Bellissimo

Bellissimo June 2017

Trap Takeover

From Cooking Coke to Performing for Thousands

Inside the K-Pop World Music in Movies From the People Behind Your Emotions Color Guard The Sport That Brings People Together

+Martial Art Fencing as a

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

02 June 2017 | Bellissimo

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Photo from Pixabay

Photo by Prayitno

Photo from Wikipedia

table of CONTENTS Letter from the Editors Contributor’s Page Trap Takeover Anatomy of a Trap Star Inside K-Pop The Beauty of Lightstick Oceans Music in Movies Top 15 Best Selling Movie Sound Tracks Color Guard Everything You Need to Know about Color Guard Fencing as a Martial Art Fencing Equipment Which Weapon is Right for You?

04 05 06 10 12 16 18 24 28 32 34 38 39

Letter to the EDITOR

D

ear readers, Thank you for choosing our magazine out of the million options you have to chose from. Bellissimo focuses on art forms from all around the world.

We begin our adventure in Atlanta, Georgia with the creation of trap music. It is an “underdog� style of music, that surprises your average person with its heavy bass beats and boastful lyrics, and serves to provide an escape from reality to its listeners. Next we travel across the ocean to Korea to discover K-Pop, a rising music form taking the entire world by storm, and has become a multi-million industry. Next we return to the United States to investigate the leading composers involved in music in the cinema. Then we take a turn and focus on activities related to arts. Color Guard, practiced in schools in the United States, and promotes friendship and activity through movement. Lastly is the martial art fencing, which also enables participants to enjoy themselves through rigorous activity. We hope you enjoy your adventure into the world of the arts. From the music scene, and dabbling in cinema, to martial arts like fencing, this magazine is a well rounded brochure including arts from all around the world, all to be shared with you!

Sincerely, Allegra Parker & Shyloh Dytrich

04 June 2017 | Bellissimo

Contributors’ Page Photo by: Shyloh Dytrich Allegra Parker was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She enjoys fencing, art, school, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. She is nationally ranked in four events, three of which are in her age category. She currently attends the Liberal Arts and science Academy and hopes to attend Stanford University for engineering and fence on their NCAA Fencing Team.

Shyloh Dytrich

Allegra Parker

Shyloh Dytrich was born in Glennwood Springs, Colorado and moved here when she was five weeks old. She enjoys colorguard, chocolate, being with her siblings, her new cat, and being outside. She is excessively clumsy and hopes to travel around the world.

Photo by: Allegra Parker Henry Chapin is a young boy living in Austin, Texas. He enjoys host events, study cartology and herpetology, listen to music, and hang out with friends. He plays the guitar, piano and drums. He hopes to explore the obscure islands on the Southeast Pacific Ocean after getting a degree from Middlebury College.

Henry Chapin

Photo by: Shyloh Dytrich

Richa Boppuri

Richa Boppuri was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She enjoys listening to music, singing, dancing, reading, writing, violin, and martial arts. When she grows up, she hopes to become a successful singer and musician. She plans on applying to Juilliard for college to major in vocals or violin.

Photo by: Allegra Parker

Photo by: Shyloh Dytrich LaTanisha Williams was born in Round Rock, Texas. She enjoys singing in choirs, reading, eating chocolate or anything baked, watching Neflix, hangin with her friend and family, and being with her band family. She currently attends Liberal Arts and Science Academy and hopes to attend Praire View A&M to study medicine to be a pediatrician.

LaTanisha Williams June 2017 | Bellissimo

05

Trap Takeover From Cooking Coke to Performing for Thousands H ow did people cooking and selling drugs in the projects of Atlanta create a genre that has taken the entire music scene by storm?

Trap music has reached the top of the music charts, appealing to millions of people. But, trap music is not only a sound, but a way of life. Look past the bass heavy beats and boastful lyrics, and look at the Atlanta residents in poverty forced to turn to a dangerous lifestyle. The term “trap” refers to being caught in the literal trap of selling drugs illegally, specifically crack/cocaine.

Sean Paine, a producer of many prominent trap artists in Atlanta like Gucci Mane and Young Thug, and more thinks that, “Trap music is important because it provides an outlet for young kids to make money without actually selling drugs. It’s all entertainment at the end of the day.”

Sean began making beats as a child, inspired by many trap artists.“The first artists who inspired me to get interested in trap Music was T.I, Gucci [Mane] and Jeezy,” Sean says. These artists are frequently mentioned in lists of the best or most influential trap artists. They were some of the first rappers to bring trap music and culture into the mainstream media.

Rap has made a huge impact on the media and music industry ever since, competing with chart-topping pop stars like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. “Rap is one [of] the major genres in music, and it’s almost become pop now,” says Paine.

The fast rise of trap music surprised many fans of music. Change in the music industry is bound to cause

06

June 2017 | Bellissimo

conflicts, especially if the new popular genre is as vulgar and in-yourface as trap music. Now, trap itself is evolving as well, and older fans of the genre are criticising the newer trap rappers. “Many older trap fans criticize newer stars like Lil Yachty, Kodak Black, and Lil Uzi Vert for messing up the rap music game,” says Sean. In his opinion, “Every new artist adds more to the genre ...

I don’t think any of the artists you named mess up hip hop, I actually believe they enhance it.”

Allen Li, a frequent listener of trap music, considers himself himself an expert. “No matter what age you are or gender or race, there is some aspect of trap music you can relate to and enjoy,” says Li. Trap, a subgenre of rap, has it’s own sub subgenres led by different pioneering artists.“My favorites are Travis Scott, Migos, Lil Yachty, and Young Thug,” Li states.

These are all newer trap artists, each known for bringing something new to the trap game. Travis Scott makes “goth” trap. His music is very drug focused, dark, and melodic, and his production drips with atmospheric instrumentals and heavy bass.

