Panorama October 2020

pano rama

LOOK INSIDE: 12 16 30 BECKY LANG CLASSICAL

JAHNAVI VISHNUBOTLA CULTURAL KOBE JONES HIP-HOP

Ladue Horton Watkins High School 1201 S. Warson Rd. Ladue, MO 63124 10.27.20 Vol. 69 Issue 3

THE MUSIC ISSUE

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CONTENTS & STAFF

SPREAD DESIGN BY GRACE HU

PANORAMA STAFF Editors in Chief Hugh Chan Grace Hu Ethan Willick Associate Editors Domenic Fenoglio Rhea Patney

Art Editor Danielle Zhang Photo Editor Grace Hensley News Editor Caroline Tyrrell Features Editors Clayton Coughlin Oviya Srihari

Health & Sports Editors Katie Holland Erin Turkieltaub Web Editor Annie Pan News Staff Zeru Marut Mika Kipnis Features Staff Abbey Carrico Ryan Tung

In-Depth Staff Joanne Sung Opinions Staff Kanishk In-Depth Editors Shanmugam Marissa Mathieson Nico Skapof Arts & Sophia Liu Opinions Editors Entertainment Staff Caroline Edgar Emily Walker Carly Woodhill Tariq Lashley Arts & Entertainment Editor Lucy Lochmoeller

Health & Sports Staff Kiran Varadachari Tommy Margulis Staff Writers Olivia Hu Abigail Jansen Bryson Liang Allen You Artists Nicole Gorrell Erica Shi Photographers Kyndall Evans Margaret Lawton Louisa Martin Lauren Pesce Ginger Schulte Laura Zoeller Business Managers Jacob Korn Sarah Suffian Adviser Sarah Kirksey

QR CODES Something unique to this month’s issue is the inclusion of a QR code at the top-right corner of every spread.

Scanning these QR codes should take your device to a page related to the music featured on that spread. After all, what’s the point of reading about music if it can’t be listened to?

HOW TO SCAN QR CODES APPLE OR ANDROID DEVICES: Point the camera at the QR code SAMSUNG DEVICES: Access QR scanner from Quick Settings and scan QR code with camera

background image courtesy of pixabay

EDITORS’ NOTE The idea for a music edition of Panorama initially came as a joke while we were deliberating themes to choose for our specialty issue. As devout Taylor Swift fans, we laughed over the idea of making an issue of Panorama completely about Taylor Swift. While the suggestion was made in humor, we soon realized that it could be expanded to a topic so important and omnipresent that it would be perfect for a specialty issue: music.

Music is everywhere. We blast it in our cars, listen to it while studying, play it through an instrument, warm up to it before sports and dance to it. This month, we focused on the different roles that music plays in our lives.

Our in-depth section, for instance, explores how music affects the various parts of the brain, as well as what music means to the Ladue community.

Because nearly every story this month falls under the umbrella of arts and entertainment and is either a feature or review, we altered our division of sections. While indepth and opinions remain their own sections, all other content in this month’s issue is separated into seven categories: pop, classical, cultural, country, rock, musical theater and hip-hop. By dividing the issue into separate genres, we hope that readers will have an easier time navigating the paper and learn something about each genre.

Ethan Willick

Hugh Chan

Grace Hu

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10.27.20

TABLE OF CONTENTS POP POP

CLASSICAL CULTURAL

5. A look into Ladue’s acapella groups 6-7. How the Laduettes use and make music 8-9. Delving into senior Morgan Taylor’s

11. The process ballet dancers take in order to

16-17.

perform

dance

12-13.

18. Daniel Xu practices Chinese dragon

10. Review of viral TikTok songs

14.

Ovya Diwakaran composes piano music

15.

A look into the Strolling Strings

music journey

IN-DEPTH 19-21.

22-23. stories

A look at how music affects the brain

Star students of Ladue’s band and orchestra

dancing

COUNTRY 24-25.

Panorama ranks Taylor Swift’s eras

Ladue’s music- related opinions and

ROCK 26.

27.

HIP-HOP HIP-HOP

OPINIONS OPINIONS

Senior Leo Bochicchio writes his own musicals

30-31.

Senior Kobe Jones plans move to Los Angeles in pursuit of his rapping career

35.

29.

31-32.

36.

37.

38.

39.

Panorama reviews Broadway Musicals

Junior Jack Welch creates punk music

English teacher Julie Blank is in a classic rock band

MUSICAL MUSICAL THEATER THEATER 28.

Students practice Indian music and

A look into senior Andrew Fruend’s SoundCloud rapping career

34. Panorama ranks hip-hop’s biggest influencers of the 2010s

Middle school music classes should be required The music industry glorifies mental illness The debate on country music Liking mainstream artists is okay

Pano Perspective: Music streaming services should be unblocked on school devices

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SPONSORS & POP

SPREAD DESIGN BY RHEA PATNEY | MARISSA MATHIESON

PANORAMA POLICY Panorama is a monthly newspaper that strives to inform and entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness.

The publication hopes to engage the student body by eliciting dialogue among students. It aims to reflect the diversity of the population it serves and to observe the journalistic principle of doing no harm.

All surveys are completely anonymous and the results cannot be used against respondents.

Panorama is produced 10 times per school year by the newspaper class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School at 1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63124. The publication

SPONSORS

ISSUE Ginger and Steve Lochmoeller

LADUE BLUE The Bezzant Family The Coughlin Family STL Med Law, LLC The Srihari Family Rangasami and Chandra Varadachari Wellstar LLC

GOLD The Arun Family Diane and Roger Edgar

lab is located in room 1311, (314)-993-6447 ext. 5844.

Read more stories online at laduepublications.com.

Follow @laduepublications on Instagram and @laduepanorama on Twitter.

Editor in chief photo illustration by Ethan Willick.

Photos on cover courtesy of Chase Foster, Grace Hensley, Ginger Schulte and Laura Zoeller. Front and back cover design by Hugh Chan and Grace Hu. Corrections from the September Issue: Nyeal Biedenstein’s name was spelled wrong. The Chicago Bears are a NFL team.

Franchise Vision The Jansen Family The Korn Family The Mathew Family Michael J. McAvoy The Mulligan Family The Patney Family The Schulte Family The Suffian Family Louis Woodhill The Zhang Family

SILVER The Cobin Family Center for Brain Immunology and Glia Eisenman/ McAndrews Family

The Fister Family Amy and Kevin Fischer The Gershon Crew Goldman-Willick Family The Villines Gorrell Family The Jurgiel Family Elaine and Jeffrey Korn Christine and Tom Seeger Linda and Bharat Varadachari

FRIENDLY Jeremy B. The Cislo Family

Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Jerry Ethan’s Aunt and Uncle Lynda and Mitch Barris Zoey Danger Zenter The McKenzie Family The Goodman Family The Steinberg Family Andrew Crump Amy DiBlasi Wasserstrom The Freund Family Johnson Family Summer Roberts Pam and Matt Cobaugh

The Hawkins Family The Schuldt Family The SwihartDeCoster Family The Dolan Family The Kipnis Family The Hayes Family Wanda Laks The Liu Family The Speicher Family The Silver Family Mary Ann Street The Tullman Family The Warren Family The Weltken Family The Weinstein Family Sara Willick

Panorama would like to apologize for the fact that in the September issue, some gold sponsors were mislabeled as silver sponsors. The list above is corrected.

LETTERS TO TO THE THE EDITOR EDITOR LETTERS

Gage Govero: In response to the September editorial (page 19)

Kaylee Rigdon: In response to the September in-depth (page 14)

Joelle Alexander: In response to a September sports article (page 31)

I recently read your article on student schedules, I do not disagree that students must make a routine and separate their workspace from their bedroom, however this does not solve the issue in its entirety. Even though we have more time to do all of the extra homework, we don’t understand the topics equally due to learning through a screen.

I am writing a letter about Electronic Education.

It is mentioned in the article that 88% of students spend six or more hours per day staring at a computer screen. This should raise concerns, mainly for the fact that it is extremely hard for students and teachers to completely switch the way they teach and learn.

I liked this article because I am also going through the recruitment process. All of the facts and details were correct. The only thing I would have thought about adding was information about club sports that are options and to include different opinions. Other than this I think it is a well written article.

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Left: The Ladudes sing in the Washington University theater. They met at seminar to practice beforehand.

“We would warm up with scales or singing,” junior Daniel Byer said. (Photo courtesy of Leo Bochicchio) Above: Viva Voce sings their competition set for an audience. The group spent mornings practicing. “We would rehearse and go through songs,” senior Anna Demkovitch said. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Wild)

MAKING NOISE

Ladue’s a capella groups provide outlet for singers ABBEY CARRICO features staff

F

or most students, Thursdays are filled to the brink with exams and school work. However, for Ladue’s two a capella groups, Viva Voce and The Ladudes, it’s a day packed with rehearsals, scales and memories that brings together students and allows them to pursue their passion.

Before COVID-19, members of Viva Voce, the all-female group, met at school at around 6 a.m. once a week to rehearse for competitions. The all-male group, The Ladudes, would gather during seminar to practice on Mondays and Thursdays.

“We’d have one of the leaders break out the group and take certain people depending on what they were singing, and rehearse their parts,” junior Daniel Byer, a member of The Ladudes, said.

Viva Voce was established by a group who wanted to continue working with Leah Alrutz, their former choir teacher and now Viva Voce’s current director and sponsor. Similarly, in 2016, former Ladue students Charlie Yeldham and William Carr founded The Ladudes. Since The Ladudes are a relatively new a capella group, the group has explored the possibility of merging with other schools to compete.

“We have had some ideas on how we can get a big enough group to go to events,” Byer said. “We have had talks about joining a capella groups from other schools and making one big a capella group.”

However, this idea has been put on hold as social distancing regulations affect their in-person meetings.

Nonetheless, despite COVID-19’s challenges, Viva Voce will participate in their annual competition that allows them to put their skills to the test.

“The competition is called The International Competition of High School A Capella, and this year it’s going to be virtual,” senior and president of Viva Voce Anna Demkovitch said. “Our director is going to get recordings of each member of the group singing [their] parts, and then edit it so it is synchronized.”

This upcoming school year, Viva Voce, with the help of Alrutz, will compete against 250 schools across the country. Aside from national events, Viva Voce also participates in more localized activities.

“We do lots of things out in the community for different charity events,” Alrutz said. “We have gone and sang at nursing homes and different fundraising events around St. Louis.”

Through the clubs’ efforts, interested students can pursue their passion and grow as singers. Both Viva Voce and The Ladudes create an outlet for potential singers to showcase their voices and talent.

“It’s been fun to get to know other students that maybe aren’t choir kids but are still really talented and want to dedicate some time into creating a capella music,” Alrutz said. “It’s been really fun to see kids from all different areas come together and make music.” p

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POP

SPREAD DESIGN BY MARISSA MATHIESON & RYAN TUNG

MOVE TO THE BEAT Laduette dance team brings music and dance together RYAN TUNG features staff

O

n a Wednesday evening, the sun sets over Ladue High School. However, inside its walls, the school remains alive. On the gymnasium floor, a team of dancers moves as one, perfectly synchronized with the pulsing music.

