   With its box-office-breaking records and eye-opening perspective on Chinese animation, “Ne Zha 2” (2025) isn’t just a film — it’s a cinematic landmark in the animation world. “Ne Zha 2” is an animated fantasy movie loosely based on the 16th century novel “Investiture of the Gods” by Xu Zhonglin, and a sequel to the first movie “Ne Zha.” Written and directed by Yang Yu, or more famously known as Jiaozi, “Ne Zha 2” is a visually stunning and emotional movie. 

   Following the first movie, Ne Zha, a teenage deity, and Ao Bing, a dragon prince, are struck by lightning, which destroys their physical bodies. To prevent the destruction of their souls, Master Taiyi Zhenren uses the powers of his Seven-Colored Sacred Lotus to recreate their physical bodies. Despite the regeneration, both Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s bodies are still fragile, so Master Taiyi Zhenren advised the two to act with caution. Believing his son to be dead, Ao Bing’s father Ao Guang sends out an order for Shen Gongbao, Ao Bing’s former master, to attack Nezha’s hometown Chentang Pass. Ao Bing defends Ne Zha’s home, but unfortunately destroys his weak body in the process. 

   In order to revive Ao Bing, the Seven-Colored Sacred Lotus must be restored. As a result of a deal, Ne Zha and Ao Bing must share a body for one week, complete three trials to become immortal, and receive a potion that can restore the lotus and create a new body for Ao Bing. As the two strive to combat new challenges, secrets unravel, putting them to their friendship to the test. 

   Throughout the movie, the visuals and animations stood out to me. For example, Ne Zha and Ao Bing perfectly contrast each other, with Ne Zha designed to resemble fire and flames and Ao Bing with cool tones, symbolizing ice. Unlike in the previous movie, Ne Zha looks fiercer and more mature with fiery eyes and energy swirling around him. Ao Bing on the other hand is portrayed elegantly, his actions both smooth and regal. The visual contrast between the two characters highlights their personality differences while showing how they balance each other out. 

   Furthermore, the gods and mythical creatures were also designed intricately. Each character has their own distinct color palette, symbolic accessories, and details that are inspired by Chinese mythology. One of my favorite parts of the movie was when Immortal Wuliang led his army, the Chan sect, to fight in the battle. To show the strong bond between the army, animators depicted the Chan sect in the shape of a golden bonsai tree. The details were mesmerizing, reflecting the countless hours animators put into this project. These fascinating visuals contrast drastically with the precedent set by other Chinese animated films. While many argue that Chinese animations are often “cringy” due to immature plotlines or distinction from western familiarity, “Ne Zha 2” proves these assumptions wrong. 

   What makes this movie even more impressive is its complete dominance over the box office, grossing over $2.1 billion. Even though “Ne Zha 2” has been released for less than six months, it has reached number one on the list of highest grossing animated films, surpassing “Inside Out 2,” made by an American studio, by almost $500 million. While being an engaging movie with its visuals and colors, the movie also modernizes old folk stories, making it accessible to younger audiences. 

   “Ne Zha 2” brings China’s mythology to life through ways unlike before. The movie is a continuation that explores the personal growth of Ne Zha and the other characters through eye-opening visuals. It is a wonderful animation that truly changes the history of Chinese film-making through its visuals and record breaking gross in the animation world.

"Ne Zha 2" reviewed

“Hidden Figures” (2016) tells the story of three Black women:
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who
work at NASA, battling social barriers and scrutiny. In the midst
of the Space Race, the three women act as the brains behind
the launch of astronaut John Glenn, elevating national moral
and changing the future of America. This movie, based on
real-life events, represents one of the many times in American
history where women have had to confront the challenges that
come with being seen as inferior and weaker than men, and
therefore less capable.

