Joel Soto Masterpiece Portfolio 2015 by Jessica Samons

Self-Analytical

JOEL SOTO

I first started journalism when my creative writing teacher, Ms. Samons, told me to apply for yearbook. I had thought of applying before but I was never completely sure, but when my teacher asked me to, I knew I would do it. In yearbook I was taught many new skills. I learned how to interview, take photos, write copy and captions, use Adobe InDesign, prepare photos, write receipts and deposits, organize sale reports, create eighth grade personal ads, create spreads, complete deadlines, and much more. This was a valuable course for me, because I learned many skills not only to help me in journalism but in many other subjects. Also, I would like to be on the Dreyfoos yearbook staff if I get into Dreyfoos, and knowing all these skills can help me get into the yearbook staff and help me even more if I’m on. Lastly I valued this class because i enjoyed making the yearbook and making something that people can look back at 20 years from now and remember their middle school years. I can use these skills in the future because I would maybe like to work for a publishing company when I get older. Also like I said earlier, if i do go to Dreyfoos these skills would be able to help in the future.

JOEL SOTO

Reflection #1

I chose the Ad Divider spread, “This is for You” as my most significant piece of work in our yearbook this year. The purpose of this spread was to show how ads were “for” all the departing eighth graders. We would explain this in the divider copy. The other purpose of this spread was to have a picture that would go along with the theme “This is for You” and would go on the back of the spread. I was in charge of both writing the copy, and creating the photo that would go on the back of the spread. I started coming up with ideas for what the photo would be, and finally after about ten minutes, came up with the idea of a collage of baby pictures from ads that were submitted to the yearbook. I had one big picture that was blurred out in the back of the collage and then many smaller pictures on the back photo. Now I started on the copy. I could not think of anything, but then with a little help from Izzy, came up with the idea of the copy being about how the 8th grade personal ads were for the eighth graders and how it would be in the yearbook forever. This spread went through many corrections but later on was ready for publishing. I learned how to write copy throughout the process because this was the first copy I had written all year. The main thing I liked about this spread was the copy, because it was my first copy and I prized it. 134

MAKING MEMORIES Students have been at Bak for three years, refining their art talents. “[I loved] meeting new people and making some really good friends," Emma Ouellette (8) said. Ouellette made many good memories and thought that the experience of being at Bak was once in a lifetime. Photo by Michael Bole

This is This for You - Advertising Divider

For You

Students depart Bak making memories that will last a lifetime

he eighth graders gazed into the distance with the memories of their middle school years in their mind. Smiles were etched on their faces and tears were in their eyes. Before they could take in everything that had happened in their middle school years, it was long gone and they were heading off to high

school.

The memories were for the departing eighth graders; so that they would remember their time at Bak for years to come. Graduating Bak students created a legacy by signing up for an ad. In an ad, students were able to submit their own childhood and current pictures, and have their family members write a message for them. It was in the yearbook forever, and later in their life, the eighth graders could recall their time as middle school students even as adults. The screaming and chanting at pep rallies, and the talking and gossiping at eighth grade privilege. Those memories were for you. They were for you to take on throughout your life, for you to look back on and treasure them. This is for you. by Joel Soto and Isabella Kjaerulff

Reflection #3

JOEL SOTO

I am proud of this picture first and mainly, because it made it into the yearbook. I am proud of this picture secondly, because this picture has elements of good composition. These elements are rule of thirds, two people interacting with each other, and a center of visual interest.

I am proud of this picture because this was the first time I had taken pictures and it did make it into the yearbook. Secondly, it involves two people that are interacting between each other which is a good element of composition. Also, the picture has a center of visual interest.

I am proud of this picture once again because it did make it into the yearbook. Another reason I am proud of this photo is because this photo has many elements of good composition. These elements are repetition, rule of thirds, and a center of visual interest.

Reflection #4

JOEL SOTO

I think I was an asset to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yearbook staff in many ways. The first and most important part is that I played an active role in putting my own effort into making the yearbook. The second part is I made almost all of the 8th grade personal ads, which is a major part of the yearbook. To make these ads I had to process ad submissions, design ad pages, prepare photos, transcribe messages, and much more. Another way I was an asset to this staff was by contributing my own ideas and input during class meetings. I think the extent of my commitment to this yearbook was very high. Examples of this is when I kept working on a specific task until my bus was called which was usually about twenty minutes after all the other staffers had stopped working. Another example is when I came into class during my lunch period to finish up a spread I had been on. I both came to class during lunch, and worked late multiple times.

