The Hoya: The Guide: December 4, 2015

the guide FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015

nd a l e r B l e i n Da

Georgetown University Orchestra

Tigers Are Ba d

For Horses

Deuce B

Liberal Leav e

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: JINWOO CHONG/THE HOYA, PHOTOS COURTESY ANGEL GIL-ORDONEZ, TIGERS ARE BAD FOR HORSES, DEUCE B AND STEPHEN YAEGER, ILLUSTRATION BY JESUS RODRIGUEZ/THE HOYA

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THE HOYA

friday, DECEMBER 4, 2015

liberal leave Sophomores form alternative rock group under Guild of Bands Sean Davey

Hoya Staff Writer

On snowy days, students across campus wait in anticipation for an email from University Registrar John Q. Pierce. Last winter’s particularly inclement weather led to three snow days and many emails from Pierce, notifying students about the status of their classes. Stephen Yaeger (SFS ’18), Lucas Chan (COL ’18), Patrick Soltis (COL ’18) and Brittany Donowho (COL ’18) particularly loved these emails — especially because they were working to find a name for their nascent band.

“We tend to keep an eye out for cool band names in everyday life.

Last winter, a certain administrative policy was popping up in a lot of emails, and the name ‘Liberal Leave with Instructional Continuity’ was born,” Yaeger said.

Liberal Leave with Instructional Continuity, which recently played its first show at the Guild of Bands concert in Gonda Theater late November, got its beginnings in the hallways of the first floor of New South Hall last year, where its members lived.

Yaeger, the drummer, takes pride in the band’s modest origins, claiming its first impromptu live performance was “Lucas playing his acoustic in the common room to the beat of my tapping out rhythms on the table.”

Soltis, who plays bass, recalled broaching the subject before all the members joined the project.

“I like to imagine it comparable to a middle schooler asking another middle schooler on a date. I alluded to the idea a few times, then finally popped the big question when it was time for preregistration,” Soltis said.

A couple of weeks into the band’s

first semester back on campus this year, Donowho joined the ranks of the group as the lead vocalist and keyboardist, the former she describes as a step out of her comfort zone.

“I like to sing around the house and used to sing while Lucas played guitar on NS1 but really, I’m not exactly a singer. I guess I am now though,” Donowho wrote in an email to The Hoya.

Rather than jostling for highbrow recognition in the college music sphere, the band members take a more lighthearted approach when describing their musical influences, which Yaeger lists as “anything from Guitar Hero 3, Television soundtracks including the music for the end theme for the Power Puff Girls and mid-2000s feel-good summer hits.”

Of their sound, Chan said their musical influences are far ranging.

“I think most of our songs sound very much like pop-y hard alternative songs like from the Joy Formidable but a lot less impressive,” Chan said.

Donowho described their style slightly differently.

“We rock hard. So… rock alternative, maybe?” Donowho wrote.

The group has been fleshing out their sound in preparation for its first Guild of Bands concert. Guild of Bands is a group of student bands organized by music professor Joe McCarthy, who gives feedback to Liberal Leave every week.

Looking forward, Liberal Leave is in the process of laying the groundwork for an effort at legitimizing itself as a band. In addition to booking gigs, the group is in the early stages of recording its material with professional equipment.

Last week, the band recorded its first original song, “Skeleton,” which will be released online soon.

It seems the members’ increasing success has yet to go to their heads, as Yaeger said of other markers of progress with trademark band member indifference.

“I also recently came into possession of a copy of ‘Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee’ for the Gamecube, and Lucas got a 90 on his oral

exam. So that’s pretty cool too, I guess,” Yaeger said.

Seemingly lacking the tumult and drama that are par for the course in the origin story of any beloved musical group, the band is laying low in these early days and keeping focused on the music. In the aftermath of the first concert

performance and official recording session, Yaeger said the group remains casual.

“We’re trying to write good songs and be able to play them well, but we’re not super ambitious to be really successful or anything. We’re just trying to have a good time,” Yaeger said.

COURTESY STEPHEN YAEGER

Liberal Leave with Instructional Continuity is comprised of Stephen Yaeger (SFS ’18) on drums, Lucas Chan (COL ’18) on lead guitar, Brittany Donowho (COL ’18) on vocals and Patrick Solits (COL ’18) on bass.

DANIEL BRELAND After signing to a record label, singer-songwriter prepares upcoming EP Tom Garzillo Hoya Staff Writer

By now, Daniel Breland (MSB ’17) is a more-than-familiar face on campus. In August, Breland signed a songwriting contract with independent record label Water Music, bolstering his endeavors as a hip hop artist. This winter, Breland is gearing up to the release of the first installment of an ambitious series of seasonal releases, starting with a five-track EP titled “Stop Everything.”

Breland envisions the EP to be a blend of hip-hop, soul and electronic music modeled after the fall weather.

“Fall starts off warm and gets colder,” Breland said. “I wanted the production, lyrics and melodies to all match that idea of getting progressively darker.”

The record, produced entirely by

Breland’s longtime friend and collaborator Nathan Anthony, boasts a fusion of traditional and modern sounds that Breland said was partially influenced by Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album “To Pimp a Butterfly.”

“I was listening to … the way he’s tackling social issues while also paying homage to the different traditionally black genres of music like jazz, soul and funk,” Breland said.

“I’m trying to incorporate all of that into this sonic experience that represents the time we’re in right now.”

“Stop Everything” is Breland’s first release since “Open Season,” the 12-track album he released during his freshman year. Breland said this new EP is a mark of his artistic improvement.

“I don’t want [“Open Season”] to be the last thing that people can look me up by,” Breland said. “It was

good at the time but … I want something that’s more representative of my current headspace and where I’m at musically.”

Breland recorded and engineered the entire EP in his Village A apartment-turned-recording-studio.

Still, most of his time is spent writing songs for other artists under the Water Music label.

“Over the course of this semester I’ve written 40 or 50 songs, [but] there are maybe only 10 of those I would do myself,” Breland said.

“The other 35 or 45 are songs that I’m trying to push to major label artists.”

The songs on “Stop Everything” address a wide range of social issues including race, identity and police brutality. Breland said the record is a message intended to grab the attention of his generation.

“It’s a wake-up call to things we can improve on as a culture,”

Breland said. “I want people to ‘stop everything’ and listen, but [the EP] is also talking about things we can stop or improve upon.”

While the record touches on sobering topics, Breland made a point to craft songs that are as enjoyable and listenable as they are complex. He cited “Used,” a commentary on modern relationships, as an example of this duality.

“That song is really catchy, so unless you’re really listening to the lyrics you might not realize it’s a bit heavier,” Breland said. “I want people to be able to have both experiences: something you can dive into, but also something you can just put on in the background.”

Breland stressed the importance of putting out an easily accessible record that invites a variety of responses.

“I don’t want people to always have to have their headphones on alone in

COURTESY DANIEL BRELAND

Daniel Breland will soon release a five-track EP titled “Stop Everything”(cover pcitured), the first in a series of four EPs modeled after the seasons. It is his first major release since he signed to Water Music record label in Aug. 2015 and the follow-up to his full-length album “Open Season” in 2013.

a room, or have a pen and pad out,” Breland said. “They can just listen to it and take it in … but if they want to go in and look at the lyrics, wordplay and overall message of the songs, it can be more reflective.”

Breland hopes to follow up “Stop Everything” with a slower, more somber winter release in mid-February and a spring record sometime in April. The seasonal EPs will conclude with a summer release, which Breland says will feature upbeat pop and EDM tracks.

“When it comes together you’ll have 20 to 22 songs,” Breland said.

“If you listen to them it will take you through the whole year.”

Since August, Water Music has helped connect Breland with artists, producers and songwriters across the country.

“My label has been super helpful in keeping me on my game and keeping my pen hot,” Breland said.

“Music is a collaborative thing. Even if I were producing, writing and singing everything on my own, I would still need to have people help me promote the music.”

In addition to his songwriting work with Water Music, Breland is involved in the on-campus music scene.

“It’s a very small group, but it’s a talented crop,” Breland said. “Of the people who are trying to put out their own work as musical artists, I know most of them.”

Breland is featured on an upcoming mixtape by Benjamin Brooks (SFS ’16), whose stage name is Deuce B (see interview on B3). He is also high school friends with Dave Spadaccini (COL ’17), the bassist for the band Faces for Radio.

Reagan Lawn (COL ’16), who is a member of the Georgetown Phantoms with Breland, said she is proud of his accomplishments.

“He is probably one of the most talented singers and musicians I know, so it’s no surprise that he would be eventually successful,” Lawn said.

