Volume 13
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Issue 2
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November 2015
GETTING FIT Dreyfoos teachers start exercising as a part of a new school district health initiative. Pages 14-15
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
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TABLE of CONTENTS ON THE COVER Volume 13
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Issue 2
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IN PRINT
November 2015
ISSUE 1 CORRECTIONS
GETTING FIT Dreyfoos teachers start exercising as a part of a new school district health initiative. Pages 14-15
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Cover photo by Jade Lenkersdorf
Social studies teacher Thomas Ruth slides onto a base during a teacher kickball game,
OP/ED Staff Editorial
Last issue in Arts Index, we stated that the vocal concert will be held on Nov. 24. It was on Oct. 6. The vocal beat also said that the song “Joshua” was sung in Latin. It was in English.
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SPORTS Weight room
LIFESTYLE Spice up your skin routine
Spices can be an effective addition to your skin-care routine.
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Visual junior Max Zengage uses his own drone to take aerial photos.
ENTERTAINMENT TV conspiracies
TV shows can be eerily prophetic of real-life events.
www.themuseatdreyfoos.com
SPORTS Fantasy Football Fantasy football has brought a new perspective to football fans around the world. Students at Dreyfoos are starting to take serious risks on daily fantasy sites like FanDuel and DraftKings. Visit the website to read about students gambling with daily fantasy sports.
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Teachers go back to school
Alumni return to Dreyfoos to work as faculty.
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ON THE WEB
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ARTS
Read about the benefits and shortcomings of the weight room located under the gym.
Dreyfoos enters the next stage of the Marzano program.
FEATURES Drones
COVERSTORY Let’s get physical
Teachers get in shape with the School District Health Awards Program.
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The Muse staff considers the school district’s new policy involving student cyberbullying on social media.
NEWS Marzano
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ENTERTAINMENT YouTube Red YouTube’s new premium service launches with a free trial this month.
This is a QR code. Scan it with your smart phone and it will take you directly to The Muse website.
Cartoon by Cartoon by Cheyenne Cheyenne Otocki Otocki and Alexa Marcellino
STAFFEDITORIAL
SCHOOL SUPERVISION REQUIRED Students' First Amendment rights reviewed by the \school district to help prevent online harassment by peers by MuseStaff
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ules are a part of school: raise your hand, be polite, and wear appropriate attire. However, once students leave their sheltered high school campus, they are no longer constrained by strict school rules and annoying internet restrictions- or at least, that’s what most think. The School District of Palm Beach County is implementing a new policy that goes beyond the fence of high school; a stronger no bullying solution is taking place. According to the new policy, cyber bullies will be punished in school for their actions online even if the post in question was made after school hours. The First Amendment rights of students are now being questioned, much like the famous Iowa case, Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District. Students from the Des Moines Independent Community School District had protested the Vietnam War by wearing black armbands to school. The case was presented in the Supreme Court in 1965, and the court ruled in favor of Tinker. The school was violating the students’ First Amendment right of freedom of speech. While some may argue that their rights are being violated by the snooping district
leaders, Palm Beach County School District’s Student Code of Conduct disagrees. The Code of Conduct states, “the laws and courts have ruled that schools can discipline students and staff if their speech, including online postings off campus, materially and substantially disrupts school operations, reasonably likely causes a material and substantial disruption of the school, constitutes a violation of certain relevant federal or state laws or School Board policies.” Students subjected to cruel comments and slander from their peers have endured the endless realm of cyber bullying for too long. It is time for the monsters hiding behind the light of their computers to face the light of day. Dehumanizing and ridiculing a student online is not freedom of speech. It’s bullying. In 2005, a West Virginia girl was suspended for five days and barred from school activities after using MySpace to insult a classmate. The girl had also invited 100 people to join the page. According to the Palm Beach Post, when the girl argued her First Amendment rights were being compromised, the courts ruled in favor of the school. Freedom of speech does not mean an individual has the right to terrorize
another person. Not only is this mentally and socially damaging, it can have lifelong effects on the victim. This is not a matter of First Amendment rights, rather a matter of humanity. Students should not have to worry. As long as they aren’t harmfully affecting another individual or behaving poorly, they won’t even notice the school district is there. Facebook is about “liking” photos and posting happy birthday wishes, not writing crude comments. As the Supreme Court said in the Tinker case, “Students don’t shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gates.” This is not stripping rights from students, it is guiding them into maturity. The school district is protecting students from the dangerous cyber world, by allowing First Amendment rights to apply as long as those rights don’t jeopardize others. The district is ensuring the safety of students and punishing abusers for taking advantage of their “freedom of speech.” g
Contributor: Alexis Pinchuk
OP ED 3
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by CelineCastronuovo he United States was outperformed by 29 nations in math, 22 in science, and 19 in reading, as revealed by the 2012 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests. Shanghai, on the other hand, led on top overall. The education system within the United States is providing a lack of results, threatening U.S. influence on a global scale. The implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001 under the Bush administration promised that the use of standardized testing would improve education. However, teaching to the test eliminates the opportunity to study a topic in depth. This is true for ninth and 10th graders preparing for the FSA and for any student taking an AP class. The complexity of a topic is sacrificed for a month of practice tests in preparation for an AP exam. Such is the case in history courses, in which a student is forced to memorize facts about monumental events without analyzing the complexity and connections that span the course of history. Just as historical integrity shouldn’t be lost in the pursuit of artistry, developing a complex knowledge base should not be lost in the desire to pass a test. While AP courses are associated with a high degree of difficulty, the reality of truly being in them limits students to go into complex thought beyond the frameworks set forth by the College Board. Our educational system is being oversimplified to the point where students seek to simply memorize a list of facts in order to pass an AP exam. This comes at a cost. A new generation of the workforce is unequipped with the critical thinking skills necessary to carry them beyond high school. Students unable to think critically or to
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Is simplifying concepts in school an advantage or disadvantage to students?
IN-DEPTH OR INEPT? Counterpoint
think beyond the oversimplified facts presented to them in school will inevitably be unable to handle college, in which students are forced into a world in which they will actually have to retain the information to develop their careers. Education which stimulates a student’s desire to collaborate with others will only serve to benefit a new student. Finding new ways to arrive at a math problem or going deeper into the effects of Manifest
by MichaelWang cience is gritty; anyone who has struggled with a Bunsen burner in a high school chemistry class understands that. While science can explain everything about the world, oftentimes it is not that fun. This is why textbooks and teachers across the country dumb down important concepts to make sure that students actually understand. However, are these oversimplifications that
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Cartoon by Katherine McCann
Destiny on the Native Americans would help to improve the critical thinking skills necessary for life after high school. Our education is too important to be oversimplified into a test or standard. g
much of a detriment that they have to be removed? Most scientific and historical inaccuracies are contained in popular media: books, TV shows, and movies. Oftentimes for real-world accuracies, directors and producers add in scientific fact to make it seem more lifelike. However, not all of these real scientific facts are true to every word. For example, the romantic drama “The Theory of Everything” details the life and love story of scientist Stephen Hawking.
People who bought tickets to the romantic drama didn’t pay to see Stephen Hawking solve difficult equations; they came for the plot. To the viewers, it is evident that Hawking did not discover his theory by wistfully staring at a fireplace. People find the curves on the main character attractive, not the ones on the mathematical symbols. A 30-minute portion of Hawking researching and thinking in the movie might be true to life, but it also becomes incredibly boring. Furthermore, the movie was not advertised as a documentary; the director took creative leniency when it came to depicting true events. In fact, the scientific community should be thanking producers to at least put some semblance of their work in popular culture. However, there has also been debate over inaccuracies in high school education. When I learned about evolution during my freshman year, I did not want to learn about all the years Darwin spent crying and thinking about his theory. I wanted an easily understood version of how Darwin came about his theory and the story of the Galapagos finches perfectly fit the bill (or the beak). In almost every class, we learn to use things before we understand them. Myths are not put in textbooks just to have a myth; they have a purpose to make science more appealing and easier to grasp. Sometimes it is, in fact, rocket science, but most people aren’t educated in jet propulsionand quite frankly, would rather play Angry Birds. g
VIRTUALLY OVERRATED Online textbooks are not as helpful as they seem commentary by RileyO’Connor
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he days of printed textbooks are coming to an end. In a study conducted by CourseSmart, 79 percent of students felt that technology such as mobile devices, digital textbooks, Riley O’Connor e-readers, and tablets saved them time when studying and learning. Our world is becoming more and more digitized every day. One would believe this shift to be beneficial, but it is far from it. A growing reliance on online textbooks sets up an unfair system where those who can easily access the Internet thrive. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over a quarter of U.S. households don’t have access to the Internet. Along with this, less money correlates to less Internet access. This only furthers the already present disadvantages lower-income families face. The Internet, lacking any physical presence, is not portable in the way that textbooks are. Students are capable of accessing these textbooks on a cell phone’s small screen, but in no way do they compare to a sizable book. Not to mention many
students don’t have the money to afford While reading a physical textbook is simply the phones or data storage required for the words and the occasional photo to view, Internet. By limiting students to only online online devices have the rest of the Internet textbooks, schools also limit the places in to explore. The Internet is full of distractions, which students can study. Textbooks would and students are certainly susceptible to no longer be accessible in class. A sharp them. With Netflix and Twitter hanging increase of the the background, "A growing reliance on online in common excuse productivity is bound “my Internet textbooks sets up an unfair to decline. went out” could Having both of system where those who be expected from these options to students. Printed can easily access the Internet support students textbooks, on the would be the optimal thrive.” other hand, are situation. When -communications junior Riley O’Connor a textbook is too guaranteed to never crash or fail the way heavy to carry or a online devices do. student’s textbook is left at school, online Those in favor of online textbooks argue access could come in handy. The price of that it is easier to read and comprehend with an online textbook, nevertheless, matches all of the features these online textbooks that of a physical textbook. The taxpayer’s come with. Despite this, features like the money could be better spent on underfunded highlighter tool and instant dictionary prove programs that provide much more help to to be of little to no help. Pulitzer Prize winner the education of students. Many schools Nicholas Carr’s study on the effect of reading don’t even have a properly funded music online shows readers have lower ability program or a well maintained library. Having to process, store, and retain information both options isn’t easy, and in most cases, compared to reading from a physical book. one must be chosen over the other. Physical The reason for this conclusion may be due to textbooks should be chosen every time. g the many distractions online devices bring.