JOEL SOTO

In yearbook this year I faced many hardships and problems. Some of these problems were not being able to finish all of my spreads in one of the deadlines and not having all the correct resources for 8th grade personal ads. From the first situation with not being able to finish all my spread in one of the deadlines, I learned some key lessons. One of the main lessons I learned is how to manage my time wisely so I can finish everything I have to. This not only taught me a lesson in yearbook, but also a valid lesson in life. Another lesson I learned is when you have a lot to do, don’t get stressed out and not get much done. Instead, calm down, focus, and get as much done as you can. For the second situation where sometimes I didn’t have the correct resources to make the 8th grade personal ads, I learned that instead of waiting and maybe skipping that ad and doing it later, to take initiative and either call or email the parent. This is once again a valid lesson for life, to not wait and let the problem pass by, but instead take initiative and go to the problem, head-on. Another lesson I learned, that was a little scary at first is, in life I will have to have serious conversations with parents or important people. This was scary the first time, when I had to call a parent about a problem when they submitted their 8th grade personal ad. Overall in both of these situations I think I handled the problem well. For the first situation I calmed down, focused on getting my spreads done, and ended up barely getting all of my spreads done. In the second situation I called the parents about the problem and ended up fixing the problem that same day.

Design

Cheer isn’t just a sport; its a lifestyle

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n the count of three, the cheerleader would be boosted above the girls, high into the air. After a quick one, two, three, the shrill sound of the coach’s whistle was heard throughout the gym. The cheerleader was lifted up and soon was not held by anyone, but instead flying through the air, preparing to do a split. She presented her trick and quickly fell back into the arms of the girls below her. Cheerleading is one of the many clubs and organizations that Bak offers for students attending there. In this section people will be able to see and hear about the hidden scenes of each and every club and organization offered at Bak. These clubs and organizations vary anywhere from The Green Team to the Robotics CLub.

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Sashaying into the Spotlight Dancers work hard to perfect their dances

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beofre their performance

he dancer majors prepared for the annual Dance Extravaganza. The dancers made final touch- ups to their costumes, and moved to their marks. Bak dancers rehearsed their pieces over and over, until there were practically no mistakes. Many dancers had different emotions about dancing, and the advantages it brought to their lives. “I see dance as an asset to my career. I’ve wanted to start acting, and dance is a talent that I have and other people don’t, it will work to my advantage in the future,” Kayla Barnes(8) dance major. Performing on stage is a big fear to face. Some dancers have butterflies fluttering in their stomachs, while others are comfortable because they are used to it. “I love performing because I can express myself without speaking. I don’t get as nervous, and the audience has their own interpretation of my movements,” Amanda Ramirez (8) dance major. All of the rehearsals, concerts, and dance classes were worth every minute, and drip of sweat. The entire dance community here at BAK could definitely say, Dance is more than just moving around and having fun, it is a passion that every true dance major feels. by Sterling Shipp

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Arts and Academics

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Reflection #5

JOEL SOTO

Clips (Design) 162

Lauren Lamontagne

Thomas Testa

JOEL SOTO

Griffin Miller

WHATDOYOUTHINK?

Great Music! Great Memories! Great Friends! Great Times! Only at BAK!

Adeeb Rashid

Thomas, Congratulations! We are so proud of you! We love you so much! Mom, Dad, and Daisy

Heartiest congratulations to dearest Adeeb! From the time you strived to read at the age of two, you have rowed your own boat. As you move from one phase of your academic life to another, may you continure to manage challenges positively and shine brightly! With best wishes for the next phase and much love always, Abbu, Ammu, and Ameenah!

Owen Blackwell

A WORLD OF HER OWN Oblivious to any other noise in the classroom, Cristina Lindner (6) concentrates on her piano piece. “When I get to play piano, I’m alone and nobody can bug me,” Lindner said. The best part of playing piano for Lindner was hearing the music. Photo by Abigail Parratto

Do you prefer performing solos or duets?

I would rather play a duet because I can have fun with my friends while practicing it. -Abhinav Sanjay (6)

This is for the Dreamers - Arts & Academics - Keyboard

This is for You - Advertising

We are so proud of you for making the very best of this great opportunity. Here’s to more great things ahead! We love you, Mom, Dad and Hayley

Congratulations Lauren! We are so very proud of you and you accomplishments. Good luck in high school! Love, Mom, Dad, and Ryan

Clips (Photos)

I’d rather play solo because if I mess up, I can take the blame and not mess up both of us. -Lauren Dee (7)

Sidharth Mohan

JOEL SOTO

COLORFUL MELODIES Ready to present her piece to the class, Melanie Ferran (7) runs through her song one last time. “I look forward to playing keyboard,” Ferran said. When it came to choosing music to learn, Ferran preferred pop songs. Photo by Cora Gilbert