This film shows the personal lives of each woman, overcoming
challenges both at work and at home. Johnson is a single mother
of three children who often is unable to play an impactful
role in her children’s lives due to overtime. Jackson, while
discriminated against in her job, also has tensions with her
husband due to their differing opinions on how their children
should be raised, often leading to arguments. Additionally, she
fought for desegregation in education in order to get her degree.
Vaughan faces significant trouble in the workforce when her
hard work gets overlooked due to her race and gender.

“Hidden Figures” is a wonderful movie demonstrating
the hardship that women have had to face in the workforce.
In the mid-1900s, while women were bound to the societal
expectations of being mothers, they were also challenged
at their jobs, receiving less pay than men and being treated
unequally. For example, when Johnson worked at her new
permanent job in the Spacecraft Controls Branch, there was
no women’s bathroom for people of color. If she had to take
a bathroom break, she would be forced to walk at least a mile
to use the closest available bathroom.

One day, Johnson takes longer to use the bathroom due to
heavy rain. Being ignorant of her situation, her supervisor
criticizes her for being lazy, threatening to fire her. Johnson
snaps back in a moment of frustration: “And I work like a
dog day and night, living on coffee from a pot none of you
want to touch! So, excuse me if I have to go to the restroom
a few times a day.” Her words incredibly powerful, showing
that women have the power to push back against societal
standards placed by their oppressors.

Additionally, during NASA’s supervisor applications for
workers of colors, Vaughan, despite being qualified for the job,
is ignored due to her skin color. Rather than shying away from
the multiple rejections by her own boss, Vaughan continues to
prove herself through her work. She works hard and manages
to solve a math problem that her white peers had trouble
solving. Due to her hard work, she showed her capabilities,
earning her the role as the first black supervisor at NASA.

Combining the three women’s eventful and hectic
experiences with the skills of the actresses portraying those
characters, “Hidden Figures” successfully tells a well-thought-
out story. These women prove society wrong. They show the
world that they too, are capable of doing those that men are
expected to do. The title truly speaks for itself, for despite the
impactful roles these women have played, they are hidden
figures of our history.

This movie gives light to the women who have helped
us advance in society while addressing the struggles that
Black Americans faced in the early 1960s. Every scene in
this movie played an important role in building the plot —
characterizing the powerful women and portraying their
willpower. Ultimately, “Hidden Figures” is an inspiring movie
that highlights women’s past contributions, giving them the
recognition they deserve, while leaving the audience with a
sense of fulfillment and pride.

“Hidden Figures” in women’s history

***Call Me Maybe***

*Written by Jane Hu*

“Call Me Maybe” is the kind of song that gets stuck in my head for hours after listening to it. I first heard this track in 2013, and I still haven’t found a catchier song. Even people who don’t listen to a lot of music are familiar with the song “Call Me Maybe.” This song brings people together, whether I’m at a party or warming up for a sports game.

The lyrics are simple, but that is what makes it so great. They capture the fun and spontaneity of giving someone your number and hoping that they’ll call. The chorus is impossible to not sing along to, and the whole song emits a feeling of excitement and confidence. What makes this song so special to me is the nostalgia I feel when I listen to it. It reminds me of the good old times when life could just be fun and silly, standing out from other more recent pop music.

While listening to the song, the upbeat melody brings a sense of happiness that is easy to follow and sing along. The recognizable and repetitive lyrics makes it very memorable for everyone.

While many songs get their weekly fame, placing top five on the Billboard Hot 100, “Call Me Maybe” will forever be number one in my heart. Pop music doesn’t always have to be serious to be great. Sometimes, a song just has to uplift you, give you motivation, and make you happy. “Call Me Maybe” does a perfect job doing that; it’s a great example of being a constant big hit in the music industry. It’s proof that a “good” pop song can unite people, not because of its
complexity, but because of how it makes people feel.

***A Hard Day’s Night***

*Written by Maeve Walsh*

It’s 1964. The Beatles just announced their first world tour and have released a movie based on their newest album. They are the most famous rock group in the world. In a house in Princeton, New Jersey, their records are well-preserved, with the exception of a few scratches on the vinyls and the paper sleeves slightly deteriorating due to old age. One album in particular is at the top of the stack: “A Hard Day’s Night,” with just 14 songs spanning 34 minutes.

