-Jillian Martin and Sriya Dhanikonda

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Art work by: Megan Roman-Grade 7

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Music Influences

By Alexander Mace-Grade 8

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It is very common for someone to like music, but many don’t think much about how it influences and reflects them. Music plays an Art work by Jasmine Alicea-Grade 7 important role in life. I have never met a person who doesn’t listen to any kind of Art work by Jillian Martin-Grade 7 music; music affects basically everyone.

Music influences how we function emotionally, mentally, and socially; it molds and reflects our personalities.

Music also has a major impact on pop culture and economies around the world. The way we function would be so different without music. Most of the time, the type of music someone listens to is dependent on a person’s emotional state at the moment; for example, if someone is feeling passive and calm, he/she would most likely choose to listen to a song/artist with that tone.

Music also helps with our daily functions, many people (including me) like to fall asleep to calm music. Musical directors in films and television will choose music based on the mood of the scene, and it is also used in commercials for the same purpose.

It may sound a bit eccentric at first, but music reflects and affects your mentality. For example, someone who listens to multiple music genres may be considered optimistic. Psychologists around the world have provided evidence that ‘Musical Training’ can help improve people’s memory and verbal IQ. I have tested this out myself and so can you; I recently had to study for an English test, so first I put on some relaxing music and did my studying. The next day, to refresh my memory, I would think of the melodies I heard while I was studying and it helped me remember parts of the work I studied.

A popular conversation to have with someone is your shared music preferences. Music brings people together; a perfect example of this is concerts. At parties and festivals, music is common to have on, but why? Music sets a friendly and sociable tone for events; a lot of establishments will have music to set the mood for visitors. It’s for the better of their profit and the enjoyment of visitors. Not to forget, music has a significant effect on pop culture; people will wear clothing advertising their favorite artists, and many musical celebrities have gone on television to perform.

As previously mentioned, music has a huge impact on economies around the world. Whether it’s album sales, merchandise, or concert income, musicians can make excessive amounts of money. For example, 100 million copies of the Beatles’ Abbey Road album had been sold by 1980; now think how many Beatles albums are still being sold and how much merchandise, not to forget other albums. I wouldn’t say music fuels economies around the world, but it definitely has a significant impact on them.

It’s so fascinating to think about how much music affects us and what we would be like without it. Music brings unity to humanity, and has not stopped influencing the world and people around us. After reading this article, contemplate how music has influenced you and your loved ones. As Plato said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”

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Want to Continue Singing after High School?

No Fear! A capella is Here!

By Blake Taylor Grade 7 Do you love to sing? Would you want to continue singing through high school and beyond? If so, you may want to consider an a capella group in college.

On January 13th, the chorus, band, drama club, and orchestra students got the privilege to see a performance by Binghamton University’s only all male a capella group, The Binghamton Crosbys. The group features an older brother of a West Hollow 8th grader.

A capella means singing without any musical accompaniment. A capella is amazing not only for its sound, but the students make it entertaining with a funny act too. The West Hollow students LOVED it!! :) The Binghamton Crosbys have been around since 1982. They have won a couple national competitions and were finalists many times. There are 9 a capella groups on the Binghamton campus, but this is the only all male group.

Members discussed the audition process with us. They told us it was fun and great experience to be a part of this group.

We had tons of fun at the a capella assembly. We found out that some of the members hadn’t even been singing long! Some started in middle school, high school, and some had musical experience limited to just band. They told lots of jokes. During their performance, the group picked students to come on stage and get involved.

During 8th period, the chorus students like me got to stay for a workshop. We learned many tips and tricks for singing a capella. One thing we learned about was the “blend pyramid.”

Others things we learned included dynamics (to gain and lose volume), diction (pronouncing consonants), and most importantly, PERFORMANCE!! Performance makes your routine more interesting, more entertaining and more funny to watch.

Finally, we put our new skills into action. We learned one of the songs we saw and heard in the assembly by splitting into different groups. We practiced the words with the members of the “Crosbys”. At the end, we all performed together using all the skills we learned and it sounded really good!