“It’s so cool to see someone with the talent that he has really going forward with it.”

Breland said he wants to inspire all up-and-coming bands, rappers, singers and producers on the Hilltop.

“I want to be at the forefront and show people that [music] is something you can pursue and be passionate about,” he said. “I never want to give up on the artistry. My goal is to create really dope art in whatever way I can.”

“Stop Everything” will be available on Soundcloud and Datpiff.

Visit thehoya.com/music-issue-2015 to listen to tracks from all four artists.

the guide

friday, december 4, 2015

THE HOYA

B3

Tigers Are Bad for Horses Alumni group rolls out debut alternative electronic pop EP today Jane Mikus

Hoya Staff Writer

Lyell Evans Roeder (COL ’13) and Mary Ellen Funke (SFS ’15), who make up the alternative pop group Tigers Are Bad For Horses, have come a long way since they first bonded over their mutual passion for electronic music as students at Georgetown University. Since the duo formed in 2014, Roeder and Funke have worked to turn their casual interest into a serious endeavor, resulting in their debut EP — “TABFH” — that was released today.

According to Roeder, the pair started by experimenting with musical styles, influenced by the sounds of artists, such as Bonobo and Bon Iver.

“We knew each other through mutual friends and from recording together my senior year,” Roeder said. “Late in the following year, we decided it would be fun to make some more music. We started with a few songs and then went from there.”

After producing a few songs and a background track for a studentmade film, Roeder and Funke decided to expand beyond Georgetown. In the fall of 2014, the two began to play at local Washington, D.C. shows and devoted more time to songwriting and producing.

Their work soon amassed listeners both inside and outside of Georgetown, and the two steadily gained traction in the industry.

A year ago, the group released their first single, a smooth electronic track featuring Funke’s velvety vocals called “Revolver.” The track begins with rich harmonies and sustains a full, haunting tone throughout various musical segments. Shortly after the song’s release, it was picked up by electro radio station SiriusXM Chill.

“Around the same time we started playing shows, we found the op-

portunity to write ‘Recovery,’” Roeder said. “That jumpstarted us to start playing seriously and making a lot more music.”

So far, the group has produced two additional singles while simultaneously working on three songs set to be released on its debut EP. According to the duo, this upcoming release will provide fans with a taste of the band’s true style built up in previous singles.

“We think it’s our best work and way more representative of the sound that we want to go for,” Funke said. “We’re excited to get it out there.”

Roeder and Funke said that they both contribute equally to the writing and production of each song.

“Messenger,” the first track on the EP, was a product of this synergy.

“We sat down together and decided we wanted something that would have a chorus — a little bit more like alt-J,” Roeder said. “We wrote some of the melodies and chords together; and then Mary Ellen wrote the lyrics, and the story of the song on top of that. It grew from there in terms of the production.”

Although each of the tracks on “TABFH” started in a different place and with unique inspiration, Roeder and Funke have been consistently meticulous in the writing and production processes.

“It’s very collaborative, but it takes a lot,” Roeder said. “We started working on the EP a year ago.”

Since their formation, the group has also played a number of venues and shows around the D.C. area, from lounges to benefit concerts to Georgetown’s very own Kickback Music and Arts Festival hosted by Students of Georgetown, Inc. in both 2014 and 2015.

“We’ve played a couple of shows at DC9 which have been really fun,” Roeder said. “It’s a great venue with good sound and energy. Some of

the art shows we’ve played have been awesome too. They have this local, Georgetown vibe and the whole audience is really into the music.”

However, the duo admit that not every performance has been a perfect one, even joking about shows that did not go as planned.

“Our most memorable night might be when the sound guy had a delay on our mix,” Funke laughed.

“Yeah, we’ve had some pretty bad shows.”

Despite flawed stage mixes and obstacles along the way, Roeder and Funke are clearly destined for success. With plans to play at more hot venues around D.C. and the rising anticipation of its new EP, the pair is steadily breaking into the electronic music scene.

Even with the excitement surrounding this rapid takeoff, how-

ever, the two remain humble by keeping their original goal in mind.

Tigers Are Bad For Horses formed due to a genuine passion for electronic music, and this motivation will remain a priority.

“Our focus is on trying to get our sound out now and setting goals from there,” Funke said. “We primarily want people to hear us and to get our music out to as many people as we can.”

COURTESY TIGERS ARE BAD FOR HORSES

Alternative pop duo Tigers Are Bad For Horses — consisting of Mary Ellen Funke (SFS ’15) and Lyell Evans Roeder (COL ’13) — released their debut EP, “TABFH,” today. The two met while studying at Georgetown.

Deuce B Nearing graduation, rapper plans to release mixtape next year Toby Hung

Hoya Staff Writer

Like many other seniors this job application cycle, Benjamin Brooks (SFS ’16) has a resume replete with a wide range of activities, from a pub-

lic policy internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers to his volunteer work at the Center for Social Justice. Yet, Brooks’ most significant accomplishment — his “competitive advantage” — is perhaps his part-time career as a rapper, under his stage name Deuce B.

Brooks, whose first album “The Statement” was released on iTunes almost two years ago, is currently working on a mixtape entitled “AAA,” with an expected release date of early next year. He has also been collaborating with other artists, in-

COURTESY BENJAMIN BROOKS

Benjamin Brooks (SFS ’16), who performs under the stage name Deuce B, balances Georgetown classes, job hunting and his side career as a hip hop artist. His new mixtape “AAA” is set for release early next year.

cluding Daniel Breland (MSB ’17), on as his musical style is constantly shifting. different projects.

“I don’t like to do the same rhyme Growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Houston, Tx., Brooks patterns every time. I like to apstarted pursuing hip hop after watch- proach different beats differently ing rap battle videos with his friends depending on what the song’s about in high school, and around the time or how I feel at the moment,” Brooks that Lil Wayne released “Tha Carter said. “I don’t want to be known as the III” —“back when he was still good,” artist whose new stuff sounds like according to Brooks. his old stuff … A good artist changes Brooks said his hometown serves based on how he feels, and how the as an important influence on his atmosphere is when he’s making work. music. Constance is a bad thing. “[I’m inspired by] the compari- We need to always be evolving.” son with [Georgetown and] where When he is not recording or writI was before Georgetown. I came ing lyrics, Brooks’ schedule is simifrom a low-income area, so I had to lar to that of any other student. An overcome that. I guess I use that as international politics major, Brooks a triumph over hardships, and I try participates in the After School to implement that in some of my Kids program at the Center for Solyrics,” Brooks said. “I rap about life, cial Justice, as well as the Collegiate rather than mon100 mentorey, cars, clothes.”

“I came from a low-income ship group.

When he arAdditionally, rived at George- area, so I had to overcome Brooks is seektown, Brooks be- that. I guess I use that as a ing postgradugan treating hip ate employhop as a serious truimph over hardships, and ment. career, burning “I don’t sleep I try to implement that in CDs and working a lot. I wake up on his first al- some of my lyrics.” at 5 a.m. to do bum, which was some stuff. It’s BENJAMIN BROOKS (SFS ’16) released in his really hard to Rapper sophomore year. manage it all, His roommate but the stuff is freshman year, Caleb Corr (MSB ’16), what I enjoy doing, so it’s not really produced the album. a struggle,” Brooks said. “Right now After his first album, Brooks I’m just trying to find a job.” gained popularity around campus After his next album, Brooks plans and in the greater D.C. area. This on continuing hip hop as a hobby in year, Brooks performed at the Kick- addition to his job. Currently, he has back Music Festival, organized by been speaking with industry profesStudents of Georgetown, Inc. He sionals in Houston to discuss how also performs regularly at bars and to further expand. However, Brooks nightclubs both in D.C. and his na- has no plans on signing to a record tive Houston. Since its creation in label in the near future.

2008, his Facebook page has amassed “I’m probably going to work on 1,024 likes. dropping random singles, not be Brooks attributes this success to worried too much on doing a whole his extensive use of multiple social entire project, but just explore difmedia platforms such as Sound- ferent things I can do with music,” cloud and YouTube.

Brooks said. “I don’t even know if “Making the music is one thing, I’m going to sign to a music label marketing yourself and finding the even if that opportunity presents resources to market yourself is the itself. I like doing things indepensecond thing,” Brooks said. dently.”

However, Brooks said he would No matter what he ends up doing like the university to foster and ex- with music, however, Brooks said he pand the music scene on campus, in hopes to continue giving back to the order to create a community for the community he grew up in in Housdiverse range of student artists. ton.