To me, it’s crazy that at the time of the album’s creation, the Beatles were only in their early twenties. But their young age gave them room to develop a sense of humor that makes me feel like I too can take a break and let loose. Their ability to move between lighthearted and meaningful, like in “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” and “Things We Said Today,” strikes the perfect balance.

Not only is the songwriting complex yet playful, but it evokes feelings of nostalgia that are so comforting. As a young girl, I would listen to this album with my parents in our living room, the turntable spinning the black, shiny vinyl round and round. That was a simpler time, where life was easy, and the world seemed to be at peace. Now, I listen to the songs and let my mind wander to when I would dance on the coffee table, screaming along with Paul McCartney during “Can’t Buy Me Love.” It’s a nice escape from the rest of the world when I don’t feel like dealing with reality.

The album’s final track, “I’ll Be Back,” with John Lennon’s smooth guitar and melodic harmonies, always feels like a hug goodbye. Leaving my imaginary world with the final words “but I’ll be back again” reminds me that this album will always be there for me when I need to be whisked away. As the sounds of the acoustic guitar and drums slowly fade away through the speakers, and the needle picks up off the album, I leave with dopamine filling my brain and even more reasons to love “A
Hard Day’s Night.”

Love letters to...

The winter holidays are often a time for giving and receiving gifts. However, sometimes we might not have the time to go out shopping, or would like to make personal gifts.
Here are three fun handmade gifts to make over the winter holidays. 

### Mini yarn hat ornament

Supplies: Scissors, Yarn, 1 core of a toilet paper roll, 1 cotton ball (optional)

Steps: Cut the core of the toilet paper roll into one-inch sections. Depending on the thickness of your yarn, cut around 10–20 pieces of yarn, each 10 inches in length. Fold a piece of yarn in half and insert it into the opening of the toilet paper roll cut-out. Take the open ends of the yarn and pull them through the loop until the knot is tight. Repeat these steps until the entire ring is
covered. Pull the ends through the inside of the ring
to the other side. Gather the ends and tie them with an extra
piece of yarn, about halfway from the ends. Using the scissors, trim the ends of the
yarn to make a pom-pom. Optional: If you wish to give the hat more
shape, you can place a cotton ball inside. 

### Sock snowman

Supplies: 1 white sock, 1 colorful sock, 3 cups of rice grains, 2 rubber bands, 2 black buttons, 1 pom-pom, 2–3 colorful buttons, scissors, hot glue, orange pipe cleaner

Steps: Take a clean white sock and cut the sock right
before the heel. Flip the sock around so that the fluffy part of
the sock is on the outside. Pour three cups of rice into the sock and use
a rubber band to secure the top tightly. Take another rubber band and wrap it
around the middle of the sock to separate
the head and the body of the snowman. Grab a colorful sock and cut under the
heel and a few inches above the toe. Trim the extra sock off the top of the
snowman and use the toe piece as a hat. Place the other sock piece over the body
of the snowman as a sweater.

### Honeycomb ornament

Supplies: 1 piece of 10-inch string, 8 pages of cardstock paper, 1 glue stick, 1 pencil

Steps: Trace out 16 circles, each four inches in diameter. Fold each circle in half. Apply glue to the outer side of the folded circles. Stack the outer side of the folded cut-outs on top
of each other and glue each piece together. Before forming the craft into a sphere, glue a
piece of folded string in the center. Glue the ends of the ornament together. The
loop of the folded string should be at the top of the
ornament.

Handmade gifts for the holiday season

Fashion trends today are constantly evolving and never
stick around for long. And yet, it seems that the latest
styles often cycle back to old favorites — jorts, chunky
sneakers and bold animal prints, for example— which
keeps history’s styles at the forefront of our minds. While
this endless loop of reinvention makes fashion thrillingly
unpredictable, it also leaves thousands of clothes discarded,
primarily due to fast fashion, as closets adapt to
these changing trends.