Migos, a three man trap supergroup, brings fast and melodic flows and hooks over catchy beats. Their single “Bad and Boujee” peaked at number 1 on the billboard charts. Lil Yachty is one of the newest trap rappers to come into the game. The Atlanta teen is known for his goofy lyrics and personality. He has bright red braids, and is represented by a sailing boat symbol. He raps and sings in a distinctive voice that draws you in

and fascinates you and focuses on the happier side of life. Young Thug is known for crazy flows and high pitch voice distortions. He sings and raps in an infectious tone over upbeat production.

Trap is known for having a particular kind of beat: rapid high hat drums strikes, heavy 808 bass, and piano or string melodies. “There are so many things that go into trap, not only the beats. Lyrics represent a big part of trap culture,” says Li. Atlanta, Georgia is considered the center, or home base, for trap music, like New Orleans is to jazz. “Originating out of Atlanta, trap culture represents how hard-working people work to support themselves and family,” Li says.

Poor black men in the projects of Atlanta who had families to support often had to turn to an illegal lifestyle.

Cooking and selling cocaine or molly out of a “traphouse” was a common way of life for these men. Many men also turned to gang lifestyle, and the streets of Atlanta turned into a kill or be killed environment. This is how trap music began. These young men decided that instead of risking their lives everyday in the streets, they could try to start a career in music.

They began releasing music, telling stories of their experiences in the Atlanta streets. Rapper T.I. made the the trap genre official when he released his album “Trap Muzik,” peaking at number 4 on the charts. From then, trap only gained more popularity.

Trap music paints vivid imagery of experiences these artists have in the streets, selling and doing drugs, partying, girls, and violent crime.

Travis Scott

Travis Scott, real name Jacques Webster, is a Houston born trap rapper, producer, and fashion designer. He has been recognized as “rap’s rockstar,” as he is known for crazy antics and concerts. He is well known for the hit songs “Anitode” and “Pick up the Phone.” His net worth is 4 million dollars.

Photo by Gtom598

June 2017 | Bellissimo

07

“

Elder music fans who listen to trap often criticize the vulgar lyrics and dismiss trap as “not being music.” Li thinks that “many people who criticise it never have experienced [trap] and don’t have an appreciation for how hard working some individuals can be trapping.”

He also thinks the main listeners of trap are teenagers. “Teenagers listen to it the most because they are appealed to lyrics about drugs and gangs, even though they most likely

don’t take part in these activities,” says Li. Most listeners and haters of the genre have never experienced any of the actions happening in these

wealth. Rolex watches, Bathing Ape jackets, and Yeezy sneakers are all examples of those brands. “Artists these days have a larger influence than ever.

Creating slang words, music, clothing, apps, etc. Social media also takes a huge part in this,” Li says.

JT Chapman manages star B.o.B. and rising Atlanta trap rapper Scotty ATL. He believes that there is no unimportant genre of music. “I feel

”

Every new artist adds more to the genre.

Lil Yachty

songs.

Trap rappers like Travis Scott have started clothing lines to make more money. Certain brands are worn by trappers to “flex” or show off their

Lil Yachty, real name Miles Parks McCollum, is a Georgia born trap rapper and singer, known for making “bubblegum trap,” a light and joyful take on the usually serious trap genre. He is known for his bright red braids and boat symbolism, and has a net worth of 2 milion.

Photo by Anton Mak

08 June 2017 | Bellissimo

“

like all music is important because it’s the art of expression,” Chapman said. Trap fans believe that the genre has deteriorated recently. TJ, on the other hand, believes that, “As with all styles of music it has evolved and it will continue to do so over time,” Chapman adds. In response to haters of the genre, he says that, “Trap music is all about making it out of the struggle, so most authentic trap rappers talk about their

lifestyle which includes drugs to flip and make money out, and guns to protect while doing so.” He feels that

Trap culture represents what hard-working people do to support themselves and family that justifies the rappers talking about these topics.

Trap style beats are found in almost all genres. “A lot styles mimic the

Metro Boomin

Meto Boomin, real name Leland Tyler Wayne, is a trap music producer from Atlanta. He has made beats for many chart topping artists and is one of the most prolific trap producers alive.

Hit songs “Bad and Boujee,” “Jumpman,” and “Tuesday” are all produced by Metro. He has a net worth of 6 million.

”

trap music style, even in R&B now most of the beats are trap style beats with melody,” Chapman says. Trap has spread throughout the music industry, and has even influenced country and classical music.

Trap was a dangerous illegal activity at first, and is now a massively popular music genre and culture. Sometimes even the worst things in life can turn into something incredible.

Filming, photography, editing, and coloring by Sperry, Robert Semmer, Bryan Smaller, Sam Balaban

June 2-17 | Bellissimo

09

anatomy of a

{

TRAP STAR

By Henry Chapin

Graphics and writng by Henry Chapin

Ray Bans The expensive sunglasses are a go to brand for many rappers.

Broad Hat Future is constantly seen wearing broad rimmed hats.

Chains on Chains As he is named after them, 2 Chainz is a prolific collector of chains of all shapes and sizes.

All White Popular in fashion to wear all of one color.

Kanye West wears this frequently.

T.I.

2 Chainz

Rich The Kid

Likes: Marijuana, Skateboarding, Japanese Films.

Dislikes: Comparisons, Dirty Cars.

Net Worth: 900k

Cartier Glasses Gucci Manes favorite glasses, typically round shaped.

Dyed Hair Rich The Kid has pink and brown braids, continuing the trend of rappers with attention grabbing hairstyles.

Cross Chains The cross chain is a classic piece of jewelry, often used to compare the wearer to god.