“There’s so many of us, but there’s “My major goal has always been not really that community there. reaching back to my community.

Having more of these performances Some of the lyrics are talking about allows the artist to know what other me overcoming the things I had to artists are out there. There’s already experience in my neighborhood a diverse range of music, we just need back at home,” Brooks said. “The end to find it on campus,” Brooks said. goal of this is to make it big in music, With his upcoming album, Brooks make a lot of money and give back to said fans can expect to be surprised, my community.”

B4

the guide

THE HOYA

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015

THE CAPITAL OF LIVE MUSIC From Frank Wess to Fugazi to the Foo Fighters, the District has always been a hub for live music aficionados JOHN MILLER Hoya Staff Writer

The Washington, D.C., metro area is at the epicenter of a vibrant and diverse music community. From Marvin Gaye, the “Prince of Soul,” to Dave Grohl of Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, the area’s live music scene has spawned countless artists and inspired many others to follow their musical passions.

Live music in D.C. can be traced back to jazz.

The city is home to legendary artists including pianist Duke Ellington, pianist Billy Taylor and saxophonist Frank Wess, as well as venues including Bohemian Caverns, which served as a haven for the segregated black community in the 20th century. The U Street Corridor became known as Black Broadway, following the advent of its lively club scene.

This illustrious strip came to ruin after the 1969 riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. In response, the city’s musical core shifted to Georgetown with the opening of Blues Alley and One Step Down. Although rarely considered alongside cites such as New York, Chicago and Philadelphia, D.C. is an exceptionally fertile ground for musicians of all genres. In 1964, The Beatles chose to play their first U.S. concert at the Washington Coliseum.

In the 1980s, one of the country’s first hardcore punk scenes sprung out of D.C., with bands such as Bad Brains, Fugazi and Minor Threat emerging from the era. Many of the band members grew up in wealthy neighborhoods, including in Georgetown.

Today, the city continues to have a range of influences: North and South, urban and rural, deep history and modern innovation.

D.C. attracts a confluence of different musical styles and provides music lovers with an array of opportunities for seeing their favorite bands and enjoying live music of virtually any genre. The city also frequently plays host to some of the world’s biggest acts, while scores of obscure artists follow the precedent set by Marvin Gaye and folk giant John Denver, who launched international careers from the stages of the nation’s capital.

The diverse range of artists drawn to D.C. is matched only by the collection of distinct venues scattered across the city. While there are numerous venues with characters of their own, four establishments in particular are unsurpassed in their unique presentation of live music: the hip DC9 nightclub, the iconic U Street Music Hall, the ever-trendy 9:30 Club and the colossal Verizon Center.

The smallest venue of the four, DC9 is a nightclub that redefines the concertgoer’s conception of intimacy. Featuring bands of all genres, the club surely fits its motto “Music for the 21st Century.” While the club is typically 21 and over, there are many 18-plus events. In addition, the venue’s construction lends itself to crowd-surfing and hanging from the low ceiling. This Saturday, the club will host the Magnificent Intentions Music Festival, which

COURTESY U STREET MUSIC HALL

A popular venue for students who enjoy an intimate space for their concertgoing experience, the 9:30 Club was ranked by Esquire as the best music venue and has featured performances from artists including The Police, Fugazi, The Ramones, The Replacements and The Bangles. features local bands including Middle Distance Runner, Title Tracks and Alex Vans and the Hide Away.

General Manager Bill Spieler said he takes pride in the club’s ability to “to showcase upand-coming acts that are on the rise,” as well as the club’s full-service kitchen, run by chef Amber Bursik, a veteran of the city’s finest haut-cuisine restaurants such as Hook and Palena.

Widely known for its incredible sound quality, the U Street Music Hall is part of the U Street Music Foundation, a non-profit group supporting music education for youth in the DC area. U-Hall, as it is commonly referred to, has featured numerous internationally renowned disc jockeys and electronic artists in the past, such as Nicolas Jaar, A-Trak and Chromeo.

The 500-capacity venue features a dance floor flanked by two full bars. However, that is where its resemblance to other popular dance clubs ends. U-Hall focuses entirely on the music, with no VIP section, bottle service or dress code. This innovative approach earned it a spot on Rolling Stone’s top 10 dance clubs in the country in 2013. Upcoming performances at U-Hall include Tokimonsta, Eric Bellinger and Alex Metric.

Previously ranked as the best music venue in the country by Esquire, the 9:30 Club is popular among students who enjoy seeing the acts up close and personal. According to 9:30 Club Communications Director Audrey Fix Schaefer, the club offers a unique experience to concertgoers. “[It] has the best sound and sightlines [and] a caring staff that is concerned about your safety while ensuring a fun evening,” Schaefer said.

Lottie Cook (COL ’19), a frequent concertgoer, said she enjoys the club because of its size.

“It’s a small venue, so you get to be really engaged by the act,” Cook said.

These factors have contributed to the 9:30 Club’s distinction as the most popular nightclub of its size in the world, in terms of attendance. Far from a diamond in the rough, the club’s popularity often makes securing tickets a little tricky. Be sure to act quickly on upcoming concerts including Grace Potter, Lupe Fiasco, Guster, The Academy Is … and The Arcs.

Located in Chinatown, the Verizon Center is D.C.’s largest indoor venue. With a capac-

ity of over 20,000, the venue plays host to the NBA, NHL, Georgetown Hoyas and many of music’s biggest acts. Although the Verizon Center does not provide the same intimacy as the aforementioned venues, it often features larger names in pop music, including Elton John, Jay-Z and Taylor Swift.

Having hosted The Weeknd, Stevie Wonder and Ed Sheeran in just the past two months, the Verizon Center is unique in its ability to host productions on the largest scale, in which the lights, stage and effects can become a spectacle in their own right. Upcoming shows include the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Andrea Bocelli, Muse, Carrie Underwood and Rihanna.

Chelsea Fuchs (SFS ’19) said she appreciates the grand scale of concerts at the Verizon Center.

“Not many concert venues in D.C. have the capability to put on such large shows where stage design essentially becomes an art form,” Fuchs said.

While these venues possess unique attributes for those seeking live-music experiences, there remains plentiful competition in the D.C. area for the zealous concertgoer. Jazz fans will likely find a home away from home at Bohemian Caverns, while those looking for something both more formal and historic would be remiss to bypass the Lincoln Theater.

Washington, D.C. — the city that witnessed the formation of America’s first band, The U.S. Marine Band, in 1798, and was the site of the first demonstration of Thomas Edison’s recording machine — continues to be a hotbed of musical innovation.

THE WASHINGTON POST

The Verizon Center, the largest venue in D.C., is the venue of choice for many internationallyrenowned artists, including Elton John, who hosted a concert at the center in November 2013.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015

the guide

THE HOYA

B5

A Harmony of Diverse Talent

Under Director Angel Gil-Ordóñez’s leadership, the Georgetown University Orchestra rises to prominence

COURTESY ANGEL GIL-ORDONEZ

The Georgetown University Orchestra, made up of roughly 50 students, frequently plays at campus events such as the open rehearsal on Oct. 19, 2013, shown above, where students were invited to attend, bring an intrument and play along with the orchestra to pieces by composers including Franz Schubert, Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler.

KATE KIM

for the past three and a half years. Originally born in Madrid, Gil-Ordóñez boasts numerous awards for his work as a conductor, including On a campus where students are endlessly the highest civilian decoration in Spain — the preoccupied by classes and pre-professional Royal Order of Queen Isabella — awarded by pursuits, it is no surprise that playing live the king of Spain in 2006. music is often neglected as an extracurricuThe music department discovered Gillar activity. For 35 years, the Georgetown Ordóñez when it began a partnership with University Orchestra has remained one of the the PostClassical Ensemble six years ago. This university’s hidden gems. A large ensemble partnership has only strengthened under Gilmade up of roughly 50 students, the orches- Ordóñez’s leadership. Last Sunday’s concert tra performs a wide range of music spanning included a performance of Ives’ “Piano Sonata the baroque, classical, romantic and modern No. 2, ‘Concord, Massachusetts 1840-1860’” by periods. Yet, few students know about the the local PostClassical Ensemble in conjuncplethora of talent that quite literally radiates tion with GU Orchestra. For pieces where GU from the rehearsal halls in New North Hall.