Popular clothing styles from past decades are
slowly making their comeback into the lives
of the new generation. Jorts became a trend
during the 1960s counterculture movement as
younger generations embraced the scandalous
nature of cutting their jeans to above the knees.
The lengths and styles of jorts have changed over
the years: people in the 1970s and 1980s opted for
shorter and tighter-fitting styles, while hip hop
artists in the 1990s pushed for lower waistlines
with longer and baggier pant legs.

Another item of clothing that grew in popularity in the
1990s were chunky sneakers, but they fell out of fashion
later on shoes that were more sleek and minimalist replaced
them. However, by the mid to late 2010s, chunky sneakers
were brought back into the fashion realm after the “dad
shoes” trend arose.

While these aesthetic comebacks are being widely
accepted by the newer generations, rapidly changing
fashion styles pose many issues. For one, what
makes fast fashion “fast” is the poor quality of the
clothing, which often results in garments becoming
unwearable after only a few uses. This creates a cycle
for the wearer: buy cheap clothes, wear them a few
times, throw them out, buy more cheap clothes,
wear them a few times, throw them out, etc. As
trends shift shorter, consumers feel compelled to
constantly replace items, perpetuating the loop
and increasing environmental harm.

Moreover, the concept of “fast fashion” has become
more widespread due to these fashion changes.
Teenagers are often the target audience of fast fashion
companies like Shein and Temu, as they’re drawn to buying
large heaps of clothing at once due to the cheap prices. While
there is a wave of excitement when one receives their Shein
package, most are unaware or overlook the underlying
issue of inadequately treated workers. According to
Humanium, an organization focused on children’s rights,
in Asian countries such as India and Bangladesh, many
child laborers are overworked and underpaid to create
clothing for fast-fashion brands following such trends.
Unfortunately, the production of fast-fashion clothes also
creates environmental problems due to the excessive use of
water and the amount of plastic used within the garments.

The concept of fashion trends being cyclical isn’t
inherently bad; the old is brought back as “new.” However,
issues emerge when society is always looking for the
next new thing to popularize, discarding clothes with
the blink of an eye, as many of fast-fashion’s workers and
the environment are left to shoulder the consequences
of our temporary desires.

What goes around comes around: a fashion commentary

Art is a reflection of the times, constantly
evolving alongside modern technology.
Today, we find ourselves in the middle of
yet another major transformation with the
rise of digital art, which uses technology to
give artists more tools and opportunities to
take their artwork to the next level.

Over the past few decades, the popularity
of digital art has skyrocketed due to the
advancement of technology and the
increasing popularity of social media.
This growth has allowed artists including
cheriise.art and haranikala to promote
digital art by creating posts on apps like
TikTok and Instagram. Furthermore, digital
art has become a popular medium for artists
thanks to its portability. Unlike traditional
art, such as painting, which requires
numerous supplies, including paint, paint
brushes, a water cup, and a pencil, digital
art only uses two instruments: a device and
a stylus. Digital art softwares also offer
customizable settings
that allow users to easily
adjust their brush size,
brush type, opacity, and
canvas size with just the
tap of a button.

While digital art is
gradually changing the
creative world with its
flexibility, traditional
art remains a vital pillar
to the foundations of
art. Traditional art
forms, such as sculpture, print-making,
and painting embody techniques and
a historical significance that will last
throughout human history. Art movements
such as the Renaissance, Impressionism,
and Cubism are all tied to centuries
of culture and societal
reform. Traditional
artworks from different
artistic movements
remain a way for people
to admire, study, and
understand the past.