The Laduette Dance Team, coached by Julie Grace and Alexandra Guenther, works to seamlessly combine dance and music and produce engaging performances. Through consistent practice to convey music and emotion through choreography, the team has found continued success at both regional and national levels.

“We perform at all varsity home football and basketball games as well as community events,” Grace, a former Laduette and team coach since 2008, said. “One of our biggest accomplishments is winning the 2016 National Dance Association Medium Varsity Hip Hop Championship.”

Since the start of the pandemic, however, the team has been forced to adapt to changing circumstances. Because each dancer is closely connected in routines, the group has taken special safety precautions to protect the health

The Laduette Dance Team practices in the high school gymnasium. The team started practicing during the pandemic at the start of the school year. “Team operations have been very different than normal,” coach Julie Grace said.

“We have been managing with all of the COVID restrictions.” (Photo by Ginger Schulte)

of everyone involved. For Claire Long, a senior and team captain, the season has been drastically different from years past.

“The virus has put us further behind than we usually would be,” Long said. “We’re coming back in steps. We wear a mask during practice, make sure we’re distancing and take health surveys. We’re trying to be really careful.”

Despite the setbacks, the team has continued to prepare for performances and competitions. During the three practices a week, each dancer and coach helps plan, create and prepare routines in the high school gymnasium.

“We spend a lot of time teaching and cleaning routines,” Grace said. “When we are not preparing for games, we are working on our national competition routines and organizing our trip to Nationals.”

But dance is more than just perfecting choreography.

For the Laduettes, music plays an equally crucial role in creating a compelling performance.

“For a dance to be good, you have to have music,” Long said. “The two go hand in hand.”

In fact, when creating routines, the team relies on music to determine the style of choreography. The genre, tempo and rhythms of a song work as a foundation for every dance.

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of teamwork between the dancers.

Especially for dance, this collaborative and supportive relationship has been crucial to team success.

“The Laduettes have had so much national success [because of] our teamwork,” Bernstein said. “In a dance, we all have to work just as hard as the person dancing next to us. This pushes us to stay motivated and to be the best dancers we can be.”

This teamwork and drive has propelled the team to its local and national accomplishments. Even with the virus delaying the team’s usual progress, the Laduettes continue to aim for another national achievement.

“The dedication and determination of the team is behind our success,” Grace said.

“These girls want to be successful for each other and are extremely hard working.

It is so amazing to watch the team learn and grow — I am so lucky to be a part of it.”

A common passion for dance and music has brought the Laduettes together. In a time of social isolation, the team uses its art as an expression of identity.

“Music will make or break a routine, draw a crowd or tell a story,” Grace said. “Dance is an outlet for personal expression — [it is] a safe place, a stress relief, and much, much more.” p

w

“Music is a huge part of dance. It chooses the style of dance we perform and gives us a mood and beat to dance too,” Team Captain Caroline Bernstein said. “You have to listen to every part of a song [to] make sure you match the music.”

Choosing and editing the music itself also requires significant attention. To make a compelling performance, the team often compiles a mixture of sounds to produce a song that makes a routine as exciting as possible.

“As one of the captains, I help make all of the music and the dances for the team,” Long said.

“The captains will pick songs they like, and if we want it to be a combination, we will make a mix, speed up the music or cut things out so it fits better with the routine.”

However, this complex work with intricate sounds can be difficult. While music produced by the team often suffices for local performances, the team relies on music professionals for the national stage.

“Music has been extremely challenging and we had to learn how to adapt to the music rules and restrictions,” Grace said. “We currently hire a company to create our mixes for nationals.”

While the team mainly focuses on hip-hop and pom, a squad-oriented dance style involving the use of pom-poms, it tries to feature a variety of songs and artists. Team music selections occasionally shift from more popular to lesser known tracks.

“Every once and a while we will use a not well-known song,” Long said. “But, most of the songs we use are songs that people would know — they’re more fun to dance to and people get into watching if they know the song.”

Regardless of the genre or style, the team strives to leave a memorable performance with every routine. This motivation for work and practice has created a strong bond between every Laduette.

“We are so close with each other as a team,” Long said. “We are always together, and we have a work ethic and drive. We all want so badly to do good in competitions and at nationals, and our goals drive us.”

This friendship has cultivated a strong sense

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POP

SPREAD DESIGN BY DOMENIC FENOGLIO

USING HER Senior Morgan Taylor performs her music around St. Louis DOMENIC FENOGLIO

composed by John Legend and Common for the movie “Selma”) at protests around the area, including a police brutality protest held by Donovan this past summer.

“I feel like I can sing with passion with [“Glory”] beenior Morgan Taylor’s powerful voice resonates cause it’s something that relates to me and other African clearly through the air as she effortlessly commands Americans,” Morgan said. “The song is so important the stage with a swagger reminiscent of her role because it’s expressing what we need as an African-Amermodels: Beyonce and Rhianna. Her performance Oct. 10 ican community.” at Blue Dine and Lounge took place in front of hundreds Braylon echoes Morgan’s message with regards to racial of fans at a personal showcase organized to highlight her inequality in present-day America. The siblings have musical talent. continued to perform “Glory” at protests over 30 times, Taylor has been singing in front of audiences since spanning multiple years, yet the message and issues they she was only 9 years old, when her grandmother recogface still remain the same. nized her talent and helped inspire her to perform for her “Because the same thing hapchurch. In the time since, Taylor has pens over and over, it hits people opened for artists such as Ginuwine the same way every time that they and Brian Mcknight; became a finalhear it,” Braylon said. “Things keep ist in the 2018 St. Louis Teen Talent “People say I have two different happening that show [society] is a Competition held by the Fox, receivsides. When I talk in front of hierarchy and we’re at the bottom ing the opportunity to take the stage people, I’m just shy, and then of the hierarchy, and we feel that we in front of over a thousand people; when I get on stage I’m a whole should all be equal.” and released her first EP (extended different person.”

In addition to performing with play) at only 11 years old. her brother, Taylor’s personal “It honestly makes me so happy MORGAN TAYLOR | SENIOR success in music has helped her to to hear her sing because I know develop a confident stage presence, she’s doing what she loves,” senior something that eludes her in other Lauryn Donovan, who attended Taylor’s concert Oct. 10, said. “I can definitely say that I’ve aspects of her life. While she may feel timid in the classroom or in public, as soon as she takes hold of a microcried at a performance or two of hers because her voice is phone, Taylor radiates an aura of fearlessness. just so beautiful.”

“People say I have two different sides,” Taylor said.

The lyrics of Taylor’s songs are written to inspire her “When I am talking in front of people, I’m just shy, and listeners, primarily fellow teenagers. As a young woman, then when I get on stage I’m a whole different person. I Taylor realizes her unique perspective on the human exhave no idea [why].” perience and shares that perspective in a recently released Taylor hopes to attend Berklee College of Music in song, “Lullaby.”

Boston next fall. She looks to continue her musical career “That one was mainly about self worth as a young lady through developing her voice and possibly teaching young — as a woman,” Taylor said. “We’re in high school right children about music one day. She has already taught one now, and some of us are in relationships. Sometimes, it student — her brother — who sees a bright future for could be a toxic relationship, [and] it’s not it for you. You should have the self confidence and self worth to tell your- Taylor after learning from her for years.

“She actually inspired me to want to write my own muself ‘this is not it’ and ‘you need to get yourself out of it.’” sic,” Braylon said. “She really introduced me to the world Strong emotions also serve as inspiration for the spirit in Taylor’s voice. After the shooting of 18-year-old Michael of music. [Her career] will go as far as she wants, but if she really takes it seriously and works hard, I feel she could be Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., Taylor and her one of the biggest singers in the world.” p brother, Braylon Taylor, began singing “Glory” (originally associate editor

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VOICE Right: Senior Morgan Taylor hits a high note during her performance Oct. 10. Taylor is a versatile singer, able to reach a wide range. “Her biggest strength is her range,” Morgan’s brother Braylon Taylor said. “She can sing low, a tenor or a soprano voice.”

Bottom Left: At her showcase, Taylor strikes a pose.

Taylor’s confidence on stage did not go unnoticed by the audience. “Morgan’s beautiful voice and amazing stage presence definitely help her stand out,” senior Lauryn Donovan, who attended the concert, said. “She sings with so much passion.”

Bottom Right: Taylor sings with a group of back-up singers.

She has performed with other teens around St. Louis. “I really enjoyed seeing her as well as a few of my other friends perform in the band or group of back-up singers,” Donovan said. “It was done at a nice venue, so her singing plus the aesthetic made everything so much beter.” (photos by Grace Hensley)

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POP & CLASSICAL

SPREAD DESIGN BY LUCY LOCHMOELLER CAROLINE TYRRELL

WHAT YOU KNOW BOUT LOVE - POP SMOKE image courtesy of Finders Records

In his song “What You Know Bout Love,” Pop Smoke strays away from his signature Brooklyn drill sound and attempts a slower, more rhythmic tune. The 15 seconds of this song used in the popular TikTok trend perfectly match a simple dance that anyone can learn. This song shows how versatile Pop Smoke can be; the style of music is something I haven’t previously heard on TikTok, yet it is easily one of my favorite songs.

CITY OF ANGELS - 24KGOLDN image courtesy of Genius

24kGoldn has had many songs go viral on TikTok, but “City of Angels” is by far my favorite. It has a great, uplifting beat and the lyrics are very fun and catchy. It is obvious why there was a TikTok dance created for the song, but the song has also been used in other TikTok videos that aren’t just dances. 24kGoldn has a great, uplifting voice that is uniquely suited for TikTok videos. His voice and talent in creating music explain why a lot of his songs go viral on the app.

15 SECONDS OF FAME Panorama reviews the viral 15 seconds of popular TikTok songs TOMMY MARGULIS sports writer

SAVAGE - MEGAN THEE STALLION image courtesy of Genius

“Savage” immediately blew up on TikTok after its release. Huge creators on the app like Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae helped popularize the song by dancing to it for their millions of viewers. Various parts of the song had different dances choreographed which made it such a widespread hit. At first, I actually enjoyed the song, as it was very catchy and melodic, but after hearing it many times, I got tired of it.

HIT THE QUAN - ILOVEMEMPHIS image courtesy of Genius

“Hit The Quan” originally went viral when it was released back in 2015, so it was no surprise to see it experience a resurgence on TikTok. The song has two different TikTok dances that accompany different parts of the song. This song has catchy lyrics, which is key for a song to go viral on TikTok. It’s clear from the dances created to “Hit the Quan” that this song was made for dancing. This was a hit when it originally came out, so it is nostalgic to hear it become popular again.

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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Ballet dancers explain the crucial process leading up to a performance KIRAN VARADACHARI health & sports staff

photo by Kyndall Evan

s

PRACTICE

As freshman Hayley Morgan readies herself to dance, she focuses her mind and body on one thing: improvement. Each step, turn and routine is an opportunity to strengthen her skills.

Morgan has dedicated herself to the art of ballet for the last 13 years at Dimensions Dance Center.

Her attention to detail has helped improve her craft as a dancer.

“We always start with barre, which provides support for the exercises and dances that we do,” Morgan said. “Then, we move to the centre portion, [which] has exercises similar to the barre, and they help us move into the routine.”