OP ED 5
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News
SCALES OF MARZANO Marzano model transitions into next stage by JackYan he presence of learning scales and targets have become universal in classes across Dreyfoos. Palm Beach County has implemented a new method of instruction through the Marzano model. Last year, five Palm Beach County Schools, including Dreyfoos, were selected as one of 20 Marzano demonstration schools. Robert Marzano was a researcher who created a new model of instruction. His program is a new educational model involving the use of new strategies and scales to improve teaching in the classroom. Implementation will happen over a course of five years and Dreyfoos is currently in its second year. “It’s not even a new way of teaching. What [Marzano has] done is put together a lot of strategies teachers have used,” Kathy Orloff, Palm Beach County Director of Professional Development, said. “If teachers use these strategies correctly at the right time, [it] will move student achievement. Not every strategy is the best strategy at all times. [Marzano] put the highest impact strategies together and taught us how we use these strategies and when to use these strategies to get the biggest bang for our buck.” Palm Springs Middle School, Calusa Elementary School, Acreage Pines Elementary School, and Washington Elementary School are the other four schools in Palm Beach
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Communications freshmen Patricia Linquist (L-R) Roberto Torres, Kenneth Tanner, and Citlalli Villasenor are all given a scale from communications teacher Christina Tieche. Scales and group activities are key parts of the Marzano educational model.
County selected as demonstration schools. The district ensured to choose schools from one of each of the five areas of the district and one from each level of schooling. Due to the success in these model schools, including Dreyfoos, the Marzano model is beginning to be used in underperforming schools in the district. “Our teachers and administrators [at Dreyfoos] are receiving more in-depth and hands on training because we are a [demonstration] school,” Assistant Principal Corey Ferrera said. “Therefore, we are really ahead of most other schools because we have a deeper and better understanding of the model and the expectations being set forth by the district.” One of the key tenets of the Marzano model is student participation in learning. The scale, where students identify how much they have learned and how much they have still need to learn, has been implemented by teachers in all study areas at Dreyfoos. “Kids are responsible for what needs to get done. The students have a sense of where they need to go and what they need to get Photo by Jack Yan there. Kids should work harder in Communications sophomore Noa Kroyter is handed a scale from the classroom than the teacher,” Ms.
Orloff said. “Teachers need to facilitate the learning. I would eventually hope to see that the achievement gap lessens and that we see higher student achievement in all of our schools.” Education reform continues to pick up across the country and across the world. The Marzano model is being implemented in other countries including Australia, Abu Dhabi, and England. Even though the Marzano model was created in mind for academic classes, Dreyfoos has been unique because of it being an arts-centered school. “You can tailor [the Marzano model] to any class,” communications dean Angela Anyzeski said. “Everybody in the state of Florida has standards that we look at that are associated with our course. Our course is supposed to cover certain benchmarks or Florida State Standards. It is applicable, you just have to make it your own.” g
IN THIS SECTION:
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The Operation Post-Op Club organizes a toy drive to help children recovering from surgery in India, and students express opinions on their own website Check out bite-sized news briefs, including one about the redesigned snack cart.
communications teacher Christine Tieche. Scales are being used as an educational tool for students to track their progress.
NEWS 7
STUDENTS DRIVEN TO DONATE Operation Post-Op toy drive sends toys halfway across globe by EmmaBaldinger
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trings junior Anuksha Gotmare traveled to her family’s hometown in India last March, but this trip was no ordinary spring vacation. Gotmare accompanied pediatric surgeons on a mission to provide free surgeries to children in need. She got to know the children, put them at ease, and prepared them for surgery. After her trip, Gotmare felt motivated to do more for these children. “One of my friends from the mission trip inspired me to start a toy drive here,” Gotmare said. “So I started Operation Post-
Op this school year.” Operation Post-Op is a new club at Dreyfoos dedicated to providing toys for children in India recovering from surgery. “I had a vision of starting the toy drive so I went to one of my best friends, and we put our heads together and thought of starting this club at Dreyfoos,” Gotmare said. Strings junior Maya Kedmi is Gotmare’s co-president of the club, and was also inspired by her friend’s experience. “Most of the kids that these surgeons treat come from poor families who don’t have a lot, and can’t afford to pay for the major surgeries that some of them need,” Kedmi said. “The recovery times for the operations are extensive, some lasting months, and so the toy drive that we had raised used and new toys to be sent to them to help make their recovery easier and more fun.” Kedmi and Gotmare both have high hopes for the drive, so they have created an incentive for Photo by Rowan Bennetti Dreyfoos students to donate toys Over 100 toys were collected for the post-operation toy drive. Another by offering community service toy drive is being planned for kids in local hospitals. "We ran our first toy drive, during which we hoped to get the amount of toys that we need to hours. send on the [surgical] mission trip to India," strings junior Maya Kedmi said. “One used toy was equivalent
to one community service hour, and one new toy was equal to three community service hours,” Kedmi said. Gotmare is excited about returning to India for the second surgical mission trip in January, and she and Kedmi are now thinking beyond the children in India. They are contemplating a mission that is a bit closer to home and helps children locally. “Another goal that we have for this year is to have a second toy drive at the end of the year,” Gotmare said. This drive will take place after Gotmare returns from India and will focus solely on providing toys for pediatric patients in the local area. “We are planning on expanding our grounds to raising toys for local pediatric patients as well,” Kedmi said. “Our primary goal was to raise a sufficient amount for the mission trip before branching off into local hospitals.” The toy drive ran from Oct. 5 to Nov. 9, and donations of all kinds of toys were accepted. “Donating to the [toy] drive was important because it helps underprivileged children recovering from life changing surgeries.” Gotmare said. “Any toy can help bring a smile to a child’s face.” g
"THOT"-PROVOKING IDEAS LEAD TO BLOG
Students inspired to create online platform to make voices heard by AlexanderGordon
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reyfoos’ culture is dictated by the arts. Yet, for five students, the past two and a half months of their lives have been dictated by their “thots.” “Thethots.com” is a website with articles covering everything from political issues to artwork to poetry. Piano senior Catherine Zeng, communications senior Bennett Morgan, piano senior Alexandra O’Brien, and visual senior Zachary Amrose founded “thethots.com” on Aug. 22. Morgan has since left the The Thots, but communications senior Emma Sue Harris and visual junior Marco Estrella have joined the core team. “The inspiration for The Thots came from a group chat between [Morgan, O’Brien, Amrose, and I,]” Zeng said. “We used to debate politics and talk about Myers-Briggs. We had so many messages in the chat that we figured we might as well make a blog so that these thoughts can get somewhere.” This group of students has decided to use the popular slang term, “thots,” to their advantage in order to draw attention from their peers, while also having a play on words with the word “thoughts.”