10

June 2017 | Bellissimo

Future

Likes: Ray Bans, Cigars.

Dislikes: Police, Autotune.

Net Worth: 50M

Likes: Birthday Cake, Chains, Large Women, Antiques, Chinese Food.

Dislikes: Cheap Stuff.

Net Worth: 6M

Skateboard Skateboarding has become a common obsession for young adults, including Rich The Kid.

}

Likes: Percocet Pills, Rock Music, Love Stories.

Dislikes: Desiigner, People That Doubted Him. Net Worth: 8M

Gucci Mane

Likes: Dracos, Ice Cream, Christmas, Gucci Clothes Dislikes: Wacka Flocka Flame, Young Jeezy Net Worth: 15M

Lil Yatchy

Likes: Twizzlers, Emojis, Sailing.

Dislikes: Haters, Closed-minded people Net Worth: 2M

Red Braids Lil Yatchy rocks bright red braids. “My hair be red like a cherry” states Yatchy on hit song “Wanna Be Us.” Yeezy Sneakers These exclusive shoes by Kanye West sell out in seconds.

Rolex Watch Diamond encrusted $50k watch bought by many rappers to show off their wealth.

The Dew Rag A popular street fashion choice

SUPREME The expensive, exclusive brand is worn by many rappers

Fur Coat Wearing furs has become popular in recent rap culture.

Purple Hair Lil Uzi Vert is inspired by Japanese culture and anime. You can see the Japanese influence in his clothing choices and hair color

Gosha Rubchinskiy Belt Designer Belts are also used to “flex” wealth.

Raf Simmons shorts Designer clothing and fashion is important to many artists.

Womens Clothes Young Thug has become a big name in the fashion industry, and has started modeling in womens clothes, even dresses, for designers, most notably Calvin Klein.

Uzi Height Lil Uzi Vert is very short, and according to him, that is why he is named after the very small uzi submachine gun.

Travis Scott Young Thug

Likes: Promethazine, Womens Clothing, Pet Pythons.

Dislikes: Homophobes, Late People.

Net Worth: 3M

{ Offset Real Name: Kiari Cephus

Likes: Western Films, Bathing Ape, Kid Cudi, Fanta.

Dislikes: Security Guards, Bad DJs, Bad Interviewers.

Net Worth: 3M

Migos

Likes: Consuming Perscription Drugs, Louis Vuitton, Versace.

Dislikes: Undercover Cops, Broke Women.

Net Worth: 4.3M Quavo Real Name: Quavious Marshall

Lil Uzi Vert

Likes: Scott Pilgrim, Anime, Riding the Subway, Xanax.

Dislikes: Fake Shoes, Relationships.

Net Worth: 2.5M

}

YRN Gear Migos own“Young Rich Nation” Clothing line

Pinkie Ring Diamond pinkie rings are a mark of status in the rap world

Photos by Frank151, PAPER, Billboard, Lowkey, Hollywood Life, Yeezy, FADER. Facts from celebnetworth.com

Takeoff Real Name: Kirshnik Ball

June 2017 | Bellissimo

11

Inside K-Pop The truth about the K-Pop industry and the worldwide

T

here are so many assumptions about the K-Pop world. Some people say that K-Pop idols have it easy, other people say that K-Pop isn’t that popular, yet they don’t realize just how wrong they are.

The K-Pop industry is not at all laidback and easygoing as it seems. Companies conduct auditions each month, judging each and every individual’s talent with high expectations. Those who make it past are trainees, and the companies push them to their limits so that they can show that they are capable of working as an idol under such immense pressure and meet the high standards set for all artists. Idols train for hours on end, putting their blood, sweat, and tears into the hard work they do to produce and perform quality music, choreography, and eye-catching, creative music videos. All of this effort leads to K-Pop spreading more rapidly than it ever has before, with people around the world enjoying the fusion of different genres of music within hundreds and thousands of different songs, yet people still tend to think that K-Pop isn’t popular outside of Korea.

For some idols, time has no meaning when it comes to practicing. The only thing that matters is getting it all right.

by Richa Boppuri “My personality type makes me want to work on something right away once I get attached to it.

And once I start, I keep going without knowing that time is passing,” said Zelo, a K-Pop idol and the lead rapper of the K-Pop group, B.A.P. Like most idols, his daily schedules consists of hours after hours of practicing choreography and rapping.

their personal life and career.

“The title ‘idol’ invokes many different images for different people, but it makes me uncomfortable when people talk about it with bad opinions,” said Zelo, as he expresses his discomfort when people talk bad about idols.

Idols who receive hate from their “anti-fans,” or K-Pop fans who hate on a particular group, is not abnormal in this industry. Sometimes the hate is so extreme that companies must take legal measures in order to protect the careers of their artists. For example, BigHit Entertainment has been issuing several lawsuits due to anti-fans defaming the members of BTS. As well as hate, idols must deal with harsh environments.

In most companies, idols must go on strict diets in order to become better fit for Korean beauty standards. They will barely eat anything, limiting themselves to sometimes one meal a day, “If I focus and practice, time or completely depriving themseems to have passed by selves of food. Adding on, idols quickly,” he said. Deeply get pressured to receive plastic engrossed in his practice, Zelo surgery. Some companies endoesn’t pay attention to the large force slave contracts, a long term, amount of hours that pass by as unfair agreement signed by k-pop he focuses on getting every single musicians with their companies, lyric he raps, every choreographed in which Zelo was once under the move, absolutely perfect. power of before negotiations were Idols not only have to deal with made between him and his hours of rigorous practice, they company. As well as this, some also must face many challenges in companies place dating bans on

“

12 June 2017 | Bellisimo

The title ‘idol’ invokes many different images for different people, but it makes me uncomfortable when people talk about it with bad opinions.