Throughout her quest to better herself as a dancer, Morgan uses classes and rehearsals to understand how she can improve.

As the week progresses, she takes multiple classes that differ in forms and routines.

“Every class we take comes with different areas of focus and the changes we need to make as dancers,” Morgan said. “The goal is to grow as a dancer every week or every class to get prepared to take the stage.”

photo courtesy of Warren Rich

photo by Ginger Schulte

PREPARATION

PERFORMANCE

As senior Lily Rich prepares to step onto the stage, she gears her mind for two minutes of pure grace, chaos and emotion as her excitement is replaced by nerves and worry.

Rich has danced at the Krupinski Academy of Dance for the past 10 years. She has dedicated her time as a ballet competition team member.

“I stress myself out a lot, so I try to remind myself to stay calm and trust myself,” Rich said. “It’s a youth dance competition, so it’s not the end of the world.”

While there are always nerves involved with any performance, Rich and her teammates enjoy the time before a competition. Months of preparation are condensed down to two minutes in which the dancers must produce their best selves for the stage.

“We work so hard and dedicate our time trying to get better, and since there are only a handful of performances each year, everyone is always thrilled to put in the hours in the final days before to make sure we are ready to go,” Rich said.

“That excitement always carries out until we step on stage.”

The lights go up. Each step that sophomore Jessica Sachs takes is calculated with precision. Her mind fixates on the moment, and her determination to succeed solidifies her performance.

Sachs danced at the Center of Creative Arts for 12 years before joining the Laduettes Dance Team.

While at COCA, she danced for the Ballet Company team, a non-competitive team that performed multiple times throughout the year.

“It’s just physically, emotionally and mentally draining,” Sachs said.

“It’s almost like you blackout when you’re performing. Every single time I go onstage and come off, I forget exactly what I just did. It’s all a blur. It’s just so cool, and I think it’s an amazing experience.”

The journey to perfection is a long and tedious process for ballerinas. The challenges that they face throughout countless hours of classes make the performance all the more special.

“It’s amazing when you’re bowing in front of the audience at the end of a show,” Sachs said. “There’s nothing better.”

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CLASSICAL

SPREAD DESIGN BY LUCY LOCHMOELLER

SPOTLIGHT ON STAGE Four students find success with their musical instruments

ROSHEN CHATWAL

Junior Roshen Chatwal holds up his French horn. He has begun using the website SoundTrap to record music and chamber pieces for school.“I’m currently working on my upcoming auditions for some summer festivals next year,” Chatwal said. (photo by Ginger Schulte)

A low, rich note floats through the air, quickly followed by another. With each passing second, the notes gather together to form a large crescendo. Seconds soon turn into minutes and hours, yet the music never shows any signs of stopping. Despite having to remain at home for most of the day due to the pandemic, junior Roshen Chatwal doesn’t let anything stand in his way to practice his beloved French horn.

“I used to practice three hours a day at the start of quarantine, but now I don’t have as much time due to school and football,” Chatwal said. “However, I try to practice whenever I can because I need to prepare for upcoming auditions.”

After becoming the second chair in the Missouri All-State Band for his instrument, Chatwal went on to receive national recognition. Chatwal is determined to continue his success and become the best French horn player he can be. Chatwal dedicates much of his time to practicing; he even goes to practice with his bandmates outside his teacher’s house.

“Roshen’s always prepared in class,” Band Director Aaron Lehde said. “He’s always ready to go. Nothing can stop him.”

BAND

ANNIE PAN web editor

PEMA CHILDS

Back straight. Shoulders relaxed. Feet on the ground. Senior Pema Childs takes a deep breath before enrapturing the ears of the players around her with a beautiful melody. Her fingers dance effortlessly across her clarinet.

“I started the clarinet in fourth grade,” Childs said. “I fell in love with it, which plays a huge role in motivating me to practice to get better.”

On top of being first chair in the Missouri All-State Band, Childs maintains a busy schedule filled with a variety of musicrelated extracurriculars. She is a part of the Webster Preparatory Program for Music and is co-president of Tri-M Music Honor Society.

“Pema is quiet,” Band Director Aaron Lehde said. “She doesn't say or do much, except when it's time to play. However, when she starts, it’s beautiful and wonderful. She's very laid back, obviously because of a lot of preparation she does outside of class. She’s a perfect combination of natural talent and hard work, and I’m so happy that she’s in our band.”

Senior Pema Childs plays her clarinet. Childs played the B-flat clarinet for around nine years. “We have to go virtual and I won’t be able to play with others, I’m kind of disappointed but I can’t wait to go back,” Childs said. (photo by Lauren Pesce)

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10.27.20

DANIEL DIRINGER

Senior Daniel Diringer plays a piece at home on his cello.

Diringer has received several scholarships from winning competitions. “When I practice alone, it’s like my alone time with my cello,” Diringer said. (photo by Lauren Pesce)

The cello, a popular orchestral instrument, can produce anything from deep, rich notes to high pitched, vibrant sounds. For senior Daniel Diringer, who has played the instrument for nearly 15 years, the cello has been an important part of growing up.

“Honestly, it wasn’t my decision to start off,” Diringer said.

“My parents kind of forced me into it and I watched a couple practice cello lessons with a teacher and decided I might as well give it a try, and we went from there.”

Diringer began playing in orchestras almost 13 years ago.

He played in the orchestra at the Community Music School of Webster University before progressing to the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. He has also been a member of the Missouri All-State Orchestra for three years in addition to receiving numerous music scholarships.

“It’s nice being able to show off sometimes,” Diringer said, “A lot of people think it’s cool; they see me and they wouldn’t expect me to play the cello, because I also play baseball, so they’re like ‘Oh wow you do both!’”

ORCHESTRA

ABIGAIL JANSEN staff writer

BECKY LANG

With roughly 13 years of violin experience under her belt and the title of Co-Concertmaster at the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, senior Becky Lang knows a lot about music.

“Our neighbor was a violinist,” Lang said, “so in kindergarten my mom brought me over to her house and I started taking lessons from her.”

Since then, Lang has spent three years in the Community Music School of Webster University’s Young People’s Concert Orchestra, eight years in Ladue’s orchestra programs and six seasons in the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. She has been a member of the Missouri All-State Orchestra for three years and plans on auditioning again this year.

“I’ve held a few leadership positions in orchestra,” Lang said. “Assistant concertmaster, now co-concert master, and over the summer I got second place in the Atlanta String Festival competition. We sent in recordings and I placed.”

Lang doesn’t plan on pursing the violin as her main career, but hopes to continue with orchestra to see where it takes her.

In the future, Lang would like to double major or minor in violin performance. ”With music, I feel like every time there’s more than one part going, it’s like a puzzle fitting together,” Lang said. “It’s so much more touching to be able to work with other people, to create something that you can give to others.”

Senior Becky Lang practices a piece on her violin. In fifth grade, she became part of the Ladue’s orchestra program.“When people think of music, they either start with piano or violin, so even if you go on to play other instruments, violin’s a great starting point,” Lang said. (photo by Ginger Schulte)

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CLASSICAL

SPREAD DESIGN BY CAROLINE EDGAR

Freshman Ovya Diwakaran plays the piano in her living room. Diwakaran has been playing the piano since she was only 5 years old and composes her own music. “Music can always get better.”

(Photo by Ginger Schulte)

ALL ABOUT THAT PIANO Freshman Ovya Diwakaran wins second at a state-wide composing music competition

MIKA KIPNIS news staff

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he red recording button shines from freshman Ovya Diwakaran’s iPhone as she gently places her fingers on the white and black keys of the piano. After a deep breath, she begins to play the first notes of the piece she has spent the last year composing.

Diwakaran is an aspiring pianist and composer. She spends her time juggling between performing under the lights of the stage and composing her own original music.

“I really like performing because I love to show people what I can do,” Diwakaran said.

Diwakaran entered the 2020 Missouri Creating Original Music Project, organized by the University of Missouri. She finished as the runner-up in the state-wide competition with her originally composed piece “Reve Eternal.” “Reve Eternal” was inspired by modern piano music such as Yiruma’s “River Flows In You.” “My favorite type of music to create is when you take a simple melody and you transform it into something really big and pretty,” Diwakaran said.

“I worked out a small melody and added in arpeggios and bases and tied it all together.”

The process from the moment Diwakaran wrote her first note on a piece of sheet music to the moment she pressed send to the competition judges took almost a year. It included

hours of writing the notes, getting the specific dynamics right and perfecting each phrase.

“I’ve always liked composing music,” Diwakaran said, “but the actual editing took longer than the actual writing.”

Diwakaran’s favorite type of music to play is modern music, also known as new age music. She prefers modern over classical because modern is typically softer, slower and more emotional, unlike classical music which is typically louder and faster.

“I really like the emotion you can put into the piece,” Diwakaran said.

“You can get lost in it.”

Over the course of the years, Diwakaran has compiled over 100 drafts of short melodies and has fully completed five pieces of music. Of those short melodies, some of them are for the guitar with vocal accompaniment and others are for the piano.

“I would mainly write songs, both for singing and guitar, but when this competition came out, I thought [that since] I’m stronger in composing and writing piano music, I [should] just stick with writing on the piano,” Diwakaran said. “I was playing around with which song to enter, but in the end I decided [“Reve Eternal”] was my strongest piece.”

Diwakaran began taking piano lessons when she was five years old. She followed in the footsteps of her older sister, Diya Diwakaran, who started playing the piano three years earlier.

“The process of writing came really

easily for her. When you have a vision and something in your head, it flows,” Diya said. “When she came out with that piece [for the competition], I was like ‘What the heck?’ It was really good and I knew she could sing and dance, but writing music is really cool.”

Ovya has many abilities in music and performing. Among these abilities are singing and learning new things quickly.

“Ovya’s very talented,” senior and member of Viva Voce Lucy Yue said.

“She learned how to beatbox in a few weeks after our previous beatboxer graduated.”

Ovya also enjoys being up on stage and performing. She looks forward to the possibility of entering more competitions of originally composed music so that she can get the opportunity to perform it for the public, which she was not able to do with “Reve Eternal.”

“I performed it, audio recorded it and sent in the sheet music,” Ovya said.

For now, Ovya has a few possible competitions on her radar, but she hasn’t decided about entering any yet.

She is enjoying the feeling of her second place victory with “Reve Eternal” and looks forward to what is to come.

Her zest for music and performing is flourishing with every new piece of music she plays or song she sings.

“I love performing,” Ovya said. “I love being on stage and just showing people what I can do.” p

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

10.27.20

STRONG STRINGS Members of Strolling Strings talk about their favorite parts of being in the group CAROLINE EDGAR

easy, but it really isn’t, so we have to practice that,” Murry said. opinions editor Members of the group spend time in the multipurpose he soft hum of voices outside the room buzzes in the room, weaving in and out of tables to practice how they air. The players wait behind the door, instruments in move around a performance venue. Performance venues hand, for the signal from their director that it is time vary widely from nursing homes to expensive gatherings.