NEWS
“We named it ‘thethots.com’ because the normal spelling of ‘thethoughts.com’ was taken. We thought it would be ironic because traditionally, the meaning of that for people our age is...something derogatory, but now we
Graphic by Lexi Marcellino
are using it to express our ideas,” Harris said. “The Thots has grown so much over the past two months. We have gotten over 25,000 views and have upgraded the layout of the blog tremendously,” O’Brien said. Commentaries on the The Thots used to
be written solely by the founders, but now the website has started accepting submissions from its readers, too. Over 60 articles have been published by dozens of authors so far. “Most of our submissions are coming from Dreyfoos students who want to speak their minds. We even have an ‘Arts Section’ for people to send in their work,” Harris said. “We aren’t connected to Dreyfoos, but we definitely encourage students to send in their ‘thots’ and opinions in the form of articles.” In addition to isolated articles, The Thots team chooses major issues to cover in a series of posts. Some of them have included presidential debates and women’s rights around the globe. “I think the unique thing about The Thots is that so many more people in our generation care about what’s going on than most adults want to think,” Harris said. “[Our generation] has a unique perspective growing up in an open-minded world. Our generation is the most tolerant of any generation up to now and our perspective is very important.” g
BRIEFS
a collection of bite-size, noteworthy stories
RAGAN, STOLOFF TOP VOLUNTEERS by ZacharyDeCastro
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Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf
Parent volunteers run the snack cart in the bus loop after the final bell. Dreyfoos students and Armory Art Center faculty member Charles Bane repainted it.
SNACK CART GETS MAKEOVER by DanielMontoya
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he old snack cart by the bus loop received a major makeover when it was painted by Armory Art Center faculty member Charles Bane and a group of Dreyfoos students. The painting of the cart was commissioned by Project Graduation, the committee that organizes activities for the graduating class. The snack cart sells candy and refreshments to students after dismissal while they wait for their bus. “There was a contest to paint the cart but nothing came from it,” Project Graduation board member Shannon Moriarty said. “A new coat was badly needed.” Before the paint job, the cart featured a faded red Coca-Cola design. When the remodel began, the cart was primed with white paint by the contest winner, who graduated, and was left like that over the summer with no new paint. “I just wanted to have fun,” Mr. Bane said. “It is a 3D canvas I got to play with.” Mr. Bane did not work on the project alone. He was assisted by theatre freshman Cate Moriarty and multiple other students. “One of my [helpers] Cate Moriarty said, ‘Bane, this is boring, fix it,’ ” Mr. Bane said. “[I] then submitted a sketch for approval.” Twenty hours were spent spray painting the cart. Mr. Bane, who has been painting since he was in high school and has been
doing murals for 10 years, did the painting by hand using only a basic sketch as a guide. “[Painting the cart] was definitely [one] of the top 10 things artistically I’ve had the most fun with,” Mr. Bane said. “[I wanted] to say I tagged Dreyfoos [with graffiti].” g
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igital media senior Bennett Ragan won the teen volunteer of the year and Samantha Stoloff, mother of communications freshman Zachary Stoloff, won the adult volunteer of the year. This award is given annually by Palm Beach County to outstanding volunteers in the community. Ragan has racked up 1,400 community service hours, and he owes it to the Arts Club. “I’ve been extremely involved in the school,” Ragan said. Mrs. Stoloff has made large contributions as a volunteer as a part of Project Graduation and helping out with visual arts auctions at Dreyfoos. “She spends a lot of time getting items for auctions,” Zachary Stoloff said. “She raised $20,000 last year at an auction.” g
NO EATING IN BUILDINGS by ZacharyDeCastro
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rincipal Susan Atherley has begun enforcing a ban on students eating their lunch in the buildings. For those who do not want to eat outside or in the cafeteria, Dr. Atherley has opened up the gymnasium hallway for students to eat. Students are supposed to be supervised at all times, but during lunch faculty members want a peaceful environment where they can either get their work done or socialize. “During lunch, teachers are trying to get stuff done, enjoy some down time, and collaborate with their colleagues,” Assistant Principal Corey Ferrera said. “When students are in the hallways, teachers feel that they have to watch students. Students are messy, [and] we don’t want rodents.” Prohibiting students from eating their lunch in the buildings is not administration revoking a privilege; it never was allowed to begin with. “Over the past year, things got a little lax,” Ms. Ferrera said. “Teacher complaints are what prompted the administration to jump on the issue [this year].” g
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Features
THESE ARE THE DRONES YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
Maxwell Zengage's aerial camera captures a new perspective
Photo courtesy of Maxwell Zengage
Visual junior Maxwell Zengage's drones have the capability to capture where we spend our time every day on a greater scale. This is an extreme wide shot he took of the Dreyfoos campus. Freshman Hill is in the center, and the picture displays the campus as far as the front gate. It also features parts of CityPlace and West Palm Beach.
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apturing the aerial shots found in movies, on television, and in advertisements can require hard work and planning, entailing the use of helicopters or airplanes. However, visual junior Maxwell Zengage has a device that is being used by pioneering people everywhere: drones. “A drone is essentially a flying HD camera with video that is extremely stable; you just fly them up and take your pictures,” Zengage said. “My drones are an innovation to gain a new perspective [on the world].” The specific drone that Zengage owns is
Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf
Visual junior Maxwell Zengage's "DJI Phantom 3 Professional" drone is flown by the Building 9 butterfly garden. Its camera is at the bottom of the drone itself.
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FEATURES
called the “DJI Phantom 3 Professional.” It cost $1500 with an additional $200 for each battery he uses. “I have mine in a special case that I can bring anywhere but the airport. Therefore, I can take pictures or videos on it pretty much whenever and wherever I want to,” Zengage said. The drone is controlled by utilizing an iPhone app called “DJI Go,” where one can select the type of drone they are using, connect it, and record footage. Zengage started using this app and his drones this past June on several small projects. “I’ve done shots for the Ritz Carlton in Orlando, various resorts, West Palm Beach, and for our own school,” Zengage said. “Lately, I’ve been doing shots for Mr. Anand’s soccer teams.” Science dean and soccer coach Stephen Anand has been thankful to Zengage for the hard work he has done, using his drones to capture footage of the school soccer teams when they practice and play games. “He has enabled me to see the soccer teams from a different perspective,” Mr. Anand said. “It gives me the ability to reflect on how my players perform on the field.” Many people may argue that having drones can be dangerous. After all, it is a pilotless aircraft that could malfunction. Some people have utilized the drones for spying and even placing bombs on them. However, Zengage was approved to fly it, getting permission from administration.
“He was good and did everything he could to make sure there were no threats. No one can just come and fly drones, you have to come and get special permission. His drone doesn’t pose a great deal of hazards for students at all,” Officer James O’Sullivan said. Zengage only flies his drones when there isn’t a large amount of students around. For instance, after school events and days off are the perfect days for him to fly. Regardless of the fact that there are no school district rules against flying drones on campus, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a few ground rules for everyone. There are certain “no-fly zones” all across the country that prevent drones and other small aircrafts from flying in heavily populated areas. “If there was someone else who was using drones without the same permission [Zengage] gets, it would cause some suspicion and a few problems would rise. He uses it responsibly and for school functions,” Officer O’Sullivan said. Aside from the potential problems it may pose, Zengage has been using his drones for more projects. Not only does he service a few resorts and companies, but he is working on a few personal projects as well. His interest in drones are used to capture a unique perspective of the everyday world that normally nobody would have the privilege of seeing. g
LICKSTEIN TAKES LONDON ONE SONG AT A TIME Strings sophomore Nikki Lickstein's original song rises in UK by HannahDunn
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n a matter of only a few months, strings sophomore Nicole “Nikki” Lickstein’s life went from normal to unbelievable when her music career took an unexpected turn towards sudden stardom. “I used to say I want to be able to turn on the radio and hear my own song, but that's already happened,” Lickstein said. “[It has been] overwhelming and exciting. I didn’t think anyone would care about my music.” Lickstein’s journey started when she auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” last year. She made it through most of the audition process before being cut. This made her want to start writing her own music to differentiate herself from other people. It wasn’t until Lickstein performed one of her original songs at a talent show at her sleep away camp that she realized how much people enjoyed her music. “They loved it, but I thought they were just being nice,” Lickstein said. "Except the next day I walked into the bathroom and I heard girls singing it in the shower and I was like 'Whoa that’s my song.'” Lickstein soon started a YouTube channel to display her music which she described as having a “coffee-house jazz” feel. Only a couple of days later, she was promoted by a
Photo by Julia Bonavita
Strings sophomore Nikki Lickstein strums her guitar in the garden between Buildings 4 and 6.
