Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts | 501 S. Sapodilla Ave, WPB, FL 33401

THE MUSE
Construction and scaffolding stand where the 99-year-old Harriet Himmel Theater once was. No definite statement has been made about what will replace the theater, but according to WPTV, Related Companies confirmed they are preparing the inside of the theater for renovations while preserving the historic aspects of it.
New Towers, New Stores, and New Priorities for CityPlace
Watching the films showcased at Streaming Canvas, an event hosted by the Film Association, audience members sit in rows of seats. Friends, families, and other viewers came to see the original films created by film students and Film Association members on Friday night.
Lights, Camera, Celebration
Dressed as a character from the movie “Men in Black,” Black Student Union (BSU) vice president and theatre senior Adon Mckinnon oversees the temporary art display. Taking place during BSU Spirit Week on Thursday, Feb. 13, members put their paintings for show in the media center. The idea for the exhibit was to honor impactful African-American people. “In terms of the theme, we wanted our members to come in as black characters that they look up to,” Mckinnon said. “Whether it be like children’s shows, or whether it be artists such as Janet Jackson, or myself dressed up as ‘Men in Black.’”
A Compilation of Culture
BSU co-president and visual senior Taniyah Aris dances with strings senior Jaynald Obilas and theatre senior Sanai McCray while dancing at the block party.
Florida Vs. Flawda
Singing “Water” by South African singer-songwriter Tyla, Black Student Union (BSU) co-president and digital media senior Tyson Jimerson celebrates the first day of BSU spirit week by participating in field day.
BSU Field Day: A 2010’s Throwback
Leaning on Bob Kunst’s car, a sign saying, “Trump vs. Tramp” faces potential customers. Kunst is a local conservative activist in support of the Republican Party. The phrase on the sign references 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris as a “tramp,” a derogatory term for women suggesting promiscuous behavior.
Where the Red Tide Meets the Ocean Breeze
Playing on stage, Maximum Friction band member Jaden Garcia strums his guitar. Garcia started learning the guitar at the age of 9, and joined Jasmine Marchi’s band Maximum Friction in February of 2021. “I have played a wide variety of instruments, from bass to keyboard,” Garcia said. “I am able to play basic stuff on those other instruments, but my main (instruments I play) are guitar and drums.”
[BRIEF] Stars in the Spotlight: Student Runs Metal and Mayhem Concert Event
Applauding the other actors dancing around her, Oliver sits in the middle of the Black Box Theater during the musical piece “Gaston” from the musical “Beauty and the Beast.”
[BRIEF] Broadway Backwards: Ballads for a Cause
Closing her eyes as she performs, communications sophomore Carly Cantor sings the song “Climbing Up the Walls” by Radiohead.
[BRIEF] Coffee and Creations
This piece, titled “Transience,” features two separate paintings with strings of beads connecting the two into a singular piece.
[BRIEF] “Threads of Time” Gallery Opened for Display
Chemistry teacher Anushka Larkin was educationally affected by Hurricane Milton. Several of her students grades fell during the break.
Missed Days of School Impact Teachers’ Lesson Plans
Photo courtesy of communications senior David Sanchez taken in Wellington, FL.
Students and Their Communities Impacted by Hurricane Milton
Watching the films showcased at Streaming Canvas, an event hosted by the Film Association, audience members sit in rows of seats. Friends, families, and other viewers came to see the original films created by film students and Film Association members on Friday night.
Lights, Camera, Celebration
Bowing down together, performers of the Figure of Speech event close out the show.
A Play on Words
The first note of the first piece played by piano freshman Joanne Choi at the “Da Capo” recital.
The Key to Klavier
“Metamorphoses”: Bringing the Gods, Mortals, and Myths to the Stage
“Metamorphoses”: Bringing the Gods, Mortals, and Myths to the Stage
Playing on stage, Maximum Friction band member Jaden Garcia strums his guitar. Garcia started learning the guitar at the age of 9, and joined Jasmine Marchi’s band Maximum Friction in February of 2021. “I have played a wide variety of instruments, from bass to keyboard,” Garcia said. “I am able to play basic stuff on those other instruments, but my main (instruments I play) are guitar and drums.”
[BRIEF] Stars in the Spotlight: Student Runs Metal and Mayhem Concert Event
Visual senior Thomas Diaz shows Principal Blake Bennett around the art gallery where his pieces are being displayed. Principal Bennett visited the gallery Jan. 10 during lunch along with other guests, including his friends, teachers, and administration. “I went on Monday after school when his whole family came to the exhibit and I got to meet his grandmother, who is pictured in many of the paintings, and that was really special,” Principal Bennett said. “To see her next to the paintings, he is so spot on, and I am so proud of that.”
‘A Romanticism of the Mundane’
Sitting in his art classroom, visual teacher Ryan Toth explains his ideas and process for creating his new Spirit Week costumes. According to Mr. Toth, some costumes are planned days in advance, and others are made the night before each dress-up day, utilizing items like taxidermied skunks and “old wigs found in (his) house.”