“Typically, we’re playing for events, usually not where to go out into the audience. Only five minutes remain. The people are sitting and enjoying the performance as the group has been practicing this set for weeks, and it’s time main thing,” Murry said. “We are entertainment music so to show off their hard work. A quiet voice can be heard by there’s usually other things going on, and so maybe people the door: “Three, two, one, go.” are having their dinner and we’re walking through and enThe Strolling Strings is a group composed of Ladue tertaining as they’re eating, and maybe some sort of event orchestra students. The group uses their talents at events where people are milling about doing other things like an where they “stroll” through the audience as they play auction event.” music. The group has been around for over 30 years and Event planners can hire the group to play at any venue was founded by Lois Percival. The current directors of the they need them at, providing both group are Ladue orchestra teachers music for the event and experience for Elizabeth Dalbey and Twinda Murry. the members of the group. Members Senior Katie Schneider plays the of the group are also able to meet new viola, which is one of the instrumental We’re background people, make friends and have new options for players in the group, among music, but that kind experiences with the music group. other options such as the violin, cello, of music is important “All of Strolling Strings is a family, double bass and piano. Members of the too. It’s a different kind so I think we’ve all become friends group are all part of the Ladue orchesof performing, but it’s with each other,” senior and bass tra, and normally practice on Tuesdays important because player Noah Smock said. “With all our from 7 to 8 p.m. music permeates our practicing, it would be impossible to “It’s a nice kind of cooldown from lives. hold a grudge and keep working, so the rest of what’s happening in the middle of the week,” Schneider said.

TWINDA MURRY | DIRECTOR we are all very friendly with each other.”

Rehearsals have many components, While the group forms bonds, but tend to focus on a couple specific goals. One of these goals is playing the music repeatedly it helps with major life skills too. For example, members gain confidence through performing. to help the players memorize it.

“I didn’t have a lot of confidence freshman “The goal is to, first of all, make sure we’re playyear, and I was not great at going around the ing through as much of the show as possible each tables because I was afraid everyone was week,” Murry said, “because the students gonna hear me mess up, and it turns out if who play violin and viola are playing you mess up it’s okay, because someone memorized.”

However, rehearsals are not only for else will be playing louder,” Schneider said. “So I got better at having confimemorization. Members of Strolldence, and now I’m the one playing ing Strings also have to practice louder so that other people can moving while playing. mess up without having to be “You’d think that just walkscared.” p ing and playing, that should be

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CULTURAL

LEARNING TRADITION Ladue students continue musical traditions of their culture

ABOVE: Sophomore Aditi Navjith performs at a music festival at the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center in 2018. Navjith performed at an annual cultural festival organized by her company, Soorya Performing Arts, in St. Louis. “Having that part of my culture made [moving] easier. I was able to stay tethered and not feel like I was losing everything,” Navjith said. (Photo courtesy of Aditi Navjith) RIGHT: Senior Jahnavi Vishnubhotla sits outside while playing her sitar. Vishnubhotla has been playing the instrument for almost six years. “I practice so much that my fingers know what they’re doing already,” Vishnubhotla said. (Photo by Laura Zoeller)

OVIYA SRIHARI features editor

S S

oft notes ring throughout the temple, curls of incense hang in the air and colorful flowers adorn temple altars, but in this moment, sophomore Aditi Navjith is the center of attention.

Sitting cross-legged in traditional attire before her audience, Navjith sings to celebrate the Hindu holiday of Ganesh Chathurthi. This was the last time Navjith would sing at a religious festival before her move from India to the United States in 2017.

“My dad talks about [how] when I was little, I showed interest in music, which I think is so cliche,” Navjith said.

“He plays four or five instruments and sang. My mom is a dancer who could have become a professional. Arts and culture is important in my family, and it was a choice between music and dance.

For me, it was always music.”

ADITI NAVJITH Navjith quickly began training in a variety of musical disciplines, from show choir and piano to Indian carnatic music, a classical music genre specific to South India. However, when Navjith first began carnatic music lessons after moving to St. Louis, it didn’t exactly feel like smooth sailing.

“It was really intimidating. I was [singing] with a ton of high schoolers when I was in seventh grade,” Navjith said. “They all knew each other, and I didn’t. I was a tiny seventh grader who just moved from India.”

Navjith believes her persistence in the face of moving paid off. Carnatic music is notoriously difficult to master, but it can easily be dismissed by Western audiences unfamiliar with the genre, which Navjith finds frustrating.

“If I told someone that I did Indian classical music for this many years, it wouldn’t mean as much as it would to someone who’s Indian,” Navjith said.

“I wanted to quit because I didn’t see

the point anymore. Performances didn’t happen as often because we didn’t live in a community of people that appreciated [carnatic music]. I thought it was lame because it was not what my friends who sang here did. They all sang Western music.”

At times, Navjith feels alienated as a carnatic singer in a world of Western music, but her mastery of the genre helps keep her grounded in her Indian culture and Hindu faith. Even years after moving from India, the thread of music still traces back up her family tree and gives her a way to connect with her relatives.

“My grandparents love that I [sing] and [that] I was able to make them proud,” Navjith said. “It was something that we could bond over, something that we had in common, something that made [us] happy. Since Indian classical music tends to be religious, it reminds me of the temple and being around family and friends.” p

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

10.27.20

JAHNAVI VISHNUBHOTLA

ERIN TURKIELTAUB health & sports editor

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tares from nearby bystanders are drawn to the oddly shaped case carried by senior Jahnavi Vishnubhotla as she boards a flight for her next performance. A guitar? No, the case is too skinny. A cello? It can’t be, the neck is too slim. What lies inside the mysterious box is a sitar, an instrument native to India that mesmerizes its listeners with a unique sound.

After spending a significant amount of time practicing Indian Classical dance, Vishnubohtla, along with her parents, decided to immerse herself into musical cultural practices. It was then decided that she would begin taking sitar lessons.

Unfortunately, in 2018, Vishnubhotla’s teacher passed away. She now takes lessons over Skype with his son, who lives in Philadelphia.

“We looked up on Google ‘sitar teachers near me,’ and we found a world-famous sitar teacher and player who lived down the street from us. It was crazy,” Vishnubhotla said. “I went there and he just took us in with open arms and I think I was his youngest student, and the youngest woman too because sitar is a very male-dominated instrument.”

The sitar, usually made from wood, is composed of a long neck and a rounded end called the tumba, which is traditionally made from a gourd. At the neck of the instrument, there are frets, along with six strings on top and 13 or 14 strings on the bottom.

“One main thing that differentiates the guitar from the sitar is that on the guitar, you play chords with all of your fingers,” Vishnubhotla said. “On the sitar, you mainly use [the pointer and middle finger] and we pull the strings to make the sound fluctuate.”

Senior Noah Avigad has had the pleasure of listening to Vishnubhotla play the sitar and has gained a significant amount of knowledge on the instrument from her.

“You feel admiration when you watch them play because you know how hard it is,” Avigad said. “I’m sure for a lot of Indians [playing gives a] sense of pride because it’s a really intricate and unique instrument only in India.”

Senior Ben Rose has been playing in the school band with Vishnubhotla since seventh grade. During their time playing together, Rose has learned about the unique intricacies of the sitar.

“Her sitar playing made me feel like I had a lot to learn,” Rose said.

“It seemed super complicated to me, and since it was the first time I had really seen or heard one, I was in awe over how easily she was able to play beautiful music on such a complicated instrument.” p

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SPREAD DESIGN BY ERIN TURKIELTAUB | JOANNE SUNG

DANCING DRAGONS

Junior Daniel Xu connects to his culture through dragon dancing ALLEN YOU

continued to dragon dance at the SLMCS because it immerses him in his cultural traditions. staff writer “I was with a lot of my peers in the Chinese community,” Xu said. “When we were going out to all these parades, t any Chinese festival, it is not hard to spot the we went to the Botanical Garden and saw all these crowds colorful 100-foot dragon moving in a fluid motion ... it was very fulfilling to be a part of the Chinese culwith the beats of the accompanying drum. ture in St. Louis. It made me feel very integrated within Dragon dancing is an art form that originated in the the Chinese culture because we were representing the Han dynasty and has found a home in Chinese communities globally. Australia, for example, is home to the longest SLMCS.” Sophomore Max Yang, who performs alongside Xu, dragon still in use, named Sun Loong, which measures 330 feet. Brilliant dragon performances are put on every Lunar shares a similar view with him. To Yang, dragon dancing is a different cultural experience from speaking Chinese or New Year in the streets of Seattle. The dragon, reprecelebrating Chinese holidays. senting fertility and prosperity, is a recognized Chinese “I feel like there’s just that deeper connection than if symbol everywhere. you were just learning Chinese off a textbook,” Yang said.

Since kindergarten, junior Daniel Xu has been per“You get more hands on and more involved. It’s a pretty forming for the St. Louis Modern Chinese School as both fun activity … and it’s a good way to get immersed with a dragon dancer and drummer. He’s performed at festivals Chinese culture.” such as the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Chinese Culture Dragon dancing has a long history, and dragons are still Day and the St. Louis Independence Day Parade. designed similar to the ones used a “I first started doing dragon dancing century ago. For sophomore David Ju, and drumming in elementary school,” dragon dancing allows him to connect Xu said. “I just remember my mom with his community. signed me up for it because she thought “I did [dragon dancing] because I it’d be interesting, and I just did it. I I did [dragon dancing] thought it would be a fun way to exthought it was really fun, so I just kept because I thought it perience Chinese culture,” sophomore doing it.” would be a fun way to David Ju said. “Dancing is a Chinese Much like other types of dance, there experience Chinese tradition that’s been passed on for a are specific moves that are learned. culture. long time and by performing dragon Simply bobbing and weaving requires DAVID JU | SOPHOMORE dances I feel rooted in my ancestry.” timing and focus from each member.

Chinese culture has become more But some moves are more complex and and more prominent in areas outside of China’s borders, require another level of cooperation and movement. especially in diverse melting pots like St. Louis. For that “There’s this one thing that we’ve always done and reason, Xu recommends dragon dancing for all, even it’s at the climax of our show,” Xu said. “The [drummers] non-Chinese people, as a way to support Chinese culture would start drumming a very steady sound and then the dragon would start coiling up so it formed a spiral with the and to celebrate Chinese holidays.

“If it’s possible to do it, you should definitely do it, tail being at the bottom and the head being at the top. And because it’s very exciting,” Xu said. “It’s a good way to just then after the spiral is formed, the drum hits three big show your appreciation for Chinese culture in general. [It] beats, then the dragon’s head bows … a few times.”

Dragon dancing comes with added benefits besides just just feels like excitement; excitement to just be there and dance around.” p team building and exercise. Xu, a Chinese-American, has

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10.27.20

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A MUSICAL MIND

A look into how music affects our brain and our community RHEA PATNEY associate editor

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rom catchy commercial jingles and jazzy elevator music to acoustic melodies and smooth symphonies, music envelopes us each and every day, whether we realize it or not. However, we rarely think of the effects it has on people, as individuals and as a community.

From head — where neuron production increases, improving memory — to toe — which secretly taps along inside our shoes — listening to music can help jump letter grades. For people with unique conditions in relation to music, such as synesthesia, a condition in which multiple senses are activated at one time from one stimulus, music can be so much more than just an auditory experience.

