Communications

The room grew quiet as the performer stepped toward the microphone and adjusted the stand, a notebook gripped in one hand and the edge of the stand in the other. 

Slam Jam’s performance of original poems began as the performer spoke into the microphone. 

Communications sophomores BellaDonna Peterson and Monica Chirolde performed a duo slam poem about the United States government, examining the gap between the promises of the Pledge of Allegiance and present day realities. By returning to phrases such as “liberty and justice for all,” they made connections to current political issues that reflect modern society.

“We put a ton of practice into it, including working on it during meetings and calling on weekends for multiple hours to perfect and love what we had written,” Peterson said. “This helped get myself out there and know what it’s like to perform at a real competition. I also just loved being able to express myself in front of parents, teachers, and my peers.”

Theatre

Laughter echoed in the room before the next scene began. In the center, a group of performers hurried into place, waiting for the crowd to shout a suggestion. One word was enough to begin the scene, and within seconds, the Hairy Details improvisation (improv) troupe created characters and dialogue on the spot. 

Theatre senior Zepplyn Berry, the current co-president of Hairy Details, has been involved with the improv troupe for three years and now helps lead the group’s rehearsals and performances. 

“We have so much fun,” Berry said. “Something I look forward to every week is getting together with my friends and playing games. Getting to have fun with an audience during shows is a really great way to meet people and have a good time.”

Visual and Digital Arts & Photography

Tables lined the room as college representatives arranged brochures, displays, and portfolios for arriving students. Visual and digital arts and photography students circulated through the gymnasium, carrying notebooks filled with sketches, prepared to share pieces of art. Representatives spoke with students about college programs and creative career opportunities while reviewing projects and offering feedback. 

“It was a really inspiring experience because I was able to see the seniors’ portfolios right in front of me,” visual sophomore Alice Gao said. “It’s cool thinking about how I’m gonna be developing a portfolio just like them as a senior. Talking to the college representatives gave me advice on how to further develop my work as a sophomore.” 

Music

Rows of chairs faced the stage as veterans, families, and students filled Meyer Hall. American flags hung along the wall as musicians sat poised with instruments in hand. When band director Evan Rogovin raised the baton, the first patriotic notes of the Veterans’ Day Concert rang across the room. The event came to a close with students, parents, and staff members standing as each branch of the military was recognized. 

“I think that this performance was unique because we were all nervous and excited to play and perform well for our classmates,” band junior Mikaela Peros, who performed in the concert, said. “It was also exciting to me to play in the after-school performance for family and friends who served. I think that it was a special way to honor our veterans, and I am excited to do it again next year.” 

Dance

As the lights dimmed, the quiet whispers of excited audience members faded. Stage lights rose as the dancers took their places for the fall show, “‘Dancin’.” The program featured a mix of styles including contemporary, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, with dancers performing to a range of music from slower, lyrical pieces to more upbeat ones. The performance included a hip-hop number directed by guest choreographer Kyle Coleman. The piece featured sharp and synchronized movements with fast-paced footwork as the dancers moved in unison across the stage. 

“He taught such amazing choreography, full of strength and confidence,” dance sophomore Eva Terekhin said. “The sheer amount of energy and power that emanated from the stage was immaculate.”