- B.A.P Zelo

“

spread of the genre

Jung Hoseok of BTS jumps over the other members as they perform their well-rehearsed choreography.

Photo by Jeon Han.

idols until further notice.

Relationships can cause scandals and perpetually ruin an idol’s career if they are not careful, so heavy restrictions are placed on their love life.

“The companies treat the people they are training as robots and only as moneymakers to help their company become richer,” said Kelly Nguyen, a k-pop fan since age 8, expressing her dislike for how some companies treat their artists. Companies such as SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment have the highest of standards that the artists must meet, so that the company can receive more money from the artist’s success.

But keep in mind that the process of becoming an idol itself has its own difficulties. One cannot simply become an idol with a press of a button. Much more work is

involved.

People must first attend a private audition, or possibly do it online, if they are from overseas and seem interested in entering the industry.

“I went to a private audition.

There, they judged my dancing and singing ability. For singing, I had to prepare a song, non-original or original, it didn’t matter.

They would ask me to sing certain parts of a song, just so they could see what I was capable of, so I did. For dancing, they would put on music and then let me freestyle and show off my dancing skills.

They would also evaluate my body shape, make sure that I am fit for the camera,” said Yebin, a girl training to become an idol, and has already auditioned for a company.

“I guess it was pretty intimidating,

because everyone was judging me,” she said. The judges may seem friendly, but their standards for talent are pretty tough to reach. If a person passes training auditions, they don’t debut immediately. They must live the rest of their predebut life as a trainee, training very hard each and everyday, barely eating a proper meal, and staying up as late as 2 AM just to practice. They can remain as a trainee for around 2-10 years before debuting in an official group. Some trainees have to juggle their trainee life along with their school life, as some people can become trainees at very young ages.

“I began attending academy in 5th grade of elementary school, but I lived in the province so I would attend morning classes, go up to

June 2017 | Bellisimo

13

“

14

June 2017 | Bellissimo

culture that also influences young people dreaming of becoming singers and acts as a catalyst to grow their dreams,” he added on.

Day after day, people get drawn into the world of K-Pop, mesmerized by the in-sync dances, perfect vocals, and eye-catching K-Pop videos.

They get fascinated by how each video focuses on the plot of each story and/or the choreography of each story in every music video.

“K-pop is a very interesting genre, even though it may at first seem a bit strange to listen to people singing in a different language that you may or may not know about,” said Kelly. “My friend,

to, with their very own fandom to go with it (ex: K-R&B such as artists like DEAN and Crush),” states Kelly. As well as the diversity of genres, “what makes K-Pop more special than the regular “mainstream” music here is that they are speaking in Korean and that any sub-genre of K-Pop music can hit the top of their music charts,” as Kelly puts it. “Also, K-pop idols have specific choreography created by choreographers (or even themselves) to go with the song that they are performing, which is true to the case of all k-pop idols. In live stages, the idols have to sing while doing possibly tiring choreography, which I respect a lot because not many people can pull that off.”

People are baffled by how these idols manage to perform such intense choreography and still be able to sing so well, but are impressed nonetheless.

Of course, there are haters. Some people constantly judge K-Pop fans and the industry and music itself. “I always get judged very hard by those who dislike the genre or don’t listen to it,” said Kelly. Non K-Pop fans tend to pick on fans for their taste in music, calling them names such as “Koreaboo”, a name used to describe someone with a fetish for Korean culture and/or someone who culturally appropriates Koreans. “People just assume they know what the term means so they call people who are obsessed with K-Pop that, or they do actually know the meaning of the term and use it to stereotype fans.” However, this hate doesn’t stop fans from enjoying their own music.“I don’t care much about

“

Seoul for training, and return home by the last bus. I repeated this pattern for around 2 years,” said Zelo, as he discussed his trainee life before debuting with B.A.P. “When I was a trainee, the late night (past midnight) practices were the hardest,” Zelo stated.

“The sensitivity that came from being tired from practicing would affect myself, which was also difficult.” Companies push trainees to the edge of breaking, and they learn to withstand the harshest of conditions so that they are prepared for the rigorous schedules and stressful conditions that an idol experiences on a day-to-day basis.

“Personally, I believe that these idols worked hard to even debut, suffering from the harsh training years that many don’t survive,” said Kelly, as she gave her opinion on how companies treat their trainees. However, this rigorous training brings out the full potential in individuals when they officially debut as a soloist or a group member. After years on end of training, artists can sing the highest of notes, perform the hardest of choreographies, and rap the fastest of verses. Over the years, K-Pop has spread. More and more people from around the world have started to recognize the talent that these idols possess, and many others get inspired to pursue their dreams to become an artist. “When I was younger and dreaming of becoming a singer, I looked for overseas artists’ videos and thought that I wanted to be like them,” Zelo said, as he explained how he got inspired for becoming a singer. “Today’s K-Pop has evolved into a

Personally, I believe that these idols work hard even to debut, suffering from the harsh training years many don’t survive.”

- Kelly Nguyen

who by that time, was bugging me to listen to this one famous K-Pop group called EXO, somehow got me to watch the music video for their song ‘Call Me Baby’ (this was during the time when the music video came out and a couple years after I had taken a break from the K-Pop world) and I instantly got hooked. Then after that, I guess I just somehow fell back in the K-pop hole.”

K-Pop has many sub-genres.

The majority of songs also have fusions of genres, incorporating things like rap music and rock music, as well as fusing pop music with R&B. “There are many sub-genres that you can pick and choose to listen

K-Pop haters anymore. They’re just not open-minded,” said Kelly.

Haters find many reasons and excuses as to why people shouldn’t listen to K-Pop. For example, “why listen to something you can’t understand?” is a common question that fans receive, but fans believe that music has no language barrier, and music isn’t only about the lyrics.