CHECK ME OUT With her piano teacher’s help, Adele Denizard (6), plays her piece after receiving corrections. “She was giving me a lesson on one of my pieces,” Denizard said. Denizard had been playing for eight years. Photo by Joel Soto

We are so proud of your accomplishments and achievements. From, Mom, Dad, big sister Svetha, and little sister Sithara

162-163, 8th Grade Personal Ads Savannah Kern

This is for Everyone - Faculty

Nina – you have grown to be a wonderful young artist and a delightful young lady. We are proud of your accomplishments at Bak. We are so excited about you going to high school. Good luck! Never lose your glass half-full attitude! Mom, Dad, and Mieszko

to catch it early before it becomes a habit because once it does, it is hard to change. - George Zhou (7)

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Color - Size 8 - 5-48980: Bak Middle School of the Arts Shakendra Moorer, Communicationss Jennifer Gardner, English Lang. Arts Kyle Opera, English Lang. Arts Shannon Owens, Communications Jack Pinkney, Theater Linda Riggs, Math

WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?

“I was born in West Palm Beach, but raised in North Carolina. I moved back to Florida when I was in grade school.”

“I was born and raised in West Palm Beach, near Wellington, and I also went to a school of the arts.”

Glen Barefoot, visual arts

Elizabeth Bornia, communications

“I was born in Centereach, New York. My parents got divorced when I was nine, and I lived with my strict father and with an older sister and brother.” Doug Battle, social studies

Sally Rozanski, Principal Jamie Rucker, Band George Ryan, Phys. Ed. Lindsay Rybak, Dance Matthew Sallas, Science Jessica Samons, Communications

Stacey Sargeant, English Lang. Arts Martha Satinoff, Dance Michelle Savran, Visual Arts Carl Schelling, School Police Officer Hollond Schiller, Dance Margaret Schuemann, Data Proc.

“I was born in Westport, Connecticut and I was one of six children.

Sue Ellrich, math

Natalie Sharp, Communications Bev Smith, Magnet Secretary Tracy Smith, Science Amie Souder, Asst. Principal Trina Soumare, Dance A & R Heidi Sperounis, Dance

Cathy Spring, Bookkeeper Jaimee Stamile, ESE Wayne Steadman, Theater Rhonda Steinmetz, Science Daniel Swinson, Social Studies Ken Taylor, Vocal

Sandra Tepper, Theater Kathy Tyler, Guidance David Ullom, Theater Teck Alyssa Vaknin, English Lang. Arts Richard Valentine, Theater

Lynn Vaughan, Math Gary Williams, Science

Bryanna Zermeno

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This is for You - Advertising

Nina Zaremba

you make When a mistake, try

SIDE BY SIDE Practicing their separate pieces, Anthony Li (7) and Mason Lester (7) create melodies on their keyboards. “Sometimes, I’m kind of nervous about my pieces,” Lester said. Lester’s interest in music began during the off season of his basketball league. Photo by Joel Soto

““““

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We are extremely proud of the responsible, intelligent, silly, kind hearted, young woman you have become. Your dedication and hard work will make your dream come true. #kuka #trirail #chuckbass #republican #chipotle #jenny #starbucks #naked3 #imgoingtobelate We love you, Dad, Mom, Tito, Abuela, and Abuelo

“When you make a mistake,” George Zhou (7) said, “Try to catch it early before it becomes a habit, because once it does, it is hard to change.” Students’ piano talent was varied, for some could read notes with ease, while others could interpret the notes of a song just by listening. Playing piano was almost a sense of freedom from their academic hardships. by Heather Rollins

TWO TONED To create an intricate melody, Karen Copeland (8) and Lylybell Zhou (8) play as an example for their classmates. “It’s really fun; you get to perform and then your classmates give you feedback and tips,” Zhou said. While performing with a friend, Zhou was relieved from all school stress. Photo by Joel Soto

Color - Size 8 - 5-48980: Bak Middle School of the Arts

106 Savannah Sunshine, Congratulations peanut! Even through all the road blocks, you chose to shine through every cloudy moment! You never cease to make us proud. Remember to be true to yourself and never lose your sense of humor! We love you to infinity and beyond! Mom and Dad

Students play to their own tune

he rows of pianos were lined up back to back, as were their young composers, playing a song from their notes with such agility. Their teacher took turns listening to each of her students through a machine that gave her access to every piano. The students played a sweet melody, but if one were to walk into the piano room, they would hear silence, for the students could only hear their own melodies through their headphones. “I’ve been playing piano since second grade,” David Liu, (6) said. “I love the feeling you get when you perform.” Each student had their own methods of practicing a song. Most took great care, for some students like Michelle Yang (7), had a fear of performing in front of their piano teacher.