Additionally, the variety of opinions surrounding musical taste and genre often results in sharp conflict, which can lead to constructive debates and an ensemble of new ideas. Music can help people become more in tune with their surroundings and emotions, help form lasting bonds with friends, family or even strangers on the internet.

As a society, we’ve grown to find a tune or beat to nearly anything, tapping to the beat of staccato raindrops and whistling along to legato waves, but something about certain combinations of sounds makes us want to listen to it on repeat over and over again until we just can’t bear it anymore.

So waltz into a new perspective of music, where the neurons prance, opinions dance and the memories from the balcony in summer air will never fade. p

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IN-DEPTH

SPREAD DESIGN BY RHEA PATNEY

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rom Broadway ballads and boogie-woogie blues to Beethoven, music plays an integral role in shaping countless lives and cultures.

But why do certain songs evoke bursts of energy while others render us speechless with goosebumps?

Music has the capacity to generate an astounding impact, from stimulating emotions to enhancing academic performance. The powerful effects of listening to or playing music have fueled researchers to pursue explanations for the way our brains respond to music.

For decades, researchers widely believed that processing music was limited to the right hemisphere of the brain, which is often deemed the creative hemisphere. However, with improved experimental and neuroimaging tools, researchers have unearthed music-related involvement in virtually all areas of the brain.

In fact, when sound vibrations are translated into electrical signals, they are transferred by neurons into the brain, where different lobes and cortexes analyze and respond to musical

Enhances thinking and planning functions

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in-depth editor

elements like rhythm, tone and pitch.

Additionally, listening to music is a stimulus associated with the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, in the nucleus accumbens. The release of dopamine regulates feelings of pleasure, producing the “high” many people experience while listening to or playing music.

“Music can be a wonderful enhancer,” AP Psychology teacher Amanda Kaupp said. “There have been a lot of studies that show a correlation between listening to music and an impact on our moods and feelings.”

In fact, students commonly listen to music to boost their mood, stay on task while working on homework or studying for tests. However, Kaupp advises people to not listen to music with lyrics while studying or reading, as it can be distracting. When one does this, their Wernicke’s area, located in the temporal lobe, simultaneously deciphers words being heard and those on paper. With this influx of information to process, the brain is placed in a predicament that is analogous to being stuck between two radio stations — getting a little of each but not the full impact.

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“Blue is very calm, like dark moonlight. It’s a lot of synth type stuff and male voices.”

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

10.27.20

CONNECTION

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Stimulates neuron production which improves memory

“When I grade papers, I listen to an Icelandic band called Sigur Rós,” Kaupp said. “Because I can’t understand Icelandic, it won’t affect me reading, so [here is a] tip: pick music without lyrics or lyrics you don’t understand when studying — aka an Icelandic band.”

For musicians and composers, the visual cortex is especially active while reading sheet music, helping to transform notes on paper into harmonious melodies. The visual cortex, alongside other parts of the brain, may also contribute to synesthesia, a neurological condition in which information meant to stimulate only one sense stimulates several senses.

While there still remains uncertainty surrounding synesthesia, many researchers theorize that it is derived from an abundance of neural connections and increased communication within the brain’s sensory regions.

Synesthete musicians like Duke Ellington and Pharrell Williams report associating melodies and rhythms with distinct hues and textures. For junior Fiona Ferguson, her synesthesia presents itself in the form of affiliating colors, environment and time of day with music.

“When I’m listening to music, colors and music go hand in hand,” Ferguson said. “It’s different for everyone. It’s so weirdly abstract that it is hard to piece together sometimes.”

Although there is no official way to diagnose synesthesia, the American Psychological Association estimates that about one in 2,000 people experience some sort of synesthesia in the form of seeing colors, smelling scents or tasting flavors when listening to music. To accommodate her experiences with synesthesia, Ferguson assigns colors to playlists, customizing them to her preferences. For instance, Ferguson’s yellow playlist is composed of animated pop music whereas her green playlist comprises songs in the folk genre.

Because of the ambience and tone created by the playlist, Ferguson can listen to a certain playlist depending on the type of mood she feels.

“Colors themselves don’t hold that much significance, it’s the colors that relate to the music,” Ferguson said.

“It was kind of hard in the beginning because distinguishing the feelings between each color and song didn’t come naturally. Now they kind of just fall into place wherever they go.” p

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“Orange has very friendly music. It’s like driving at sunset, but you’re not alone in your car.”

“Green is like the feeling of going on vacation.

It feels chilly and has acoustic guitar.”

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IN-DEPTH

SPREAD DESIGN BY JOANNE SUNG

A PRELUDE OF PERSPECTIVES A medley of the Ladue community’s takes on all things musical Panorama polled 218 Ladue students Oct. 27 Ladue Fight Song arranged by Aaron Lehde

1%

of students listen to

TO CHANNELS: 96.3, 98.1, 90.7

“What I really like about music is the ebb and flow to it. Playing music is like creating your own motion and guiding yourself through it. It’s therapeutic because sometimes you can just get lost in the motion for hours without worrying about anything else.”

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“For me, music has been a bonding thing, especially for me and my dad. It’s like a gateway into his past and the music of the time; he’d say, for example, ‘I haven’t heard this song in years. This was the hit song SSY SALEEBY (10 back when I was in highschool.’”

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MOST POPULAR GENRES: 1. Pop 2. Indie/Alt 3. Hip-Hop illustration by | SOPHIA LIU & JOANNE SUNG

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18% use “My whole family does some type of music so they inspire me each and every day to sing and make my own music. Music is also such a great way to de-stress and leave from reality.

Anytime I’m feeling happy, sad or even unsure of things, there is always a song that reassures me.”

“Music plays a very important role in my life, especially living in the United States and being from Costa Rica, Spanish music at home is something that is very common. Music [also] gives Spanish students another perspective and keeps them connected with the language.”

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“I usually either listen to [music] for fun with my friends, or to get myself ready for a big game. Either way, it’s very good.

My team loves to play it out loud right before the game starts.”

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COUNTRY

SWIFT STAGES

RANKING CRITERIA 1. Music quality 2. Memorability of era 3. Effort put into tour & aesthetics

GRACE HU editor in chief

illustration by | GRACE HU

Panorama ranks the different eras of popular musician Taylor Swift’s career

1

FOLKLORE 2020

images courtesy of bbc

“folklore” is a gorgeous display of Taylor Swift’s musical skill. The album is a complete shift from Swift’s previous pop-heavy discography and is composed of folksy, indie songs that each highlight a unique narrative. “betty,” “august” and “cardigan” tell the story of a teenage romance, and “the last great american dynasty” relays the true history behind Swift’s Rhode Island home. Every song on the album is masterfully crafted and is a clear example of Swift at her songwriting best. Although Swift is unable to perform live shows and go on tour, she still delivers stunning music videos, merchandise and other visuals that create a distinct, cottagecore aesthetic marked by black and white, cardigans, and forest imagery for the “folklore” era. While “folklore” isn’t Swift’s flashiest era, the musical genius, memorability and aesthetics of “folklore” boosts this era to the top of the list.

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1989 2014

image courtesy of insider.com

“1989” is the most memorable Taylor Swift era. With the release of “1989,” Swift transitioned from a country artist to a pop star with iconic tracks like “Blank Space,” “Style,” “Shake It Off” and “Bad Blood.” The “1989” era is even more memorable due to the star-studded music videos that racked up billions of views and a massive world tour with countless celebrity guests, massive media coverage and iconic outfits. Every song on the album is catchy and another display of Swift’s musical mastery, and this era’s unique aesthetic and impressive world tour land it right below “folklore.”

3

SPEAK NOW

2010

image courtesy of insider.com

“Speak Now” cemented Swift’s status as a talented young musician with a huge amount of potential. The album was an introduction to a more serious Swift, and takes on a mature, melancholy tone. The songs deal largely with heartbreak, guilt and anger in Swift’s personal life. Emotional and well-written tracks, including “Back to December,” “Dear John” and “Mean” move this era farther up on the list. Additionally, the critically acclaimed world tour boasted a number of beautiful outfits including the “Enchanted” flowy cream dress and also introduced Swift’s iconic red lip look.

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

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LOVER 2019

image courtesy of people magazine

“Lover” is an album marked by unused potential. While the album boasts beautiful songs, such as “Paper Rings,” “London Boy” and “False God,” the heavily promoted records like “ME!” and “You Need To Calm Down” are by far the most boring and poorly composed on the album. However, a couple of redeeming factors edge the “Lover” era up on the list. First, the album was overall good and was a clear display of Swift’s songwriting talents. More importantly, “Lover” reveals a different side of Swift — one that celebrates her happiness, which was reflected in the bright colors in her tour outfits and visuals. Additionally, the music videos for the “Lover” era, especially for “ME!” and “The Man” were an amazing feat of visual effects, editing and celebrity cameos that stood out from Swift’s previous music videos. Although it may not be Swift’s most memorable or well publicized era, it certainly deserves respect.

6

RED 2012

image courtesy of insider.com

Although “Red” is another impressive album featuring tracks like “22,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “Everything Has Changed” and “I Knew You Were Trouble,” the era felt like a transition period between Swift’s pop future and country past. Not only was the album a mix of country tracks and pop tracks, but the aesthetic and visuals of the music videos and tournaments felt like a build up to something bigger. So when “1989” was released shortly after the world tour for “Red” wrapped up, it largely overshadowed the “Red” era. However, this period of Swift should not be discredited, as it provided some truly catchy songs, Swift’s switch from long locks to a pixie cut and a seriously impressive world tour.

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TAYLOR SWIFT/ FEARLESS

2006-2008

images courtesy of insider.com

Swift’s debut country era, which includes albums “Taylor Swift” and “Fearless,” is an integral part of her career. Both albums include some of the most popular songs of the past two decades with “Love Story,” “Fifteen,” “You Belong With Me” and “Teardrops On My Guitar.” This era is made even more impressive because of Swift’s sharp rise to stardom, with her second album landing her a massive world tour at age 18. While Swift’s country era will always be iconic, later eras outshine Swift’s country roots as she continued to experiment with music styles and aesthetics.

However, her start as a country artist gave her the recognition and set the foundation for her eventual transition into a variety of genres, so this era still deserves immense respect and credit.

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REPUTATION 2017

image courtesy of insider.com

Reputation is the closest thing to a bad era Swift has had. While the initial announcement of the album and the music video for lead single “Look What You Made Me Do” generated massive interest, the anticipation fizzled out because the era felt contrived and contradictory. Swift certainly made a statement about the twisted nature life in the spotlight with the edgy, snake-heavy aesthetic of the era, but she also sprinkled in sweet songs such as “Delicate” and “Call It What You Want” that hinted at the happier “Lover” era, which created inconsistency throughout the album. While “Reputation” may have delivered the iconic black bodysuit, everything else about the era felt slightly off.

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ROCK

SPREAD DESIGN BY KANISHK SHANMUGAM I NICO SKAPOF

Left: “Anarchy’s Eve” is about a society without a strong central government. Welch published the album Oct. 22. “A lot of times, punks will bring ideas of non-discourse in society, and worker ownership of the means of production,” Welch said.