“Although you don’t know what they are saying because it is in a different language, you can focus more on how the beat makes you feel, and be able to focus on the vocal level/ ability of the artist instead of focusing on just the lyrics,” said Kelly.

Not

over the world enjoy this genre of music. Those who listen to K-Pop are open-minded and feel obliged to learn about different genres of music.

“K-Pop has made me more open-minded about music in other

dreams of becoming a successful musical artist, influenced by the idols who have worked so hard to reach where they stand today in the industry.

“I think the K-Pop industry is a really good industry to be involved in and grow dreams of becoming a famous singer, even though people have to train really hard to become one,” said Yebin. K-Pop has evolved a lot over the years, and Members of Shinee gather in an emotional group hug after a win people consider it as at MelOn Music Awards. Photo a large and important asby WithTaemin. pect of Pop culture in Korea, as well as an aspect of modern pop culture in the world in general. Although idols train hard and work themselves to the brink of exhaustion, they benefit from knowing that they inspire so many young people in this world, and they have an enormous collection of individuals who genuinely enjoy their music and appreciate their efforts.

only do fans deal with Seulgi and Irene at Red Velvet perform haters, infor their millions of fans. Photo by Kiss It Better. ternational fans have to deal with living in places that idol groups barely ever travel to.“Sometimes I don’t like being an international fan because K-Pop idols rarely go and do tours outside of Korea besides some parts of the US and some “I’m so honored Asian-Pacific areas, and never lanthat BAP is a part Kim Taehyung giving an acceptance speech for BTS at Europe,” said Kelly. Regardless guages of the culture that is the Golden Globe Music Awards. of this, international fans never and made KPOP,” said Zelo. “In Photo by AJEONG_JM hesitate to support their favorite me enjoy muthe future, I want to become artists, streaming their videos and sic genres I would a singer who works harder and helping them get to the top of the have detested years gets better to be a good influence charts, and always taking up the ago,” said Kelly. on many people.” opportunity to go to a concert if As well as this, those there happens to be such an event who watch idols show their in their area. talents to the public become Nowadays, billions of fans all inspired to accomplish their June 2017 | Bellissimo 15

The Beauty of Lightstick Oceans

See how beautiful a K-Pop concert can be when thousands of fans get together with their lightsticks!

Created by Richa Boppuri

Group: EXO Fandom: EXO-Ls Lighstick Color: Silver

Group: BTS Fandom: ARMYs Lighstick Color: Grey

Group: Got7 Fandom: iGot7 Lighstick Color: Green

Group: SHINee Fandom: Shawols Lightstick Color: Sky Blue

16 June 2017 | Bellissimo

Group: Big Bang Fandom: V.I.Ps Lighstick Color: Yellow

Group: SNSD Fandom: Sones Lightstick Color: Pastel Rose

Group: f(x) Fandom: MeUs Lightstick Color: Periwinkle

Group: 2NE1 Fandom: Blackjacks Lightstick Color: Hot Pink/Purple

Fun Facts

• Each company releases official lightsticks for each of their artists so that fans can buy them to show their support.

• Having lightsticks at concerts shows that you support your idols.

• The waving of thousands of K-Pop lightsticks is why they are called lightstick “oceans” at concerts.

• Lightsticks not only provide a light for the concert, but display the fandom color!

Shinee

EXO

Got7

BTS

2NE1

SNSD

June 2017 | Bellissimo

17

Music Composers for Film The People Behind Your Emotions By: LaTanisha Williams

“

18 March 2017 | Bellissimo

tion in three weeks! For ‘The Taste of Blueberries’ (European production) I followed the whole process of the production. Be on the set, collaboration with the director before

To compose [music], it can take me a few hours. I’m really meticulous, so it takes me days sometimes,which is not good.

-Kristopher James

the shooting.... it took one year and more.. until the last minute of the final editing I was on duty. And this is the way I prefer to create. The result is a better quality.”

The sound of the music depends on the movie, or feel, of

the scene. David Levy, known for composing for video games and films, said, “It really depends on the complexity of the scene and the nature of the music to be written.

Generally speaking, orchestral based scores usually take the longest. Anywhere from one to 3 days per minute of music. Scoring music that is more synth based is usually a lot faster and will take me, on average about three to five hours per minute of music.”

The piece could vary from time to sound for the scene. Kristopher James, also a film composer, said, “Well, in film, we call it cues.

It depends on what is needed for the film and how long the scene is. It can be anywhere from a few seconds to a couple minutes usually. To compose it, it can take me a few hours. I’m really meticulous, so it takes me days sometimes,which is not good.”

Some composers find help from people that could be their mentors or their first employers. “Probably the support of my family first.

Many different artists and friends, actors, directors, dancers, painters... in Europe, Japan, India, USA...who followed me and collaborate with me on projects for years and years.

“

T

here are people in the movie world that have gone unnoticed, by some, for the work that they have done.

These people know how to make your feelings activate during a movie.

Film Composers are the reason why we feel the way we do during a movie. They make it easy for moviegoers to understand what’s going on in a movie scene. Music!

The base for a movie scene and the emotions that movie watchers are suppose to be feeling. Film Composers pieces and composing are the most important part of movies.

Composing a piece for a movie, or even a scene, can vary from person to person. Patricia Hontoir, film composer, said, “It depends on the request. For a feature movie, generally the request arrives at the end of the editing, and often it means that the production needs the music ASAP. Sometimes you have the time to compose and readapt the music during the editing. In Europe, it’s more possible than in the USA. I wrote the whole music (40 minutes) for the ‘Violent States of America’ a feature film for an American produc-

Courtesy photo from David Levy

“

Working alone is something that most composers do when composing a movie. Hontoir thought, “I usually work alone for the whole score. And after with musicians when it’s possible for the recording.

