December 6, 2012
A&E
11
Jazzers start their instruments Upon walking into school early in the morning, one might hear the notes of jazz music coming from the band room. This music is produced by a small number of Xavier band students. Xavier’s 18-member Jazz Band has been practicing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning since the third week of October. During morning practice, the band works on the song sets they have chosen to use for performances. “I think the group is very motivated to do well this year,” director Ms. Kelli Swehla said. “They are enthusiastic about playing our songs, which is hard to do at seven in the morning.” The three-song set usually starts with a swing song, followed by a slower ballad, and usually ends with a piece in the Latin, rock, or funk genre. The first contest set contains the songs BasieStraight Ahead, I’ll Be Around, and Dreamin’ Out Loud. The second set is The Queen Bee, Little Sunflower, and The Chicken. The band also has a Corridor Jazz Project tune: Red Bank Boogie, which will feature Steve Shanley, the Assistant Professor of Music at Coe College, on piano. While Marching Band
has themed shows each season, Jazz Band does not. “It’s not really a themed show, it’s more like a concert type of feel,” Swehla said. Even though it is another morning commitment, students participate in Jazz Band simply because they want to. “I liked doing Jazz Band in middle school, and I thought I would see if I could continue doing it here at Xavier,” freshman Mitch Anderson said. “The songs have a fast moving tempo and a high energy vibe to them, which I like.” Performances for the Jazz Band begin after Christmas break. Their first performance is the State contest on January 26. They will perform many times throughout the year, including at the University of Iowa and Paramount Theatre. They will conclude their season with the Metro Jazz Festival in April.
Ashley Pudil A&E Writer
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John &Con: Trilogy by The Weeknd
The music world was taken by storm over the past two years by the success and talent of Canandian R&B artist The Weeknd. Trilogy is a 3-disc album, and the three mix tapes have been released over the past two years: House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. The nine track albums have been completely re-mastered, and each features a new bonus track. Trilogy flourishes on its unique and dark take on R&B, while portraying the narrative that continues through the 30 song series of his rise to fame, the lifestyle choices he makes, and the results that follow. The Weeknd has often been referred to as the “Song Bird” of this generation, a title rightfully earned. With a range and pitch similar to the Pop King Michael Jackson, The Weeknd shows off this talent in a variety of songs. From powerhouse singing on songs such as the remake of the
Pop King’s very own Dirty Diana, “D.D.”, to emotional, soft tone songs as “Rolling Stone,” The Weeknd never fails to disappoint. While some songs have already been popular mainstream, it is the songs found within the albums that truly display The Weeknd’s unique style. Prime examples include “Loft Music”, “TwentyEight” and “Montreal”, which will soon garner their own success. Trilogy has too many songs to mention, and yet no songs are sub-average. All bring a different style and a different feel, while not straying away from the overall theme of the individual albums. Check this album collection out for the ridiculously low price of $9.99.
Albums to look for: O.N.I.F.C- Wiz Khalifa Unorthodox- Bruno Mars
John Richardson and Connor Collins Sports Assistant Editor and Sports Writer
ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas December 6 7 p.m. Disney’s A Christmas Carol 9 p.m. Elf December 7 6 p.m. The Santa Clause December 8 7 p.m. Despicable Me December 9 5 p.m. Holiday in Handcuffs 7 p.m. The Mistle-Tones (premiere)
December 10 6 p.m. Frosty’s Winter Wonderland 6:30 p.m. Mickey’s Christmas Carol 7 p.m. The Year Without a Santa Clause
December 16 6 p.m. Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3
December 22 5 p.m.-9 p.m. The Santa Clause The Santa Clause 2 The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
December 11 6 p.m. The Santa Clause
December 17 6 p.m. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 12 6 p.m. The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
December 18 7 p.m. Home Alone
December 23 6 p.m. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 13 8 p.m. The Polar Express
December 19 6 p.m. The Polar Express
December 24 8 p.m. Home Alone
December 14 7 p.m. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town 8p.m. Disney Pixar’s Toy Story
December 20 6 p.m. Disney’s A Christmas Carol
December 25 8 p.m. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
December 15 7 p.m. Disney’s A Christmas Carol 9 p.m. Elf
December 21 6 p.m. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Maddie Smith A&E Editor The Potter’s Obsession