Lesson Plans and Lookbooks
Bowing down together, performers of the Figure of Speech event close out the show.
A Play on Words
Surrounded by players, tennis coach and Spanish teacher Marina Ratchford talks about pre-practice plans, upcoming games, and match-ups between students in determining game-day lineups for both the boys and girls teams.
‘Keep Your Head in the Game’
The science fair participants stand together in a posed photo. From left to right: vocal sophomore Raina Caballero, piano freshman Joanne Choi, strings senior Jeffrey Bai, piano sophomore Rishi Iyer, and communications sophomore Reya Chennath. Photo courtesy of Joanne Choi
It’s Not Rocket Science
Visual senior Edluckens Augusme models his clothing brand, Rockout Studios.
A Pattern of Perseverance
Visual senior Thomas Diaz shows Principal Blake Bennett around the art gallery where his pieces are being displayed. Principal Bennett visited the gallery Jan. 10 during lunch along with other guests, including his friends, teachers, and administration. “I went on Monday after school when his whole family came to the exhibit and I got to meet his grandmother, who is pictured in many of the paintings, and that was really special,” Principal Bennett said. “To see her next to the paintings, he is so spot on, and I am so proud of that.”
‘A Romanticism of the Mundane’
Sitting in his art classroom, visual teacher Ryan Toth explains his ideas and process for creating his new Spirit Week costumes. According to Mr. Toth, some costumes are planned days in advance, and others are made the night before each dress-up day, utilizing items like taxidermied skunks and “old wigs found in (his) house.”
Lesson Plans and Lookbooks
A freshman asking a senior about Spirit Week.
A Guide to Surviving Spirit Week
Watching the films showcased at Streaming Canvas, an event hosted by the Film Association, audience members sit in rows of seats. Friends, families, and other viewers came to see the original films created by film students and Film Association members on Friday night.
Lights, Camera, Celebration
The first note of the first piece played by piano freshman Joanne Choi at the “Da Capo” recital.
The Key to Klavier
Dressed as a character from the movie “Men in Black,” Black Student Union (BSU) vice president and theatre senior Adon Mckinnon oversees the temporary art display. Taking place during BSU Spirit Week on Thursday, Feb. 13, members put their paintings for show in the media center. The idea for the exhibit was to honor impactful African-American people. “In terms of the theme, we wanted our members to come in as black characters that they look up to,” Mckinnon said. “Whether it be like children’s shows, or whether it be artists such as Janet Jackson, or myself dressed up as ‘Men in Black.’”
A Compilation of Culture
BSU co-president and visual senior Taniyah Aris dances with strings senior Jaynald Obilas and theatre senior Sanai McCray while dancing at the block party.
Florida Vs. Flawda
We've Lost the Plot
We’ve Lost the Plot
We Have No Shock Left
We Have No Shock Left
Two girls record themselves using TikTok, a social media platform. Under House Bill Three (HB3), children younger than 14 are outlawed from using TikTok and 14 and 15-year-olds need parental consent to use it. Photo courtesy of Reuters (Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles, Nandita Bose on Air Force One, Kanishka Singh and Jeff Mason in Washington; additional reporting by Milana Vinn; Editing by Matthew Lewis, Chizu Nomiyama, Kenneth Li and Christian Schmollinger)
[EDITORIAL] We Need Access to Social Media — It’s No Surprise the Florida Government Wants to Take It Away
Photo courtesy of Tribune
Why Some Movies Last Forever
A photo illustration of Griffin Petti surrounded by parental consent forms.
The Wrongs of Parental Rights
Professor AI
Professor AI
Surrounded by players, tennis coach and Spanish teacher Marina Ratchford talks about pre-practice plans, upcoming games, and match-ups between students in determining game-day lineups for both the boys and girls teams.
‘Keep Your Head in the Game’
Strings senior William Tong and other boys basketball team members cheer on the girls basketball team after a three-point shot was made during the second quarter. The boys team played their first home game against SLAM! Palm Beach (Sports Leadership and Management) following the girls game.
Welcome to the Jungle
Anticipating the ball, visual junior Tora Cooper stands on the court in front of a crowd of students and parents. “My favorite part of being on the team is having a community that is always supportive of one another,” Cooper said. (Photo courtesy of Lotta Cooper)
‘Setting’ Up For Success
Preparing to enter the field, number 15 and communications senior John Markee watches his teammates from the sidelines. On Friday, Sept. 20, the Forest Hill High School varsity football team played in their fourth game of the season, ending in a loss despite winning their first three games.
Jaguars on Forest Hill Boulevard
Dreyfoos on Ice
Dreyfoos on Ice
Watching the boys soccer team prep, French Teacher Mr. Ruth prepares the team for their upcoming games.
The Faces Behind The Teams
Photo courtesy of Tribune
Why Some Movies Last Forever
Photo courtesy of Pix4free
All I Want for Christmas: A Holiday Gift Guide
