C Magazine Vol. 11 Edition 2

Dear readers,

Season’s greetings! As 2022 comes to an end we’re excited to announce C Magazine’s second issue of the year. In the midst of all the celebration surrounding the end of the semester, we hope that you get the chance to take a break and read about what’s happening on campus and in the greater Palo Alto community.

Our latest cover story, “Lasting Legacies” (Pg. 14), by Esther Chung, Siena Dunn and Alma Samet, looks toward the upcoming Chinese New Year. Paly students share stories celebrating the holiday here in the United States, and in China, as well as how they are working to maintain their families’ traditions for future generations.

For years, students have taken great enjoyment in participating in Paly’s theater program for its strong sense of community. “Featured Artist: Annalise Klenow” (Pg. 32), written by Isaac Hillesland and Uri Ponte, highlights junior Annalise Klenow’s long-held passion for the performing arts and journey as she continuously improves, utilizing her knowledge of related fields like singing and dancing.

As the holiday season approaches, many students recognize a focus on romance that comes along with it. In “Holiday Season Love” (Pg. 11), Miya Joshi and Wendy Li shine light on the increased pressure students feel to get into romantic relationships, as well as the importance of ignoring those messages and prioritizing healthy relationships when the right

ones come along.

The question of what should happen to an artist’s music after they’ve passed away is one that has been long battled.

“Tunes From the Tomb” (Pg. 43) by Zeke Morrison and Jake Papp dives in depth on the issue’s extensive history and continued prevalence in today’s world, exploring along the way, how such events cause musicians’ fan bases to fluctuate and the role money plays in the output of music post-death.

The islands of Hawaii have grown to become immensely popular vacation spots, but people often fail to realize the consequences of the resulting overflow of tourism. In “Trouble in Paradise” (Pg. 8), Jeslyn Chen and Mary Henderson break down the negative effects that this activity has had not only on the island itself but also on Hawaii’s native culture.

As you flip through the pages of C Magazine’s newest issue, we hope that you find a story that sparks your interest, and continue to keep up with our future content, both in our print issues and through our web exclusives posted on cmagazine.org.

Happy reading!

Evie Coulson, McKenna Rausch, Milena Rodriguez and Jasmine Tabrizi Editors-in-Chief

thanks TO OUR SPONSORS

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staff

Editors-in-Chief

Evie Coulson, McKenna Rausch, Milena Rodriguez, Jasmine Tabrizi

Managing Editors

Kaila Chun, Isaac Hillesland, Julie Huang, Caitlyn Oda

Online Editor-in-Chief Kylie Tzeng

Online Managing Editor

Creative Director

Kellyn Scheel

Creative Adviser Audrey Guo

Multimedia Manager

Ella Rosenblum

By

C Magazine, an arts and culture magazine published by the students in Palo Alto High School’s Magazine Journalism class, is a designated open forum for student expression and discussion of issues of concern to its readership. C Magazine is distributed to its readers and the student body at no cost.

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C Magazine is printed 5 times a year in October, January, February, April and June by aPrintis in Pleasanton, CA. C Magazine is distributed on campus and mailed to sponsors by Palo Alto High School. All C Magazine stories are available on cmagazine.org.

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The C Magazine staff welcomes letters to the editors but reserve the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, potential libel, invasion of privacy and obscenity. Send all letters to eicscmagazine@gmail.com or to 50 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Social Media Managers

Anna Markesky, Casey Walters

Wendy Li Staff Writers

Photo Director Olivia Hau

Business Manager

Eunchae Hong

Sarah Bakhash, Jeslyn Chen, Esther Chung, Scarlett Cummings, Lily Daniel, Siena Dunn, Mary Henderson, Brooke Hudacek, Miya Joshi, Martina Meyerfreund, Zeke Morrison, Saachi Nagar, Jake Papp, Uri Ponte, Alma Samet, Sarah Sheaffer, Willow Steele

Adviser Brian Wilson Cover Esther Chung

Illustrators

Sarah Bakhash, Jeslyn Chen, Esther Chung, Lily Daniel, Christy Du, Siena Dunn, Austin Eng, Olivia Hau, Brooke Hudacek, Sarah Sheaffer, Kellyn Scheel, Alex Yan

By McKenna Rausch and Jasmine Tabrizi

Casey Walters

By Zeke Morrison and Jake Papp

How tourism is taking a toll on the tropical islands of Hawaii and the indigenous culture

my family goes there, we try to buy local and not from big corporations that invaded [Hawaii],” Paly junior Rebecca Fakatou, a member of the Paly Poly nesian Club said. “The local businesses also provide visitors a more immersive

People often associate Hawaii with

are under the American government, but treat us as our own country. Because if not, you’re not respecting our history. Talk to us as if you respect and you

Text and design by JESLYN CHEN and MARY HENDERSON • Art by JESLYN CHEN and AUSTIN ENG

Holiday Season

The influx of romantic imagery around the holidays causes some students to feel relationship pressure

Text and design by MIYA JOSHI and WENDY LI • Art by JESLYN CHEN, CHRISTY DU, MIYA JOSHI and WENDY LI

[instead] it has to be -

ships feel pressured to rise to the media’s expectations

makes me feel worse about myself in comparison.”

Sheridan Riolo, One Love

In general, teenagers are surrounded by carefully curated personas on social media that provide a false narrative about re moves at their own

The fragrant smell of peach blossoms wafts through the crisp winter night as street lights illuminate the dark sky. Colorful flower and fruit stands in the market streets are crowded with customers looking for the perfect addition to their Chinese New Years celebrations.

“Everything was full of light and life,” elderly Chinese immigrant Sammy Lee said. “My mom always said that finding the prettiest peach blossom would bring us prosperity and good fortune.”

Dating back to the Shang Dynasty, Chinese New Year is a celebration that has been around for thousands of years. Although the exact date has never been recorded, it is believed that the Chinese new year originated with sacrificial ceremonies around the beginning or end of the year in honor of gods or ancestors. Each new year in the Lunar calendar is assigned an animal zodiac from a rotating cycle of 12 animals. According to ancient

beliefs, each animal symbolizes key attributes for the coming year.

Despite the many variations to the origin story of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs, they were said to have been the winners of a race, consisting of crossing a rapid river to create a time measurement.

This past year, 2022, has been the Year of the Tiger, symbolizing traits such as strength and resilience during times of struggle.

When reflecting on the past years, Paly junior Charlie Wang sees connections between the zodiacs and world events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

“[2020] was the Year of the Mouse, and mouse and disease [are] really correlated,” Wang said.

Others such as Monty Ming, a Chinese native now living in San Fran-

cisco, assimilate the Western Zodiac culture into the Chinese Zodiac.

“You try to emulate yourself to what zodiac sign you are… you feel a commonality with people who point to Tiger,” Ming said. “For me personally, I love [being] a Tiger.”