music company, and received a call from the CEO of a radio station in London asking if he could play one of her songs on his station. “[My song ‘Ex-Crush’] got up to the top 30 on the UK charts and they played it on the top 40 countdown which is really exciting. I didn’t think that was ever going to happen,” Lickstein said. “When you think about people listening to your song it's one thing if it's your friends, but if you think about thousands of people in London listening to your music and requesting it on the radio station it's weird.” Lickstein’s life has been on high speed mode for months and it seems like it is only going to be going faster from here on out. She is working on an album to be released in
June of next year and is even thinking about possibly touring in London. “This has all just happened really fast which is exciting, but a lot of stuff is going on,” Lickstein said. Even though Lickstein’s career has had a kickstart, it doesn’t exclude her from her regular studies and her major at school. She had to learn to balance her school work to make sure she was still successful in her academic classes. “My music teachers here have been really understanding because I have to miss a lot of class to record,” Lickstein said. “They have been amazing.” Even though many of Lickstein’s dreams have already come true, she is excited about what the future holds. With her album coming out in June and her auditioning again for America’s Got Talent, the upcoming years will definitely be filled with many new experiences and surprises. “I know a quote that I think sums [this whole experience] up. It’s not mine but I really like it,” Lickstein said, “It says ‘I am learning every day to allow the space of where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.’ ” g
MUSIC IN MANHATTAN Nicholas Abrahams travels to New York every weekend for pre-college music tutoring by CarlySchwamm
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trings sophomore Nicholas Abrahams wakes up at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning to board the first flight to LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The plane’s wheels touch the ground, and Abrahams opens the window shade to see the horizon of New York City. Once he lands in the city he catches the N60 bus and heads straight to the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) for pre-college tutoring. This may seem like a long commute, but Abrahams takes this commute every Saturday for a day dedicated to music. “The Manhattan School of Music tutoring helps me prepare for a college experience in music because music is what I want to pursue in addition to solo performance,” Abrahams said. “It’s great to experience having a full day of music. [It] really opened my eyes to what my life is going to be like once I leave high school. Every time I go I am looking to get better at something whether it’s playing or composing.” The program gives students an opportunity to study music every Saturday for the whole day, which is a rare opportunity.
“The pre-college tutoring at MSM is a program for musical students ages 5 to 18, or until kids go off to college. It offers all types of genres of music and for all different instruments,” Abrahams said. “Once you are accepted you are placed in a studio where each student receives a tutor. Everyone is really friendly and driven to have a musical career. That is the main purpose of MSM, it prepares students for college and to carry out a musical career.” This creates minor struggles, but going to New York every weekend has forced Abrahams to balance academics, music, and the time crunch each weekend. “For me, there really isn’t a drag to go to New York. I have to get up really early which can be annoying, and I have to sacrifice my whole Saturday, but I know it’s for a good cause and it is beneficial for me,” Abrahams said. “I balance everything by dedicating Sunday to getting caught up on academic work, but it’s manageable.” The program offers a variety of classes including ear training, music theory, and
Photo courtesy of Nicholas Abrahams
Strings sophomore Nicholas Abrahams carries his violin on his way to class at the Manhattan School of Music. Abrahams said, "The program is similar to how many would prepare before an exam because students want to know as much as they can before they go into class, or the world, to take the test.”
performance lecture. “It’s very impactful to be around passionately driven musicians. This instills a level of motivation in the environment, and it boosts my confidence, and makes me up my game,” Abrahams said. g
FEATURES 13
SHAPE UP OR PAY UP
District health rewards program encourages teachers to get in shape Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf
Science dean Stephen Anand throws a ball during the teacher kickball game. As a reaction to the School District Health Awards, which rewards teachers with insurance incentives for maintaining their health, multiple Dreyfoos teachers are working to get in shape by playing kickball games against teachers from other schools around the county.
by TomKapitulnik alancing schoolwork and exercise has never been easy. For students, it is a choice between sacrificing study time to try to stay healthy. However, students are not the only people facing this dilemma. Teachers often put exercise at the bottom of their priorities list, which means that sticking to an exercise regime often goes ignored. “Fitness and sports are very important to me, but it is hard to keep a schedule going,” social studies teacher Thomas Ruth said. “School related issues such as Marzano plans, or AP and End-Of-Course exam prep, makes it difficult to find time to exercise.” This is an issue many teachers struggle with – balancing time to meet all of their school obligations while finding time to stay healthy. To help teachers out, the district introduced School District Health Awards – a set of programs offered to teachers through their insurance that would give them incentives and make it easier to live a healthier lifestyle. “I am signed up for a program called Real Appeal,” communications dean Angela Anyzeski said. “It was presented by the district and covered through insurance. Real Appeal is basically a healthy eating weight
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loss program that is completely virtual. [Real Appeal] utilizes online weekly sessions with a coach that provides tips and strategies to help people live a more weight-conscious lifestyle. You meet with a coach online that helps track food and tailors your fitness plan to your lifestyle.” Many teachers are taking advantages of accelerated workout programs that help them stay fit and require less time. Science teacher Kristen Perez has struggled in the past to find time to go to the gym. Now, through a school district health program, she can go to the dance studio after school and work out. “T-25 is a workout provided by the school district,” Ms. Perez said. “It’s a DVD workout program that can be done in 25 minutes. It’s helpful if I am really busy and don’t have a lot of time to go work out.” While some feedback for the program is positive, some has been mixed. This is because teachers all across Palm Beach County are required to have an annual physical exam and blood test. If teachers pass the physical and participate in the health programs, they can qualify for a discount of their health insurance, which is offered by the district. If they choose not to participate, teachers get a fine.
“I don’t think [the School District Health Awards program] should be considered an actual awards program,” social studies teacher Jeffrey Stohr said. “If you don’t go to a doctor to comply with the guidelines of the program, you get fined. The ‘award’ is not to get fined.” If teachers fail certain tests on their physical exam, they have to participate in one of the health initiatives offered by the district or participate in some sort of workout in order to get a discount on their insurance. “I failed the test, so I had to do the [overthe-phone] coaching,” Mr. Ruth said. “The man [whom I talked to] was very nice and helpful, but even though he calls, he doesn’t know if I actually did the exercise or not. Overall, though, the coaching is not so bad – it acts as a check-in to your progress, which can keep you motivated to keep exercising.” Science dean Stephen Anand is one of the Dreyfoos teachers who has experienced this. Due to a genetic condition, he failed parts of the physical exam. Even though Mr. Anand exercises regularly and lives a healthy lifestyle, he had to go through phone counseling sessions to avoid getting fined. “I failed the physical because of a genetic condition,” Mr. Anand said. “I had to do a telephone counseling session about
my genetics and living a healthy lifestyle with someone who had less understanding of my situation than I do. I run a lot and am a healthy person, but the person I talked to wanted to believe I was overweight and out of shape.” Teachers like Mr. Ruth and Mr. Anand had to come up with new ways to stay active in order to still qualify for district insurance discounts. Mr. Ruth got together with a few other teachers and decided to form a Dreyfoos teachers kickball team. They compete against other schools. ”I don’t think most of the faculty wants to pay the premium for being out of shape, so they at least try to exercise,” Mr. Ruth said. “It was my idea to form the [kickball] team. The district really encouraged it as well for the fitness aspect it offers. It turned out to be really fun.” Although it has been difficult for all of the teachers to get together for kickball practice, many of the team members have been making an effort to participate. For some, this is the only part of the district health initiatives they are involved with. “The kickball team is a fun part of the district health initiative,” Mr. Stohr said. “It is the only part of the new program that I am involved in.” Not everyone is involved in the health awards programs. Even though the annual physical and blood tests are mandatory, participating in a special health
program is not. For teachers who already have their own exercise plans, programs offered by the district don’t affect their daily workouts. “[The School District Health Awards] began this year and I started getting fit before that so they haven’t affected me at all,” Assistant Principal George Miller said. “I have my own fitness routine that I follow to stay healthy. I started this regimen before the Health Awards started.” The reactions regarding the School District Health Awards have been mixed. While some teachers have taken advantage of the new health programs offered by the district, other feel that the way the program works is fundamentally flawed and that fining teachers is not the best way to make them want to exercise. “I think it was a good idea by the district to try and get people to live healthy,” Mr. Anand said. “However, the district, as usual, is ‘trying to learn how to fly a plane in midair.’ It was a good idea, but the program was not ready for its debut.” g
Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf
English teacher Theresa Beermann runs to the next base in a teacher kickball game.
Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf
Science dean Stephen Anand (L-R), science teacher Marilynn Pedek-Howard, social studies teacher Kristin Prusinski, and communications teacher Christine Tieche cheer on their fellow teammates in the teacher kickball game.
Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf
(Back row) English teacher Theresa Beermann (second from left), social studies teacher Tom Ruth (third from left), science teacher Marilynn Pedek-Howard (fifth from left), science dean Stephen Anand (seventh from left). (Front row) Social studies teacher Kristin Prusinski (third from left), and communications teacher Christine Tieche (fifth from left) pose for a group photo after the kickball game with the opposing team members.