Orchestra is lacking members in necessary secStudents— who join the tions, Gil-Ordóñez brings orchestra after a competi- “If everyone in the in members of the Posttive audition process— deClassical Ensemble to revote a significant amount orchestra just focused hearse and perform with of time to rehearsing, on making their own the students. meeting for two-hour Roy Park (MSB ’19), the part perfect and being sessions twice per week. principal cellist, said that While none of the stu- the star 100 percent he was drawn to the ordents are music or per- of the time, the overall chestra by Gil-Ordóñez. formance majors, they “I joined the orchesmay receive one class product would be like a tra because I heard such credit for their participa- bunch of dogs barking.” wonderful things about tion in the orchestra. the conductor, Angel, and Orchestra Director Anthey all proved to be true.

KYLE RINAUDO gel Gil-Ordóñez believes He guided us through a Orchestra Committee Chair, (SFS ’18) students are motivated very difficult and profound by their passion for mupiece with humor and dissic. cipline, and his passion “After a full day of classes, the students are was what made the concert successful,” Park there. They are there because they want to said. be there and they can’t imagine leaving aside To student musicians, the orchestra presents their love for their instrument,” Gil-Ordóñez an opportunity not only to sharpen their musisaid. cal skills and technique, but also to participate The orchestra performs at several events in a group activity. The teamwork required of each semester. Earlier this fall, the group all of GU Orchestra members ensures what played at an event commemorating the quin- Orchestra Committee Chair Kyle Rinaudo (SFS centenary of St. Teresa in Lohrfink Audito- ’18) describes as “organized polyphony” as oprium. Just last Sunday, the orchestra performed posed to “random cacophony.”

20th century composer Charles Ives’ notorious“Orchestra is a group endeavor, no doubt ly difficult piece— “Symphony No. 2”— in Gaston about it,” Rinaudo said. “If everyone in the orHall as part of a concert called “Charles Ives’ chestra just focused on making their own part America: Part Two.” In a review of the Ives per- perfect and being the star 100 percent of the formance, The Washington Post commended time, then the overall product would sound GU Orchestra for a “colorful and often spirited like a bunch of dogs barking at the top of their performance,” attributing its success to Gil-Or- lungs with no direction.” dóñez’s leadership.

Rinaudo said that students at Georgetown The former associate conductor of the na- are often surprised by the diversity of talents tional symphony orchestra of Spain and the among their peers. current music director of PostClassical Ensem“In my experience at Georgetown, the ble in D.C., Gil-Ordóñez has led GU Orchestra beauty of everyone here is that you just don’t

Hoya Staff Writer

COURTSEY ANGEL GIL-ORDONEZ

Prior to becoming Director of GU Orchestra in 2011, Angel Gil-Ordóñez was awarded the highest civilian decoration in Spain, the Royal Order of Queen Isabella, in 2006. know what everyone can do. Everyone seems to have special talents that you would never guess,” Rinaudo said. “I think it’s the same with Georgetown’s musical vibe. You might not see it on the outside, but lots of people here are brilliant musicians behind their skills and endeavors in government, physics, languages, you name it.”

According to Gil-Ordóñez, the diversity of student musicians is what makes the orchestra

distinct from established music schools. Drawing musicians from numerous fields such as government, business and international relations, GU orchestra consists of a range of talents, both academic and musical.

“What is very interesting about our orchestra here, and I think this is a pattern for the future, what we want to attract is all you brilliant students who are very good in humanities, chemistry, but also play very well in instruments because you have the [musical] education,” said Gil-Ordóñez.

Looking ahead, Gil-Ordóñez said he hopes more students will pursue music at Georgetown. In addition to formal auditions held in the beginning of each semester, students can also attend an open rehearsal and audition at any time during the school year.

“We have very prestigious departments here from international studies to science to medicine...so why not also present a phenomenal music program?”

ANGEL GIL-ORDÓÑEZ Orchestra Director

COURTSEY ANGEL GIL-ORDONEZ

President Barack Obama joined members of GU Orchestra for a group photo in the White House’s Red Room before a Cinco de Mayo performance and reception also featuring PostClassical Ensemble on May 4, 2015.

According to Gil-Ordóñez, music professor Anna Celenza and director of Georgetown’s music program Anthony DelDonna are making a concerted effort to increase the presence of the music department on campus.

“It would be so great to make Georgetown a place where talented students can find everything,” Gil-Ordóñez said. “We have very prestigious departments here from international studies to science to medicine. … So why not also present a phenomenal music program that can also attract those students as well? I think we are in the right direction, and that is very exciting.”

the guide

friday, DECEMBER 4, 2015

THE HOYA

B6

EIGHT UP-AND-COMING ARTISTS Sean Davey, Tom Garzillo AND John Miller Hoya Staff Writers

Now that Taylor Swift has shaken off her country roots in favor of pop superstardom, Nashville is in dire need of a new, fresh country queen. Kelsea Ballerini might just be the next best option.

Ballerini even recently became the first female artist to have her debut single reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart in nine years; Carrie Underwood last did it in 2006 with “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

After moving to Nashville at age 15 in hopes of becoming the next Swift, Ballerini soon learned that she was better off finding her own sound, and reinvented her image as country’s freshest new girl next door.

This year, Ballerini can look forward to the Country Music Awards, where she is nominated for both Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year.

KELSEA BALLERINI

THE NASHVILLE LEDGER

With hooks reminiscent of Sara Bareilles, the diary-inspired lyrics of Taylor Swift and an even cooler vibe than Katy Perry, Ballerini is surely one to watch in 2016.

A rock band with the occasional shimmery alternative-pop hook, Eternal Summers is making a play for one of the breakout groups of 2015.

Its fourth album, “Gold and Stone,” was released in May of this year to strong reviews from critics, who praised the group’s movement from the current angsty nostalgia craze in favor a wiry, punk edge reminiscent of old-school rock.

The album digs deeper into feedback-drenched guitars and just-sweet-enough vocals, displaying a newfound urgency from the group on songs like the charging “Bloom” and the whispery “Ebb Tide.”

“Gold and Stone” jumps genres in a way that feels authentic and natural, navigating the fine line between pushing the envelope and holding onto the status quo. When fusing its pop and punk impulses, the group breaks new ground in blurring the line between alt-pop and rock.

In 2016, the band will embark on tour and continue playing live performances, including one at the FRZN Fest in Madison, Wis., in early January.

ETERNAL SUMMERS

HITFIX

With Adele back to break everyone’s hearts and just about every sales record in the process, the Brit-singer craze is in full swing on this side of the pond. She may not have Adele’s chops for singing about heartache, but singer-songwriter Jess Glynne is making a name for herself on the charts with her pop tracks with unique beats.

Glynne released her debut album, “I Cry When I Laugh,” September this year, and the record featured a wide variety of dance music subgenres, ranging from slick electro to saucy house.

Her ability to channel heartfelt emotion into pop songs with catchy hooks and club-ready beats makes her a standout in a radio lineup in which many of the biggest stars seem to be merely phoning it in.

Glynne’s voice evokes her big-lunged, soul-filled British contemporaries like Florence and the Machine, but she uses it for uplifting hits rather than melancholy ballads.

THE MIRROR UK

JESS GLYNNE

With a few hits already under her belt including a vocal feature on Clean Bandit’s 2014 smash “Rather Be” and her current single “Hold My Hand,” Glynne looks to be a familiar face and voice in 2016.

After the success of his single “Awwsome,” which spawned a remix featuring A$AP Rocky and 2 Chainz, D.C.’s own Shy Glizzy is poised for a breakout year in 2016.

He has already received cosigns from stars like Beyoncé, who danced to “Awwsome” at a concert in New York’s Central Park, and Chance the Rapper, who brought him out at a tour stop in Maryland. Glizzy was named an XXL Freshman in 2015, and his mixtapes have already attracted renowned producers including Metro Boomin and Zaytoven.

Glizzy is a prolific artist, releasing 11 mixtapes since he first debuted in January of 2011 with “No Brainer.” His 2013 mixtape “Law 2” featured a number of high-profile rappers: Migos, Kevin Gates and Yo Gotti, to name a few.

A year later, Glizzy’s 18-track tape titled “Young Jefe” featured Young Thug, PeeWee Longway and Plies, among others.

Glizzy’s videos continue to rack up huge numbers of views.

“Awwsome” has been watched over 4.5 million times on YouTube, while songs like “John Wall” and “3Milli” each have over 3 million hits. Glizzy, along with Chicago drillmusic star Lil Durk, also featured on the song “Chiraq”

by Meek Mill, which has over 5 million views, and these numbers will only grow larger as Glizzy continues to churn out hits.