But for some Music like for example hip hop music, I leave the place to professional in this genre.. or for jazz or country Music too. If it’s not in my ‘chords’ I am always happy to advise using other composers or find a solution with stock music to help the production.”

Composers usually work alone when composing a piece for a

wonderful professional experience,” said Hontoir, proud of her accomplishments.

The first time could lead to a lifetime of composing. “I realized it the first time I scored a short film for a friend from Dallas. I started composing music for video games, which is incredibly different from scoring for film. As soon as I scored the first scene I knew that is what I want to do as much as possible. There’s something very special about writing music to picture and seeing the scene change in front of your eyes and take shape as you score it,” Levy said.

Just a love for music could spark a long-term career. “I think I always did. I always bought soundtracks, for sure, I always owned them, I had records. Like probably around 4th grade I really started noticing composers by their name. Danny Elfman really did it for me. And then I started discovering other composers and movies they’ve worked on. And buying their soundtracks on tape, or record, or CD,” James said.

Having the right space that fits the composer is also important.

Hontoir said, recalling her work space, “I like to be in a natural light environment. I have my studio at home and I feel comfortable to work with my family around me. They are part of the process of the creation, because I made them listen to the work in progress to have ‘other ears’. It’s precious! It helps me to take distances, when I have doubts.”

Levy described his perfect environment, “I don’t have anything special going on when I compose. I prefer having a well lit room and big windows and at least 2 cats by my side at all times, which is not hard since I have 4 of them!”

I prefer having a well lit room and big windows and at least 2 cats by my side at all times, which is not hard since I have 4 of them!

-David Levy

movie. James interrupted the question, “Usually it’s only me. Sometimes they use what’s called song scores, so they’ll pick prerecorded songs from bands and mix them in with me, but then I’ll do an original score in between songs.”

There is always an inspiration to wanting to become a composer.

Someone who is usually unappreciated for the work that they do. “When I was around five or 6 years old, we had a piano, and I was playing on Tex Avery cartoons on television with the sound off. This was my first experience with “music and movie”. I loved - and still love - the combination of music with an image, a story, a movement, and other artistic expressions like painting and dance. So, I started composing when I was very young.

In my family, we had a tradition to go to the opera. I finally worked for more than seven years in the Royal Opera House of Brussels, it was a

“

But also the wonderful composers and artists Who teach me and helps me in my all career, like Philippe Boesmans who writes many operas, but also Thomas de Thier, director of the movie “the taste of blueberries” who always trusts me for many years and our collaboration continues for his next feature film. I also had the opportunity to meet and work with great artist like John Cage, Morton Feldman, Sting, Luigi Nono... who influence me in the creation of textures and sounds in my composition,” Hontoir says.

There are some composers who made their way into the business on by themselves. “Honestly?

I can’t narrow it down to one person or one project. Unfortunately, there was no one who took me under their wing and helped me out or gave me amazing opportunities that would propel my career forward over night. I took the long way; I worked none-stop for years, on whatever project I could get my hands on and slowly, very slowly, things started to click together and I started getting more and more projects and recognition for my work,” Levy said, not getting much help from anyone.

Then there are the others that have someone that believe in them from the beginning and give them the boost and courage they need to pursue their dream. “My mother!

My mother believed me, she backed me, even though it wasn’t the most practical thing, job choice, and it still isn’t, as a grown up. She pushed me to go to college for it. I went to Berkley College of Music, I met some famous music composers. I really learned how to do it from suit to nuts. Conducting the orchestra, writing for every instrument, writing to films specifically,” James admitted joyfully.

March 2017 | Bellissimo

19

Courtesy photo from David Levy.

20 March 2017 | Bellissimo

“

created it to be in a movie. Hontoir says, “Yes! 2 pieces were used: ‘Dust Devil Blues’ and ‘Valse Sans Fin’.

This is because of those pieces, a director asked me to write the music of his next feature film and it was used in the movie.”

There are other times when music is taken, but other times, they want their music to be used. James said, “Yes, but I can’t remember what at the moment. And you know, it’s funny, Spike Lee has a new Netflix series coming out and I’m trying to submit music for that. On Instagram and Facebook there’s a form, but that

Music (and silence) is powerful in a movie.

-Patricia Hontoir happened to me once, I just can’t remember when. But it has happened and it’s, just like this interview, it’s an honor and a delight, if it happens.”

These people know how they got where they are and they want to share it with other people too.

Hontoir says, “I will use the words of my mentor Philippe Boesmans who always told me ‘Create and write every day of your life, even if it’s a silence!’ More and more you try, more and more you’ll need to, and discover, learn and explore, listen, use all your tools, and do not be shy, dare.

Sometimes you will feel desperate, but resist! Create and create again and don’t stop. And today with the social Media you can be part or meet different associations of composers specialize in movies. Many meetups and festivals Are organised all over the places in order to exchange experiences. I am myself part of the ‘Belgian Screen Composer Guild’ as international public relations. In Austin there is, of course, SXSW where you have different events, confer-

ences and meetings regarding music and film. The Austin Film Society is one of the best place to discover and meet all professional of the film industry with a lot of good independent films programs from all over the world. Conferences, meeting With artists, premiere. The membership is not expensive - all the information on the website. It’s important to be curious and select the best places.

Networking is important. If you have some songs and you’ve never create for a movie, you can also propose your track to a music library, but read carefully your contract. A good website with some good Music track. Be on YouTube, Facebook, SoundCloud, and many more. Meet as much as you can, such as, people from the film Industry, musicians, actors. Internet is not enough! So I wish that this article can help young people to realize their dreams.”