On the other hand, many find it difficult to zoom in and apply the zodiacs to their personal lives.

“I don’t really associate these an-

Text and design by ESTHER CHUNG, SIENA DUNN and ALMA SAMET • Art by ESTHER CHUNG and SIENA DUNN

“Fish is a traditional thing to eat on Chinese New Year because the word for fish also means abundance.”

-Jessie Dalman

colors that symbolize prosperity.”

Various methods of celebration come with different personal meanings and interpretations of the holiday.

“To me, Chinese New Year is about revisiting my culture,” Wang said. “It’s nice to celebrate two New Years… it really echoes my Chinese identity [as well as] getting rid of the old and welcoming in the new.”

However, the wave of dif ferent winter holidays often overlooks the Chinese New Year. As a result, Chinese New Year celebrations often aren’t celebrated as thor oughly in America as they are in their native country of China.

“My experiences do differ a lot due to the majority of my family remaining in Chi na,” Wan said. “The lively and boisterous atmosphere in China is hard to be seen in America when it comes to the New Year.”

Additionally, the length of Chinese New Year celebrations isn’t honored overseas, making the holiday a shortened version of itself.

“I lived in China for six years and the first New Year I had here was kind of dull,” Wang said. “In China, it’s winter break for them [so] they have a month off [to celebrate].”

Without cultural immersion, Chinese immigrants struggle to feel the same holiday spirit surrounding the New Year.

“Chinese New Year, to me, is a span of celebrations [that] I can’t have anymore,” Wang said. “[It

is sad because] I feel like there’s less [of] a sense of tradition here.”

Although similar in magnitude, Chinese New Year is celebrated differently than comparable holidays such as Christmas.

“Chinese New Year is a time to remember your ancestors,” Ming said. “[The] Chinese believe you don’t exist if not for the people before you, who lay down the opportunity for you [and] guide you in heaven.”

Many Chinese Americans find themselves slipping away from their Chinese culture after living in America, because of the lack of celebration and tradition during Chinese New Year.

“It’s important to remember that no matter what, [it is okay] to be foreign,” Ming said. “I don’t look like what people typically think about Americans so I don’t fit in with American culture.

I [can still embrace] my Chinese culture.”

Although it may be harder for Chinese Americans to step themselves into the culture surrounding the holiday, it is important to maintain its traditions.

”Passing down the Chinese New Year tradition to future generations is important as it reminds them of their culture, identity and the significance of families,” Lee said. “It is relieving to know that once [I go to heaven], [my] children will still spread traditions and reveal the beauty of Chinese culture.”

What happens when the ski boots get kicked off?

Ending the perfect day on the slopes is no easy feat. After a long day of skiing, one wants to relax, rejuvenate and finish on a good note. This is where aprés ski comes into play. French for “after ski,” the term refers to the time spent soaking in the afternoon sun at the base of the mountain, reunited with friends and having a good laugh after a long day of skiing. This laid back aesthetic includes many aspects such as specific food and drink, fashion and activities.

As defined by Oxford Languages, aprés ski is “the social activities and entertainment following a day’s skiing.” The term was coined in the Alps, during the rise of commercial skiing in the 1950s. Since then, the aesthetic associated with skiing and a day on the slopes has become something people aspire to incorporate into their lives.

Even people who don’t usually enjoy the sport of ski-

ing have started assimilating into the culture of aprés ski. Romy Roberts, an avid skier and New York City resident, has observed an influx of people traveling to ski towns for the overall aesthetic over the sport itself.

“I think more people have realized the fun of aprés ski and how it can be enjoyed even if skiing isn’t for you,” Roberts said. “The vibe can still be created especially when you can visit a place where it happens.”

Roberts visits Aspen, Colorado with her family frequently and it has become a trip she looks forward to not only for skiing, but for the location too.

“[Aspen is] the prettiest, most gorgeous place on earth,” Roberts said. “It is a life changing experience to go there and experience the culture, fun and lifestyle.”

All facets of aprés ski have begun translating off the slopes and into daily life, including the attire, with trends inspired by mountain wear making their way into mainstream fashion. Bright puffer jackets, chunky sweaters and patterned fleeces inspired by the mountain-wear of the 1960s have gained popularity during the wintertime in recent years. While it makes sense that heavier winter jackets would trend in the winter months, the consistent revival of mountain wear continuing to show up is something to note.

Designer brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Moncler and Coach have all started incorporating the laid back, comfy-cozy vibe and post-mountain looks into their recent collections. While Louis Vuitton showcased their new collection on models skiing, Coach has featured celebrities enjoying a snowy day in New York City for a recent campaign.

In an interview with Fashion Network, Moncler designer Sandro Mandrino goes more in depth about his ski wear collection for Moncler.

“Moncler Grenoble represents the purely sporting vocation inspired by the origins of [Moncler] in the homonymous capital of the Isère region,” Mandrino said. “Performance, technicality, comfort and lightness are the key elements.”

Outside of the high fashion world, this shift into mainstream fashion and culture has also been recognized by skiers. Nina Smith, a Paly junior who has been skiing for 14 years, recounts the adaptation she has noticed in winter fashion.

“A lot of brands like Patagonia and that kind of style are becoming really popular especially in winter,” Smith said. “I’m noticing a lot of the clothes that skiers usually wear being worn more regularly.”

For some, the little things, such as the fashion worn at the end of a ski day, may seem unimportant. However, in the world of aprés ski, each choice is purposeful and adds to the mood.

“People usually get hot chocolate, sit by the fire, eat warm food and put on a bunch of comfy clothes as a part of their after-ski routine,” Smith said. Each person may spend their time differently, making the experience their own; however, the overall mood remains within the same realm.

“There’s definitely a really cozy energy after you’re done skiing,” Smith said. “It’s a really good vibe and something that you look forward to.”

Other skiers such as Elle Eggleston, a lifelong skier and resident of Aspen, echo this statement.

“There is definitely a more cozy and warm vibe, like curling up around a fire and laughing with friends,” Eggleston said. “It’s very social and fun but also relaxed for the end of the day.”

Not only has aprés ski grown outside of skiing with its popular fashion, but the overall aesthetic of aprés ski has grown throughout the country.

Eggleston emphasizes how this vibe has recently been spreading, even outside of ski towns.

“It’s especially interesting to see, after growing up in Aspen, how the trends that started spreading more [in Aspen] are spreading to other places,” Eggleston said. “I’ve seen more and more people adopting the trends I see at home which was not really the case a few years ago.”

Whether you get mountain passes each year or have never skied, aprés ski is a lifestyle and culture that can be integrated into your life.

“Who wouldn’t want a comfy, social and fun end to their day on or off the slopes?” Eggleston said.

“There’s definitely a really cozy energy after you’re done skiing. It’s a really good vibe and something that you look forward to.”

