Music School

Story by Sabrina Ho and Ashley Park Photo and graphics by Reya Mehta

As seniors begin to announce their majors along with their schools of intended attendance, familiar academic majors arise and are easily recognizable. However, some graduating seniors are deciding to pursue their interests aside from core subjects as they embark on their next steps into their future.

With the melodies and notes too strong to let go, West Ranch students Daniel Lobker and Matthew Swanson have decided to consider carrying their musical legacy from West Ranch to their next school of higher education.

Lobker teeters between “pursuing Music and Music Industry Studies at Cal State Northridge and pursuing Music and Business in the Netherlands” while Swanson considers Master’s University where he is “planning on double majoring in Music and Engineering.”

As their experiences gained in high school have shaped their talent and path ahead of them, Swanson and Lobker focus on the potential opportunities awaiting them. Though Swanson is determined to study music, in addition to engineering, he hopes to integrate his musical ambitions throughout college, advancing his performance career.

“I would really like to be in an orchestra or maybe if I could record music for movies and tv shows or what-not,” Swanson expressed. He reiterated his interest in “traveling orchestra” or “any recording opportunities for movies and all,” but is truly focused on gaining experience.

Both students’ decision to major in Music was fueled by their passion and creative opportunity in music. Lobker found the artistic outlet to be a medium for self-initiated music-based projects, later even starting and leading his own jazz band, Hart District Combo. All of which allowed his interest in music to root and flourish.

Lobker reflected on his project experiences and said, “I got to learn how to compose and arrange music for an ensemble, as well as learn how to articulate my vision for the music to my bandmates. I have been in contact with different directors from across the district in order to find performance dates and venues. These kinds of activities and opportunities have only been given to me through my passion for music. I am very grateful for the way that music has impacted my life.”

Matthew’s decision to pursue a musical career was

motivated by two things. “One scholarship money, and two I’ve always had a passion for music; I’ve always liked the sound I’ve got to create.” While both are excited to see what the future holds, they appreciate the time they have spent apart from the West Ranch music program. Both individuals thanked their directors and fellow musicians for shaping their experience at West Ranch. “The directors, Brian Leff and Stephen Hufford (and previously Jason Marshall), do an amazing job at building a creative and friendly environment for aspiring musicians to thrive,” Lobker shared. “Every band conducts themself with utmost professionalism that when West Ranch takes the stage at any festival or competition, the whole audience immediately gravitates to our performances. West Ranch has the best music program in the valley.” Swanson got the chance to participate in the Concert Orchestra before moving into the more advanced Chamber Orchestra. When reminiscing on his time as a “Find the right music program that fits you--big school vs. small school, finding the right professor you want to study with, geographic location of the school, etc.” - Mr. Leff, Director of Jazz Studies part of these orchestras, he shared how much fun he has had. West Ranch’s Director of Instrumental Music, Mr. Hufford, reflected on his time spent with both Lobker and Swanson. When describing the individuals he shared how “both students are hard working, passionate about music, and always push themselves to improve.” As both head off to college, it may seem scary trying to adjust to the new environment. Mr. Leff, Director of Jazz Studies at West Ranch, offers his advice to both students as they embark on this next step in their musical careers. He advises “to find the right music program that fits you. Big school vs. small school, finding the right professor you want to study with, geographic location of the school, etc.” The Paw Print looks forward to seeing Lobker and Swanson succeed in their musical careers!

Artists & Designers

For most seniors, finding a college to continue their education at is a must for the last couple of months of their high school career. At West Ranch, students go into a variety of majors, such as business, biology and engineering. However, there are a select few in the 2022 senior class planning to go into fashion, art and animation. The Paw Print decided to highlight these select students, here they are:

“I became interested in fashion after realizing how much creative space and joy it gave me. ”

Suhwan Cho

Suhwan Cho is going to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, following in her mother’s footsteps to become a stylist for high-end clientele. She discovered her love for fashion for its ability to allow anyone to freely express themselves in the manner they wish.

Kiley Gustin

Kiley Gustin will be attending California Polytechnic State University to further pursue her interest in graphic design. During her time at West Ranch, taking the graphic design course sparked her interest in attending an online class at ArtCenter College of Design.

By pursuing this field of study she hopes to become a designer in a corporate setting and later freelance. “A designer’s goal is to find ways to communicate to consumers and attempt to achieve visual solutions that are appropriate.”

college bound

Story by Isabella Truong & Anika Sachdeva Photos by Minjun Kim & Desiree Perez Graphics by Andrew Kang

“Some of my favorite things about animation are the hard work and effort you get to see when the films come together.”

Hannah Zeringue

Hannah Zeringue is going to California Lutheran University to further her education in the field of animation. Her goal is to learn more about the skills needed in storytelling and animating as a whole. She gained her interest in the major from watching cartoons such as Pink Panther and Tom and Jerry at a young age, finding their art styles appealing and inspiring. In the future, she hopes to work for a talented crew at Disney Studios and contribute to making new films.

Mia Ouyang

Mia Ouyang plans to attend California State University, Northridge in order to study animation. By pursuing this major she hopes to become an animator for television shows or video games. She has been doing art her entire life and is motivated by the idea of doing something artistic with her life. Her interest in animation began through her passion for art. Since her early childhood, Ouyang has been doing art and wants to dedicate her career to it.

“I find the major fascinating because it’s really the only film/ television medium that can be anything— it can imitate reality, “A designer’s goal is to find ways to communicate it can distort it, it can be completely unrealistic. It takes everything that life is and exaggerates it,” to consumers and attempt to achieve visual solutions that are appropriate and functional.”

Pop culture has played a key role in shaping our high school experience from the artists we admire to the movies we relate to. It is important we recognize the coming-of-age impact it has had on us before we move onto the next chapter in our lives. The Paw Print curated a survey asking West Ranch seniors to vote for a film, TV series, actor, actress, musical artist and album, which they believe best defines their high school experience. Grads, these awards are voted by you. The Paw Print presents: The “Grad”dy Awards! GRADDY AWARDS STORY BY ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT GRADDY AWARDS GRAPHICS BY ANDREW KANG