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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How To Go To A Concert

Have you ever wanted to see your favorite band live but don’t know where to begin? Has it been awhile since you’ve gone to a concert? Here are some tips and tricks for the next time you plan on attending one by an experienced concert attendee.

Step 1: Getting Tickets

Getting tickets to a concert can be a challenge. They can sell out quickly because of pre-sales and be hard to find. First and foremost, you should figure out when they go on sale and on what websites (if you have options, I recommend ticketmaster).  Now pre-sales can make or break how good your seats are, so if you plan on investing into some good ones, look up presale codes for the concert you want to attend, and remember to type it in to get your tickets. Look up a seating chart of the venue you are going to see the concert in as well. Websites are always vague about where the seats are. But wait! My website says general admission! What the heck is that? General admission means there are no seats. It is first come first serve so if you want to be close to the artist, plan on showing up at least an hour early. Depending on the venue you can be smushed and sweating (yes sweating) with a couple thousand people on a floor or spread out on a lawn behind the actual seats (which can still be an awesome experience). Buying tickets online requires a credit card, debit card, or sometimes a PayPal account so be prepared with your account information. When you purchase them, print them out. Keeping them just on your phone can be risky if for some reason your phone breaks. If you want to get them in the mail, there is a chance they can get lost in it. Keep your tickets in a safe place and write down that place a couple of times if you are forgetful.

Step 2: What to Wear

The most important thing about your clothing is that it is something you feel happy and comfortable in. You shouldn’t have to dial down your wardrobe for a concert and should express yourself the way you feel is right. A concert should be a time to embrace who you are, not hide it for the sake of fitting in. Wear a shirt you don’t normally wear, try a new makeup look, fix your hair differently, do what you feel is right. But if you want some more in depth guidance, you should know your venue first. If it is outdoors, consider bringing a jacket because it can get cold. If it is indoors, dress in as light clothes as possible. Make sure whatever you are wearing is something you are comfortable in. If you know your new shirt constantly rides up the wrong way so you have to fix it, don’t wear it, it will definitely take away from the experience. If your concert is general admission, do not wear sandals unless you’re okay with getting your toes stepped on for the entirety of the concert. Otherwise, I would wear sandals, not flip flops; those can be a hazard. I suggest genuine sandals to an outdoor concert for the sake of comfort in the heat. Do a little research and read up on the experiences people have of concerts with the artist you are seeing. Search “-Artist name- concert experience” into YouTube or Google and see what pops up.  Some artists promote dressing up more extravagantly and others may be more chill.

Step 3: What to Bring

Recently, there has been efforts to heighten security at concerts for safety purposes, so venues can be strict on what you bring in. I would look on the venue’s website first to see what they allow and don’t allow. If the rules are not clear, here are some general tips. Try to pack lightly and not bring any large bags or purses if it is possible. They will most likely need to be searched and it can be time consuming and it can anger the security personnel. Leave your pocket knife or any other thing that could be dangerous at home; they will confiscate it. Do not bring bottled water unless it is sealed. Some security personnel won’t even let sealed bottled water in so be aware. Do bring a phone charger and a portable charger. Your phone can die quickly which is never good. Do bring a small camera if you have one. I have a small camera (that I got for Christmas a few years ago) that can fit easily into my purse that I use to get a couple good quality pictures of the artist I am seeing. However, I turn off the flash and only use it a few times because enjoying the show is most important. Do bring some gum and painkillers. Sometimes you need to freshen your breath a little and you don’t want a headache (since medical areas can be cumbersome to locate).

Step 4: What to do at the Concert

First of all I highly recommend arriving to the venue an hour early. This may seem excessive to some, but with the heightened security at concerts these days, it can take a long time to get into the venue. The show won’t wait for you so the closer you are to the entrance, the better your chances of getting in on time are. Next I recommend buying some piece of merch. Yes, it is overpriced but having a piece of concert memorabilia is something special that you will appreciate dishing your money out for in the future. Now, find your seats and make sure you keep your ticket somewhere safe. It is the easiest way for an usher to help you find your seat and lets them know that you are in there legally. As soon as you know where your seats are it is a lot easier to find bathrooms, etc. Finally enjoy the concert. Have fun and live in the moment, not through your cellphone; you’ll have more fun. Post a few snapchats here and there but don’t let it consume you; after all you paid for those tickets, not the people who have you on snapchat. 

By: Evelyn Sims

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2017 New Year's Resolutions

Now you've probably heard of the usual New Year’s Resolutions; lose weight, spend less money, eat healthier, etc. But I think we can all agree that those are lame. Instead, I've compiled a list of better resolutions for your average teenager.

The Good Thing Notebook

Get a plain covered notebook with a good amount of lined pages. Using markers, design the cover using Zentangles or doodles or whatever you like. Then, on the inside at the end of every day, write everything that went well, made you happy, and just any good thing that happened during the day. It's a good way to start looking on the bright side of life, and when you're having a bad day, you can read back and hopefully it will help you feel better.

The Coin Bottle

Get an empty soda bottle of your favorite kind. Choose one type of coin; dimes, pennies, quarters, nickels.  Then, whenever you get change, take those coins out and put them in the bottle. It's a fun way to save up money, and hey, maybe you could put the total into Jar Wars.