Digital art and
traditional art, just
like how one might
compare handwritten
letters to emails, are
two unique ways to
express oneselves — neither can replace
the other. Both may communicate the same
message, but the experience and creation
processes for each are vastly different. While
traditional art may hold the weight of art
history and craftsmanship, digital art has
opened artistic creation to new realms once
thought unimaginable. The efficiency and
mobility of digital art is often disregarded
with a lack of time, effort, and heart. But
in reality, digital art is just a different form
of creative expression.

Art is never a competition between
different styles and media. Every new art
form draws inspiration from previous
styles, such as how digital brushstrokes are
made to mimic traditional paint brushes,
and how the emphasis in contrast and
shadow in digital photography art is a model
of traditional still lives. Despite the rapid
growth of new art styles and movements,
art cannot be replaced, only transformed.

The rising popularity of digital art

With another exciting school year coming to an end, we all have one word in our minds: VACATION! Luckily, for those who are going on road trips by themselves, or with their friends or family, we have created a perfect playlist for long drives.

“Drive By” is a song by American pop rock band Train from their sixth studio album, “California 37,” released in 2012. This song does a good job keeping the mood upbeat and ensuring that your road trip won’t be a boring one. The song describes the story of how the lead singer, Pat Monahan, met his wife. While she thinks their meetup was just a “one night stand,” hence “drive by,” Monahan tries his best to convince her otherwise. Train does an amazing job describing the feelings of Monahan, explaining how his “love for [the girl] went viral / And [he] loved [her] every mile [she] drove away ... Because [he] really fell for [her].” I think that this song is incredibly endearing, especially because Monahan develops his feelings simply through a one night stand. Not only does this song bring back nostalgia of the early 2010s, it is incredibly catchy as well, and great for a road trip.

Similar to “Drive By,” in “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, the artist also sings about his love towards a girl, opening up about his feelings towards her, and overcoming the hesitation he has while trying to pursue the girl. With the lyrics, “So I won’t hesitate no more, no more,” Mraz makes it clear he no longer wants to bottle up his feelings about this girl. I think that aside from the endearing message that this song has, the music is catchy yet not overwhelming. The instrumentals are clean; while there are quite a few instruments used, such as the bass guitar, ukulele, and keyboard, the song still has a calm vibe. So, even if you just listen to the music for its vibes, or if you enjoy deciphering messages written by artists, “I’m Yours” will definitely catch your attention.

As for a more recent song, “Espresso” is a trending pop song written by American singer Sabrina Carpenter in 2024. Similarly to the other two songs, this tune is also upbeat. However, the lyrics in “Espresso” are rather humorous. Carpenter begins her song by saying how “he’s thinkin’ ‘bout [her] every night ... say[ing] [he] can’t sleep” because she’s like an espresso to him: addicting. While many artists sing about serious themes, such as love, pain, and breakups, Carpenter deals with more light-hearted subjects. I think that despite this song being repetitive, the catchy chorus makes up for the shortcomings.

“Cruel Summer,” a 2019 tune by international pop star Taylor Swift, is a song that begs to be sung at the top of your lungs on a hot summer day. In it, Swift conveys the feeling of a forbidden summer romance. At one point in the song, she sings, “And I snuck in through the garden gate / Every night that summer just to seal my fate / And I screamed for whatever it’s worth / ‘I love you,’ ain’t that the worst thing you ever heard?” As the highlight of the song, if the previous parts didn’t already, this grabs my attention and convinces me to sing along. For fans of 1980s music, the synth-heavy instrumental contains elements of retro music and gives a sense of nostalgia. Whether you’re a Swiftie or not, this song will get you singing “it’s a cruel summer” along with Swift.

“Curls in the Wind’’ was released last year by Mark Ambor, an American singer-songwriter mainly focused on indie-pop music. Despite echoing sentiments of romance like “Cruel Summer,” Ambor’s lyrics portray pursuing love as something that is exciting and comforting. The song depicts a more carefree impulsiveness of new romance that gives the listener a sense of freedom when Ambor sings, “Getting lost in a beautiful place / Open fields when I look at your face.” The pace of the song and the clarity of the lyrics make it easy for me to sing along with anyone I’m traveling with in the car. The sensory depictions embedded in the phrases lets the listener imagine a perfect setting with their loved one and gives a sense of escapism.