Nina Smith, 11

Text, design and art by LILY DANIEL and BROOKE HUDACEK • Photos by KELLYN SCHEEL

San Francisco’s

HIDDEN GEM

Being one of only three Japantowns in the United States, San Francisco’s Japantown holds great significance to its community members as well as visitors. The Bay Area is lucky to be home to two out of the three Japantowns in both San Jose and San Francisco.

Hidden within six city blocks, this enclave of Japanese culture presents its visitors with an immersive cultural experience.

“I think the reason why we have [Japantowns] is because [the Bay Area is] so diverse,” Paly senior Alex Yan said. “It’s not like a bunch of white people started these Japantowns, it’s because of a large concentration of Japanese people living in an area and that’s why it became Japantown.”

For many people, Japantown is a fun way to spend their weekends, but

for people of the Japanese American community, it creates a space that spotlights their identity in an area where they are underrepresented.

“I think that having a Japantown is really important because it’s a gateway to our culture,” Paly junior Austin Eng said.

“I feel like the Japanese American population in the Bay Area is slowly dying in a way because, as a half Japanese half Chinese person, [Asian culture in the Bay Area] is growing more on the Chinese side rather than Japanese or other Asian ethnic groups. I think it’s just important to have that small area where we can really explore a different culture.”

Creating a space where people have the opportunity to immerse them-

selves in their own culture is essential to keeping their connections alive, especially for Paly senior Hailey Oshita.

“Since I can remember I’ve always gone [to the San Jose Japantown] and been able to connect with people with similar backgrounds as me,” Oshita said. “And I also get to have a lot of opportunities to learn about the culture and the surrounding environment helps me to grow.”

Oshita has grown up visiting the San Jose Japantown with her family each week, as her church is located in the neighborhood. Because of the time spent with her family and family friends, she has developed a tradition.

“We do weekly Sunday lunches with a ton of people,” Oshita said. “There’s this restaurant, [Hukilau] and we’re really close family friends with some families and we all know the owners so…[for] the last 16 years I’ve gone to the same restaurant every Sunday.”

Japantown serves as more than a cultural hub for many Japanese Americans; it can also create an escape back to their childhoods.

“[Japantown] mostly holds nostal-

gia and regards to being able to do something with my family and friends and it reminds me more of my childhood,” Eng said. For non-Japanese people, Japantown is a great place to experience a different cuisine and learn about a new culture, much like Yan.

“[Japantown] gives an authentic taste of Japan because it’s made by Japanese people,” Yan said. “It’s fun to see all the cultures and I just find it very interesting that ethnic groups like to live in very tight communities.”

Many people living in Japantown have been growing up and living there for generations, causing a close community within the town.

“I know a lot of the owners at local, smaller restaurants and shops,” Oshita said. “They’re all really good people and it’s just a fun, nice atmosphere.”

There are many different restaurants throughout Japantown, scattered throughout the streets as well as within the Japan Center Malls. The Japan Center Malls are indoor malls that take up multiple blocks of Japantown and are filled with restaurants and shops for visitors to explore. From ramen to matcha soft serve, there is a wide variety of food

“[Japantown] mostly holds nostalgia and regards to being able to do something with my family and friends and it reminds me more of my childhood.”

- Austin Eng, junior

A look into one of the three remaining Japantowns in the U.S.

Text and design by KAILA CHUN, EUNCHAE HONG and SAACHI NAGAR • Art by ALEX YAN • Photos by EUNCHAE HONG

“Since I can remember I’ve always gone [to the San Jose Japantown] and been able to connect with people with similar backgrounds as me.”

-Hailey Oshita, senior

to try.

“I think my favorite [place] is definitely this soft serve place called Matcha Cafe Maiko,” Eng said. “It’s a matcha soft serve cafe that does lattes, soft serve, sundaes and parfaits, and I think that every single time I go there I always make sure to stop by.”

With many ramen places throughout Japantown, it is hard to differentiate them from one another, but one stands out to Yan.

“There’s the ramen restaurant, Marufuku, it is probably one of the best ramen restaurants in San Francisco,” Yan said.

Besides food, there are many stores to peek into and explore.

From cute stores for kids such as Amiko Boutique, unique plant stores like Katsura Garden, to one of Yan’s favorite stores, the Kinokuniya bookstore, there is plenty to do.

“I like the Kinokuniya bookstore, it’s like a really big bookstore, it has two levels and there’s just a bunch of Japanese books, like novelty items,” Yan said. “It’s a really fun place to be.”

Japantown also hosts historically significant events for their community. Japan Day is celebrated each year at the Peace Plaza with demonstrations, activities and performances to watch. Another popular event is the Nihonmachi Street Fair in August which celebrates Asian-Pacific America. Additionally, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the biggest events which celebrates spring through a parade and other activities.

“I remember once there was a Cherry Blossom Festival, and there was this big parade and all the cherry blossom trees were blooming and it’s really nice,” Yan said.

San Francisco’s Japantown is a special spot for local families as well as visitors. Through the town, everyone has the opportunity to explore Japanese culture.

“I like to connect with the community and Japantown helps me connect with my culture,” Oshita said.

Things to do in Japantown Marufuku Ramen Nijiya Market Katsura Garden Japantown Peace Plaza

Hikes for

Vikes

personal growth

Asandy alcove nestled along Crissy Field’s pedestrian path in San Francisco offers a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the breaking waves of the Bay. Stopping to take in the views, you might notice an inscription by naturalist and Sierra Club founder John Muir on the sanctuary’s stone bench: “I only went out for a walk and I finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”

Paly’s Mountaineering Club attracts students who share Muir’s love of the outdoors. With weekly hiking trips for up to ten students, The Mountaineering Club sources great hikes that bring people together.

Like John Muir, Paly senior Finley Craig thoroughly enjoys hiking. A treasured ritual that she began at a young age, hiking gives Craig opportunities to explore local trails with a camelback filled with electrolyte-infused water and a good sandwich.

“I always loved hiking – even when I was a kid I never complained,” Craig said. “They just get bigger and better now.”

Nature provides a valuable place for introspection and a refuge from Silicon Valley’s infamous always-on culture. To get outside of her academic life, Craig often finds herself hiking alone with her head-

phones on or listening to the nature around her.

“Especially this year and last year, hiking has been a great outlet to escape the stress of school [and help] me momentarily forget [about assignments and tests],” Craig said.

Craig is not alone in her love of local trails. Paly senior and Mountaineering Club member Morgan Greenlaw started hiking with her family during the pandemic, as an excuse to get out of the house, and she has continued to hike with friends since. For Greenlaw, hiking is a social activity.

“It’s really nice to have the connection to Paly through a weekend activity, [hiking with the Mountaineering Club], that’s not at school,” Greenlaw said. “I need to rely on my parents [to drive] but sometimes they are not available, so this way I can still go on a hike, and it's just fun to meet new people.”