Nestled behind trees, the storefront of Maman in the Square, located at 473 S Rosemary Ave.
Not Your Maman’s Coffee
Yelling into his microphone, country musician Noah Hunton performs at SunFest as part of his mini south-Floridian tour, across venues from West Palm Beach to Key West.
Tuning Up SunFest
Nelly performs at SunFest 2024.
The Appeal of SunFest
Image courtesy of Taylor Swift
Give ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Another Listen
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Musele: 3/17/25
Students Share Tri-Rail Experiences
Students Share Tri-Rail Experiences
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Muse Connections: 3/5/2025
Muse Connections: 3/5/2025
The Muse Predicts Oscars Winners
The Muse Predicts Oscars Winners
Musele: 3/3/2025
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Musele: 3/10/25
Muse Connections: 3/5/2025
Muse Connections: 3/5/2025
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Muse Connections: 2/26/2025
Muse Connections: 2/26/2025
Musele: 2/25/2025
Musele: 2/25/2025
The rock band "The Interlude" — featuring communications sophomore Carly Cantor as the vocalist, visual freshman Emmy Harkin as the bassist, visual sophomore Christina O'Grady as the guitarist, theatre freshman Callahan Fernandez as the drummer, and founder of the band and vocal senior Isabella Besin as the keyboardist — practices the Arctic Monkeys’ song "505" in Principal Blake Bennett’s office. Besin had established the band as a club this year. “I’ve always had a love for performing and listening to live music,” Besin said. “So I wanted to give students at Dreyfoos the opportunity to perform (in a band). (Principal) Bennett loved the idea of putting a group together and offered us the front office to practice whenever we needed (it).”
Photo of the Week 2/28
Being held in the air by ensemble members, theatre seniors Melanie Simmons and Shane Rainsburg look at each other while performing the Greek tale of Ceyx and Alcyone in the spring play “Metamorphoses.” Opening night took place Feb. 21 in Meyer Hall, and the show portrayed Greek myths and legends such as those about King Midas and Erysichthon and his Mother. “I love it (the show) so much,” ensemble member and theatre junior Kylie Mraz said. “Portraying (the) magic of Greek gods and goddesses into lights and sound was so difficult but so worth the effort.”
Photo of the Week 2/21
Dancing to the song “Flex” by Cupid, digital media freshman Sophie Jones and other students participate in the Black Student Union (BSU) field day on Feb. 10. BSU Spirit Week is an annual event that allows students to celebrate Black History Month through music, dance, and other activities. “Music unites everybody in the club because we all know a bunch of songs from growing up, so once we hear a song that we recognize, (we) all come together,” Jones said.
Photo of the Week 2/10
Holding an en pointe position, dance juniors (from left to right) Arielle Montpeirous, Lexi Gibson, Bianca Vasilescu, and Mackenna Bernard perform a ballet routine for the Black Student Union (BSU) showcase, which took place Feb. 4 in Meyer Hall. The dance was accompanied by band freshman Xachary Charles, who played the snare drum during the performance. “I loved getting to watch all my friends perform their art areas and seeing all the talent from different majors,” said Gibson. “I think it connects back to a lot of history and has helped pave the way for us now.”
Photo of the Week 2/4
Pointing out to the audience, theatre senior Katherine Oliver executes the song “Gaston” with the rest of the actors during the Broadway Backwards show. Broadway Backwards was performed in the Black Box Theater during lunch on Jan. 31 where female actors performed as male characters and vice versa during presentations of Broadway plays and musicals. The actors had to audition to get into the performance and were from all grade levels.
Photo of the Week 1/31
Sitting on the gymnasium floor, theatre senior Rikki Crossland colors on a poster that reads, “Spread Kindness like Confetti,” with other students during the second annual Mental Health Expo, which took place Jan. 24. This lunchtime event, organized by junior class council members piano junior Karen Zhao and theatre junior Juliet Rojas, included activities such as coloring, drumming, and yoga to spread awareness about mental health. The event also included tables representing various organizations in the health field, where students could talk to professionals to learn more about mental health. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all of the organizations and all of the representatives of each activity group,” Rojas said. “I definitely have heard a lot of good feedback from students. It is a very enjoyable experience, and I can’t wait to do it again next year.”
Photo of the Week 1/24
  • Track Meet at 4:00p.m.: March 14
  • Tennis Match at 4:00p.m.: March 13
  • Streaming Canvas Film Festival at 6:00p.m. in Myer Hall: March 14
  • Track Meet at 4:00p.m.: March 12
  • Hairy Details During Lunch in the Black Box: March 14
  • Vocal Concert at 6:30 p.m. in Myer Hall: March 12
  • Piano Recital at 6:00p.m. in the Black Box: March 11
  • Tennis Match at 4:00p.m.: March 11
  • Track Meet at 3:00p.m.: March 11
  • Boys Volleyball Home at 6:00 p.m.: March 10
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts | 501 S. Sapodilla Ave, WPB, FL 33401