Performed by K-pop girl group NewJeans, who is known for hits such as “Super Shy” and “Hype Boy,” the song “ETA” will get you and your friends or family hyped up for summer fun. The refreshing, rhythmic pop sound of “ETA” with its addictive chorus is sure to be a favorite for teens. The chorus is “We can go wherever you like / Baby say the words and I’m down / All I need is you on my side ... what’s your ETA, what’s your ETA.” The lyrical style of this song is similar to conversing with a close friend, inviting the listener to be part of their inner circle. I especially love the meaning of the lyrics and how it comes to symbolize navigating young love with the help of close friends. Even though the song is mostly in Korean, the main parts of the song are in English, allowing people to sing along to the most important parts.

Hopefully these summer bops give you a sense of cheerfulness and spirit no matter what destination you’re headed towards. After a stressful school year, we deserve good music to kick back and relax to. Feel free to explore other songs from the playlist to listen to over your summer vacation!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uXYlVzPAYt8UpU2M97B3s

Summer vibes for the summer drives: a playlist

  Imagine you are looking forward to your future, when suddenly, everything goes wrong and all of your plans are ruined. “Between Two Moons,” written by Aisha Abdel Gawad, entails the story of twin sisters and soon-to-be graduates, Amira and Lina, living in Brooklyn, the first of which is the main narrator of the story (though the perspective changes once in a while). However, their lives would change shortly when their brother, Sami, is released from prison. In addition to tensions at home, Amira and Lina also experience a lot of unease in their community. During the month of Ramadan, their Muslim neighborhood experiences raids and several acts of violence, tearing apart the community. 
   One of the most prominent details that makes this book a great read is the dynamics between the two sisters, Lina and Amira. Lina is considered the “more beautiful sister;” she dreams of becoming a model and is often frequenting bars and nightclubs; but in contrast, Amira wishes to be hidden and unrecognized, with hopes of attending college and living a steady life. Despite the twins’ significant differences and occasional arguments, the two just seem to click. However, with the increasing hate towards the Muslim community, and the return of Sami, things are just not the way they used to be. Ever since Sami was let out of prison, he has felt like a stranger to Amira, an intruder. No one knew why he was imprisoned in the first place, and Amira feels a sense of unfamiliarity whenever she is around him. 
   Gawad excels at developing characters that readers can relate to. The challenges that the twins face help spread awareness for the real-life issues that the Muslim community experiences, especially in big cities. Even though our lives are different, I found that I was able to relate to Amira. As someone who also wants to go to a good college and live a steady life, away from drama and commotion, I often felt that Amira was me but with a different racial background. Being able to relate to a character was ultimately what made me enjoy reading the book.
   Overall, “Between Two Moons” was a very heartwarming and touching book to read. If you enjoyed reading this book, be sure to check out similar books such as “If I Survive You” by Jonathan Escoffery and “In the Time of Our History” by Susanne Pari. Both discuss the modern challenges and issues faced by immigrant families living in the United States.


“Between Two Moons" by Aisha Abdel Gawad

"Peter Rabbit"
As spring is right around the corner, many people are adding movies that capture the spirit of the season to their watchlist. “Peter Rabbit,” released in 2018, is a comedy movie  for people of all ages. The movie is set in a neighborhood full of vibrant flowers and charming fields, which conveys the film’s main topics of joy and renewal. The film also has a heartwarming message with its portrayal of an unconventional family and the importance of respecting and understanding each other’s situation.
The main character, Peter, is adventurous, mischievous, and curious. His siblings Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail are similarly playful, and can sometimes  cause trouble. Throughout the film, an animal lover named Bea forms a special relationship with all the rabbits, her  affection towards them making her a fan-favorite character. Despite their love for Bea, Peter and his siblings are always stepping into her neighbor Thomas’ garden to annoy him, creating a rivalry with Thomas, which becomes a big issue in Bea’s relationship with him and one of the primary conflicts in the story. Without any regard for how their actions are annoying for the humans, Peter Rabbit and his siblings relish in the humorous response they get from Thomas, and their energetic behavior brings a sense of life and excitement to the audience. 
Not only is the movie full of humorous and clever characters, but the story also provides the audience with an important message of respecting those who are different from us. The rabbits’ and neighbor’s mindsets change throughout the story, as they realize the importance of respect, kindness, forgiveness, and the consequences of their actions. This sweet conclusion teaches people to treat others with empathy and compassion, while celebrating friendships and the significance of home. 