The Bay Area’s many hidden treasures, from coastal walks with expansive vistas to steep wooded labyrinths with canopies stretching for miles, give Paly students a wide range of options to explore that are just a short drive away.

Windy Hill, the Stanford “Dish,” and Palo Alto’s Baylands are popular local destinations, but for many people, personal preferences factor heavily into what makes a great hike.

“I’d say my favorite place [to hike] is Huddart Park in Woodside because [with so many trees] it's not too open,” Greenlaw said. “I don’t like to be in the sun [and the] shade there is nice.”

A hike that is satisfying can keep students coming back to specific trails again and again. Students like Craig appreciate a mix of inclines and the physical challenge of a steep climb followed by a return down to a base.

“I have this hike by Montara State beach that I like because of its variety, five miles uphill and then five miles downhill- it’s perfect,” Craig said.

Other people prioritize the social aspects of hiking with friends, while still others view it as an escape, valuing the scenery and freedom from devices and obligations.

Greenlaw embraces the verdant landscapes of the hikes she embarks on, and appreciates the motivation they give her to continue going.

“A good hike is the one that makes me feel good afterwards,” Greenlaw said. “I’m stressed out from school and college applications, but after [a hike] my mood always improves.”

Paly alumn Will Glasson started his hiking journey by trekking along Palo Alto’s hills and has officially concluded a semester-long backpacking trip with the National Outdoor Leadership School in India.

Though many people appreciate music during their endeavors, Glasson absorbs the topography that surrounds him, without any distraction.

“I used to be an escapist about it, put headphones on and tune out for a while,” Glasson said. “I am now the opposite, I aim to be completely in the present and take in everything around me.”

"Especially this year and last year, hiking has been a great outlet to escape the stress of school [and help] me momentarily forget [about assignments and tests]."

Finely Craig, 12

Glasson has taken many things away from his experiences and continues to reflect on the trails he has trodden in the Bay Area and beyond.

“Dipsea is my favorite hike in the world, I love it,” Glasson said. “You start in Mill Valley, go up 600 stairs, and then go down for a little bit to reach a valley. From then on you are just hiking the coast all the way up to Stinson.”

Not only does Glasson treasure the environments he absorbs, but also acknowledges the perspective he receives.

“Taking stuff back from what I'm doing especially when I hike is the most important part for me, that is something that I have learned in these past months,” Glasson said.

Leaving the road and taking the trails helps people find peace in the midst of chaos.

“It's really cool to go out and explore nature, but it doesn't actually matter unless you’re learning, growing, finding the value of it and reflecting at the end,” Glasson said.

A collection of the best hiking and walking adventures for

Text and design by SCARLETT CUMMINGS and ANNA MARKESKY • Photos by ABBY CUMMINGS • Art by LILY DANIEL

Rest For

Improvement Room

n recent years, anecdotes ranging from sketches to taglines have been drawn inside every Palo Alto High School bathroom. For students and staff, these sketches have become so common that it is almost surreal to see a spotless bathroom. With virtually every bathroom wall covered in permanent marker, it is clear that what began as an outlet for students to occasionally express themselves has snowballed into a cam-

pus-wide phenomenon.

The influx of these drawings has brought up a debate among students and administration members over whether or not drawing on the bathroom walls should be deemed as “art” or “vandalism”, and if the chance for expression they provide is worth the negative, even dangerous effects they have on Paly staff.

For many students, the drawings are seen in a relatively positive light.

“I always look forward to walking to the bathrooms and seeing new drawings from other people,” an anonymous Paly junior said.

“I’ve only seen artistic things like portraits of characters; I have never seen anyone draw or write anything intentionally negative,” senior Mateo Diaz said. “It’s always

there and see all the different things that people wrote on the walls.”

Concerns rise, however, when there’s a possibility of the personal outlet to turn into a free hate speech pass.

“I think when it’s related to people’s opinions, I don’t really have that much of an issue with it,” junior Nidhi Thummalapalli said. “But if it’s a message that can harm someone else, if it’s hurting someone else’s identity, then it becomes a problem.”

This vulnerability, combined with the vandalistic nature of the situation, leaves the art under strong consideration. Although it’s fun for students to show off their art in the stalls, a completely different side of the story is told by the people who have to take it down at the end of the day: the custodians.

The combination of working long, intense hours and being surrounded by harmful graffiti-removing chemicals brings the safety of the workers into question.

“If we were to do everything in one day, we probably won’t come to work the next day because we’ve been so exhausted,” Hidalgo said. “You get this really raunchy scented graffiti remover. This chemical stuff, it’s also harming us. Of course personal protective equipment will still be in effect and we’ll use that all the time, but the problem here is how much does the mask actually help our respiratory system?”

Cleaning up the mass amount of tagging that takes place is an exhausting task, but Paly custodians don’t often get due credit for their intense labor and experience a large lack of respect.

“I’ve had students disrespectfully throw the trash around me, knowing that I’m a custodian, knowing that I’m going to pick it up and clean it,” Hidalgo said. “It was just very disrespectful.”

With the rising tension and disagree ment in the debate over the Paly bathroom anecdotes, Paly admin has taken notice of it and has begun to voice their concerns about the general lack of pride at Paly.

“I have been thinking about what can be done,’’ said Jerry Berkson, Paly Assis tant Principal. “It isn’t happening at other

schools. I was going to start taking pictures of stalls at other schools. The problem is, does it then become a “challenge” between admin and students of who can “win” by continuing the destructive behavior? Or do students take it to heart, and adjust their behavior?”

The point made by Berkson about the possible “competition” sheds light on the psychology of the situation.

The broken windows theory was proposed by psychologists James Q. Wilson and George Kelling in 1982. It states that if apparent signs of crime, such as broken windows, are left visible, people will begin

Francisco, providing students with authorized spaces to create art has the potential to prevent the continuation of unwanted bathroom anecdotes.

“You look at the places where there is student-sponsored art up on the walls and whatnot,” Farina said.

“Those things, as far as I can tell, don’t seem to get graffitied over or vandalized. People are excited because it was student-created.”

No matter which way it’s viewed, the art in the bathrooms has an undeniable effect that can’t be ignored.

“I think it starts with the students,” Hidalgo said. “One day you’ll learn, and

The rising debate surrounding the art in PALY bathrooms begs the question, where do we draw the line?

“I have never

“It’s a never-ending process.”

-Albert Hidalgo, PALY Custodian

FEATURED ARTIST:

Annalise Klenow

REACHING THE AUDIENCE FrOM THE STAGE

Though it was out of her comfort zone, Klenow gave an outstanding performance and learned a lot through challenging herself. Klenow has enjoyed the performing arts, including theater, dancing and singing, since she was a child.

“When I was little I would always sing around the house,” Klenow said. “A lot of it was Disney music or from ‘The Sound of Music’ because Julie Andrews was one of my idols.”

Once she discovered her passion, Klenow needed fuel to keep it a flame, and her family has done a lot to provide that support.