(Image courtesy of Jack Welch) Center: Junior Jack Welch smiles at the skatepark. Welch was introduced to music at a young age. “I’ve been writing songs ever since I started learning guitar.” Welch said.

(Photo by Ginger Schulte)

PASSION FOR PUNK

Junior Jack Welch makes album of punk music

also promotes opposition to authoristrong messages of Welch’s music. ty.

Independent thinking is a crucial However, in addition the the themes opinions staff theme of the genre. explored, Kamath also recognizes the “Punk rock is a genre about thinkmusical value of Welch’s work. unk rock is an often misundering for yourself and questioning “I think quality-wise and objectively, stood music genre, but junior authority,” Welch said. “When I was it’s got great composition. It’s unique; Jack Welch sees it as an art. growing up, I was always told to it sounds good,” Kamath said. “I think Punk rock is different from tradi‘follow the Prophet’ he’s got potential.” tional rock because it is a resistance and to ‘follow the With support to corporatism, often expressed from his friends, through screaming vocals, loud drums president.’”

Jack feels as if Jack has come and electric guitars. Welch, who has this early dea long way from played punk rock on his guitar for mand to respect days of listening almost two years, first learned about I want [people] authority had a to his uncle’s CDs; the genre from his family. to think for themmajor impact on his music is now “That’s how I got into punk rock,” selves. his musical taste. showcased on platWelch said. “[It] was from CDs from JACK WELCH | JUNIOR Welch became forms like Bandmy uncle when I was 13; besides him, inspired to make camp, Spotify and I mostly got into it myself.”

YouTube. Through Although he had minimal exposure, his own band, named Post-Gueimmersing himself Welch began learning and underrilla, producing songs that spread his in the punk community and including standing the ideals of punk on his views and messages on issues plaguimportant social topics that he feels own. As he immersed himself further ing society. strongly about in his music, Jack bein the genre, Welch developed a deep “All his music is very clearly politilieves that his music can make people connection with the punk community. cally driven,” Evan Svoboda, a Ladue think more critically about the world “I definitely think that the punk rock community really fits my person- alumni and Welch’s friend, said. “He’s around them. always going to protests. I’ve heard all “I want [people] to think for themality,” Welch said. “It’s a community of Jack’s music and I like it a lot.” selves,” Jack said, “[and] not be held that I can connect with just based on Junior Avi Kamath, another one back by the standards for what music their ideas and their goals.” of Welch’s friends, appreciates the [is].” p Along with anti-corporatism, punk

KANISHK SHANMUGAM

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LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

10.27.20

PART TEACHER PART ROCKER ROCKER

Julie Blank sings and plays with local rock band NICO SKAPOF opinions writer

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or most teachers, summer is a time to relax, but not for Julie Blank, whose summers consist of constantly rocking out with the SteamRoller Band.

The SteamRoller Band is composed of members Julie Blank, Greg Blank, Chris Letrello and Rich Kasznel.

Band member Julie Blank, an english teacher at Ladue, has a long history of musical performance.

“I auditioned for [a band] in 2001 ...

I met my husband in that band,” Julie said.

Her current musical project, The SteamRoller Band, covers the band members’ favorite songs and artists

from their lifetime. Julie works part time, leaving her with plenty of time to pursue music, which she has been interested in since childhood.

“I’ve always played the piano ... I did show choir in high school and a variety of different music groups in college,” Julie said.

Although Julie has always loved music and performance, it did not naturally come to her. For a long time, Julie suffered from stage fright.

“I had terrible stage fright, and yet absolutely craved [performing],” Julie said. “Feeling the energy of an audience is deeply satisfying for me.”

Despite this intense desire, her stage fright kept her away from bands.

It took several years for her to be comfortable performing on stage.

“I wasn’t officially in a band until six years after I started teaching, but that love of performance I’ve had since I was little,” Julie said.

Blank has stuck with The SteamRoller Band for almost a decade, mostly due to the chemistry of the band. Her husband and fellow bandmate, Greg Blank is familiar with the great dynamic the band has.

“We’re going strong,” Greg said.

“This band is a rock-solid group of friends.”

Despite some challenges, Blank has retained her love of music. Even though it’s not her job, she has no plans on stopping any time soon.

“All of us have day jobs, and it’s not more than a hobby for us, but it’s one that we love,” Julie said. p

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The SteamRoller Band perform at Failoni’s Restaurant. They play covers of various rock songs. “We play good old rock and roll. From Fleetwood Mac and John Mellencamp to the B-52s,” Kasznel said. (Photo by Margaret Lawton)

28

MUSICAL THEATER

SPREAD DESIGN BY KATIE HOLLAND | ETHAN WILLICK

Senior Leo Bochicchio performs an original song in his home on Saturday Aug. 16. Bochicchio started writing full musicals his freshman year and has continued throughout high school.

“I work first on the piano, then I start writing lyrics. After getting that all together, I usually start with songs first, and write scenes around [them].”

Bochicchio said.

(Photos by Grace Hensley)

MAKING MUSICALS

Senior Leo Bochicchio writes and produces musicals KATIE HOLLAND sports editor

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or many, the idea of writing the lyrics, melodies and chord progressions of songs, as well as the scenes and scripts for an entire musical production seems overwhelming. For senior Leo Bochicchio, however, having complete control and creativity over his work is what ignites his passion.

Writing musicals was not something Bochicchio always saw in his future. While Bochicchio has grown more than comfortable in the musical theater setting, this was not always the case.

“As a kid, I liked to sing, but I wasn’t really into performing,” Bochicchio said. “It made me really nervous.”

Bochicchio found himself interested in musical theater after discovering it in middle school. By the time he entered high school, his nerves in regards to performing had disappeared and he started to participate in music-based classes.

“I started teaching myself to sing and [participated] in school choir, acapella and taking voice lessons,” Bochicchio said. “I think musical theater was what got me started in doing music seriously.”

Writing musicals wasn’t just something Bochicchio picked up overnight. Despite knowing how to play the piano and write a script, there was much to be learned.

“I had to learn how to compose notation-wise,” Bochicchio said. “I had to be able to write for an orchestra and piano, write the lyrics for a song, write the chord

structures for songs and make that work in a musical theater setting.”

Bochicchio has written one musical in full, called “After Rehearsal.” He planned to stage a production of his work; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has prolonged the process.

“It was basically just kind of like a ‘High School Musical’ type play about high school drama,” Bochicchio said.

“It’s about these kids trying to figure themselves out and competing for roles [in musicals].”

Bochicchio is now working on his second musical. In contrast with his previous play, this one is an anthology, or a collection of short scenes unrelated to one another.

“They’re all separate stories,” Bochicchio said. “These different men sing about something that they typically wouldn’t be able to talk about due to the society they’re living in.”

Junior Katie Marks has supported Bochicchio throughout his journey in writing musicals. Marks remains intrigued by the pieces Bochicchio creates.

“I just encourage him if he ever becomes doubtful of his work, and express how impressed I am that he can even do things like this in general,” Marks said.

Recently, St. Dominic High School senior Charlie Wehde has helped support him on his current project. Wehde describes his role as part of Bochicchio’s support system.

“His attitude and talent at both composition and performance allow for some great pieces,” Wehde said.

“If you haven’t heard any yet, don’t worry — I know the whole world will one day.” p

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

10.27.20

A BROADWAY TIMELINE

Panorama reviews the best Broadway musicals by era

1980

ETHAN WILLICK editor in chief

“Little Shop of Horrors” was on Broadway from 1982 until 1987. The plot is the classic “speaking plant from space that drinks human blood tries to kill its owners and take over the world.” You know, the usual.

The plant begins as a small hand puppet that is controlled by the main character Seymour, but as the show progresses, the plant gets larger and slowly takes up more and more of the stage until the puppet takes up the whole stage. The musical was one of the first musicals with microphones and thus the songs move the plot along rather than just reiterating what has already been said. The plant sings many of the best songs in the whole show. The three singing narrators provide exposition well without interfering with the story itself. If you want to see a version of the musical, check Hulu and Amazon Prime.

image courtesy of Endgame Entertainment

1980-2000: Little Shop of Horrors

1990

“Wicked” began its Broadway run in 2003 and is still on Broadway to this day, ranking the 5th longest consecutive Broadway run of any show.

The musical is a prequel and alternative perspective of “The Wizard of Oz” that follows the origins of the rivalry between the witches of Oz. The musical fills many of the plot holes of “The Wizard of Oz” without feeling boring. After seeing the show, I can’t see “The Wizard of Oz” the same way ever again, but in a good way. The best song in the musical has to be either “What is This Feeling?,” “Popular,” or “Defying Gravity.” In my first listen to “What is This Feeling?” I had to pause multiple times to stop laughing. “Popular” is what I would call a theatre kid song, but “Defying Gravity” by Idina Menzel is good enough for anyone’s playlist. There’s no recording, but the music is all on Youtube for free.

image courtesy of Serino Coyne Inc.

2000-2010: Wicked

“Be More Chill” had a brief Broadway run from March to August 2019, which I think was far too short for such a good musical. The musical is about a boy who wants to be popular so badly that he takes a pill which creates a voice telling him everything he needs to do to be popular. The voice is often represented on stage as a person and has multiple musical numbers, which are some of the most interesting parts of the show, with multiple rock and techno songs. The show’s rock and techno-style reminds me of “Footloose,” but done better. The show has a silly sense of humor and is jam packed with cultural references that I think people ages 12 through 20 would enjoy, but would cause anyone with a 401(k) to be confused. All the music is on Youtube for free, but no visual accompaniment is currently available without seeing it in person.

image courtesy of LDK Production

2010-2020: Be More Chill

2000

2010

2020

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HIP-HOP

SPREAD DESIGN BY SOPHIA LIU

RAP THE ROUTE

cou rtes y of Chas e Fost Pho tos

illustration by | SOPHIA LIU

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Senior Kobe Jones pursues career in music with over 11,000 Spotify listeners

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10.27.20

a physical [process],” Rose said. “When I’m making a beat, I use these things called plug-ins where there are different chords and keyboards. I just put the drums together [and] mix it, and then the beat kind of flows efore senior Kobe Jones started producing music, better together.” his daily schedule followed a rather bland routine.

So far, Jones has released four singles, with two being Wake up, go to school, hang out with friends and released in the past months. Currently, his songs are on finally, sleep. But after a year filled with inspiring ophis Soundcloud, @Fina, though he has been featured in portunities, things look a bit different. On top of school, the songs of other artists too.

Jones has a move to Los Angeles planned and spends his “I made a song called ‘OFF WHITE’ featuring two days developing his music by working with his producer of my friends, a song called ‘Wanna’, [and] a song called to create new music for his listeners.

‘Right Way’ and then I just dropped a song called Compared to other artists, Jones’s sudden growth ‘SLIMEY!,’” Jones said. “For the album, I have a lot makes his music career unique. As a high school stuof songs that I have to go back and re-record or piece dent, Jones has always been intrigued by music, from together perfectly.” listening to artists he admired or even freestyling with Anthony Smiff, one of Jones’s close friends and anhis friends. Despite his interest in music, he wasn’t conother aspiring music artist, has known Jones since the fident in his creation abilities until last year, when Jones beginning stages of his career. Smiff is even featured in met his producer, Ian Rose, at a mutual friend’s party.