SHY GLIZZY

COURTESY KYLE GUSTAFSON

the guide

friday, DECEMBER 4, 2015

THE HOYA

B7

TO LOOK OUT FOR NEXT YEAR Hailing from Baltimore, Md., dream-pop duo Beach House has recently come out of an extended silence following the critically acclaimed releases of 2010’s “Teen Dream” and 2012’s “Bloom” with the release of “Depression Cherry” and “Thank Your Lucky Stars.”

The band returns to its simpler origins with these albums, turning away from the loud and aggressive aesthetic characteristic of its last two studio efforts.

Its attempt to turn away from the commercial grasp of the music industry came to fruition with the band’s release of two albums inside of 50 days.

Almost unheard of in today’s market, its release is even more remarkable considering the albums are far from half-hearted or rushed efforts. They are expertly produced, tightly recorded and offer a unique vision of the band.

Influenced by Neil Young, The Zombies and Brian Wilson, the duo blends psychedelic rock vocals with organ, programmed drums and hypnotic slide guitar.

In March, Beach House will embark on another tour after returning to the United States from Australia, the final stop of its current world tour. While the band has accompanied Vampire Weekend, Animal Collective and Portishead on tours, its potential has yet to be realized.

BEACH HOUSE

FAKE PLASTIC TUNES

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats released their eponymous debut album last August to critical acclaim. This, combined with their TV debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” this fall, makes it all the more surprising that they are still far from the spotlight. Perhaps most surprising, however, is Rateliff’s successful transformation from a Colorado folk artist to a sole front man reminiscent of Otis Redding.

Interested listeners can get a more intimate look at the life of Rateliff and his band in the 2015 documentary, “Austin to Boston.” Featuring stunning videography, this documentary serves as an intriguing entry point to an upand-coming genre.

ROLLING STONE

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS

Centered on the premise of “5 old VW camper vans. 4 bands. 3 thousand miles.

2 weeks. 1 gloriously backwards tour,” the film demonstrates Rateliff’s god-like status in small venues across the country, but also begs the question, “Why has this isolated fame not translated to larger markets?”

Whatever the reason, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats are set to continue their international tour into the New Year.

Oregon-based indie-pop duo Pure Bathing Culture is set for a big year in 2016, having recently released its sophomore album, “Pray For Rain.” The album is a shift from its debut, “Moon Tides,” with a more refined artistic focus and newfound confidence. In many ways, the album speaks the most to what the band is not, and offers a vision for their bright future.

Characteristic of guitarist Daniel Hindman are airy chords, electro-inspired melodic breaks and echo effects reminiscent of U2’s “The Edge.”

Meanwhile, vocalist Sarah Versprille brings a vocal approach analogous to that of megastar Katy Perry. Together, the band — organically formed following a collaboration with Sub Pop artist Vetiver — has cut the chord from its previous album in search of new sonic horizons.

The band was included on Stereogum’s Bands To Watch column a couple of years back, but has only recently signed a deal with Partisan Records, finally allowing it to make an album truly its own.

Although centered on the concept of romantic connection, the album is far from cliche. For example, the opening song, “The Tower,” is inspired by the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flight 370 in the spring of 2014.

Pure Bathing Culture is set to accompany alt-rock giant Death Cab for Cutie on tour this December and looks set to continue touring into the new year. Luckily, the band is still very accessible for those hoping to see it amid the hype.

PURE BATHING CULTURE

SOUTH FLORIDA INSIDER

This Spanish indie-rock group generated buzz last summer with singles like “Bamboo” and “Trippy Gum,” earning praise from music critics at NME and the Guardian. Boasting a punky, youthful energy and distinct lo-fi sound, the group is gearing up to release its debut album “Leave Me Alone” on Jan. 8.

Hinds has previously toured with alternative-rock titans such as the Libertines, the Vaccines and the Black Lips.

Hinds started as a duo of Carlotta Cosials and Ana García Perrote in 2011 but soon brought in Ade Martín on bass and the Netherlands-born Amber Grimbergen on drums.

The four women embarked on their first world tour in 2015, playing in Europe, the United States, Australia and Thailand. The group has played at numerous festivals in countries around the world; at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, they performed 16 concerts in just four days.

THE FADER

HINDS

The Guardian compared Hinds’ sound to the Velvet Underground. The band lists its influences as the Strokes, the Vaccines and Ty Segall, among other artists.

Keep an eye out for the brand new single, “Garden,” and expect to see this group continue to develop a larger fan-base through its prolific touring schedule.

B8

Sports

THE HOYA

Friday, December 4, 2015

Women’s basketball

Hoyas Edge Patriots, Surpass Last Year’s Win Total

FILE PHOTO: ALEXANDER BROWN/THE HOYA

Junior forward Faith Woodard was named the MVP of the TD Bank Classic after Georgetown defeated St. Francis 74-52 in the finals of the tournament. Woodard scored 15 points against St. Francis on 7-of-8 shooting from the field and grabbed six rebounds in the win. Woodard is averaging 13.0 points per game thus far in the 2015 season, starting all six games.

Molly O’Connell Hoya Staff Writer

Only six games into its 2015-16 campaign, the Georgetown women’s basketball team (5-1) has already surpassed its win total from last season. Wednesday night’s victory over George Mason (3-6) gave Georgetown its fifth win of the year and extended its win streak to three games.

Going into the matchup with the Patriots, the Hoyas were riding a wave of momentum after capturing the TD Bank Classic championship only four days prior in Burlington, Vt. Georgetown earned a 12-point victory over Quinnipiac (4-2) before beating St. Francis Brooklyn (1-4) 7452 in the tournament finals.

“Coming on this trip over Thanksgiving, our kids were focused. We talked about it being a business trip, being on the road, being on a neutral floor, these are all good things for us,” Head Coach Natasha Adair said to guhoyas.com. “It put us in a championship situation, and it will prepare us for the rest of the season and keep building our confidence.”

Junior forward Faith Woodard’s

impressive play — Woodard recorded a total 25 points and 12 rebounds over the course of the weekend — was rewarded with the honor of being named TD Bank Classic MVP while sophomore guard Dorothy Adomako and freshman guard Dionna White were both all-tournament team selections. White’s performance also earned her Big East Freshman of the Week honors for the second consecutive week.

Against George Mason, it was Woodard, Adomako and White who again led the way for Georgetown.

White dominated in scoring, racking up a career-high 22 points. Adomako and Woodard chipped in 12 points each. Adomako also pulled down a game-high nine rebounds along with a career-high six blocks. Woodard and White followed close behind, grabbing eight and seven boards, respectively.

Adomako hit a jumper to open the game and White sank a three on the Hoyas’ next offensive possession to give the visitors an early lead. George Mason answered with a three, cutting Georgetown’s lead to two. Neither team would lead by more than

four points for the rest of the first quarter, which saw two ties and three lead changes in 10 minutes.

The majority of the second quarter was defined by the same backand-forth play. However, with 3:28 remaining in the period, a jumper

by George Mason freshman forward Chinyere Bell ignited an 11-2 run for her team. At the end of the half, Georgetown trailed 30-21.

“At halftime we talked about all of the things we had prepped for, but in the first half we hadn’t responded,” Adair said to guhoyas.com.

Two minutes into the third quarter, the Patriots had extended their lead to 12 points. With the Hoyas trailing by the largest margin of the game, White managed to find an open Woodard, who buried a jumper and cut the Patriots’ lead to 10. Georgetown’s defense then forced a turnover and Woodard finished a layup at the other end of the floor. Woodard’s quick four points kicked off a 12-0 run for the Hoyas, and with five minutes remaining in the quarter the game, the score was tied.

The Patriots managed to end the

fantasy football corner

Hoyas’ run and regained a four-point lead with 20 seconds remaining in the period. However, Woodard hit a jumper as time expired to pull Georgetown within two going into the final quarter.

“We challenged them at halftime and the team showed up big,” Adair said to guhoyas.com.

The Hoyas scored four straight points to open the fourth quarter, giving them their first lead in more than 20 minutes of play. Georgetown sustained this intensity throughout the final period, and with 0:31 left in the game, the team had extended its lead to eight points.

George Mason redshirt senior guard Taylor Brown sank two threepointers in the final 30 seconds as the Patriots tried desperately to even the score. Georgetown maintained its composure, withstanding George Mason’s pressure and going 4-of-4 from the free-throw line down the stretch. When the final buzzer sounded, the Hoyas led 63-57.

“We beat a very good George Mason team, on the road,” Adair said to guhoyas.com. “I’m watching the team grow, I’m watching the team

trust, I’m watching them win and they did it together.”