There are always people that want to help get other, younger composers out in the open and exposed to life. Levy said, “As much as I wanted it, I wasn’t given much help when I started. Therefore, I try and go out of my way and help others so they don’t have to go through all the hard times I did. I’m always willing to check out their compositions, give advice or just nerd-out on audio and music! I can be reached on Twitter, Facebook, my website, you name it! I’m always happy to help in any capacity I can.”

There are different ways to get composed music out in the open, it just takes time to get exposed.

James said, “No matter how you feel about it, just get it out there. Get it heard, just put yourself out there.

Don’t let the details or fear of rejection hold you back. Get it out there because there are so many talented musicians and kids who, because of the lack of belief in themselves or fear of rejection, they don’t put it out there. Then people don’t know about it, whereas, I know a lot of music

“

James gives a visual of his office, “My office, big desk with equipment, my computer. I have a sequencing program, protools or digital performer, are a couple that I use. I prefer to use my keyboard in front of me.

Keyboard really starts me. And I’m not necessarily playing piano, maybe I’m playing other instruments. I’m watching a clip on the computer and kinda just playing around to it. And usually lower lighting setting, not stressful, nice and dim.”

Music is the strong point, and base, of a movie. “Music (and silence) is powerful in a movie… If you change the music on the same sequence, you will feel a different mood, a different character, even a different story! Music is so strong that it can make people crying or laughing. It gives the rhythm or a tension in a movie without any dialogues… or with dialogues. There is a legend in music with ‘Jaws’. Everybody recognizes the music and the moment to prevent danger... without dialogue!” Hontoir says passionately.

Music is the support for a movie scene. “People should be able to understand the emotion and feel of any given scene without the dialogue.

The music is there to support, elevate and evoke the emotional content of the scene,” Levy said.

The music gives voice on what the movie watcher should be feeling. “In my opinion, if the movie had a voice of what it’s trying to say, I’d say the music is more the voice of a movie sometimes then the dialogue because the music says ‘Hey! This is how you should feel right now!’ The music pulls your emotions throughout the film. The dialogue is kinda like, I don’t know, it just sets context about how you should feel. That’s what the movie is saying. You should be happy, you should feel sad, you should feel scared, you should feel in suspense.” James said with conviction.

Some pieces that are chosen to be in a movie weren’t originally

March 2017 | Bellissimo

21

that is not that great that’s popular or for films even. They’ll have to chose something. And when it comes down to it, if they hear that talent kids music over just the plain something that they had to buy from a website, they’re gonna go with the talented kid, they’re gonna know. So, there’s a lot of fluff out there and kids need to not be afraid to put their stuff out there because, otherwise, you have to buy corporate music and you don’t want to do that.”

Composing is different from one composer to the next. They all live different lives and have different ways of creating their masterpieces. Levy said, “The process is quite simple, I start by watching the final time-locked cut of the film (or as close to time-locked as possible). I then talk to the director about his/ her vision of the music and try to gather as much information about what they would like the score to sound like; is it mostly orchestral based? Electronic? Organic? Etc. Once I feel comfortable enough knowing what kind of sound and feel I’m after I’ll sit down and start writing. This process can take anywhere from weeks to months. During which I constantly send my compositions to the director, get feedback, adjust and keep working until everything is scored. If we’re working with a decent budget I will print out the sheet music, hire a few string players and head to a local studio where we would record live players to mix in with the sampled orchestral stuff. I usually track all percussion, drum and keyboard related instruments by myself in my studio.” James said, “No, I don’t, I’ve never been asked to, and I’ve never composed on a set before. Usually I’m the very last guy they speak with, or person. So, usually I get a rough cut of the film in a video file, used to be on tape, but I get a video file like a quicktime or a movie or a NB4, and they’ll say “Here’s what we’ve got

22 March 2017 | Bellissimo

right now, go ahead and start.” And I’ll start selecting music there and I do what’s called a temp track, so sometimes I select pre existing stuff and I’ll put it there, and then I’ll compose something similar if it works.

So, it’s not a complete, blank slate.”

The composers shared some of their personal thoughts about composing music for films. Hontoir said, “Music gives the tension of a movie. Tension means also light tension like for a comedy movie. For an action movie, rhythms and drums are necessary, it gives the sensation of the speed. Strange sounds can be used for sounds effect in an horror movie, romantic or dramatic music reinforce the love stories and the drama. When you are a composer for movie, it’s important to be flexible with the music. And be very open in the creation. I create music very light for some sequences because this was the request, impressionist genre ... and for other séquences for another production something more ‘hard rock’. It depends but it’s always a new challenge. Being a composer for movie is a wonderful job, For me. I think this article is very useful because it’s a specific job, not very well known, a bit in the shadows.

And for myself, as a woman, I don’t know so much woman composer for movies around me, and I’m sure they are talents that I look forward to discover! Maybe it’s a way to create new connections? It’s important to say that to be a composer is to be alone, it’s a solitary job, and we are all isolated, professionally. This article, for all composers, is important because it takes us out of the shadows and promote our profession! I realize here in the USA that in the community college and university it’s possible to have great courses of today s tools for composition for movies. So if you have some talents, lots of passion and courage. It’s the best place in Austin TX - A place where there is a lot of good musicians and opportunities.”

Music makes the feeling of the scene

come alive. Levy said, “It’s incredibly important because the music has to elevate and support the scene. If the music is wrong the entire scene will fall apart. It must evoke the right emotion in context and it needs to do that well and without drawing too much attention to itself. I think the biggest challenge with every project is finding the right ‘sound’ for it.

Making sure the music is works with the feel of the movie. Sometimes on tight deadline projects, when there isn’t much pre-production time I score a quarter of the film or so before I zone-in on the exact sound.