COVER
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Arts
ALUMNI RETURN TO HIGH SCHOOL Former students return to Dreyfoos to give back
Photo courtesy of Christine Tieche
Communications teacher Christine Tieche (right) celebrates with band alumnus Jason Miller on graduation day.
Photo courtesy of Stefani Kochanski
about having fun and showcasing who we prepared for the real world. From the wide were through our art areas.” array of artists students are exposed to, the As academic standards and the competition high level of academics, and the teachers who for colleges have risen, Dreyfoos has started to guide you along the way, exiting the gates and shift its focus towards academics. entering the real world becomes an easier “A lot has changed since I went to transition due to Dreyfoos’ curriculum. Dreyfoos,” social studies teacher and theatre “Dreyfoos gave me a very solid foundation alumna Kathleen O’Hara (‘04) said. “Students in film and television,” Ms. Tieche said. “When are more competitive academically than I went to college, I was five steps ahead of I remember and kids aren’t as ‘outwardly everyone else and I could spend more time artistic.’ There used to be dance parties at focusing on weaknesses and making them lunch and I even knew one girl who even had better. I feel I am more well-rounded because a bagpipe.” of that.” Continued on page 17 After receiving their Dreyfoos diploma, alumni went in a variety of different directions to try and pursue their TEACHER GRADUATION DEPARTMENT art. Some became actors, Heather Flanagan 1995 Dance others painters and Ronda Johnson 2000 Dance photographers, and a few Lauren Carey 2007 Dance went into the film industry. Maria Konrad 2001 Dance “[After I left Dreyfoos] Melissa Glosmanova 2000 Digital/Visual I became a professional Sarah Ray 2000 Social Studies actor. I worked in a lot of restaurants, I was a Melissa Gifford 1997 Social Studies teacher at a summer Bradley Barfield 1999 Theatre camp and taught acting Kathleen O'Hara 2004 Social Studies classes for all different Christine Tieche 2002 Communications ages, and I think that’s Rachelle Lowen 2001 Math where I became Stefani Kochanski 1996 SOAFI a strong teacher,” Cole Lozier 2010 SOAFI theatre teacher and Kremer Shell 2005 SOAFI alumnus Bradley Valerie Bauer 1997 English Barfield (‘99) Leigha Foy 2010 Visual said. Scott Armetta 1994 Visual Read about a student born with holes To students, Marcela Ramos 2010 Visual in his heart. spending four Lacey Van Reeth 2002 Visual years at Dreyfoos Corey Daoust 1999 Visual can feel like an Check out what is going on in each art Samantha Gozlan 2010 Visual area. in Arts Index. eternity. However, throughout those * This is the current alumni staff list and is subject to change years, students become better
by MorganScott and RubyRosenthal
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hen Dreyfoos opened its doors in 1989, the founders had a vision: for the students they had taught to return and teach the ones to come. Twenty-five years later, that dream has become a reality. Twenty-two faculty members have returned to make their second Dreyfoos debut as alumni. “Dreyfoos was founded to fulfill the need to have an arts center in the community and in high schools,” School of the Arts Foundation (SOAFI) Director of Development and theatre alumna Stefani Kochanski (‘96) said. “[The founders of Dreyfoos] saw it was working in other high schools and wanted to try it for themselves.” Although life outside Dreyfoos’ gates has changed tremendously over the past decades, the culture inside has remained the same. The love students share for the arts is just as strong as it was when the first group of students walked through the door. “During lunch, the musicians would bring out their instruments, there would be dancers dancing, and all the individual art areas came outside and did their thing,” communications teacher and alumna Christine Tieche (‘02) said. “It wasn’t about a grade, it was just
IN THIS SECTION:
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ARTS
Photo courtesy of Lacey Van Reeth
SOAFI director of development Stefani Visual dean Lacey Van Reeth (left) poses with friends during Kochanski (left) smiles with a friend at lunch beside Building 9. graduation at the Kravis Center.
ALUMNI FACULTY
ART HEALS ALL WOUNDS Piano helps student cope with a rare medical diagnosis byAshleyBrundage
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t first glance, piano sophomore Nico Caggiani appears to be a normal teenager. He eats lunch in front of the theatre building; he talks and laughs with his friends; he complains about stress and sleep deprivation. You would never guess that he was born with actual holes in his heart. Caggiani had open heart surgery at only 4 months old, and he spent the majority of his childhood in and out of doctors’ offices. However, through all of those difficult times, Caggiani Photo by Rowan Bennetti Piano sophomore Nico found solace in Caggiani was born with playing the piano. Ventricular Septal Defect, which means there is a Now, he feels that hole between the left and music has become a right ventricles of his heart. "[Piano] helped me through defining aspect of his a really difficult time because character—and he I found that it was the only way to express how I felt. can’t picture his life I just love the feeling of the keys beneath my fingertips— without it. there really is nothing like it," “For me, playing Caggiani said. the piano is such an emotional and passionate experience,” Caggiani said. “It helped me through a really difficult time because I found that it was the only way to express how I felt. I just love the feeling of the keys beneath my fingertips—there really is nothing like it.” Despite his best efforts, Caggiani didn’t get into Dreyfoos his freshman year. However, he did not let failure hold him back, and was determined to prove his musical abilities. “I’m not going to lie, I was really
disappointed when I didn’t get accepted,” Caggiani said. “But I didn’t consider giving up for an instant, because I know that Dreyfoos is the right school for me. It’s the perfect environment, because I get to come to school everyday and do what I’m passionate about.” Caggiani was born with a heart condition called VSD, or Ventricular Septal Defect, in which there is a hole in the wall that separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. It is relatively common among infants, and most cases are harmless. But in severe cases such as that of Caggiani, if the condition Photo courtesy of Nico Caggiani is not treated, it can be life Piano sophomore Nico Caggiani had open heart surgery at 4 months old. He threatening. spent most of his time at the doctors office. “The doctors caught it early and they were able to fix me,” Caggiani said. “I feel really fortunate to be in good “The doctors caught it health, to be where I am, and to be able to do what I love.” early and they were able “I want to help people who are going to fix me,” Caggiani said. “I through the same thing that I did, because I feel really fortunate to be in good health, to be know firsthand how hard it can be,” Caggiani where I am, and to be able to do what I love.” said. “Even though it’s a lot of work, I think Caggiani is viewed as an inspiration by that it’ll be a really fulfilling career path.” his friends and family, as they admire his Even now, Caggiani has a prominent scar optimism and attitude of fierce determination. across the entire length of his chest. But “I’ve known Nico for a long time, and rather than be ashamed of it, he views the I’m so lucky to have him as a friend,” scar as a symbol of courage and bravery. communications sophomore Reilly Sams said. “I’m proud of my scars. To me, it serves “He’s truly extraordinary. He’s always smiling, as a constant reminder of everything I’ve even in the face of adversity. ” Ever since he was young, Caggiani planned overcome. I feel that it makes me stronger as an individual,” Caggiani said. g to pursue a career as a cardiologist, as he intends to help others who have similar heart conditions.
ALUMNI
Continued from page 16
Every year, hundreds of students audition for Dreyfoos due to the wide appeal the school has. The appeal can be just as strong for prospective teachers, especially for Dreyfoos alumni, who had the opportunity to truly experience the school. “I didn’t care about other places I worked at and being able to come back and do something that you care about that makes a difference is really important to me,” SOAFI member and Dreyfoos alumna Kremer Shell said.”By coming here you are doing something you really care about and know about it first hand.” Alumni understand what students go through and bring a unique perspective to
Dreyfoos by using what their teachers taught them and taking from their experiences from the real world. “Being a Dreyfoos [alumnus] lets you
"A lot has change since I went to Dreyfoos. Students are more competitive academically.”