"The Sound of Music"
Some may go on vacation over spring break, but for those like me, who find themselves bored over the week-long break from school, I recommend watching “The Sound of Music,” directed by Robert Wise, as it is a movie that will leave one mesmerized without a doubt. Released in 1965, “The Sound of Music” is a heartwarming movie based on the story of the Von Trapp family, a singing group originating in Salzburg, Austria during World War II. Maria, played by Julie Andrews, is sent away from her abbey to act as a governess to a family of seven children, so that she is disciplined prior to becoming a nun. The family she stays with are the children of a retired captain, George Von Trapp. The children are extremely well-mannered but sheltered, and Maria teaches them to enjoy their lives more. Though the captain initially disapproves, when he sees how close Maria has gotten to his children, he begins to appreciate her more, and the two fall for each other soon enough.
 In addition to the touching storyline, the movie contains several catchy songs that intertwine  beautifully with the story’s plot. These songs, such as “Do-Re-Mi,” “The Lonely Goatherd,” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” narrate the characters’ lives as the plot thickens. One of my favorite songs is “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” featuring the oldest daughter, named Liesl, who sings about entering womanhood. The musical dynamics disclosed in the song capture the nature of Liesl’s relationship with Rolf, a delivery boy who is in love with Liesl. The song starts off soft and mellow, but then the orchestra in the background undergoes a subtle crescendo. After the vocalists stop singing, the orchestra continues, slowly crescendoing and accelerating until the song comes to an awkward halt. This unique song ending perfectly describes  one’s first love: it’s awkward, but also exhilerating and wonderful. Unlike many movies, in which songs are used only as background music, “The Sound of Music” incorporates music into the plot. The scenes are constantly entertaining as the singers are always dancing with the flow of the song. The director does a fantastic job showing the developing relationships between the characters by revealing all their true feelings through song, adding depth to the story. In addition to developing sentimental relationships, the film also includes songs that are humorous, such as “The Lonely Goatherd.” A common aspect shared between all of the songs in the movie is the emphasis on the songs’ buildup. This buildup allows the songs to have a stronger ending and feel more complete. 
Further strengthening the story, the clothing aesthetics of the characters add insight into their personalities. The children in the movie wear matching clothes, demonstrating the strong bond that the family members have with one another. While Maria initially seems to be the odd one out with her dull, gray aprons and flashy dresses, her wedding gown when she marries the children’s father at the end of the movie depicts her fully becoming an official part of the family.
One of the best things about this movie is how relatable it is. Although it was released more than half a century ago, the songs manage to cover endearing interactions between family members, describe cheesy romance, and express happiness and freedom, all while carrying out a touching storyline. No doubt, “The Sound of Music” will leave you craving for more  romance during the remainder of your spring break. 