“My mom put me in voice lessons because she saw it was something that I really enjoyed,” Klenow said.

Performing for an audience is a skill that takes a lot of courage, and Klenow credits her first director for helping her break out of her shell and spark her love for performing.

“She [my director] took my hand during the performance and let me just kind of sit on the edge of the stage and sing, and I felt really safe at that moment,” Klenow said. “I think it was pretty meaningful to have that experience at such a young age.”

feeling that you’re giving the audience something.”

Some of Klenow’s more unique roles have included playing Grandpa Joe from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a fairy godmother from Cinderella and the beast from “The Beauty and the Beast,” which provided challenges of its own.

“Since that is typically a male part with male vocals, it was definitely challenging for me not only on my voice, but acting as well,” Klenow said.

Klenow believes more actors should consider moving out of their comfort zones.

“I think an actor should play a role of the gender they don’t identify as at least once,” she said. “It’s a fun experience.”

Klenow’s involvement in the arts extends past her interest in musical theater. Her participation in the spectrum choir at Paly has helped her improve her technical singing skills.

“When you sing in a choir, it’s a lot more about listening,” Klenow said.

“You might be more focused on dynamics and all the technical things than when you’re just by yourself kind of belting it out.”

Klenow does ballet at DanceVisions in Palo Alto, where she assists in teaching younger kids the art.

“[Teaching the] younger girls makes me so happy that I can give them the love for art that I have,” Klenow said. However, it’s not all sunshine and roses for someone in the performing arts. Auditioning involves putting oneself out there to create something for others which can be a daunting task.

“It’s a vulnerable moment,” Klenow said. “[Auditioning] is a stressful process because you’re being judged.”

Despite the challenges, the arts are an essential part of Klenow’s life that have allowed her to establish meaningful connections with others.

“I love [performing arts] because it’s given me a really good community of friends,” Klenow said.

Moving forward, Klenow hopes to continue in the arts in addition to whatever other activities decides to pursue.

“Senior year and onward I will definitely continue to do theater,” Klenow said.

Whether she’s playing the strict Mrs. MacNeil, the lonely Beast or the elderly Grandpa Joe, Klenow loves the performing arts because of its ability to affect the audience through storytelling.

“You have a lot of power there and I love being able to make people feel things.” Klenow said. “I think that’s a great thing to do.”

hours upon hours of rehearsal, Paly junior Annalise Klenow is prepared for the big show “Radium Girls,” in which she plays Mrs. Alma MacNeil, the no-nonsense supervisor of the dial painters.

Radium Girls is a “straight play,” meaning that it is a play without music. Klenow has significantly less experience performing in straight plays, providing her with a challenge for this specific role.

“I usually feel more comfortable when I can sing and express myself through music,” Klenow said. “So I think it’s fun that I’m doing something out of my comfort zone.”

Klenow has continued her artistic endeavors over the years, culminating in her participation in the performing arts at Paly. Paly has provided excellent resources for Klenow to perform, such as her theater one and two classes.

“They’ve introduced me to a lot of new materials and taught me a lot about the history of theater, which I think is important because you can be very talented, but you should also know the background and roots of theater,” she said.

Klenow sees acting in theater as a worthwhile experience that anyone can benefit from.

“To imagine how a character that’s not you sees the world, can help you become more empathetic and help you understand emotions better,” Klenow said. “What I love about [theater] is the

Looking for other mediums to express herself in, Klenow also dances. She especially enjoys ballet, which she does as a hobby.

“I do it for the exercise and the expression,” Klenow said.

“I think it’s been a really good thing to have because it has given me a lot of confidence.”

Photos courtesy of GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION

“What I love about [theater] is the feeling that you’re giving the audience something.”

Text and design by ISAAC HILLESLAND and

URI

PONTE • Photos provided by ANNALISE KLENOW

ry. Followed by World War I, the art of scrapbooking dropped; people still kept memories of their photos and cards, but they were rarely stored in albums and commonplace books. Memories that would previously be kept in scrapbooks were now stored in boxes and rarely looked at. It was only when digital photography became popular that scrapbooking became another hit. People were eager to purchase photo albums and put memories down onto paper. What has once been considered an individual hobby is now a social event. Scrapbooking has become a popular art form worldwide, and the pursuit of expressing art in crafting continues to grow.

The Art of Transforming your World into a Scrapbook

Existing for ages, scrapbooking is a way to preserve memories and capture specific moments. Recently with the comeback of film, it has become increasingly popular to capture the “raw” moment without any editing, sorting through photos, or frequent posing. By taking film photos, using art and using design strategies, scrapbooking has also become a way to bring life to photos as well as express how a moment felt. Paly alumni Anushe Irani’s love for film serves as an alternative to her phone. She thinks that the strategy of taking photos is different for everyone, but for her, it’s about which photos she will look back on.

“When taking a photo I usually like to take candids of my friends and family when they are unaware and happy,” Irani said.

“I think it results in the best photo.”

Scrapbooks may consist of multiple mediums including art, poetry, and even small keepsakes such as receipts, movie tickets or even notes. While some scrapbooks center around the written component, other people prefer to add more art to their spreads. The techniques used within the art pieces reflect how people want to express themselves and uncover unique ways to use materials to show art. Illustrator, painter, and collage maker Bianca Dunn prioritizes accessibility and using whatever materials she can find.

“One thing I really like about [collage making] is starting to get creative with your materials,” Dunn said. “Just being on a lookout and looking at everything it could be [as an] art medium.”

Coloring, drawing, stenciling, painting and calligraphy are all commonly used tools when creating a scrapbook. Katya Oks, a Paly junior, has a hobby for participating in making handwritten letters and scrapbook pages.

“I love using random old books which I can get for free, and ripping up pages and using them in my letters to add a cool detail,” Oks said. “I also love using brush pens and stickers, but also would love to start integrating pressed flowers as well as pictures, that would look really pretty.”

“There’s something important and spiritual about drawing and feeling the emotion pour from your pencil onto the page.”

-Kiara Tavakoli, 11

Text and design by SARAH BAKHASH and MARTINA MEYERFREUND • Background photos courtesy of ELLIE ROTH •

Art by SARAH BAKHASH and KELLYN SCHEEL

Photo courtesy of Ellie Roth

Photo courtesy of Ellie Roth

Driving to the Movies Ice Cream with Friends

A typical scrapbook spread only consists of two to three photos before it turns into a photo album. Therefore, choosing what photos to put in a scrapbook becomes a limited, careful process. Only a few photos can reflect the actual experience while also matching the design of the spread. Taking photos that portray a special memory or meaningful experience becomes a priority.

“I choose to capture moments that I want to be able to look back on, which usually involve my friends and family,” Irani said.

The style of the photo also contributes to the effect it has on the spread. This may be the actual quality of the photo, the specific angle it was taken from or even its size.