BREAKING IN Testing out the baby grand piano, Jason Ibalarrosa (6) concentrates on his songs. “The most challenging part is trying to memorize the song,” Ibalarrosa said. When Ibalarrosa thought about his class, he became excited to learn new skills. Photo by Abigail Parratto

GOING SOLO Glancing down at her keyboard screen, Brittney Perry (7) checks her tempo. “My favorite piece is Mozart’s Sonata,” Perry said. Performing in front of an audience was much better for Perry than preforming by herself. Photo by Cora Gilbert

To a great student, athlete, brother, and son. We’re so proud of all that you accomplish. Love, Mom, Dad, Taylor, Charlie, and Drew

THE KEY TO SUCCESS

JOEL SOTO

Clips (Captions) BANDED TOGETHER

WHATDOYOUTHINK?

Students work hard to get to where they are now, in a perfect harmony

has music allowed you to Q: How express yourself and your feelings? Music allows me to express myself through my instrument. If I’m sad, once I play my instrument, everything seems to wash away. - Kevin Ray (7)

I play the clarinet; it’s a happy sounding instrument. When I play it makes me feel good and when I play it to my family, everyone is happy. - Zadia Hughes (6)

SOUNDS OF THE FRENCH Alongside her colleague, Sophie Allen (8) works her magic on the French horn. “You have to think of the note before you play it because if you don’t it might come out wrong,” Allen said. Allen was playing a piece called “American Flourish”. Photo by Haiden Hill

This is

For You

Students depart Bak making memories that will last a lifetime

THE TRUMPETS THEY GO As he plays the trumpet, Lance Breidenbaugh (8) shows his skills to his teacher with a solo. “I love playing trumpet because I play an important instrument,” Breidenbaugh said. He has played the trumpet since he was in elementary school. Photo by Haiden Hill

TOGETHER THROUGH MUSIC Coming together with her group, Ashley Smith (7) plays the song “Celtic Memories”. “We were practicing for our first chamber ensemble concert,” Smith said. She hoped she could teach music at a primary school when she grew up. Photo by Justin Edwardo

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orchestra, and it’s very rare,” Amy Zengage, (6) said. This perfect harmony did not come easy. Students practiced long and hard for such a gratifying position. “When I was two, my dad bought me a pair of bongos. From then on I’ve kept playing percussion and expanded more,” Sara Bernstein (7) said. “When I was four, my parents thought I was obnoxious playing on pots and pans, so my mom put me on a drum set and it just clicked,” Grant Conley (8) said. Teachers did not only teach students what they needed to know, they inspired their students. “My teacher says hard work teaches talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” Zengage said. Students came to their final notes and slowly ended their piece. The flutists lowered their flutes, as the symbols vibration faded away, all banded together. by Haiden Hill

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This for You - Advertising Divider

This is for Dreamers - Arts & Academics - Band

he sound of instruments p l a y e d throughout the hallway in perfect harmony. The conductor who stood front and center of the classroom waved her hands with great pride. The flutists looked at each other in a ready position, waiting for the conductors cue. Everyone looked with great concentration at their music sheets, all banded together. “[I prefer playing in a] group, because I can play with my peers and my friends. We can make musical pieces that sound beautiful together,” Emma Ouellette (8) said. Many students were proud of the music they made, and some were even prouder of what they created together. All of the different instruments in the orchestra performed together to form a perfect harmony. “[The oboe] is the toner for the group. There should only be one or two of them in an

Clips (Copy)

JOEL SOTO

JAZZING IT UP Playing a jazzy beat on the saxophone, Mark Silver (8), plays under the instruction of a guest. “He helps me with my articulation and rhythm,” Silver said. Silver enjoyed the saxophone because it was hard to catch mistakes. Photo by Justin Edwardo

TOOT OF THE FLUTE While focusing on the pages, Heather James (7) practices her scales for the Allstate competition. “Etudes are lyrical and technical exercises,” James said. She planned to become a flute teacher as a side job when she got older. Photo by Adeeb Rashid

PERFECT PERCUSSION As he plays the th xylophone, Griffin Miller (8), and his partner play their music. “I love how there are so many different sounds in percussion, like the xylophone,” Miller said. The piece Miller and his partner played was called “Queen of Sheba”. Photo by Justin Edwardo

MARIMBA MELODIES Carefully playing the marimba, Julian Leahy (7) and his classmate practice for their band concert. “It’s a possibility that I might pursue [percussion] but I’m still deciding,” Leahy said. The marimba consists of a set of wooden bars struckk with mallets to produce musical tones. Photo by Justin Edwardo

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by Joel Soto and Isabella Kjaerulff

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