-social studies teacher and theatre alumna Kathleen O’Hara
understand the quality of excellence that’s
expected. You look at the lessons that were taught to you and you want to do the same for the students that are here now,” Mr. Barfield said. “I want for this to be as special to them as it was for me. I want it to feel like it’s affected them and changed them into the people that they’re still becoming. That’s something I aspire to do as I teach here.” From the first days of freshman year, students form a love for Dreyfoos and the family atmosphere it creates. That love tends to bring many students back to the campus “Maybe one day Dreyfoos will be filled with all alumni,” Ms. Kochanski said. “I’m sure the founders would be ecstatic to see that.”g
ARTS
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ARTS INDEX
A guide to what's going on in the art area classes
COMMUNICATIONS THEATRE
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he speech and debate team participated in the annual Blue Key tournament at University of Florida from Oct. 30- Nov. 1. Debate students competed against students from all across the nation, and prepared for weeks to ensure that they put on an impeccable performance. In addition, communications students are getting ready to attend the NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Orlando. The convention will take place on Nov. 12- 15, and students will have an opportunity to participate in workshops on graphic design, journalism, writing, advising, website management, and editorial leadership. g
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omeo and Juliet” opened on Oct. 30 and ran until Nov. 8. Along with “Romeo and Juliet” rehearsal has begun for the musical “Shrek” that will open in spring. Students are also preparing for states, an annual theatre competition. Despite the size, the set for “Romeo and Juliet” may be brought to states. “The beginning of the school year is always the most hectic time. We have so much going on including preparations for shows, various auditions, and other amazing opportunities,” theatre sophomore Niki White said. “On the tech side we are recreating the Globe theatre for ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ As the paint crew head, I love watching it come to life as we add the colors.” g
MUSIC tudents and faculty are preparing
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for Prism, the biggest concert of the year. The event will take place on Dec. 2 at the Kravis Center. Prism will feature a variety of performances from students, including the Philharmonic Orchestra and the DSOA Choir--and will demand enormous efforts from the entire music department. “I’m really happy to be a part of Prism,” strings sophomore Dan Hardwick said. “The preparation is pretty exhausting, but it’s so rewarding to be able to showcase my talent in front of such a big crowd. It’s truly an extraordinary experience. ” g
Photo courtesy of Riley Freese
Communications sophomore Maya Levkovitz ( L-R) communications senior Taylor Rich,, communications sophomores Alex Gordon , Garret O'Donnell, communications juniors Jack Yan, Mathew Nadel, digital media sophomore Josh Meredith and communications junior Michael Wang pose with their trophies from the annual Blue Key tournament.
VISUAL AND DIGITAL MEDIA
VOCAL
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ccording to vocal teacher Arlene Sparks, vocal majors have already begun practicing for igital media and visual students of all their holiday performances, taking master classes grades prepared for their art auction on with Ms. Sparks, and participating in Disney Nov. 6. At the auction students sold artwork and Candlelight, an event where vocal majors from photography to the public. The auction is one of every grade sing Christmas carols on a stage in the biggest fundraisers of the year and students Epcot. have been preparing for it since summer. It is a “[Disney Candlelight will be held] on Monday, great time to get recognition for their work and Dec. 21, and we are performing the five-o-clock help support their department. show at Epcot,” Ms. Sparks said. “Students “[The auction is] our only fundraiser of the were selected by an audition video and over 100 year. We have a photo booth and music playing. students will be performing.” Students sell their artwork and photography and According to vocal sophomore Dina Desai, in we serve food,” digital media dean Peter Stodolak master classes, depending on their grade level, said. “It’s just a really great time and we get to vocal majors must prepare three songs either in raise a lot of money by sharing what we love.” g German, Italian, French, or English and perform one of them in front of their class. g
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DANCE
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ancers are rehearsing for the fall dance concert, which will be held from Nov. 20-22 and will feature contemporary and jazz choreographies from guest choreographers Christopher Huggins and Lawrence Albright. The concert will also include a dance from each grade level along with a pointe piece entitled “Le Corsaire.” Dance majors have recently finished their submissions to YoungArts as well, and some of those pieces have made it into the concert. “After the dance concert, seniors will work on solos for auditions,” dance dean Jan Hanniford said. “Then, after the holiday break, students will begin preparing for the spring concert.” g
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Sports
WEIGHING THE ISSUES OF THE WEIGHT ROOM A look at the pros and cons of Dreyfoos' little-known weight room by ElliotHacker
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ith so many private practice rooms and studios scattered throughout the Dreyfoos campus, the weight room underneath the gymnasium is constantly overlooked. The weight room contains a variety of machines and is filled with standard equipment that can be found at any gym. However, the hidden room also faces criticism for the type of machines chosen as well as the condition the weights are in. The weight room is typically used by students in gym class. This year, the swim team tried to incorporate working out in the weight room during different practices. The basketball team used the weight room during preseason conditioning, and plans to work out in it at least once a week Photo by Julia Bonavita during season. Aside from these people, the Communications senior Brett Marr works out on a leg press in the weight room under the gym. The weight room, which features a variety of different exercise equipment, is used mostly by students who take a gym class, but the swim team and basketball team have weight room remains underused. used it as well. Gym coach John Webb tries In contrast to Coach Webb’s point of view, machines with just one function, in a small to encourage students to take advantage of social studies teacher and basketball coach weight room like that, it just doesn’t make the opportunity it provides, and use it more Jeffery Stohr disagrees with the choice in sense.” frequently. Coach Webb has constantly equipment in the weight room, and how the The free weights and dumbbells still pushed students to use the weight room, machines are laid out. function well, but are old and rusting. The and believes it is more than sufficient for the “The weight room is functional, but is main concern in terms of these weights is the students at Dreyfoos. not practical. There is no bench-press, which restriction that is put on the students, when “I don’t think there is anything that you [would] enables tons of different workouts,” the maximum weight of the dumbbell they can do to improve our weight room, it’s Mr. Stohr said. “There is a variety of certain are lifting is only 30 pounds. This means that really a solid place,” Coach Webb said. “The leg machines inside the room that only have every student would max out at 60 pounds. heavy weights, the dumbbells, they are things one function and take up a lot of space. There This does not enable many students to that everyone uses and are pretty much is also four or five machines that need to be progress and limits how far they can really go [in] perfect [condition]. Once in a while if taken out and put where the treadmills are when building muscle. something falls or breaks, I’ll go ahead and located [inside the gymnasium]. They aren’t “It’s okay if you can’t lift more than 30 attempt to fix it.” useless, it’s just they take up valuable space pounds,” Mr. Stohr said. “The problem is Underneath the hardwood floors of the for people who truly want to lift weights.” more that once students progress past 30 gym, the weight room is isolated and free of At a local gym, there are cable machines, [pounds], they won’t use the weight room any distraction. It contains a music stereo, certain which are valuable for their multi-purpose longer.” types of stretching bands and bosu balls, and and allow anyone to enhance more than The weight room remains the only a pull-up bar. The weight room also contains one feature of their body. The machines in secluded and fully functioning training area multiple machines that focus on building leg the Dreyfoos weight room all contain one on the Dreyfoos campus. muscles and free-weights to squat with. purpose. A standard machine, which is what “I think the [weight room] has everything “I would want to add more to the weight the weight room has, is traditional and works it needs,” Coach Webb said. “You have a room, but there would have to be more kids just as well. place for music, you have free weights and that wanted to actually use it,” Coach Webb “I’m not attacking whoever made the dumbells, and a lot of the kids really like [the said. “Then, there may be a few different weight room,” Mr. Stohr said. “But to have weight room].” g options to add in.”
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SPORTS
SPORTS GUIDE A play by play of this season's meets, games, and tournaments
FALL
Photo by Rowan Bennetti
Visual junior Bjorn Corning (L-R) and theatre sophomore Elijah Wagmeister warm up before soccer conditioning. Soccer conditioning allowed students who wanted to play to get back into shape before soccer tryouts started on Oct..5.
Boys Soccer by RyanFreese
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fter weeks of conditioning and tryouts, the boys soccer season has started. Team tryouts began on Oct. 5 and ended Oct. 9. The first game was on Nov. 3 at Somerset Canyons High School. The boys won with a score of 5-0.
New players are working hard to improve their soccer skills to make their future season’s successful ones. “This season is important for me to get time [at the games] so I can improve for later years,” communications freshman Louis DiRienzo said. g
Basketball by ShaneMcVan
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he Dreyfoos boys basketball team has been going through conditioning in order to get ready for the upcoming season. The team attended conditioning sessions and practiced at open gym after school once a week. Tryouts were held from Oct. 26-28. Fourteen players made the team. Basketball coach and social studies teacher Jeffrey Stohr believes that this year will be a good year for
the basketball team. “[This season] is going to be exciting to watch us run the court and we have a very young team so it will be fun to watch,” Mr. Stohr said. “I see [the team] getting a lot better as the season goes on. We have some experienced players as well. We are not going to depend on one person but instead have a team effort with no individuals.” g
Girls Soccer by ElliotHacker
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he Dreyfoos girls soccer team has ended tryouts and is already being faced with high expectations from science dean and coach Stephen Anand. Tryouts began Oct. 12 and lasted throughout the week. Being in a 5A division, the girls will face difficult competition this year. Mr. Anand is hoping the surplus of incoming freshman talent will help the team this season. “This year we have a whole new range of really talented freshmen that have definitely played before,” Mr. Anand said. “We also have a few new goalies, which is nice because we haven’t had any depth at that position in three years.” Analyzing the freshmen’s knowledge of the game was a critical part of tryouts. The tryouts were led by returning players, but one player has especially stood out. “[Digital media senior] Madelyn Winchester has really taken her role as one of the key leaders of this team,” Mr. Anand said. “It is really great to see her put in this kind of effort.” The girls won their first game against Somerset Canyons High school with a score of 8-0. g
SPORTS
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COMING THIS FALL TO MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN
NATURE CONNECTS:
Art with LEGO® Bricks Blockbuster Exhibit November 14, 2015 – February 14, 2016
Mounts Botanical Garden eagerly awaits the official unveiling of Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks exhibit. The Garden will showcase 15 displays made from nearly 500,000 LEGO bricks. These whimsical masterpieces will be located throughout the Garden. Contact the Mounts Education Department at 233-1730 or visit mounts.org for further information.