Georgetown will look to capture its sixth win of the season Saturday, when they travel to New York to take on St. Bonaventure (4-2).

The Bonnies are coming into the game after a double-overtime victory over Stony Brook (3-3), in which senior forward Katie Healy poured in 26 points. Georgetown’s defense will have to be particularly focused on containing Healy, who currently leads St. Bonaventure in scoring and rebounding, averaging 15.3 points and 7.0 boards per game.

Earlier this season, St. Bonaventure suffered a 23-point loss to No. 23 DePaul (5-2) — a Big East team that Georgetown will face twice this season during conference play. However, the Bonnies have won three of their last four games since playing the Blue Demons and will also enter Saturday’s contest on a three-game win streak.

Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m.

The Georgetown Sports Information Office did not make Georgetown’s coaches and players available for interviews before press time.

commentary

Target Weak Defenses in Fantasy Passionate Fans Drive Recent Rise of MLS A T

s Week 13 of the NFL season dawns upon us, most fantasy football leagues are entering the last week of their regular seasons. It is a fretful time for most: You have either locked up your spot in the playoffs and are praying to avoid the epidemic of injuries that has killed many fantasy seasons this year, or you are battling for the last playoff spot — I’ll assume that no one currently out of the playoff hunt would take the time to read a fantasy football advice column, a pretty safe bet in my opinion.

Lucky for you, this column carries some golden nuggets that can help guide you and your team to the championship. The primary one is to take note of the matchups against poor defenses.

Two defenses have stood out above others as being absolutely dreadful the past few weeks, especially against the pass: the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints. The Eagles are fresh off giving up 45 points in back-to-back games, allowing Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to throw five touchdowns each, in Weeks 11 and 12, respectively. Needless to say, you’re starting Tom Brady against this porous secondary this week.

Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell should also be bumped up your cheat sheet and deserves consideration, especially because of the rash of injuries to the Patriots receiving corp.

What is perhaps less obvious is that the Eagles play the Redskins and quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 16, when most fantasy leagues have their championship matchups. Cousins has played good football as of late and could be fantasy gold if you somehow make it to the championship by rotating quarterbacks. Moreover, in Week 13 the Eagles square off against Tyrod Taylor and the Bills.

Taylor is coming off a huge game against a usually stingy Chiefs pass defense and would be a no-brainer start in Week 13 — I would go as high as to put him as a top-three option. Owned in just under 30 percent of NFL.com fantasy football leagues, I would advise you to go pick up Taylor.

As for the Saints, they gifted Cousins 324 yards and four touchdowns a couple of weeks back. The Saints defense is so poorly equipped against the pass that Houston Tex-

Joe Lanzilla

The Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints have weak defenses that have been exploited all year, particularly by opposing quarterbacks. ans quarterback Brian Hoyer was a unanimous top-10 option at quarterback this past week. On the year New Orleans has given up by far the most pass touchdowns in the league with 30 — outpacing the Eagles in second place with 25 — and only have five interceptions.

To give a sense of how bad this defense is against the pass, quarterbacks that played the Saints every game this year are on pace for 4547

yards, 44 touchdowns and seven interceptions. That is insane. The Saints’ upcoming schedule is interesting because after they play the Panthers this weekend — you are playing Cam Newton in this game, obviously — they face off against the Buccaneers, Lions and Jaguars, three teams with quarterbacks that are usually fringe starters in fantasy: Winston, Stafford and Blake Bortles. While none of these names inspire boatloads of confidence, all three are playing extremely well and would be frontline starters if you are in need of a quarterback.

Now, for those of you who are well-equipped in the quarterback department — at this stage the only clear-cut, no-doubt starters are Brady, Newton, Aaron Rodgers and Carson Palmer — you might be wondering which rush defenses you should try to exploit in the coming weeks. To no one’s surprise, the Saints are right up there, giving up the most yards per carry in the league at 4.9 and the thirdmost yards on the ground. This is good news if you’re debating starting Jonathan Stewart, Doug Martin or T.J. Yeldon in the playoffs. Other defenses to focus on: the Cleveland Browns — Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard are both worthy starters this week against them — and the Miami Dolphins — another good matchup for new Raven tailback Javorius Allen who took advantage of the Browns defense this past week. The San Diego Chargers are another good option — C.J. Anderson seems to have taken the lead role from Ronnie Hillman in the Broncos backfield; whoever gets the start this Sunday is definitely worth the start on your fantasy roster.

Best of luck in getting to the playoffs and beyond. Until next time, fantasy lovers, play on.

Joe Lanzilla is a senior in the School of Foreign Service. This is the final appearance of Fantasy Football Corner this semester.

his past Sunday, I witnessed some of European stars have joined the MLS, more the purest passion for sports in New fans emerge and develop this culture. From York and possibly in the nation. As huge tifos draped over the arena before I have done many times before, I took two games, to bitter rivalries between supporttrains and walked 20 minutes before I got ers — that unfortunately have even turned to Red Bull Arena. This time was for the violent — the league, with the help of its second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference passionate supporters, is building a brand Finals in which the New York Red Bulls fell of its own. to the Columbus Crew, 2-1.

These statements are not only supAs a loyal New York sports fan, I have ported by the clear passion and increased been to Mets playoff games, Knicks play- support that are evident to anyone foloff games and Rangers playoff games. I lowing the league closely, but by statiseven witnessed the Rangers lose Game tics as well. According to an article from 7 at Madison Square Garden in the NHL mlssooccer.com, league attendance for Eastern Conference Finals. But no fan base regular-season matches increased by 12.7 can outdo the support I have seen at Red percent this year, and more and more Bull Arena and all around Major League matches are selling out. Orlando City SC, Soccer. an expansion club this season, even sold There have been out its opening match plenty of articles writagainst a fellow exten about the rise of pansion side in New MLS. In my opinion, York City FC. Orlando more teenagers prefer City’s fan support was soccer over baseball strong throughout and players like Steven the long MLS season Gerrard and Andrea that lasts from March Pirlo are coming to to October, setting an MLS. MLS record for averThese all indicate age attendance by an that MLS is on the rise expansion side. That Darius Iraj in the United States. is no small feat in a However, that is not league that is just 20 what resonates with me. Instead, it is be- years old, and a good indicator of growth. ing in a sold-out arena for a playoff game, Major League Soccer is on the rise. Still, standing and chanting with 25,000 other it needs to improve. While television viewfans, for the entirety of the 90-minute ership numbers are encouraging, at times match — and subsequently crying when it struggles — especially on Sundays when our team narrowly misses advancing to the it competes with the NFL. However, with MLS Cup in stoppage time. growing numbers of passionate and dediThe rise and fall of every league is always cated fans, soccer supporters should be rooted in fan interest: They’re the ones confident that America’s domestic league that buy the tickets and fund the league. will continue to exhibit promising growth The NFL is still thriving, but there are con- as we enter the culmination of this league’s cerns about the league’s future, rooted in successful season Sunday in Columbus, spectators’ concerns about player safety. On Ohio. The Columbus Crew will take on the the contrary, the rise of MLS is marked by Western Conference champions, the Portthousands of fans who jump, chant, wave land Timbers, Sunday at 4 p.m. on ESPN for flags and bang drums passionately during the MLS Cup. Be sure to tune in to witness a soccer matches. league that is going to have the attention of These supporters have developed a cul- many Americans for years to come. ture specifically designed for MLS, while also drawing on the soccer culture around Darius Iraj is a freshman in the College. He the globe. As more and more big-name is a deputy sports editor for The Hoya.

sports

FRIDAY, December 4, 2015

THE HOYA

B9

men’s basketball

GU Faces Boeheim-Less SU in 1st Matchup Since 2013 ORANGE, from B10

essential to the rest of the season and also, you know, especially against a team like that. The zone is very intense,” Smith-Rivera said of the zone. “It works in their favor a lot of the time.”

Campbell’s return will also add another shooter to Georgetown’s roster. Junior forward Reggie Cameron, freshman forward Marcus Derrickson, sophomore forward Paul White, sophomore forward Isaac Copeland and Smith-Rivera are all three-point threats, each recording games of multiple three-pointers made over their Georgetown careers.

Copeland, who was the Hoyas’ leading scorer through the first five games, was held scoreless Tuesday and will look to bounce back in a game in which Georgetown’s success hinges on his production. “[I just] have to stay confident.

It happens every once in a while.

I mean, we still won by doubledigits, so I’m not really worried about it. Just stay confident and keep it moving,” Copeland said.