THE MUSE
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts | 501 S. Sapodilla Ave, WPB, FL 33401

THE MUSE
Makena Senzon

Makena Senzon, Print Managing Editor

Makena Senzon is a third-year staffer and print managing editor on The Muse. When she is not writing or editing stories, she may be working by her garden, thinking about her next adventure, or reading books across genres (anything from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to National Geographic’s Trees of North America). Benjamin Franklin once said, “Either write things worth reading or do things worth the writing,” this year, on and off The Muse, Makena strives to do both.

All content by Makena Senzon
Expressing her gratitude for founder and CEO of the Save Our Musicians Foundation Dennis Cunningham, Principal Blake Bennett explains how his donation will go toward a number of school issues, including fixing the DSOA Today teleprompter.

[BRIEF] Save Our Musicians Foundation Officially Donates $200,000 to the School

Juliana Defilippo and Makena Senzon
January 21, 2024
Screenshot 2023-12-18 at 8.44.40 AM

[Photo] [BRIEF] Dreyfoos NHS Makes Literacy Kits

Ruth Weisberg, Website Editor
December 18, 2023
The Save Our Musicians Foundation partnered with the School of the Arts Foundation to host a fundraising concert for Bak Middle School of the Arts and Dreyfoos Nov. 18 at Tiki 52. Students, teachers, and their families had the opportunity to attend the concert. “I would consider myself one of the biggest country (music) fans at Dreyfoos. I’m actually not even going to meet the man (Luke Bryan) and I am freaking out,” digital media senior Cynthia Mondragon said before the concert.