Margaret L. Blume
Crawford Taylor Foundation
Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County 559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, 33415 • (561) 233-1757 • mounts.org 22
Lifestyle
SPICE UP THE FALL SEASON Natural ingredients can be used in skin-care
with a tablespoon of olive oil and up to half a cup of water (depending on hair length). Then spread the mix on dry hair, twist it into a bun, wrap it in a towel and wait for an hour. Then, shampoo and condition the hair. Cinnamon can also be used topically with honey to remove pimples, ringworms, eczema and other skin infections. It’s best to avoid the eye area as cinnamon can cause burning if it gets in the eyes.
commentary by KaraiMcLean
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alking down the aisles of Sephora or MAC, one cannot help but want to try all the matte lipsticks and different colored eyeliners. The prices of premium brands, however, have gone through the roof. “Some skin-care products you can buy in Sephora cost about $2 to make, but then are on sale for $300. Other skin-care products can be made for 50 cents and are sold for $2,” cosmetic scientist and author Perry Romanowski said. “In general, these products are not using ingredients so expensive that they would warrant the cost. No anti-wrinkle cream is worth $150. In fact, any product over $25 is a waste of money.” The good news is the best and most natural skin care products can be found sitting in kitchen cupboards. Spices have a long history of being used as medicine or even as a flavoring for meats and drinks. What most people do not know is that spices can also be used as natural skin care products.
Thyme
In Ancient Greece thyme was added to bathwater. In Ancient Egypt, thyme was used for embalming. Today, thyme is a great cleanser for oily skin. Mix a tablespoon of the dried herb with three or four tablespoons of witch hazel in a small sterilized jar, and shake it up. After letting it brew for about half hour, the solution becomes a natural toner that will keep pores open. Thyme has a bigger antibacterial effect, which reduces acne, than benzoyl peroxide (a common acne treatment) did, according researchers from Leeds Metropolitan University.
Rosemary
Rosemary increases the skin’s elasticity. Droopiness and age spots decrease thanks to its anti-inflammatory benefits. Anti-aging enthusiasts take note! Put a tablespoon of Pepper dried rosemary leaf in two cups of water Apart from treating cough, cold for about 10 minutes. Let it cool, and then and other diseases like cancer and Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf apply with a cotton ball as a toner. The oil Communications senior Karai McLean applies a facial mask consisting of intestinal problems, adding pepper spices. Certain spices possess properties that make them good for skin-care. can be directly applied on a freshly washed to a daily diet can help improve skin face with a cotton ball. Allow this seductive the skin because it removes accumulated and hair. Pepper’s burning sensation oil to dissolve into the skin before applying toxins, leaving the skin soft and radiant. increases blood flow and facilitates the moisturizer since rosemary has natural penetration of other helpful nutrients into the Cinnamon antiseptic properties. The oil is a superior skin. It has antibacterial, antioxidant and antiCinnamon is a multipurpose spice that disinfectant for skin and hair. g inflammatory properties, making it a useful doubles as a beauty product. It can be used medicinal spice and treatment against acne. as a hair-lightener, a mask, and oil. Combine Crushed black pepper is great for exfoliating a couple of tablespoons cinnamon and honey
STUDENTSHORTLIST by GerniseGregoire
What are you doing for Thanksgiving? Vanessa Santamaria theatre senior
“I’m going to go to McDonald’s. It’s a tradition I hold with myself every year because my family doesn’t do anything, so I get a McDouble.”
“I’m going to travel to either Colorado or Indiana.”
Dylan Thomas band freshman
LIFESTYLE 23
Entertainment by MariannaKaimakliotis
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hile some television episodes from the past are deemed outdated when compared to our modern CGI zombie-actiondramas, there is still something that labels them as ahead of their time. Certain old television episodes have been discovered to contain plot moments, if not entire premises, that compare to shocking or tragic events following their release.
On the season five episode of “The Simpsons” titled “$pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling,)” a white tiger mauls Gunter and Ernst, a parody of the magic and stage performance duo Siegfried and Roy. In 2003, ten years later, a white tiger attacked the real Roy Horn while he was performing on stage.
Book Titles
When the pilot of Chris Rock’s TV show, “The Chris Rock Show,” aired in 1997, a scene played where Rock walked over to a television and picked up a VHS tape titled “I Didn’t Kill My Wife, But if I Did, Here’s How I’d Do it.” Rock said former football player OJ Simpson sold the “instructional” tape to him one night when he stopped by. Simpson was placed on trial in 1995 for stabbing and killing his wife, Nicole Brown, and was found not guilty. In September 2007, Simpson and his ghost writer, Pablo Fenjves, released a book with a similar name and premise as the scene in Rock’s show. The book, titled “If I did it, Confessions of the Killer,” details how Simpson would have killed his wife if someone had not beaten him to the punch, or in this case, the stab.
Whistleblower
Celebrity Casualties
In the episode “Family Guy Viewer Mail 2” from the controversial cartoon “Family Guy,” everything Peter Griffin touched turned into the late comedian Robin Williams. In the episode, which first aired in May 20, 2012, Griffin begins to resent his Midas touch after accidentally turning his town and wife into Williams. Griffin attempts suicide by a gunshot to the head, only for the gun he was holding to also turn into Williams. When compared to William’s suicide on Aug. 11, 2014, this may sound like a simple coincidence. What is unnerving about their connection is how BBC Three aired a rerun of the episode, a few minutes before the news of William’s death broke out.
removed from Hulu and no longer airs on Fox. In a 2007 episode of the TV show “Scrubs,” the nameless janitor of Sacred Heart Hospital tells Zach Braff’s character J.D. that “In [his] opinion, [America] should be looking for [Osama] Bin Laden In Pakistan.” This opinion was an unusual one to have. In 2007, the search for Bin Laden was focused mostly in Afghanistan. Four years later, Navy Seals found and killed Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where the janitor stated Bin Laden would be. The most accurate and specific prediction of 9/11 is the scene in the pilot of “The Lone Gunmen,” which aired in March 2001. The episode had a plot line containing a government staged event where a terrorist hijacks a plane and attempts to fly it into the World Trade Center in order to start a war in the Middle East. Not only does this episode contain precise details of the attacks, but it predicted the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that followed the fall of the Twin Towers. The show was canceled in June 2001 and is no longer aired due to its sensitive subject.
Graphic by Marianna Kaimakliotis
Terrorist Attacks
On March 17, 2013, the creator of “Family Guy,” Seth MacFarlane, released an episode titled “Turban Cowboy,” in which Griffin runs over Boston Marathon runners with a bulldozer and later sets off a bomb in Quahog. Because the episode contained too many similarities with the Boston Marathon Bombing on April 13, 2013, the episode was
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“The Lone Gunman” was not the only show to predict events related to the U.S. government. An episode of “Person of Interest” titled “No Good Deed,” which was released in May 2012, depicted a young man who worked for the National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA agent exposed illegal activity and crimes that were committed inside the business. In June 2013, Central Intelligence Association (CIA) member Edward Snowden similarly exposed the NSA of illegally spying on Americans, the United Nations (UN), and the European Union. Most teenagers only watch dated television shows when TV Land is on at their grandparents’ home, but with recent shocks and conspiracy theories circulating around these old television shows, kids might start visiting their relatives voluntarily. g
othing gets me more in the fall mood than the scent of fear and pee. Fright Nights, conveniently two minutes away from my house and right next to a correctional facility, has both. I do not know what is scarier about Fright Nights: the old men carrying around chainsaws or the ones eating turkey legs. The line for the Himalaya ride is straight out of hell- a common theme there. My favorite part of fall is being herded like actual livestock while waiting to enter the haunted houses. Fifty thousand people go to Fright Nights every year. Why?
