Did Somebody Say Improv?

Improv club usually takes place every last day of the school week in the chorus room. Because of all the days off, it’s hard to make it a certain day. For those of you that do not know, improv, short for improvisation, is when you are given a scenario and you have to come up with something to act out and say. Sometimes it comes out so random that it is just so funny. When you witness the hilariousness that comes from improv it makes you (or at least me) just want to come back every week to hear and participate in this funny and amazing club. Improv club has already had one performance this school year and will have another one before the year comes to a close. I really do encourage you to come out to improv in the chorus room for at least one day (don’t worry; you don’t have to preform).

By: Peter McAuliffe

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The New Aquinas Art Club!

Are you one of those people who loves collecting stuff and yet has no idea how to organize and make use of them? Are you one of those people who would like to try calligraphy but stuck at where to start? Are you one of those people who seek art in everyday life? Are you interested in keeping your memorable moments in a scrapbook? Are you interested in group discussions of pieces of art that you like? Do you consider yourself an artsy person?

If any of these statements describe you, then come join AQ’s new Art Club! This is a place where people who are passionate about art and life can meet and express their passion in the form of art! No skills required, all you need is your enthusiasm.

Me, as an international student, have longed to join a visual art club before I became a student here at Aquinas. However, on my first day in the school, I learned that there were no art clubs here. I am one of those students who is never able to pass a PE test, thus when I found out I was in an athletically strong school, I lost my passion for the school’s extracurricular activities. It was about eight months ago when the idea of creating an art club first came to my mind. I thought through it over and over, and I eventually found the courage to talk to Mrs. Nosky, the school’s art teacher. When I first entered the art classroom, I felt like I belonged, and that was when I learned that I was in a meaningful place.

Since there is still so much that is undecided of the club, we are holding a few workshops to start with. Our first workshop has been decided to be a calligraphy class, so if you are interested in fancy hand lettering skills, or even seeking for improvements or your handwriting, come join us! I have prepared several different fonts for the club to practice! Practicing is fun when we are doing it with our friends. So grab some of your friends and come check out the club! We will not disappoint you!

BTW our first workshop was planned on Thursday, December 15th, but was cancelled because of the snow. Information about the workshop will be announced as soon as the new date is decided.

By: Yizi Wang

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Almost Maine!

               Almost Maine, recently been performed by the Aquinas Theater Department, is a comedy about love. Almost Maine, written by John Cariani, is a show about losing love, finding love, and the many aspects that love entails. We watch as nine pairs of people feel, act upon, and find love through each other. The show, comprised of two acts, a prologue, interlogue, and epilogue, is not very long though it does capture the audience through its dramatic and comedic scenes.

               Jacqui Thompson (me) portrays the character Rhonda. Rhonda is a strong female character in her late 20s who has never had any major interactions with love. Rhonda talks about working in the lumber mill, winning arm wrestling competitions since the 5^th grade, and being snow-mobiler of the year. While she is a strong, outspoken women, a woman of love and affection, she is not. But what happens when her best friend for years tries to make a move? 

by: Jacqui Thompson

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Aquinas Band-Ultimate Makeover

This fall, it’s back, but with a new look. It’s the highly anticipated Aquinas Instrumental Music Program! Many changes have taken place within the program this year, so read all about it!

THE AQ WIND PROJECT

            We all know it stinks when, at the beginning of the year, we find out that we may not be able to take all of the courses that we requested the previous year because of scheduling issues. Solution: AQ Wind Project! This group is composed of students interested in music but who cannot take band during the normal school hours. They meet in the mornings, Tuesday and Thursday… at 7:00 am! That is some admirable dedication! This group also has optional Fridays for Jazz Ensemble students (see below). They perform nearly all their music with the Concert Band students who take the course during the day, so it’s truly a win-win. And I can think of nothing better than starting the day off with music!

THE AQ JAZZ ENSEMBLE

            This group also meets bright and early in the morning, but they play tunes of a different kind. Every Friday morning, the AQ Jazz Ensemble rehearses… well… jazz! But that’s not all! They play a variety of music, from rock to pop to funk, including opportunities for improvisation. Also, since a jazz band is not your typical school band, it includes some more “unusual” instruments, like string bass, electric guitar, or electric bass. If you think your instrument doesn’t fit in a traditional setting, then come along to Jazz Ensemble! They’d love to have you jam with them!

THE BAND FORMERLY KNOWN AS CONCERT BAND: THE DYNAMICS

            Okay, technically they’re still referred to as Concert Band, but now they’ve got another cool name too: The Dynamics! The students in this lively group are passionate about instrumental music, and they’re ready to show the school what amazing talent they have. Be sure to look out for them in the coming weeks, because they’re planning on performing for the school at Monday Morning Kumbaya. The Dynamics rehearse every day (period 4 this year), so they have plenty of time to practice and refine their music, as well as participate in the occasional “Snack Chat:” a day set aside to discuss important music theory concepts, learn about significant events in instrumental music history, and, of course, share snacks! Some students from this group also created a logo for the group entirely out of musical symbols (see above!). If you are an enthusiastic and DYNAMIC performer, then you’d love to be a part of this band!

Aquinas also has the Middle School Band, which includes students who are brand new to their instruments. This gives them an incredible opportunity to learn how to perform with other students as they continue to develop their own skills. Many students from all the bands also participate in the pep band, which plays at several home football games, and performs at school-wide pep assemblies.

However, whichever band is performing, they’re sure to have the energy to lift your spirits! Come out to hear these bands play some extremely fantastic music at their semi-annual concerts. Admission is free, so it’s easy to show your support! Who knows, after listening to the bands, you might be inspired to dust off that old instrument you haven’t touched since fourth grade, or learn a new one. It’s never too late to make music a part of your life!

by: Maggie McAuliffe

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Talking with Teachers: Mr. Flood and Video Game Club

“Talking with Teachers” is about getting to know the people that mentor us as teachers, coaches, and club advisers.  This interview was with Mr. Liam Flood, the Earth Science teacher and Video Game Club Moderator.

Q:           Mr. Flood, why did you become an Earth Science Teacher?

A:            I've always had an interest in the earth sciences, originally I was really into Meteorology. From the age of like 5 until 20 I wanted to be a Meteorologist.  Frankly I got a little from Calculus 2 and 3 in college, so I redirected into Earth Science. I've always loved Astronomy, I've always loved rocks, so it seemed like a good connection.  The teaching part came later honestly. The teaching part didn't come until I was probably 22 or so when I was getting near the end of my time at Oswego.

Q:           What do you do in your free time, besides running the games club?

A:            You know I’m into video games, but other than that I like camping a lot.  Most of the time I only get out a couple times a year now, but I love the Adirondacks.  I spent a month straight up there one time when I was in college.  So interesting.  Yeah mostly camping, I like going to movies, normal guy stuff.  Don’t write “normal guy stuff.”

Q:           So you’re getting married soon. How do you feel about that? Are you excited?

A:            What am I supposed to say? “No! No it’s horrifying! Help! I’m being forced against my will!” (Laughing) No, I’m excited.  Yeah, we've been together for a really long time now.  Sort of an inevitability.  That’s really romantic. (Laughs again).

Q:           Games Club is something new this year. Do you have any plans on where you see it in the future, after the founders of Video Games Club graduate?

A:            I’m noticing online that it’s becoming more widespread with other schools in the area. Ultimately it would be cool if we could have competitions with other schools, and you know, common tournaments games.  Like you guys love “Smash Brothers” now, but there are sports games that have common tournament rules that I've seen people play. I've played in a few. So tournament style games and actually interacting with other schools would be really cool down the line.

by: Tony Bacchetta

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