This was a really great experience for all students to learn a bit about what we could possibly do with our music careers one day beyond middle school and high school.

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Jokes Compiled by Jillian Martin, Grade 7

1. Q: What do you call a pimple on your knee?

6. Q: What do you call a seagull that flies over the bay?

A: Ac-KNEE !!

A: A bagel

2. Q: Why did the bicycle fall over?

7. Q: What’s a pepper that won’t leave you alone?

A: It was too tired!

A: Jalapeño business

3. Q: What do you call a fake noodle?

8. Q: How do you find Will Smith in the snow?

A: An impasta!

A: Follow the fresh prints

4. Q: What did the letter say to the stamp?

9. Q: What kind of tea is hard to swallow?

A: Stick to me and we’ll go places

A: Reality

5. Q: How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh?

10. Q: What did the buffalo say to his son when he was going to college?

A: TEN-TICKLES

A: Bison!

SOURCE: http://www.quickfunnyjokes.com/cheesy.html http://www.buzzfeed.com/kaylayandoli/corny-jokes-

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Broadway Here I Come 2: The Spring Musical By : Hallie Huners, Grade 7

I’m proud to say that I am part of West Hollow`s spring musical, Broadway Here I Come 2!!! This show is a bit different than the fall musical.

If you saw Broadway Here I Come last year you may know how this show goes, with a bunch of different songs from musicals combined into one show. It has a large variety of songs from soulful ballads to jazzy dance numbers. There is no acting or specific parts; everybody gets to sing and dance. Another difference between the fall musical and spring musical is its cast size. The fall musical featured a very large cast of about 80-90 kids. Broadway Here I Come 2 has a much smaller cast; there are only 27 kids.

Our choreographer is Chris Brick, our vocal director is Mrs. Regan, and our director is Mr. Iconis. We have an incredible cast as well as great directors.

If you weren't already planning on it, come see the show! It`s gonna be incredible! #BHIC2

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Hills On Stage Review “The Lion King”

By Sydney Perry, Grade 7

The Hills on Stage play “The Lion King” was spectacular! Hard work was put in not just by the cast, but by the crew and the faculty director, Lucille Kenney.

The show premiered on Friday February 5, 2016. There were two more performances that weekend.

I found the show theatrically pleasing.

The performances and characters were on point. I could feel the emotions of all the characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed the music. The roles, emotions, and ages were carried out beautifully, but that wasn’t only it; the costumes they wore illuminated their true characters.

I think everyone else in the audience enjoyed the show as much as I did. What was incredibly special was the actor who plays Young Nala in “The Lion King” on Broadway came to see this production.

Actually, the talent in this play was so great that I believe some of these Hills students may be on Broadway one day! All the roles were played by talented kids who will soon come through the doors to West Hollow and Candlewood middle school.

Hopefully, they will continue their musical

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Interview With Broadway Star Brandon Niederauer!

By: Zeina Zahoori-Grade 7 When did you first start your musical career? How old were you?

“I first started four years ago when I was 8.”

How did you realize your musical talent?

“My very first performance was when I realized that I have a lot of talent. It was after my first year of learning guitar.”

When you first got the role on the Broadway Musical, “School of Rock”, what was your reaction?

“I was jumping and screaming all around my house. I was probably the most excited kid the world.

I was very excited!“ Who or what inspired you to work in this field?

“My musical inspiration is The Allman Brothers Band, but my father has been my main supporter and inspiration for continuing and trying my best.”

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

“Being in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and playing my guitar is definitely my greatest accomplishment.”

How do you balance your school work and being a star on stage?

“I go to school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. At night and on Wednesdays I’m on Broadway.”

Do you have any plans to continue your career? Goals?

“I want to become the greatest guitarist in the world someday. I also want to have a World Tour.”

If you want to watch Brandon on Broadway, check out the School of Rock website!

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