2424 ENTERTAINMENT
Graphics by Marianna Kaimakliotis
MOVIES THAT MOVE YOU D-Box Technologies creates a cinema motion system that simulates real life
Communications junior Chloe Krammel models IMAX glasses. Some D-Box movies use 3D glasses for viewing.
by JordanJohnson
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magine that you are sitting comfortably in a movie theater seat, reaching for salty popcorn from the bag in front of you. You stare blankly into a screen. Everything around you is a complete blur as the theater lights dim. When you least expect it, your seat pops out, starts shaking, and thrusts you back and forth, sending your bag of popcorn flying across the room. Welcome to D-Box Technologies. 3D movies might give the audience the opportunity to interact with characters through a pair of plastic glasses, but D-Box Technologies takes movie watching to a whole new level. Cutting-edge motion systems use this new technology to allow the audience to not only watch the movie, but to feel it too. In other words, seats will interact with the visuals on screen and its accompanying sounds, giving moviegoers the “full experience.” In technical terms, the seats have a track underneath them that is synced up to the movie. If the characters are on the top of a
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lthough fall in Florida can only be described as a less hot summer, I still enjoy getting into the fall spirit. When the temperature drops that whole 10 degrees, I like to ride my bike to one of the nature trails around Jupiter and “hike,” which for Floridians means “walk.” Even though calling fall a season is equivalent to calling Iggy Azalea a rapper, the ability to walk outside and not burn alive is much appreciated. Thanks, fall.
roller coaster, for example, you will feel your seat tilting downwards as the characters’ cart rolls down the hill. If their cart were to make an immediate turn, so would your seat. Electro-mechanical generated movements have been most accurately used for this. They are able to provide the highest degree of precision to the scripted movements and vibrations on the computer software. With this ability, it is able to recreate any natural movements occurring in the movie by anything or anyone in motion. The motion effects are edited and processed as a separate track just like any part of a film or clip of sound; through an editing program on a computer or certain device. The three main parts of D-Box motion effects are simpler than imagined. The first part includes the embedded motion mechanism and power drive within the movie theater seat. The next part consists of the D-Box motion effects system connected to a piece that holds the scripted motions in the film. The third part is what is called the “D-Box Motion Code”. This generates the
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ven though temperatures are not falling yet, I know the football season is here. After a hot spring and summer, the fall brings an all new season that I can watch from the comfort of my couch. I know the Miami Dolphins will win the Super Bowl this year despite what other Dreyfoos football fans might say. I get to spend the season watching the most exciting sport out there, and fall cannot get better than that.
Photo illustration by Rowan Bennetti
ultimate effects that are synced up to the movie. While many do not know exactly what D-Box movies are, they are becoming more common in local movie theaters, such as at Parisian 20 in West Palm Beach and Broward 18 in Pompano. Only certain movie theaters carry D-Box technologies, and not all movies are able to been shown in this way. For those who get dizzy when viewing through 3D movie glasses, consider this something different. Anyone whose stomach does not sit well with sudden movements and jerking motions may want to purchase a movie ticket to something else. On the plus side, regular movie tickets are cheaper. D-Box movie tickets can cost around $15 more than the average movie ticket and $10 more than the average 3D movie ticket. Are D-Box movies just another counterfeit in the movie and film industry, or are they going to enhance and revolve the cinematic technologies of the world? In order to answer that question, you must take a seat, sit back, and “enjoy the ride.” g
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eing able to take down little kids at the pumpkin patch while fighting with them over the perfect pumpkin certainly sounds like fall spirit to me. Even though I am usually the oldest kid at the pumpkin patch every year, I still love finding the best pumpkin and going for the sake of tradition. Fall has arrived.
ENTERTAINMENT 25
PERMANENT SINUS RELIEF IN ONE OFFICE VISIT
DrRajaSinusRelief.com 561-793-3363 | JUPITER | WELLINGTON | BOYNTON BEACH 26
Staff Editors-In-Chief Managing Editor Website Editors Assistant Managing Editors Layout Editors Op/Ed Editor Op/Ed Staff News Editor News Staff Features Editor Features Staff Arts Editor Arts Staff Lifestyle Editor Lifestyle Staff Sports Editor Sports Staff Entertainment Editor Entertainment Staff Photo Editors Photo Staff Business Manager Business Staff Head Copy Editor Copy Editors Website Staff Cartoonists Adviser
Michelle Birch, Samantha Rose Starr Courakos Julia Horneck, Erik Ridd Tom Kapitulnik, Brittany McKenzie, Isaac Ochoa Tomas Cabezas, Riley Freese Alexis Pinchuk Celine Castronuovo, Riley O’Connor Jack Yan Emma Baldinger, Zachary DeCastro, Alexander Gordon, Daniel Montoya Mary Rasura Carly Schwamm, Noa Kroyter Uma Raja Ashley Brundage, Ruby Rosenthal, Morgan Scott Gernise Gregoire Karai Mclean, Alexa Pope Alana Gomez Ryan Freese, Elliot Hacker, Shane McVan, Chloe Krammel Cody Baez, Jordan Johnson, Marianna Kaimakliotis, Bennett Morgan Rowan Bennetti, Jade Lenkersdorf Julia Bonavita, Lorenzo Romano Delaney Cotton Bailey Van Putten Vink Taylor Rich Hannah Dunn, Alexa Marcellino, Michael Wang Oscar Hamilton, Frances Landrum Katherine McCann, Cheyenne Otocki Stephen Moore
EDITORS'LETTER
EDITORIALPOLICY The Muse is a student publication produced by Journalism IV, V and VI classes at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Opinion is limited to editorials and columns. We welcome and will print letters to the editors, which should be submitted to the Pressroom (1-305). We reserve the right to edit letters for grammar and space restrictions and will publish no letters that are libelous or defamatory to any staff, students or members of the community. We also accept guest editorials, although we reserve the right to edit or to decline at our discretion. The Muse gratefully accepts advertisements from community businesses as well as donations from interested readers. Yearly subscriptions can be purchased for $35. Please make checks payable to Dreyfoos School of the Arts and send to:
Dreyfoos School of the Arts 501 South Sapodilla Avenue West Palm Beach, FL, 33401 or call (561) 805.6252
ABOUT US
The Muse has won numerous awards from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) including a Pacemaker in 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 and a Silver Crown from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The Muse won a CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown award in 2015. In 2013, The Muse placed fifth for the newsmagazine and second for the website in Best of Show at NSPA. Over 1,300 students and a multitude of subscribers receive copies of the magazine annually. All aspects of the magazine are written and designed by the students. We would like to thank the School of the Arts Foundation for their support. Your donations are greatly appreciated. g
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t is hard to believe that we have already completed the first quarter and are well into the second. We hope that you all have enjoyed your year so far, from adjusting to new classes to dressing up for Fall Festival. For us, the spookiest part of Halloween was meeting deadlines. From Nov. 12-15, staff members from The Muse and other journalism students will be attending the JEA/ NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in Orlando. We will be participating in write-off contests, attending workshops, and burning off
Photo by Julia Bonavita
Editors-in-Chief and communications seniors Michelle Birch (left) and Samantha Rose pose by the garden between Building 4 and Building 6.
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stress in Magic Kingdom. Although juries and finals are right around the corner, we look forward to a much-needed Thanksgiving break. We are thankful for many things: a unique school, our talented classmates, and our staff. This magazine and our website would not be possible without the dedication of the writers, photographers, designers, and editors on our staff. Although the leaves are not changing and the temperature seems to be rising, we hope you enjoy the fall season as much as we do. g
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EXPOSURE
Matthew Hakkarainen Strings sophomore
"THREE ANIMALS"
by JuliaHorneck fter studying music for years, it is quite customary to grow into an endless routine of memorizing sheet after sheet of music only for it all to blur together in a haze of lines and notes. Yet there are those like strings sophomore Matthew Hakkarainen, who seek to break from this monotony and explore the many other approaches to crafting music. “I started composing in the eighth grade and I’ve composed many pieces for solo violinists,” Hakkarainen said. “As of recently I’ve also been working on a string quartet, and I have a couple orchestra pieces in the works, as well. It takes a while to write those types of pieces, as the more instruments involved, the
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more time it takes to create the composition.” Hakkarainen originally found composing music of interest to him when his composition teacher asked him to get a music notation software, called Sibelius software. After trying it out, his teacher liked the melody Hakkarainen had made with Sibelius. Thereafter they transformed it into a suite of three parts, each of which symbolized an animal. “The first part is called ‘The Hopping Hare,’ the second is ‘The Growling Bear,’ and the third is ‘The Galloping Mare,’” Hakkarainen said. “As I later looked back on the piece, I decided to dedicate it to Alex and Jackie Berman, as it was almost a story
This is a QR code. Scan it with your smart phone and it will take you directly to The Muse website, where you can listen to "Three Animals."
of the incident where ‘the Growling Bear’ symbolized the tragedy, while the other two parts represented them running free in the end.” Hakkarainen’s mother, who is a violinist herself, introduced Hakkarainen to the instrument at the young age of 3 and he has lived and breathed music ever since. “All around, [playing music has] helped me improve academically, as well as even emotionally,” Hakkarainen said. “It cultures you in a way and shapes who you are. It’s hard to describe, but all I can say is that I can’t imagine not playing music or having it in my life.” g