“Play it Again”

Makena Senzon and Juliana DeFilippo
November 19, 2023
Good Thyme Garden Club

[Photo] Club Door Decorating

March 14, 2023
Alternative rapper De’Wayne, dressed head to toe in denim, kicks his leg out during his performance at the LaBovick Law Group Stage on Saturday, April 30. This was his first show of the year, and he made a point to interact with the audience whenever possible, responding to fan comments and remarking on the energy.

Rain or Shine, Let the SunFest In

Makena Senzon, Writer
May 1, 2022
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury serves as commentary to warn against censorship; the title itself corresponds to the degree at which a book burns. It is being censored by parents who clearly missed the point of Bradbury’s dystopian novel, raising the question if people who challenged it even finished the book.

The War on Books

Makena Senzon, Writer
April 5, 2022
Running across the field, juniors sport their jock and cheerleader looks. Students dressed up in clothing representing the cliques of nerds, preps, cheerleaders/jocks, and goths. “You guys have a really strong culture here of tradition,” Assistant Principal Jennifer Napuli said. “Some of these events have been going on for a long time, and the students are really invested, which makes them extra fun and special.”

Sweater Vests and Letterman Jackets: A Deep Dive Into Class Cliques

Makena Senzon, Writer
March 9, 2022
Vocal freshman Maria Clara Da Fonseca and strings senior Natalia Sanchez wear their Generations Day outfits for Spirit Week. Each day of Spirit Week gives students the opportunity to experiment with distinct styles. “I was inspired by the seniors before me,” communications sophomore Emily Singer said. “I think it's all about finding what inspires you about the theme and then taking it to another level.”

Figuring out their ‘Fits

Makena Senzon, Writer
March 3, 2022
Adding on to the presentation about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), communications senior and Black Student Union (BSU) vice president Se’Maj Griffin explains the diverse opportunities and communities at HBCUs. “I started (in BSU) as a freshman and it’s very much like a family. It's more than a club,” Griffin said. “It’s a big part of my life, and it's also very fun, and I've learned different things about my culture along with teaching different things about my culture.”

It’s Time to Learn About HBCUs

Daisy Li and Makena Senzon
February 22, 2022
Carrying a stack of freshly wrapped presents, digital media sophomore Giada Robinson goes to place her gifts in a collection bag. Students in Artists Reaching Out to Society (A.R.T.S.) Club worked together to wrap presents for the annual Jefferson Jubilee. “I'm so enthused to be a part of this environment and this cause,” Robinson said. “I'm really just looking forward to helping out and making a holiday special.”

The Jolly Behind the Jubilee

Makena Senzon, Writer
December 9, 2021
The Daily Dose of Wisdom

The Daily Dose of Wisdom

Makena Senzon, Writer
November 19, 2021
Increases in school violence and concerns about security have prompted the implementation of new safety policies. Now IDs are required on campus to ensure the wellbeing of students. Photo by Sofia Hennessey-Correa. Photo illustration by Angelyna Rodriguez.

The Cameras are Watching

Makena Senzon, Writer
November 7, 2021
Circling the cafeteria, communications senior Christian Chantayan leads the conga line as music blasts through speakers. One by one students and teachers joined the line during the Fiesta. “I've always wanted to lead a conga line. I was presented with the opportunity spontaneously, and I took it, and I led an entire cafeteria of people,” Chantayan said.

Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana

Makena Senzon, Writer
October 19, 2021
Draped in white silks, dance senior Tori Gilbert performs her ballet solo, “La Bayadere Variation,” pirouetting across the Brandt Black Box Theater for the first time since her sophomore year. “We're all just really excited to see them out there and showcasing their love, passion, and talent for dance,” Department Dean Heather Lescaille said. “This is a nice way for them to just decompress.”

The 2022 Tutus

Makena Senzon
September 23, 2021
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