Spring into the new season with these two movie reviews

On February 23rd, 2024, the three choirs at PHS performed in the PAC at 7:30 PM. The event was led by a guest conductor and clinician, Shannon Jacob Dorman who teaches students at Boston College about spiritual gospel music. The Gospel Event began in 2010, when choir teachers Vincent Metallo and Sarah Pelletier wanted to expose their students to more repertoire from black culture. 
    “This was partially in the curriculum, but we really wanted to allocate one event to highlight this style [of music],” Metallo said.
    The students performed familiar folk tunes and spirituals that have been rearranged in a more current style. Essentially, it was the evolution of spiritual music, which was then turned into gospel music. The pieces were written about historical events using symbolism and important references to black history. The songs that the choir sang during the event were: “Ride of King Jesus,” “Glorious,” “I Feel Your Spirit,” and “Wade in the Water.”
   “[Gospel music] talks a lot about spirituality and religion…most of the songs are very emotional…” said Theo Balavoine ‘24, a baritone, and choir representative, “...forming [the music] allows us to share important parts of history…culture…and spread positive messages.”
   A challenge that some singers faced during the event was the range of notes that had to be sung.    The music was relatively in a higher range, which took a lot of vocal strain, making it difficult to learn and execute. In addition to that, the style of singing used for gospel music was different compared to other pieces of music that the choirs typically sing which are traditional choral arrangements. 
   “Some of the harmonies [were] really challenging, but our Choir Directors [worked] section by section so that we [could] feel confident about our parts,” said Vivian Clayton ‘24, an alto singer, “It [was] super satisfying once we [got] our parts right because the chords [were] really beautiful.”
   However, when performed correctly, the music comes together. 
    “I have never sung gospel before, [but] I hope [to] grow as a singer from the experience” said Konrad Hedges ’26. 
   During the performance, the majority of the pieces were accompanied by the Princeton Studio Band. Despite a busy schedule, the three choirs have been preparing for this event for around two months. Regardless, the event allowed choir students to explore a different genre of music. 
   “My favorite aspect about this event [was] being able to perform and learn music that I haven’t really been exposed to before,” said Aishwarya Vedula ‘25, “I also like how we [worked] with a professional in the field of gospel music to help us learn more about the music and its significance.”



Lifting spirits in PHS Choir gospel celebration

   For the second time in Princeton High School band history, the Studio Band traveled to London, where they performed and recorded five pieces written by jazz composer Randy Brecker at Abbey Road Studios from December 7 to December 16.
   In preparation for their upcoming trip, Studio Band members worked with the band directors, David Pollack and Joseph Bongiovi, to rehearse pieces and plan the details of the trip. They had to coordinate with airlines for flights, find hotels to stay at, contact tour companies, and collect fees.
   It was especially difficult to prepare in time for this trip due to multiple factors. Not only was the music difficult, the Studio Band members also had very little time to prepare. 
   “We had other concerts and performances to do before we really got to dig into this music. In October, we had a Concert Band concert and then we also [performed at] homecoming. So we had a bunch of other [performances]. We really only spent about a month and a half preparing for this.” Bongiovi said. 
    
    The Studio Band has performed internationally and participated in many competitions. However, the band directors decided to go to London a second time because of the city’s history. Additionally, they were also able to record again at Abbey Road Studios, where popular bands like the Beatles were recorded. They also got the chance to record and play alongside Randy Brecker and his wife, Ada Rovatti. Brecker has won six Grammys over the years, and his wife plays the tenor saxophone. The Studio Band was especially excited to be recording their music. 
   Furthermore, the trip was an excellent opportunity to explore England’s culture and history.
  
   David Pollack explained that trips out of Princeton High School are such an important part of band members’ musical career. They give students many opportunities that they would not otherwise have just performing in the United States. 
    “It was a great opportunity to record [at Abbey Road Studios]. I think it's incredibly important, not only to just explore new locations… and see different cultures, … but also [because] it's important to be able to… take your music that you do every day [at Princeton High School] somewhere else so that other people can experience the music and be a part of it,”  Pollack said. 
   This trip was not only an incredible opportunity to travel and explore, but also an introduction to the world of music that many Studio Band musicians will cherish for the rest of their lives. 
   “This is a real life experience. This is something they'll have to document their entire lives…and they'll always be able to stream it at some point and tell their children and grandchildren ‘This is what I did when I was in high school.’” Bongiovi said.

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