The
MIDWEST CHAMPS
Tiger HI-LINE Friday, April 12, 2019
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Volume 58 Edition 21
Students showcase a spectrum of opportunities The Spectrum Project, put on by many children throughout the Cedar Valley through UNI at the Gallagher Bluedorn in Sunday April 6, showcases diversity and gives kids a chance to embrace their learning disabilities. Children and adults alike are able to help connect the community through this opportunity. “My sister (a student at UNI) has absolutely loved being a buddy to a Spectrum performer for the last three years. I hope people who are reading this and are planning on going to UNI will really think about being a buddy because it’s a life changing opportunity for not only the child, but for the college student as well,” senior Claire Sanderman said. Hannah Sanderman, sister to Claire and former CFHS student, uses the Spectrum Project to give back to the community and narrow in on her career choices as well. “I have been a buddy for the past three years. A buddy, or college student, gets paired up with a performer, a kid every year. Being a buddy has been a constant in my college career, and I am so grateful to be a part of the amazing community that the Spectrum Project provides,” Hannah said. By showcasing the different elements of the children involved in the Spectrum Project,
On Sunday April 6, children and adults gathered to put on the Spectrum Project, a talent show to highlight diversity. the community was able to get a better sense of the message of joy and togetherness. “My favorite part of the show is seeing all the kids’ excited and proud faces when they’re on stage. They just look so joyous— the audience can’t help but smile when watching them. I think the way they split each age range into different color groups (like red, yellow, green, etc.) is a very smart idea because then the kids feel comfortable with their groups because they’re sur-
rounded by kids their own age,” Claire said. “As an audience member of the Spectrum Project for the past three years, I think each audience member takes away a feeling of hope and happiness because that is what the show continually shows through its skits, dances and songs.” Hannah, while not in the audience, also credits the project with life lessons and happy memories. “Being a part of the final show is one
to develop the skills you need to keep on going with music.” This consensus is shared with most, if not all, jazz players. Muñoz said, “The best part about jazz is the feeling of community that you get when you spend so many hours with each other.” Jazz One had the unique opportunity of having not one but two songs commissioned for them this year. The first being “Dangerous Times” by Chris Merz and the second was “Battle Cry” by Ryan Kisor, arranged by Steve Shanley. Sophomore Eli Smith said, “Playing ‘Dangerous Times’ by Chris Mertz, and ‘Battle Cry’ arranged by Steve Shanley, was an amazing opportunity because we were the first ones to play the tunes, leaving it up to us to interpret lots of things about the tunes.” This year’s Jazz One is made up of many seniors, something that will have a drastic effect on the dynamic of the band. However, this is not a daunting subject for any of the players. In fact, many of them embrace the change that is going to come. “We’re losing a few very important leaders from our group, so it’ll be interesting to see different people stepping up and into those positions,” Muñoz said. “It does feel like a part of you is going to be
missing next year when half of the band isn’t there, but then we get to create more experiences with others as well.” Sophomore Eli Smith said, “Jazz One next year will be much different, with nearly half the band being replaced, but it is definitely not a negative thing. Although the band will be younger and maybe less experienced, a young band presents the opportunity to grow together. It additionally challenges the less experienced players with harder music and higher expectations, which is a great learning opportunity.” This same sentiment is shared with Jazz One director Kyle Engelhardt. He said, “We have a lot of depth and talent in the jazz program at Cedar Falls, thanks to our outstanding jazz teachers in the junior high and high school. Every year is different— we usually graduate 30-50 percent of Jazz One, and everything ends up working out just fine.” If someone wishes to join Jazz One next year, the best advice anyone could give is to practice and put effort into what is being played. Jazz isn’t only a show of talent, but also of character. “The audition is important, but don’t stress it. The band directors know you as a player, and it is not solely the audition that is going to determine who’s in and who’s out,” Muñoz said.
of my favorite parts of the spring semester. All of the preparation everyone in Spectrum Project puts in over the semester finally gets showcases to the community. Despite all of their challenges, these performers are such champions and really make the most out of life. Being part of the Spectrum Project has taught me to appreciate every good thing in my life, no matter how small.” Whether or not someone is a part of the show or merely in the audience, Claire stresses the importance and impact it can have. There are many ways to get involved, one of which is through UNI and the many majors it offers. “As an audience member of the Spectrum Project for the past three years, I think each audience member takes away a feeling of hope and happiness because that is what the show continually shows through its skits, dances and songs. I think the most enjoyable part for me was looking at parents’ faces while they’re seeing their child performing onstage. Their eyes are fixated on their child, and they just look so proud. This show is usually very emotional for parents because this show is one of the only times a year they get to see they’re child in an activity.” By Staff Writer Grace
WASESKUK
Jazz One brings lessons home from State This jazz season, although hard at times, has been a very successful one. Jazz One finished out the year in eighth place of the 4A schools at the Iowa Jazz Championships on April 2 in Ames. This was a slight disappointment to some, after coming in seventh place the previous year. Senior Chase Kline said, “I think the reason that we didn’t place the way that we wanted to is because of the way that we run our jazz program. We switch out and change up our set multiple times throughout the year, so we don’t have the same time other schools do to polish and perfect all of our songs.” But junior Sofia Muñoz said the trade off is worth it. “We came away from the experience having a more valuable time. We went through our season playing more songs and building our repertoire as opposed to just perfecting certain pieces, so our experience of jazz overall is more impactful than what I would perceive as other schools.” For Jazz One, winning isn’t everything. What matters most to them is the sense of family and the interesting musical literature that they got to play throughout the year. Senior William Simms said that the best part about this jazz season was “getting to learn and grow more as musicians
Smith had a similar tip. “Anyone who wants to make Jazz One simply needs to practice and listen as much as they can. There’s really no shortcuts.” Junior Shelby Conditt said the most important thing to work on is soloing. She said, “Focus on soloing. A lot of people in Jazz One are at the same technical difficulty level, but if you work on your phrasing, it will set you apart. It’s sort of like creating your own story.” Engelhardt said, “Be the best at your instrument—playing jazz is like studying a language, and you need a good vocabulary and solid skills to succeed at playing jazz well. Amass a variety of experiences— audition for all-state, audition for honor bands, take private lessons, attend jazz camps and work to better yourself every day. When you’re not practicing, listen to the music and embrace the art form.” According to Simms, the continued effort and hard work put into creating a top jazz band does not need to end when the season ends. “I think it gets forgotten that music doesn’t end with the end of the school year or the end of 12th grade. For those who are passionate about it, it goes on forever.” By Staff Writer Clare
WILLIAMS