A&E
October 25, 2012
Choirs perform in concert On October 15, the Xavier Choral music department filled the RegisLaSalle Theatre with song and music. The four choir groups sang pieces they have been working on since the beginning of the school year. Voce entered the stage hand-inhand to start off the night. They first sang “Praise to the Lord” arranged by F.M. Christiansen. Voce’s second song was“The Spheres” by Ola Gjeilo. Voce ended with “Oh, What a Beautiful City” by Stacey Gibbs. All of the songs sung were sung a capella. Voce is the boys and girls extracurricular group that practices outside of school once a week.”My favorite part of the choir experience is making great music with your friends. It is one of the best feelings, being there on stage singing the last note of a song and you know how wonderful it sounds.” junior Mikayla Cummings said. Xavier Singers performed next starting with “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” attributed to W.A. Mozart. Next, they sang the African song“O Sifuni Mungu” which is arranged by Roger Emerson. The Xavier Singers ended with “I’se the B’y,” a folk song and dance tune arranged by Robert Swift. Women’s Chorale first sang “Alleluia” arranged by Theron Kirk a capella. Then sang David Child’s “Ave Maria” by which is the Hail Mary Pray in Latin. Women’s Chorale ended their performance with “My Heart’s in the Highlands,” a Scottish tune by Donna Gartman Schultz. The night ended with Xavier Chorale. They sang“If Ye Love Me”
by Thomas Tallis and “Verbum Caro Factum Est” by Hans Leo Hasslerboth in a capella. Then they sang“Sure on This Shining Night” by Morten Lauridsen. They ended with “Animal Crackers, Vol. II,” composed by Eric Whitacre. “With this song laughter is not only appropriate but welcomed,” Walker said. Both Voce and the Xavier Singers are directed by Matt Walker. This is Walker’s third year at Xavier. He received his Masters of Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Iowa. The Director of Women’s Chorale is Jaclyn Hussey. It is her first year teaching at Xavier. “Women’s Chorale is a fantastic group to work with. They are very supportive of each other, extremely focused, and we have a blast during class!” Now many the choral members preparing for All State and OPUS Honor Choir and show choir season, which is quickly approaching.
All -State Results
11 Reviews by
John & Con: Halcyon by Ellie Goulding
British singer Ellie Goulding first gained stardom in 2010 after her hit single Lights gained both commercial and critical attention. Goulding captured the Brit Choice award, and performing in front of the Royal Couple at their wedding reception, Goulding was quickly thrust into fame. Her sophomore album continues her success, while building upon it while avoiding the dreaded sophomore slump. Ellie shines with both strong radio friendly songs (Anything Could Happen, Only You) but also songs that show the more personal side of her rise to fame (Explosions, Dead in the Water). Ellie thrives on both ends of the spectrum, with her powerful voice riveting through heavy bass songs, while still being able to sound elegant and refined on the slower ballads. Goulding reflects Pop genre of music, while straying away from the common tactics used by Pop
artists today. Rather than utilizing auto-tune and simple electro beats, Goulding brings a fresh breath of talent and originality to a genre that has been suffering from money hungry radio artists. Pick up Halcyon for $13.99.
Favorite Tracks: Figure 8 Only You
Tunes to look forward to: Hands of Glory - Andrew Bird Dreams and Nightmares Meek Mill LUX - Brian Eno
Payton Janney A&E Writer
John Richardson and Connor Collins Sports Assistant Editor and Sports Writer
Students express their passion through independent studies Many students in Xavier come to find the subject that they are passionate about at during their four years here. A few of those students decide to start intensely study that particular subject while still in high school. Independent Studies are an option for many students to continue their learning in a subject after all the courses that the school offers have been completed. Some of the most frequently taken Independent Studies are in Music, Art and Drama. In Art, there are three different types for Independent study: Art Independent Study, AP Studio Art and Photography Independent Study. In Art Independent Study, the students have to come up with their own project
ideas and receive very little help from teachers. Senior Nick Wallraff chose to do wood carving because it is not a normal art class offered at Xavier. The Photography Independent Study is very similar to the Art Independent Study but it also incorporates graphic design into a lot of the projects. Senior Becca Winders says she has chosen to take this Independent Study because it is in the field she wants to go into. This is Becca’s second Photography Independent study. AP Studio Art is a class offered at Xavier through Kirkwood College. In this course students do various projects and at the end of the semester they send in a portfolio to get judged
for their final grade. “I decided to take this course because I will give me a head start on college,” senior Lindsey Blair said. Blair also entered the Mount Mercy High School Art Exhibit for the past 2 years and earned an honorable mention last year. For a Drama Independent Study, the students chose to concentrate on either acting or directing. Senior Michaela Powell is studying directing and is working on the upcoming musical The King and I. “I am thinking about minoring in drama next year in college, so working on the plays really help me get ready for what’s to come,” Powell said. In a Music Independent Study, the student composes their own
music. At the end of the semester they perform a small concert that is open to the public. Even though there are no students who chose to participate in a Music Independent Study for the first semester this year it is still open for any student who is interested in the second semester. Independent Studies allow students to get a taste of what college might be like for them if they continue on with the subject they choose to study. To find out more about Independent Studies in Art, Music, and Drama talk to Mrs. Kemp in the guidance office.
Next Classes: (Marion) November 26 December 8 & December 17 - 31
Meghan Gerke A&E Writer
(Cedar Rapids) November 5 - 16 & December 17 - 29