Jones’s song, “OFF WHITE.” After “At first, I was thinking I would frequently spending time together have to rely on the electronic aspect of and collaborating on several songs, [producing], like the way my vocals Smiff continues to be impressed sound or the equipment [I’m] using,” You just have to find a with Jones’s work ethic and unwavJones said. “But now I’ve met my beat and then go from ering commitment to producing producer, Ian, so I feel comfortable there; your mind just music of quality. actually making music.” runs free.

“It’s amazing since it’s like he Since then, more people have doesn’t sleep,” Smiff said. “As soon discovered his music, with his SpoKOBE JONES | SENIOR as it gets dark outside, wherever we tify account, @Fina, accumulating are, he just puts in his headphones over 11,000 monthly listeners. Even and listens to beats. Once we go to though Rose and Jones have only sleep, he would still be up, writing music to whatever known each other for a year, their music has spread all beat he likes.” over America, amassing listeners in major cities.

To expand his network in pursuit of his music career, “We’ll just be riding on the street [and] you can hear Jones is preparing a move to Los Angeles. Even though somebody play our song; that’s like the best feeling moving was a significant decision that took months of ever,” Rose said. “You can tell how he’s developed over consideration, Jones seized the chance, hoping to take time. It’s crazy because we really haven’t been taking advantage of the opportunities that could transform his music seriously for not even a full year.” music career.

Not only is his quick rise to fame unique, but Jones’s “I’m living with my friend out there and [Ian’s] gonna ability to create music while balancing school shows be there, too,” Jones said. “It’s the city of dreams. You his dedication to creating the best product for his fans. could literally meet someone down there and they could Though virtual learning has prompted him to alter his take you down a great path.” schedule, his music continues to be a top priority.

Only a year ago, Jones began writing music as a “I would just be in class with my headphones on and hobby. Now, he’s moving to Los Angeles, has a producer [Rose] would send me a beat,” Jones said. “Once I get out and has met countless supporters along the way. Despite of class, I just listen to it and think about what I’m going the challenges of managing school and moving during a to write to it. There was a point in time where I was pandemic, Jones continues to approach his music with a writing about five or six times a day.” burning passion.

Although Jones writes lyrics for hours by himself, “[I’m proud of ] seeing how much I’ve changed and Rose must first send him a beat to create tracks. Rose how much I can do now. I listen to old music [and] I’m usually generates beats with his laptop, experimenting like, ‘What?,’” Jones said. “You have to personalize it to with different rhythms, instruments and melodies. yourself so it’s part of what you want to do rather than “I gotta be in the mood [since] I make a beat dependanyone else.” p ing on how I feel; it’s really a mental process more than

OLIVIA HU staff writer

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HIP-HOP

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FRUEND'S GOT FUNK Senior Andrew Fruend begins to add vocals to his own beats CLAYTON COUGHLIN features editor

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s senior Andrew Fruend’s arms burst through the surface of the water and his lungs inflate with oxygen, his brain is not only focused on reaching the other side of the pool, but is swimming with possible lyrics for his next upcoming song.

Since 2018, Fruend has been producing his own electronic beats with vocals and has developed a multischool following. With the birth of Fruend's rapping career, the current of his life flowed in a new direction.

“I kind of just watched a bunch of YouTube tutorials to try to figure out what I was doing,” Fruend said. “I figured out maybe I should put this drum here and this one there and made a melody ... it was not very good, but it was a good starting place.”

After about 50 beats, Fruend decided to try to market and sell his beats to up-and-coming rappers. Fruend tinkered with his talent and began to put in his own money, buying supplementary equipment like an audio interface and a keyboard.

“Eventually, my beats got to the quality where I wanted to rap over them myself,” Fruend said. “So I just started making rap music.”

Fruend’s friends responded to Fruend's impromptu undertaking with support. Some, like senior Walter “Orion” Kornfeld, help with the idea process, perform alongside him and serve as a backboard for Fruend.

“Like any creative endeavor, there’s a certain goofiness,” Kornfeld said. “Here’s Andrew going to join the ranks of white rappers out there on Soundcloud but, to be honest, it was really cool when I heard Andrew is going to be creating something.”

Fruend’s reluctance to begin rapping came from the fear it would put a negative light on him for colleges and with his peers. But, due to the ease that SoundCloud made it to share music, Fruend officially became Binomial, his new rapper name.

“I was a little nervous about how my first song would be received,” Fruend said. “I didn’t want to get laughed at or memed on in the wrong kind of way, and so that always kind of made me a little afraid.”

Equipped with his musical ability in both guitar and piano, Fruend tackled the first topic that floated to the forefront of his mind and wrote his first and most wellknown song: "Wii Sport Resort." Unable to shake this old Nintendo video game from his brain, he freestyled, rhymed and strung together a song that would be performed at not just one, but two separate school talent shows.

“The first time I remember performing in front of a live audience was at the John Burroughs talent show,” Fruend said. “My best friend snuck me in and got me on stage because he knew the guy running the show and the Burroughs crowd really liked it.”

Fruend and Kornfeld, along with two other friends, brought the Burroughs crowd to their feet in a packed auditorium. Students were jumping up and down with the

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

10.27.20

beat, waving their phones as flashlights and even rapping try to work in a message more into my songs, but mostly along the chorus of "Wii Sport Resort." now with my current lyric writing and melody abilities, I “They started going nuts,” Kornfeld said. “And then we think it’s best to stick with less serious themes and ideas.” were also going nuts. Andrew is doing his front man thing Fruend’s audience is no secret underground entourage; [and] really gets people excited; people were just going instead, they text Fruend ideas, give him words of crazy.” encouragement and create an environment that fosters In addition to the encouragement at Burroughs, his creativity. Fruend plans to continue making music Fruend has an extensive support throughout college and hopes to build a system at Ladue. Among them is successful business. senior Gabe DiAntonio, a long-time “You know that one day, he’ll get a friend of Fruend and a witness to his much bigger following,” Kornfeld said. transformation into Binomial.

“But I think on a personal level, in the The most success I've “I don’t just see Binomial future, he’ll continue to just have a lot had from my experience performing at Ladue or Burrough of fun doing this, and that it will be a has been when I'm just functions,” DiAntonio said. “I see great outlet for him to communicate his trying to have fun.

Binomial on the big stage at MICDS ideas to the world.” functions, U. City functions, Clayton Fruend’s journey into music has ANDREW FRUEND | SENIOR functions or potentially wherever he made him vulnerable to the judgment goes to college.” of his peers, but Fruend learned to Fruend’s music pulls in a wide variety of listeners due focus on the positive feedback and keep doing what he to its clever punchlines, double entendres and irony in loves. Fruend began rapping because of a continued describing topics like one of his favorite video games or interest in music. mumble rappers. Most of Fruend’s intelligent jokes stem “Whenever I’m trying to just grind to make money, from his deep love of the Ladue community. it’s not a very exciting experience, and I don’t get very “Most of the time, it’s more to entertain the most far,” Fruend said. “The most success I’ve had from my people,” Fruend said. “When I get more experienced I will experience has been when I’m just trying to have fun.” p

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Binomial Mumble Rappers

179 1:39

"It's an ironic song where I try to rap really fast to kind of poke fun at rapping elitists and make fun of mumble rappers."

Binomial Wii Sports Resort

494 1:23 2:48

"On Halloween, some people on the swim team were like, 'you should make a song out of this' and I just made a full song."

Binomial Benihana 15 2:36 "The favorite track I've made is Benihana. What I like about it is the rhythm and how it's different than my other songs."

BINOMIAL'S

BEATS Andrew Fruend provides his insight on three of his favorite songs illustration by | JOANNE SUNG

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HIP-HOP & OPINIONS

SPREAD DESIGN BY HUGH CHAN | MARISSA MATHIESON

HIP-HOP

HEROES HUGH CHAN

Panorama ranks the most influential and genre-defining hip-hop artists of the past decade

As divisive as he is now, Kanye West’s influence on hip-hop in the past decade is undeniable. Kanye’s first album of the decade, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” boasts lyrical excellence and incredible guest verses, but it’s the album’s masterful production that illustrates the magnitude of Kanye’s importance. The 13 tracks within “MBDTF” feature 23 samples from various musical genres and eras; Kanye’s dedication to infuse the album with melodies not traditionally found in rap pushes the boundaries of hip-hop to encompass a more diversified sound. The lasting influence of Kanye’s genre-bending work is reflected by the rise of hip-hop artists that came after “MBDTF.” In Drake and Travis Scott’s music, for example, the imprints of Kanye’s production approach are evident as both artists incorporate a multitude of untraditional melodies within their songs. Ultimately, Kanye’s refusal to follow the norms of hip-hop shaped the musical landscape of the 2010s, paving the way for some of the genre’s biggest current artists.

editor in chief

2. CHIEF KEEF Chief Keef burst into the music scene as a teenager in 2012 with a ferocity that would forever alter the course of hip-hop.

Singles such as “I Don’t Like” and “Love Sosa,” which depict the violence and chaos of life in Chicago, birthed a new subgenre of hip-hop: drill music.

Many of today’s biggest artists, such as Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert and Playboi Carti, borrow several defining characteristics of drill music, from catchy ad-libs to the guttural delivery of verses and melodies. Although he has failed to achieve the same level of popularity as those he inspired, Chief Keef’s influence as the forerunner of drill music directly contributed to the success of hip-hop’s new generation.

1. KANYE WEST

illustration by | NICOLE GORRELL

3. DRAKE While Drake has not influenced his fellow hip-hop artists to the same extent as the other entries on this list, he is the main factor behind hip-hop’s meteoric rise in popularity throughout the 2010s. Drake’s greatest strength is his ability to borrow and combine elements from the music of his peers and predecessors.

His critics label this tendency as stealing, but in reality, Drake is the culmination of this decade’s hip-hop revolutionaries. Drake’s domination of streaming numbers and Billboard records, achieved by blending countless genres and musical styles in his discography, illustrates the rapid growth of hip-hop’s status in the world of music. As the driving force behind hip-hop’s explosive growth, Drake deserves the title of being among the genre’s most influential artists.

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

10.27.20

illustration by | MARISSA MATHIESON

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC

Music classes should be required through middle school BRYSON LIANG staff writer

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rom early childhood and throughout elementary school, Ladue students are required to take music classes. Many students enjoy these classes and look back upon them as fond memories. However, when coming to middle school, many of them decide to drop out of music classes in favor of something else. Due to all the benefits that playing music provides, music classes should be required at least through middle school.

Numerous studies have shown that practicing and listening to music offers a myriad of benefits. These benefits can apply to all facets of life and help prepare students for future endeavors. A study by Jenny Silverstone, the author of research-driven blog Mom Loves Best, shows that music education improves memory, teamwork, problem solving, hand-eye coordination and powerful study habits.

Additionally, according to College Board, music students often have high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. Outside of music’s impact on academic achievement, music education correlates with success in other fields.

Many high achievers have said that music opened up pathways to creative thinking. For example, in an interview with the New York Times, Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, revealed how music was a safe space for him after marathon days of programming. Furthermore, Allen stated that music helped him channel a creative impulse that allowed him to view things through a different perspective.