Meanwhile, Boeheim, whoswas suspended due to an NCAA ruling Thursday. will be replaced

by Assistant Coach Michael Hopkins. Although Boeheim’s absence will be felt during the game, the Orange is still a formidable opponent. Led by fifth-year senior guards Michael Gbinije

and Trevor Cooney, the Orange boast both a top-25 three-point shooting offense and defense.

Cooney, like Smith-Rivera, played in the 2013 trio of games.

He is second in the nation this season in percentage of minutes played. Although Syracuse usually plays a maximum of seven players per game, Thompson

“It will always be SyracuseGeorgetown, regardless of what coach or players are sitting on their bench.”

John Thompson III Head Coach

does not believe this is a weakness for Syracuse.

“I don’t think you can [exploit Syracuse’s lack of depth],” Thompson said. “They’re used to playing six or seven [players].

They have an older group. Both Cooney and Gbinije are fifth-year guys … We just have to play and not worry about them.”

Saturday’s game will also be a renewal of one more rivalry, the one between Cooney and Smith-

Rivera. This rivalry, however, dates much further back than three years, according to SmithRivera. “[I’ve known him from AAU since] like middle school, man.

Cooney’s always been a great player. I’ve seen him around the circuit, seen him in college obviously, too. He’s a great shooter, great player; it’ll be tough for us,” Smith-Rivera said.

“I don’t talk to him — not consistently. And him being at Syracuse makes it even worse,” SmithRivera added jokingly.

In one of the most anticipated games of the season, Georgetown will have its full roster — minus sophomore forward Akoy Agau, who is out for the season with a torn ACL — and is riding a twogame winning streak. Syracuse is coming off its first loss of the season, a 66-58 overtime loss against Wisconsin (5-3), which Georgetown defeated 71-61 in the first game of the 2K Classic in New York City.

With a crowd that is expected to nearly sell out, Verizon Center will be at its loudest for a game that Georgetown Head Coach John Thompson III summed up best.

“It will always be SyracuseGeorgetown, regardless of what coach or players are sitting on their bench and what coach or players are sitting on our bench.”

Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. on Fox.

FILE PHOTO: ISABEL BINAMIRA/THE HOYA

Sophomore forward Isaac Copeland was held scoreless in Georgetown’s win over Maryland Eastern Shore on Tuesday. Copeland is averaging 12.2 points per game.

Saxa Synergy

Men’s Soccer

Intramurals Provide Stress Relief Allen, Yaro Lead Historic 2015 Season STREAK, from B10

Yaro, who unanimously earned the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, lived up to his preseason billing by leading Georgetown’s stout defense throughout the season. Freshman goalkeeper J.T. Marcinkowski started all 21 games for the Hoyas, making 63 saves and recording nine shutouts. Marcinkowski was named the Big East Freshman of the Year.

Senior forward Brandon Allen led Georgetown with 12 goals this season, earning the Big East Offensive Player of the Year award. With a penalty kick in Georgetown’s second-round win in the NCAA tournament, Allen became the Hoyas’ all-time leading scorer with 50 goals in his career.

Now, Wiese and his staff will

have to quickly rebuild the team for the 2016 season. The team will lose six players, not including transfers or early entrances into professional soccer.

“It’ll be fun to see who emerges, but we have pieces that we think will,” Wiese said. “So, the jury is out, they’re going to be good.

That’s why we recruit, we have to recruit players.”

Wiese is particularly excited about Georgetown’s freshman class.

“We have an amazing freshman class actually, that hasn’t played much,” Wiese said. “J.T. is the only one that really played a lot. And the other six boys in that class are all really good players.

So we’ll see how really good they are next year; the opportunities will start coming for them. So, that will be fun to see, actually.

I’m looking forward to it.”

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In the midst of midterm season, the hardwood courts at Yates echo with the bouncing of basketballs and the chirping of fans. In the frozen tundra of post-winter break blues, Cooper Field at 9 p.m. on any given Wednesday night comes alive with the ripple of the soccer net.

It is not the prettiest of sights. It is not the most graceful of displays. And it certainly is not the highest level of competition. But, it is arguably the most fun.

Intramural sports at Georgetown represent more than just the four games that teams play against any given group of kids: groups and clubs like The Hoya, The Voice, Students of Georgetown, Inc. The Corp, Georgetown University College Republicans/Democrats, Hoya Blue, the International Relations Club — the list goes on. Whether it’s flag football and volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter or soccer in the spring, intramural sports offer something that has been an integral part of a good number of people’s lives prior to Georgetown.

While I don’t have exact numbers, I would venture to say that the majority of Georgetown students played at least some level of sports at any point in their lives, if not at some competitive level in high school. Intramurals here offer some level of competition, and not just for people at the highest levels of skill for their respective sport. Anyone can play, and it is more fun when they do. Various kinds of leagues give students endless opportunities to relive their athletic glory days.

But it is also more than that. We often forget that athletes here at Georgetown are solely committed to one sport, and intramurals here are a way for them to play sports at which they may have also excelled in high school.

In all honesty, there are few things more exciting than watching Division I football players take the intramural basketball court and break out into what is effectively a dunk contest mid-game. I mean, maybe it’s just me, but I often forget that people who are 6-foot-6 and can jump to catch a pigskin can also usually

Paolo Santamaria

Isn’t college supposed to be a time to try new things and step out of your comfort zone? Maybe it is just me — and I am undoubtedly biased — but intramural sports can be exactly that. dunk a basketball. I think most people do as well. But intramural sports are not all about those kinds of players or teams.

They also are not all about just having a good time. They are a bit of everything.

Georgetown is a high-stress school, and earlier this year, I wrote a column about the stress culture around campus potentially impacting the decreased at-

tendance at basketball games. And that is OK: Not everyone has the three or four hours out of their day or night to go to a Georgetown basketball game against, for example, Maryland Eastern Shore.

But sports are unequivocally a stress release. Nothing beats getting beat. Or beating another team. When we are with our friends and having a blast, it takes our minds away from school and honestly, how important are 45 minutes out of our days?

Sports here are often seen as a culture that people do not have time for, between everyone’s 15 club meetings, five 11-page papers, and three Superdays or summer internship interviews that somehow all fall on the same evening.

The thing about intramurals is that they are what you make of them. Take intramural sports as seriously as you want.

There is a league for that. Take them as lightheartedlu as you want. There is a league for that as well.

There aren’t too many things about college in general that can be made into the experience you want, especially here at Georgetown. Not that it is a bad thing, but sometimes, it does not hurt to remember that there’s more to life than applications and interviews.

Isn’t college supposed to be a time to try new things and step out of your comfort zone? Maybe it is just me — and I am undoubtedly biased — but intramural sports can be exactly that; just remember to write the game times down in your agenda.

Paolo Santamaria is a sophomore in the College. This is the final appearance of Saxa Synergy this semester.

The water cooler

Duncan Has Shown Consistency IPPOLITO, from B10

of consistent success, the numbers and recent history tilt the debate towards Duncan in a more lopsided way than one might think.

Yes, in a simple points-scored comparison, Kobe is the clear winner, but there is more to basketball than points scored. Looking at a more advanced level — through win shares — Duncan has been a better player over his career than Bryant by over 30 wins and that margin will continue to grow this season. Additionally, Duncan has been more than twice as valuable than Bryant has been on defense with a defensive win shares rating of 104 compared to Bryant’s 50.2.

Naturally, all of these statistics depend on context. Many believe Duncan benefited from the consistency of Spurs Head Coach Greg Popovich’s system and the Spurs organization as a whole, while Kobe has gone through several coaching changes and organizational turbulence after the death of longtime Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss in 2013. There is no question that the Lakers organization has been less effective since Dr. Buss’ passing; his son Jim Buss has proven ineffective and has failed to surround Kobe with the necessary pieces to be competitive. At the end of the day, however, Buss’ son can be blamed for the decline of the franchise, but he

cannot be blamed for Bryant’s performance. This year Bryant is shooting a career-low 31 percent from the field and a morbid 22.2 percent from three-point range. Injuries happen and bodies age, but Bryant’s inability to consistently perform at even a respectable level is doing his team and himself more harm than good.

Although most Bryant supporters are quick to point out his turbulent path, few readily acknowledge that Bryant was, in part, responsible for the Lakers’ instability. By now it is well-known that he played a role in O’Neal’s departure from Los Angles in 2004. Furthermore, Bryant’s contract is limiting the Lakers’ spending.