The Memory Box

Grab a shoe box, possibly one of your favorite brand. Then you can choose whether or not to design the box or keep it as is, but make sure to write 2017 on it somewhere. Then fill it with things that you accumulate throughout the year. Fill it with photographs; of your friends and family, of yourself. Add memories, wishes, letters, notes, drawings, doodles, etc. Make it what you want. Then you'll have something to look back on when 2018 comes along.

The Selfie-A-Day Challenge

Everyday for a year, take a selfie in the same spot, if you can. Then, at the end of the year, you can string it into a fast moving slideshow and see how your face has changed over the year. It's okay if you miss a couple days, as long as you don't miss too many.

And don't forget to live a little!

By: Francesca Delaney

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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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Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Start saving, Aquinas! Next week, October 31^st 2016, we will begin collecting for Thanksgiving food baskets. This could potentially help 156 families so please be generous! Collections will go until Thanksgiving break when the families come to pick up the food. Keep the less fortunate in your thoughts this holiday season. God bless!

by: Jessica Holt

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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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Who Wants to Rule America?

            On November 8, 2016, registered voters over the age of eighteen in America will be going to their local polling places to vote on the next President of the United States. Despite the fact that only some seniors and all faculty and staff can vote, this event affects us all. After serving an interesting two terms, President Obama will be passing the torch to someone else. The big question is, who will it be? There are four front runners trying to get a nomination from their parties on April 16, 2016, in New York. 
            On the Democratic side, Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders seem to lead the way. Clinton, former Sectary of State and wife of former president Bill Clinton, takes a very liberal approach on the issues today. She has a hope for college and health care in America to become affordable for all. Clinton believes that stronger and sensible action needs to be taken against gun violence. She is calling for tax cuts on hard working families, thus giving them a higher income. In her opinion, disability rights should be expanded. Her opponent, who is running in attempts to win the Democratic bid, is Bernie Sanders. After being the only congressman for Vermont’s House of Representatives, he is now serving his second term as a Senator. Sanders, a self-proclaimed socialist, takes a strong stance that big business should have no say in politics. He believes that the gap between the rich and the poor is too large and the rich should not be getting tax breaks. Similar to his Democratic counterpart he believes that college should be free and there should be gender equality in jobs and wages. 
             Ben Carson and Donald Trump have become the front-runners for the Republican Party. Dr. Ben Carson graduated from The University of Michigan School of Medicine and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Carson works towards lowering the nation’s debt through the Balanced Budget Amendment for which he is pushing ratification. He takes a conservative approach on abortion since he is pro-life. He believes that Common Core must be overruled, and he does not support any laws against the Second Amendment. The other front running Republican candidate is Donald Trump. As a businessman and television personality, Trump surprised many when he officially announced his bid for the nomination. He believes that tax reform is the way to increase jobs in America but not overseas, and the way to allow middle class families to make ends meet. He calls for reform in the Department of Veterans Affairs. His strong stance on immigration includes building a wall on the southern border of America that Mexico will pay for, and if they don’t pay for the wall, America will increase fees for temporary visas of Mexican CEOs and diplomats. Like Carson, he firmly believes in the Second Amendment.
            Believe it or not, these are the top candidates reaching out for America’s vote.  So is the question who wants to rule America, or who will we let rule America. 


By: Victoria Wilson

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Black Lives Matter

              Black Lives Matter has been a very popular term in the weeks and months following the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Gardner, and Freddie Grey. It is a term that is self-explanatory. Black Lives Matter. There is distrust in the black community that every time they leave the house, they will be in some type of altercation with the police. In this report I have gotten my information about this national movement from The Huffington Post and Heart Light Magazine.

                Earlier this year, Time put out an issue that said Black Lives Matter. This was right after Walter Scott, a young black man, was shot eight times and killed by a white police officer for running away. The police officer was charged with murder, and this spoke volumes. Racism has been a part of this country for hundreds of years. Rupel Shelley of Heart Light Magazine claims, “We don't want to be held responsible for bringing Africans to these shores as slaves over two centuries ago! Of course not. But the fact remains that it happened. Black people continue to suffer for it. White people continue to have the upper hand in America. And the playing field isn't level."

More than half of the black millennials in America, as reported by the Huffington Post, indicated they, or someone they knew, had been victimized by violence or harassment from law enforcement. At the same time 71% of black millennials claim that law enforcement is there to protect them. 85% of whites, 76% of Hispanics, and 89% of Asians also said that law enforcement is there to protect them. Cathy Cohen, chair of the political science department at the University of Chicago and the leader of the black Youth Project claims that, "We know that young blacks are more likely to be harassed by the police. We know that they are most likely to mistrust their encounters with the police.” Jon Rogowski, an assistant political science professor at Washington University at St. Louis said, "White millennials don't report having to explain themselves to police, white millennials of color report that officers stopped them simply to question them about what they were up to.” When black millennials get arrested, they do not believe that they will get fair treatment from the legal system. 38% of all millennials agree with the statement, “The American legal system treats all groups fairly" as found by the 2014 Black Youth Project survey. 28.6% of black millennials believe that the American legal system is fair. 41% of whites, 36.7% of Latinos, and 38.1% of Asians agreed that everyone gets treated fairly by the legal system.

There is racism. Some people know it all too well, and some people think that it doesn’t exist anymore. This country will continue to work through and experience racism until people finally admit that this country still has a problem. America has to find a solution where everyone is treated equally, regardless of whatever makes one person appear different than the next.

By: Naquan James

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