“I like taking film pictures because they capture colors that digital cameras are not able to,” Irani said.

While all scrapbooks may focus on different things, they all require and revolve around one thing: design. When it comes to designing around photos and writing, making a cohesive spread that

reflects a memory can be challenging but also a relaxing experience. Dunn likes to piece everything together from the inside out while being guided by her emotion.

“I think collage [making] can be really freeing because you’re just using your hands and [doing] less thinking,” Dunn said. “It’s more [of a] feeling.”

The skills don’t come quickly though. Dunn’s process of collage-making starts with magazine flipping, tearing and cutting.

“I just remember spending hours making tons of little rolls of tape and cutting out magazines from National Geographic and fashion magazines,” Dunn said.

Her tasks also include a lot of sorting, discarding, rearranging and looking at the piece from different perspectives. Comparatively to using film, all of the other components added to the spread are required in order to bring the moment to life.

“You can get some really weird images and put them together,” Dunn said. “[Then] you’re starting to play with reality.”

Road trip to Big Sur, California 5/6/22

While journaling allows people to note down their feelings and emotions, scrapbooking consists of the art of filling up blank pages with memorabilia.

“I’ve tried scrapbooking, and it not only helps me capture memories, but it also shows a therapeutic way of positively remembering those memories,” Oks said.

Incorporating pictures and souvenirs into scrapbooks

help capture and freeze a moment whilst conveying an emotion. Paly junior Kiara Tavakoli uses and publicizes her art in order to express her emotions.

“Photos can help to capture the moment but art has an emotional attachment to it,” Tavakoli said. “When you combine art and photos into a scrapbook the pictures encapsulate into incredible art, which allows for a genuine amount of connection to the moment and pictures.”

Scrapbooking can help people combine the skill of journaling with the

craftiness of scrapbooking, and bring appreciation to the ability to incorporate art with memories. By making scrapbook pages, people can bring memories to life and relive them.

“Handwritten letters and scrapbooking have so much more effort put into them, and that’s what makes them so much more personalized,” Oks said. “It feels a lot better to receive a letter as opposed to a simple text message because it shows how someone puts in the extra work into making something.”

“You’re putting each piece in for a reason.” -Bianca Dunn

Photo courtesy of Martina Meyerfreund

Photo courtesy of Martina Meyerfreund

Photo courtesy of Martina Meyerfreund

Photo courtesy of Anushe Irani

ART around PALOALTO

Living in future-focused Palo Alto, the city’s beautiful art is often overlooked. This small town holds vibrant artists who showcase their works all around the community.

One of the most popular art exhibits in Palo Alto is the annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, which attracts thousands of people. The event showcases the work of glass artists and features over 10,000 one-of-akind glass pumpkins.

the introduction of technology in art. For Palo Alto artists

Ashlie Benton and Flo de Bretagne, online websites and social media platforms are the perfect outlets to showcase and sell their art.

art collection from local artists, including some of Benton’s work.

Benton appreciates the recognition Stanford gives to local artists, which builds up the local community.

“Stanford has done a stunning job of realizing the value of art for people who are sick or stressed out,” Benton said. “Family members and patients are able to walk down the hallways and see something that is beautifully made, [which] is comforting.”

DeMarzo finds that artists in the Bay Area, especially in Palo Alto, are a joy to work with.

“Many Palo Alto artists were not on our radars before,” DeMarzo said. “It’s been really great working with so many artists and creatives from Palo Alto, who are dipping their toe in the water of the field of public art.”

The City of Palo Alto must ensure that their public art can be enjoyed by as many people as possible, and need to direct their pieces to various audiences.

“Whether it’s historic Trompe-l’Oeil Greg Brown murals, the new media piece in the lobby of City Hall or giant 40 foot climbing poles in front of the Junior Museum, all art pieces are tailored to a different audience, depending on the users of that space,” DeMarzo said.

envisioned themselves after graduation.

“Their main dream was to find the perfect gallery that would represent them,” de Bretagne said. “I’m very surprised. I mean, if that happens, great, but I think that’s not what their main goal should be.”

For Helft, art holds a special place in her heart.

“[Art] adds beauty in places that maybe are not so beautiful just by nature, which makes the atmosphere much more pleasant,” Helft said.

Art has the power to make change in the community.

“I call myself a maker of dreams because I feel that as an artist, I can make dreams happen on a canvas,” de Bretagne said.

With art spread throughout the community in both public and private sectors, de Bretagne’s art impacts an extensive audience.

“I hear all the time how much my painting has impacted people,” de Bretagne said. “How they make [people] smile, how they inspire [people], how they show resilience.”

For aspiring artists who want to showcase their work, DeMarzo’s biggest tip is to follow other artists on social media for inspiration or opportunities.

REBECCA HELFT, 12

Paly junior Beck Lynn holds fond childhood memories of this Palo Alto tradition. Lynn admires the open and dedicated Palo Alto community.

“Lots of people appreciate the hard work that people in Palo Alto put into their art,” Lynn said.

As director of the Public Arts Program for the City of Palo Alto, Elise DeMarzo works with artists to showcase their work in the community.

“If there is a new fire station or garage, one percent of that budget goes towards integration of public art,” DeMarzo said. “We also commission temporary works throughout the city, including our Art Festival, which we did last October.”

Paly senior and Palo Alto Teen Art council co-president Rebecca Helft’s goal is to bring together different teen artists into one space.

“Our mission is to create a place for teens to experience art, whether that be performing at open mics or painting a mural together,” Helft said. “We want to make art accessible to everyone.”

The rise of technology and innovation has transformed the art scene. Many well-established artists are adapting to

“[We’re] lucky to live in the21st century where social media has a big role to play for artists because it really changed the life of art,” de Bretagne said. “It’s a great way to connect directly with people who appreciate my art.” Growing up with an artist father, from a young age, Benton has fully been immersed in art. Benton encourages reflection with her audiences.

“I would like to inspire people to be curious about their internal world, how they exist in the world and how they relate and connect with oth er people, themselves, the con text of the culture, the nature of the culture, the pres sures and the judgments,” Benton said.

According to DeMarzo, working in the field of pub lic art is vastly different from working for a museum or art gallery.

“When you go through design de velopment, you want to listen to the needs of the community before you even start coming up with a concept,” DeMarzo said.

In the new hospital on Stanford Campus, the halls feature a fantastic

People have many preconceived notions about artists, such as having a minor source of income.

However, de Bretagne is living proof that such notions are false.

“If you are passionate and you are ready to work hard, there are so many things you can do,” de Bretagne said. “You’re not going to starve and you’re not going to be bored. I have to be unique and pick-and-choose what project I want to work on because

FLO DE BRETAGNE, ARTIST

“You get on the radar of directors and you can find out about [an] open call,” DeMarzo said. “Subscribe to their newsletters and get informed about what resources are around you.”