Music can also serve as a method of therapy. In today’s world, students have lots of pressure to succeed and do well in school. This pressure for good grades can increase stress and anxiety in students, leading to poor physical, social and emotional health. According to Rick Nauert, the Associate News Editor of PsychCentral, playing music can serve as an oasis that soothes anxiety and reduces pain, as researchers have found that music activates sensory pathways that takes focus away from anxiety.

Despite the benefits of music, some students drop music classes because they dislike practicing. However, although practice may feel like a chore, the consistency and perseverance that it instills far outweighs the momentary feeling of boredom.

Even though a music education has many positive impacts on students’ growth and development, it is often viewed as unnecessary and therefore not required in a student’s curriculum. Thus, because it is treated as unimportant, students often decide to drop the class. If music were to be required through middle school, students and parents alike would realize its significance and pursue it more seriously.

The requirement of music classes through middle school will consequently lead students to not only grow and mature as people, but also have fun. When a student hits the correct note or gets a complicated rhythm down, the joy is indescribable. Requiring Ladue students to attend music classes through middle school boosts their chance for a bright future and instills lifelong habits critial to success. p

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OPINIONS

SPREAD DESIGN BY TARIQ LASHLEY I CAROLINE TYRRELL

illustration by I ERICA SHI

TARIQ LASHLEY a&e staff

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f you had me pick one of the worst qualities in the music industry today, it would be the gross glorification and romanticization of mental illness within the art.

I’ve heard the story of Vincent Van Gogh eating yellow paint a hundred different times, and each time another variation of the same basic premise.

In one version, Van Gogh eats the paint because he thought doing so would inspire himself to paint better as some sort of alchemical stepping stone for the mind. Afterwards he painted his magnum opus, “The Starry Night.”

In another version of the story, Van Gogh apparently ate the yellow paint as a statement — an abstract showcase of how the monarchs of Renaissance Europe made artists sacrifice their own health for the sake of art. These stories are always recounted with something along the lines of “Every genius is a little bit crazy!” or “Everyone has their yellow paint!” Placing this parable on some sort of pedestal almost gives the impression that everyone should eat yellow paint, as if that would give them the talent needed to make art.

This romanticization of mental illness is reflected in the modern music industry; Kanye West fans exclaim, “No sane man could have made ‘The College Dropout!’” every time Kanye stops taking his medicine and people showed a great disdain to Mary J. Blige’s music after her recovery from substance abuse and abusive relationships.

Artists like Eminem are blasted online by people saying that the rapper should break his sobriety so he can write better music like he used to. In a culture that has become so accepting of speaking about mental health issues, mental recovery is almost seen as a negative when the fans can’t get the same music they are used to. On his fourth rap album “Some Rap Songs,” Earl Sweatshirt went through a mental journey of his psyche and ending on the betterment of himself, but some fans still felt the album was mediocre just because it didn’t reflect the same emotions from Earl Sweatshirt that they were used to.

Since music is ever-present, teens see this behavior and repeat it. People grow up truly thinking they need to be broken, or they need to be mentally ill to make good art, and this dangerous mindset has not changed since the days of Van Gogh.

Van Gogh didn’t eat paint because of some abstract purpose or in search for inspiring visions. He didn’t eat it because of his bizzare love for the color, either; Van Gogh was bipolar and depressive. He ate yellow paint as a suicide attempt, and glamorizing behavior like this is one of the most dangerous narratives that the music industry has pushed in the last few decades. p

GILDED YELLOW The glorification of mental illnesses in the music industry

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COUNTRY MUSIC CONTROVERSY FOR

AGAINST

Country music is successful and superior

Country is the worst music genre

EMILY WALKER

CAROLINE TYRRELL

a&e staff

news editor

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he appeal of country music is unmatched. When here are two types of people in this world: those you listen to country music, you enter a new who like country music, and those who actually world — one of gentle and yet rugged voices have taste. Country music is easily the most telling stories of where they’ve come from, and where controversial when it comes to music genres, but I they might be one day in the future. Country music is personally dislike country music due to the absence of one of the best genres because it’s impactful, variety between all the songs and the lack of focus meaningful and the size of the crowds it on musical quality. by | JOANN ion ES t draws is no matter of coincidence.

When I am forced to listen to country a UN str G A great deal of top-quality musicians music by my country-loving friends, I nollu have their origins rooted in country mutice one thing: all country songs are about sic, finding themselves within the soulful the same topics. Whether that topic be tunes. For example, Taylor Swift gained girls, days at the lake, the South or beer. It her fame in the early years of her career with would be difficult to find a single counthe multitude of successful songs she has try song that doesn’t mention at least one released. With songs such as “Fearless”, of those. The songs have absolutely no variety; “Love Story” and “You Belong with Me,” each song has the same deep country accent, which all reached high positions on restyle, instruments used and main ideas. Becord charts worldwide. cause of this, all country songs are extremely Not only does the country music predictable, creating no excitement when genre have many award-winning artists, listening to the genre. but the songs are also very diverse. It is a Additionally, it seems that people really new experience every time you put on your only like country music not because of how it headphones to relax and listen to a different sounds, but because of the “vibes” associated song. Country music has many different sounds with it. For example, many people enjoy drivbecause there are many subgenres of country muing on nice summer days with the windows sic, such as the subgenre Appalachian folk, which down with country music. However, this is a melting pot of African folk songs, English example shows that people are no longer ballads, Irish tunes and Scottish music. Another listening for the quality and character of the subgenre is Bluegrass music, which is influmusic, but for the imitation of good vibes. enced from jazz music and has more emphasis While country music is associated with on acoustic sound. Furthermore, bro-country and positive feelings, I believe that due to people pop-country are different types of subgenres which only listening to the genre for the vibes, the quality have many influences from pop and hip-hop music. of country music has deteriorated and the genre is no Many mainstream and well known country musicians, longer focused on musical excellence. such as Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, influence the Country music is a divisive genre, but it ultimately pop and hip-hop genres through their country music. has no musical value. When compared to other genres, Country music is a great genre because of the difcountry takes last place when it comes to variety and ferent subgenres and the influences from other types stature. Country fans should reevaluate if they actuof music. Everyone can have their own taste in music, ally enjoy the music, or if they are just longing for the but personally I believe country is one of the best. good memories that the genre creates.

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SPREAD DESIGN BY ZERU MARUT | KATIE HOLLAND

OPINIONS

RIDING THE BANDWAGON Why mainstream artists can't be "too popular" to listen to ZERU MARUT news staff

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here is a rising sentiment among music fans that tends to put them at odds with popular artists: the need to be special. Whether it be in the bowels of YouTube comment sections or heated Twitter threads, social media is full of people trying to show off their distinct taste, proving they're not just any music fan.

But there's no reason to dismiss popular artists just because they're "basic."

One justification for disliking mainstream artists is that if everyone listens to them, lesser known acts get less exposure.

It’s true that discovering a previously unknown musician is a great feeling, which also shouldn't be looked down on. However, listening to popular artists does not prevent someone from listening to less popular ones. The magic of streaming services is that hundreds of undiscovered artists are there to be found along with the more popular ones with just a few clicks.

Mainstream artists can be a great way to get into a new genre, as they tend to be a good indicator of what the genre sounds like. Many mainstream artists include lesser-known artists in their music, adapting to their style while also introducing the new artist to a larger audience, which

may even help launch the newer act to greater success. For example, when Lil Wayne, one of the biggest rappers of the 2000s, backed Drake's (who was at the time just an up-and-coming singer/rapper) entry into the music industry, nobody could have known that Drake would eventually grow into one of the most popular and influential artists of the decade, if not all time.

While listening to unconventional artists is okay, and there are justifiable reasons to dislike popular artists, being "too popular" isn't one of those reasons. It's important to recognize what mainstream artists do, whether it be representing their genre, introducing new acts to a bigger audience or simply making good music. p

ZERU'S TOP POPULAR ARTISTS

DRAKE

Rap, Pop, R&B

About:

Starting the decade as a promising singer and rapper, Drake ended the 2010s as a titan of the music industry. Whether it be his record-smashing discography, numerous accolades or unique music style, Drake is a name almost everyone can recognize.

FRANK OCEAN R&B, Pop

Recommended Songs: "Laugh Now Cry Later," "Find Your Love," "Feel No Ways," "Company"

About:

Recommended Songs: "Ivy," "In My Room," "Pyramids," "Thinkin Bout You"

Despite only having two albums and a mixtape in his nine-year-long career, Frank Ocean stands out as one of the defining voices of this generation. Ocean's infamous gaps between projects adds to his mystique, dropping singles along the way to keep his fans begging for more.

LIL UZI VERT Rap

About:

Recommended Songs: "XO TOUR Llif3," "20 Min," "For Real," "Yessirskii"

Coming from Philadelphia, Lil Uzi Vert rose to stardom in 2016 and 2017 with his album “Luv is Rage 2” cementing his image in the mainstream. Uzi’s charismatic vocals and playful demeanor make him stand out from his peers.

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

10.27.20

illustration by | DANIELLE ZHANG

PANO PERSPECTIVE

Music streaming services should be unblocked on school-issued computers 30 out of 30 Panorama staff members agree

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ue to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, students are logged on to their computers more than ever before. With classes taking place virtually, being connected at almost all times is essential to success. After students leave the virtual classroom, there is no definite divide between being in class versus out of class. As students have continued to spend hours sitting on Zoom and then begin to do homework, music is a way to separate a student from living on their computer. While doing homework, music can be a motivation to some and can make it easier to work. Thus, students should be able to access music streaming services through school-issued laptops.

Students have limited access to Apple Music via their laptops should they choose to connect their personal account information and already have a subscription to the service. However, Spotify, Pandora, Soundcloud, Amazon Music, Youtube Music and iHeartRadio remain blocked through Securly.

While restricting access to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu in the school setting is understandable due to the distractions those services could potentially bring, listening to music is beneficial for students when studying and doing homework. Listening to music while studying for long periods of time has proven helpful to the

retention of information and stamina. According to the Stanford School of Medicine, music causes the brain to pay more attention to the task at hand. Additionally, music is a mood-booster, and positive moods are directly linked to the formation of memories. The University of Nevada found that music with slower tempos can also help soothe stress, which is more important than ever given the stress students are under due to the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual learning.

As screentime has increased on computers, music makes it possible to differentiate time in class and time doing out-of-school work and can help students unwind after long days sitting in Zoom classes.

Additionally, school-issued laptops are the only computers some Ladue students have access to while at home.

These students deserve the same privileges as their peers when it comes to technology, and unblocking music streaming sites would grant access to resources that were previously unattainable.

While there may be concerns regarding students using these services at inappropriate times or to tune teachers out, high school students are mature enough to decide how they want to spend their time. Unblocking music streaming services would prove beneficial to students. p

Editorial Note: Each editorial, Panorama selects an issue that the staff thinks is important to address and expresses a view that belongs to the majority of the staff. Panorama welcomes the opinions of its readers, and encourages letters to the editors. Please bring signed letters to room 1311 or email Panorama at publications01@ladueschools.net. Panorama reserves the right to revise submissions for length as long as original intent remains unaltered.

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