Currently, he is in the final year of a two-year, $48.5 million contract. This means that the Lakers are spending over one-third of their salary cap on Bryant — who has only played a quarter of the team’s games over the past two seasons. Due to maximum contract limitations and the salary cap as a whole, one could argue that Kobe is being overpaid now to compensate for being underpaid in his prime. That may be true, but there is no question that Bryant’s massive contract has hurt the Lakers’ ability to compete for marquee free agents.

Meanwhile, Duncan resigned for $5 million over the summer despite having a 9.6 win share rating and a 22.6 player efficiency rating — the league average is designed to be 15.

But by taking this pay cut, the Spurs were able to sign LaMarcus Aldridge and resign Kawhi Leonard to max contracts. Duncan is surely being underpaid, but that is a choice he is making because the money is secondary to chasing a sixth championship.

While the Spurs are virtually a lock to make the playoffs, the Lakers are virtually a lock for a lottery pick. Even in the realm of the playoffs, the numbers make the case for Duncan. Last year, despite losing to the Clippers in the first round in an epic seven-game series, Duncan averaged nearly 18 points and 11 rebounds, including a vintage 27-point performance in the series’ final game. Because of his defensive ability, Duncan still brings immense value to San Antonio.

While Kobe will still show flashes of brilliance as he did Wednesday at Verizon Center, it does not make up for his defensive deficiencies and inconsistency on offense.

For all of his faults and the errors of those around him, Kobe Bryant deserves better than this Lakers team.

He will forever be a legend in the NBA, especially to those of us who grew up watching him. However, to see a proper culmination to a hall of fame career, turn away from L.A. and look toward the Alamo.

Michael Ippolito is a junior in the College. This is the final appearance of The Water Cooler this semester.

SPORTS

Men’s Basketball Georgetown (3-3) vs. Syracuse (6-1) Saturday, 1 p.m.

Verizon Center

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TALKING POINTS Georgetown women’s basketball beat George Mason 63-57 on Wednesday.

See B9

“

NUMBERS GAME

If you just watch the game, you can just tell it’s a lot more than a game.”

SENIOR GUARD D’VAUNTES SMITH-RIVERA

18

The number of consecutive games the men’s soccer team played without a loss.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

GU Renews Historic Rivalry With Syracuse PAOLO SANTAMARIA

lied 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.

“If you just watch the game, you Tomorrow the rivalry will be re- can just tell it’s a lot more than newed. Syracuse Head Coach Jim just a game. A lot of bragging Boeheim may not be on the side- rights, a lot of proving within line and it may no longer be the each program,” Smith-Rivera said. old Big East, but it is still George- “The guys definitely know, you know, the rivalry. … They know town-Syracuse.

After nearly three years since what this game is going to be like, their last meeting, the George- and they’re looking forward to it.”

The strength of Syracuse’s zone town Hoyas (3-3) will host the No. 14 Syracuse Orange (6-1), who will is that it forces opponents to take be without Boeheim as he begins bad shots. This season, the Orange serving his nine-game suspension defense ranks 20th in the nation for NCAA infractions. George- in points per 100 possessions and town-Syracuse is one of the most 23rd in three-point defense.

According to Hayes, the key to storied college basketball rivalries, breaking the with Syracuse holding the “We have a lot of great zone and finding open shots all-time series is playing the edge with 49 shooters. If we can ball inside and wins to George- get it inside and kick then finding town’s 41. The open shooters. teams met 14 it out, we’ll be very “[We have to] times in the old just get it into Big East Confer- successful.” the middle and ence tournaBRADLEY HAYES kick it outside ment, splitting Senior Center for the open the postseason shot,” Hayes series 7-7.

But for the majority of the team, said. “We have a lot of great shootSaturday’s meeting, the first in- ers. If we can get it inside and kick stallment of a four-year home-and- it out, we’ll be very successful.”

Fortunately, after struggling home series, will be the first taste of the rivalry. In fact, only two to begin the season, Smith-Riplayers — senior co-captains guard vera seemed to find his shot in D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera and cen- Georgetown’s last game against ter Bradley Hayes — were on the Maryland Eastern Shore Tuesteam for the 2012-13 season, in day, scoring 30 points on 10-of-16 which Georgetown and Syracuse shooting. With sophomore guard played three times. Although Tre Campbell’s return to the lineHayes did not receive playing time up after missing three games due in those three games, Smith-Rive- to illness, Smith-Rivera was able ra averaged just over 30 minutes a to play off the ball, running off game and was a key contributor in screens and finding open looks. the Hoyas’ two wins. In fact, one Against Syracuse’s zone, Georgeof Smith-Rivera’s best games from town will look to build upon his freshman campaign came Tuesday’s success.

“Ball movement is going to be against Syracuse and its notorious 2-3 zone defense. In Georgetown’s 61-39 victory over Syracuse, he talSee ORANGE, B9

Hoya Staff Writer

FILE PHOTO: CHRIS BIEN/THE HOYA

Senior guard and co-captain D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera was the only current Georgetown player to play in the team’s last game against Syracuse, which took place March 15 in the Big East tournament in New York City.

MEN’S SOCCER

NCAA Loss Ends Record-Breaking Year

THE WATER COOLER

TYLER PARK

Hoya Staff Writer

Entering the 2015 season, the Georgetown men’s soccer team (16-2-3, 9-0-0 Big East) faced high expectations. The team was ranked No. 3 in the country and featured the Big East Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year in senior forward Brandon Allen and junior defender Joshua Yaro, respectively.

But when the team took the field in late August, it failed to meet those expectations, tying Florida Gulf Coast (7-4-3, 4-0-1 Atlantic Sun) before losing to South Florida (11-6-3, 5-1-2 American Athletic Conference) and Akron (17-3-2, 4-0-1 Mid-American Conference). It was a unexpected beginning for a talented team, but the Hoyas did not lose focus.

“They were able to rebound from what could have been a disastrous opening weekend mentally, like we could have been .500 this season if we didn’t handle that right. With the schedule we had and even with the talent we had, that happens sometimes,” Head Coach Brian Wiese said.

On Sept. 7, then-No. 1 UCLA (119-1, 5-4-1 Pac 12) visited Shaw Field to face Georgetown, and the Hoyas earned a 3-1 upset victory over the Bruins. Although Georgetown fell in penalty kicks in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament to Boston College (11-7-2, 4-4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) Sunday afternoon, the Hoyas are still riding a schoolrecord unbeaten streak of 18 games, as games decided by penalty kicks are technically recorded as ties on teams’ records. Still, Wiese and his team were frustrated after being eliminated.

“Right now you’re sitting here saying, ‘Damn it.’ We lost in the Sweet 16, we should be in the Elite 8, we should be going on,” Wiese said.

Michael Ippolito

Duncan Highlights Generation F

or nearly two decades, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has been known as a competitor, an agitator and a winner. But now, with the end of his career looming, fans are seeing something else. Bryant is now decrepit and nowhere near close to the dominant player he once was.

On Sunday, Bryant announced that he will retire at the end of the season. Bryant’s announcement revived the discussion about

FILE PHOTO: NAAZ MODAN/THE HOYA

Junior defender Joshua Yaro was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. Georgetown was eliminated from the NCAA tournament Sunday by Boston College.

Despite the disappointment, Georgetown had a record-setting season in many ways. From Sept.

26 to Oct. 24, the Hoyas recorded a program-record six consecutive shutout victories, all over Big East opponents. The shutout streak was part of a 566-minute run of play without allowing a goal, also a program record.

“The sting of how we lost on Sunday will stick around for a while, but when we start to re-

flect on how the year went overall, I mean, we made history in a number of ways, and it’s certainly something to be proud of for not only the seniors but just all the guys in general,” senior defender Josh Turnley said.

Georgetown also became the first team in school history to win the Big East regular season title with an undefeated record, going 9-0-0 against conference rivals.

Georgetown followed that with

Tim Duncan, not Kobe Bryant, is the greatest player of this NBA generation.

their first-ever Big East tournament championship, beating Creighton in double-overtime on a goal from junior forward Alex Muyl.

“Certainly winning the first Big East tournament for the program was amazing, and you could just tell how much it meant to all of us and to the coaches to finally break through and win. That was something I’ll never forget,” Turnley said.

where he ranks among the all-time greats and how he stacks up against those of his generation, essentially the post-Jordan/preLeBron era. That generation had amazing talents such as Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Nash and Kevin Garnett. But there is only one man who can call himself the best player of this generation: Tim Duncan. Understandably, this is understandably a divisive topic, especially when one considers that both Bryant and Duncan have won five championships, earned 15 AllNBA selections and been named all-stars year after year. While the accolades may tell a story

See STREAK, B9

See IPPOLITO, B9

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