Although the art Helft primarily participates in is theater, she also values the fine arts that are displayed around the city.

The fear surrounding choosing the path as an artist can

“When I was in school, I met with a very famous artist and he said ‘You need some talent and you need some hard work,’” de Bretagne said. “I think that hard work is really [important because] if you just rely on your talent nothing will happen.”

De Bretagne has experience working with people of various ages. When working with college students, she asked them where they

“I just really love how many murals and communal art projects there are throughout Palo Alto,” Helft said. “They add a unifying sense of community to this space.”

The community that Helft has found through theater has made her gain a greater appreciation for art.

“Being an artist really gives you an opportunity to express yourself emotionally and gain a greater understanding of not just yourself, but other people too,” Helft said.

In Palo Alto, creativity is often overlooked, and subjects such as math and science are more valued.

“I think sometimes people, particularly in Palo Alto, really box themselves into their identity of being an athlete or being someone in STEM,” Helft said. “But Palo Alto does a really great job of making sure everyone can access art, and I wish more people took advantage of that.”

Helft values the funding that the City of Palo Alto puts into art spaces.

“This [funding] makes it a lot more accessible for people to begin interacting with art,” Helft said. “Art in Palo Alto is meant for everybody.”

Text and design by OLIVIA HAU and KYLIE TZENG • Art by OLIVIA HAU

“WE WANT TO MAKE ART ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE.”

“I CALL MYSELF A MAKER OF DREAMS BECAUSE I FEEL THAT AS AN ARTIST, I CAN MAKE DREAMS HAPPEN ON A CANVAS.”

examining the of our identities

little-discussedmark

complaining about how my handwriting wasn’t legible,” sophomore Amara Reynolds said. “Eventually we worked on improving my handwriting, while school was teaching me how to write in cursive.”

Over the years, her cursive from school and writing from home blended together. Junior Joy Ji, who is ambidextrous, named a similar influence on her right-hand handwriting by her mom.

“I learned everything from holding a pen to writing words from her,” Ji said. “[So] I sometimes do see that some of my strokes are similar to hers.”

“When you’re in kindergarten, you have these notebooks and you just trace over whatever is written there. And then usually what happens is in 6th grade you say, ‘I don’t want to do that anymore, because it takes too long and it’s too hard. I like this better.’ That’s when I started to use my [current] handwriting, which is disconnected letters.”

Thisismy handwriting.

person’s handwriting is like their fingerprint–a unique mark of who they are. And while it’s true that our bone structure, first language and other childhood factors play a large role in shaping our handwriting, handwriting differs from the fingerprint in one respect: it can be changed. By taking a closer look at those changes, handwriting can tell us a lot about the person behind it–even what they do.

“Ever since I started bullet journaling…I’ve made an effort to make [my handwriting] look neat,” sophomore

Maya Dakua said.

Bullet journalers like Dakua–those who practice reflecting, scheduling and generally organizing their lives in a physical journal–often use calligraphy to title their pages or as headers.

Legibility also matters for English teacher Keith Tocci, who tries to be more aware of his handwriting while interacting with students.

“My board handwriting is pretty consistent and pretty legible,” he said. “When you go to school for teaching, there are actually classes that teach you how to write on a board.”

But for some, writing neatly wasn’t always easy.

“Back in 3rd grade, my class was practicing writing signatures and…my dad kept

Spanish teacher Pilar Badillo, who grew up in Spain, broke away from the standard she was taught.

“A lot of Europeans use cursive,” Badillo said.

“The problem is that my handwriting changes day to day,” Dakua said. “Sometimes it’s messy and sometimes it isn’t. It depends on how I hold the pencil, how soft or hard the pencil lead is, the speed I’m writing it in, or my mood.” At the end of the day, the changes in your handwriting reflect the changes in your life. Perhaps that’s what makes your handwriting, yours.

-

joy ji, junior (ambidextrous) pilar badillo, spanish teacher austin eng, junior maya dakua, sophomore

Text and design by AUDREY GUO and JULIE HUANG

handwritings have different personalities.”

“My mom could tell how much effort I put into school assignments just by the neatness of my handwriting.”

Maya Dakua, 10

“Some people [have] told me that my left and right hand

When I’m gone, please don’t release any posthumous albums or songs with my name attached.

Such is tattooed in bold black ink on the arm of Anderson .Paak, one half of Silk Sonic, a popular funk and soul music duo. While the message reads loud and clear, Paak’s tattoo raises an ever-evolving question—what happens to music after an artist dies?

Posthumous albums—albums that are released after an artist is dead—are not a new phenomenon.

“Mozart died writing one of his great-

est works of music,” Paly music production teacher and choral director Michael Najar said. “It’s called his Requiem, [which] one of his students finished [for him].”

Since Mozart’s time, many technological advances in music production and distribution have been made. Nowadays, it is not as simple as having an artist’s protege continue where the artist left off. In fact, most artists don’t have proteges, leaving many wondering who is in control of the music of an artist who has died.

what they want to do, the most commonly followed path being leaving the right to the music to a specific person or group of people.

“Whoever owns the estate rights gets the ability to make [these] decisions,” Najar said.

doing now is saying ‘Screw it, I’m gonna sell my catalog of music before I die and gain all the profits from it,’” Najar said. “I’m not going to let my family decide, I’m just going to get all the money now while I’m alive and reap the benefits.”

said. “The music often ends up not connecting with the artist’s original intent.”

A lot of times, the estate is owned by the family. For instance, popular American rapper Mac Miller entrusted his family with his estate. In doing so, they decided the best course of action would be to release Miller’s sixth studio

Regardless of what the artist’s original creative vision was, and whether or not the music was released by someone who took it into account, at some point the music will take on a life of its own and it may not align with the artist’s original objective.

What can be said about the entire process is that there is no right answer; each artist must decide for themselves.

made it to make my listeners happy.” Each option has its pros and cons. There have been dozens of extremely successful posthumous albums, including Prince’s “Originals”, Jimi Hendrix’s “The Cry of Love” and The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Life After Death”. In fact, some artists even gain popularity after they die.

Instead, artists have a few choices as to

family is in control of the estate. But like most things in life, a big decision maker in these types of disputes is money.

“There’s a term in creating art that says ‘You’ve got to let your babies go,’” Najar

“I would give all my music to my really close boys so they could release it,” senior and recording artist Ani Rude said. “I think it should get released one way or another because I

The Sunday after American rapper Juice WRLD’s death, on-demand music streams for his music rose nearly 487%, acalbum, “Circles”. “This [was] a complicated process that had no right answer,” his family said via a statement put out on Miller’s Instagram account. “We simply know it was important to [Miller] for the world to hear [his music].”

Like Miller’s family said, releasing posthumous music is a complicated issue. As some would assume, not everyone agrees on what to do, especially when the

“Profitability is what this is all about,” Najar said.

“Because if you can stamp something with [a well known artist’s] name on the corner, that’s enough for most people.”

Chasing money rather than focusing on what the artist may have wanted raises issues about posthumous music aligning with the artist’s creative vision. To deal with such issues, artists have recently been taking advantage of another option open to them before they die.

“What a lot of artists are

cording to Rolling Stone. This sudden influx of listeners can create tensions between those who listened to the artist before he died, and those who only started listening to him afterward.

“I think that generally, a fan that has liked an artist for longer is more of a “real fan,” but overall if I were Juice WRLD or his family in that situation, I would just be happy to have a larger fan base,” junior Julian Davis said.

For the owners of Juice

WRLD’s estate, this spike in listeners provides both monetary gains as well as the validation that releasing the artist’s music was the right course of action. Who knows whether or not Juice WRLD would be happy with the state of his music.

But at the end of the day, money is going to drive decisions, and in an industry that is hyper-focused on making money, money defines success.

“Commerce is what takes over after an artist dies because

very few people are trying to protect, especially in popular music, the integrity of the artist,” Najar said. “There’s sometimes a level of it, okay, but most of the time there’s not, because if there’s money to be had, who’s not going to take it?”

“The music often ends up not connecting with the artist’s original intent.”

- Michael Najar

“I would give all my music to my really close boys so they could release it.”

- Ani Rude, senior

Text and design by ZEKE MORRISON and JAKE PAPP

Art by KELLYN SCHEEL

MEET THE

PALY BEATS!

Paly students

Max Rabbitt, a Paly junior, unleashes his musical talent alongside fellow bandmates. The Riot, a rising alternative rock band, consists of Paly sophomores Clay Cudahy, Dexter Cleveringa and Rabbitt who collectively do vocals, play guitar, rhythm guitar and drums.

Rabbitt’s love for music stems from his musically talented family. His father was a musician and introduced Rabbitt to his old instruments.

“I can’t even think about what it would be like if I didn’t have music,” Rabbitt said.

Rabbitt draws inspiration from The Killers and various folk artists to fuel his creativity and diversify his music tastes. In January of 2021, he joined The Riot to continue experimenting with music. For Rabbitt, working together as a band provides a platform for creative minds to come together and produce a song that resonates with the audience.

“The songs [we produce] always end up being a conglomeration of what we listened to,” Rabbitt said.

Despite the thrills of participating in a rock band together, the band faces many challenges. Because The Riot is independently signed, the members have to navigate through the complex world of producing alone.

“It takes a lot of time and we want to play

shows, but recording takes time away from playing shows,” Rabbitt said. “That’s definitely been a drag.”

Over the past year and a half, the band has solidified a method for crafting their music. To begin the process, Cudahy writes the vocals for the song while each member focuses on melodies for their respective instruments.

“I put a melody over and then put [the parts] together that would be the root of the song,” Rabbitt said. “Then I’ll show it to the band or Clay will show it to the band.”

Each member then meshes their musical visions together, fine-tuning the tracks for the drum and bass section.

“Rather than if you’re doing it solo, [in a band] you’ll have different musical backgrounds and different things that we do together,” Rabbitt said. “We can make something that’s more [diverse].”

Next, inside their recording studio, the band meets to finalize the song. With the aid of Logic music software, the team records the audio live and edits the clips. After hours of modifying tracks and live recordings, the band showcases their hard work in intimate outdoor performances.

“The most fun thing by far for us is to play shows so that we can get our music out there,” Rabbitt said. “It’s important—the whole purpose is to play shows.”

In the upcoming months, The Riot may release its first single with the hopes of reaching a broader audience.

“[I want] our music to connect with [people] in a way that no other music has before,” Rabbitt said. “I think we have a unique sound.”

what will become of OBTBTBTB (Oscars Band Tribute Band Tribute Band Tribute Band) after this year’s grouping of seniors graduate. Will there be yet another TB? Evie Kramer, a Paly senior, sings in and acts as a manager for the band, organizing gigs and communicating with people.

“I definitely try to take control, but I’m probably one of the musically least talented,” Kramer said. The band started off by playing in someone’s backyard at a party. They gave out their contact info to families who attended

and who then reached out to ask the band to play at other events. Most of their gigs are at family-friendly barbecue events. Including planning, part of Kramer’s duties entail setting the date for the band’s performances and ensuring that all band members are paid fairly.

“However, [how] much we make doesn’t actually matter, it’s all about the experiences,” Kramer said.

Band dynamics can be complicated because each individual member has unique skills and interests and it can be hard to balance each person’s needs. Each member plays an important role in keeping the band together and ensuring a good time.

“I think that I try to propose songs that will make me sound good because I’m the singer but sometimes there’s tension because my fellow band members don’t always like the songs that I choose,” Kramer said. “They’re learning that the ones that I suggest are often the ones that make us sound the best.”

OAll of the band members are seniors, so right now is a busy time for them. Practices have been limited, but they are excited to get back into it more regularly next semester. Future plans for the band include playing at the senior celebration at the end of the year.

“I love being in a band and have grown a lot of community from it and my band members are some of my best friends,” Kramer said.

Hunter Deloche is a senior at Paly who sings, plays the guitar and bass for the progressive rock band Amnesium. The band was formed by Deloche and his friend, also a Paly senior, Nati Grinkrug at the beginning of their junior year.

“It was an outlet so that Nati and I could play original compositions,” Deloche said.

The band did not initially plan to record anything, but then an opportunity arose. They had an idea for their first album. Their concept album called “Event Horizon” centers around mental health by covering a character named Atlas.

“Writing song lyrics is basically just writing poetry, so you have a lot of freedom with what you want to say and how you want to say [it],” Deloche said.

That album took them about nine months to complete and came out around two months ago. Amnesium’s music can be found on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Youtube and Apple Music.

“Musicians really don’t make a lot of money from their streams,” Deloche said. “Where artists really make their money is selling merch and doing live shows so that they can grow their brand.”

For example, Amnesium launched merch on their website, but Deloche still sees room for improvement in the band’s marketing

prospects. Since the members are all seniors, the second semester is when they hope to pick up a bit.

“We want to be able to make music more efficiently and faster,” Deloche said.

In the future, the band hopes to learn from their experiences from the release of their last album and continue to develop their musical outlet.

“I want to show people that even if your musical or artistic style doesn’t align with the mainstream, you should still try and pursue what interests you,” Deloche said. “That is what will ultimately make you happy.”

HAU MUSIC

balance school and their creative pursuits in the form of bands

Text and design by CAITLYN ODA and CASEY WALTERS

Art by KELLYN SCHEEL

Photo courtesy of AUDREY TEO

Photo courtesy of MAX RABBITT

“I can’t even think about what it would be like if I didn’t have music.”

“However, [how] much we make doesn’t actually matter, it’s all about the experiences.”

“Writing song lyrics is basically just writing poetry.”

Photo by OLIVIA