When it happens, though, it’s magical. All of a sudden everything falls into place and the music becomes one with the film.”

Composing could come from passion of music and films, or just wanting to be a film composer.

James said, “Film scoring, for me, I’m a music lover and a film buff and it’s the perfect marriage and it’s also taught me all of film. So, if you learn it, you can also basically learn film at the same time. And, for me, there’s nothing better when you combine the two. Also, you get to learn different styles and become a musicologist sometimes. So, if you’re composing a movie for something that happened in Scotland, you’re probably gonna learn Scottish music and that’s an adventure, so it opens up lots of doors.

And just production too. You learn production, cameras, editing, you pick that stuff up.”

Music has a very important role in a movie. It can impact how you feel about a scene and tells the whole story about the movie. David Levy says, “In a way, every movie score is telling a story (or following a story, to be exact). So, it wouldn’t be that different from scoring a film.

Each piece will have a certain emotional feel that will match the story and help push it forward.”

Outerspace DJ Shop

Prices that are OUTof this WORLD!!!

TOP 15 BEST SELLING MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS Countdown

15

Graphics by: LaTanisha Williams

“The Song Remains the Same” (1976) By: Led Zeppelin Copies Sold: 4 million Notable Songs: “Rock and Roll,” “The Song Remains the Same”

13 “High School Musical” (2006) By: Various Artists

14 “A Star is Born” (1976) By: Barbra Streisand & Kris Kristofferson

Copies Sold: 4 million Notable Song: “Breaking Free”

Copies Sold: 4 million

12

“Flashdance” (1983) By: Various Artists

“Frozen” (2013) By: Various Artists Copies Sold: 4 million Notable Song: “Let It Go”

10

Notable Song: “Evergreen”

11 “The Big Chill” (1983) By: Various Artists

Copies Sold: 6 million Notable Songs: “Flashdance...

What a Feelings,” “Maniac”

Copies Sold: 6 million

9 “Space Jam” (1996) By: Various Artists Copies Sold: 6 million Notable Songs: “I Believe I Can Fly,” “Fly Like an Eagle”

24 June 2017 | Bellissim

Notable Songs: “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “My Girl” Source: http://www.independent. co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/the-15-best-selling-moviesoundtracks-of-all-time-a7225321. html Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/15-best-selling-movie-soundtracks-all-time-20169/#15-the-song-remains-thesame-1976--led-zeppelin-1

8 “Waiting to Exhale” (1995) By: Whitney Houston/Various Artists Copies Sold: 7 million Notable Songs: “Exhale/ Shoop Shoop,” Why Does It Hurt So Bad”

“Grease” (1978) By: John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

Graphics by: LaTanisha Williams

Copies Sold: 11 million

Copies Sold: 8 million Notable Songs: “You’re the One That I Want,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You”

7

“Dirty Dancing” (1987) By: Various Artists

Notable Songs: “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” “She’s Like The Wind”

6 “Titanic” (1997) By: James Horner & Celine Dion

5

Copies Sold: 11 million

“Forrest Gump” (1994) By: Various Artists

Notable Song: “My Heart Will Go On”

“Saturday Night Fever” (1977) By: The Bee Gees

Copies Sold: 12 million

Copies Sold: 15 million

Notable Songs: “Hound Dog,” “Respect”

Notable Songs: “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love”

4

3 “Purple Rain” (1984) By: Prince

2

Copies Sold: 13 million

1

Notable Songs: “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy”

“The Bodyguard” (1992)

By: Whitney Houston Copies Sold: 17 million Notable Song: “I Will Always Love You”

June 2017 | Bellissimo

25

Photo courtesy of Korean Olympic Committee

Photo by Prayitno

26

June 2017 | Bellissimo

SPORTS In the

ARTS June 2017 | Bellissimo

27

Color Guard: By: Shyloh Dytrich

The Sport that Brings People Together Photo taken by Izzie Mohr This photo was taken at a 5 hour practice on the soccer field at LBJ High School

“

28

June 2017 | Bellissimo

said.

Everyone likes different types of equipment. Izzie described the equipment in color guard as a flower. “I guess sabre is like the petals of a rose, while the rifle is the thorns, and the flags is the stem basis of everything”.

Grace’s favorite piece of equipment is the rifle, “When you toss a rifle and successfully catch, there is a certain snapping sound that

I have never felt more comfortable and right in an organization as I have in color guard -Grace Bodine is produced and it is one of the most satisfying sounds I have ever heard.

When I spin rifle I feel more powerful and confident. I also feel great spinning flag but there is something special about rifle that is just another level up from flag”.

Mr.Roman is the color guard director at LBJ High School. His favorite piece of equipment is the flag, “Definitely flag. It’s the expressive in my opinion”.

But for Izzie, it’s the sabre,

“I felt like I was exceeding expectations. Plus it’s just downright fun to spin”. Izzie skipped rifle and went straight to sabre. “There is this preset notion that the order for learning equipment is flag then rifle then sabre,” Izzie said.

Members of color guard spend six or more hours together each week, not including extended rehearsals and competitions so they become close. Being in color guard and winter guard is “like being part of a whole family. In winter guard it’s like a tightknit family, and then color guard is the whole extended family” Izzie said. Because members spend so much time together, a lot of friendships form. “I have been able to meet so many people along the way and I have developed so many strong relationships with fellow members,” Grace said.

Each person has a different thing they love about color guard.

For Grace it’s performing, “My favorite thing about guard it the amazing adrenaline high I get during and after performing a great show.

It’s not that I exactly like performing in front of huge crowds of people and judges, but the feeling of being focused and in the moment is really awesome and honestly quite addicting. I have never felt more comfortable and right in an organization as I have in color guard. I also really like the special guard bonding moments.

“

“

I have never felt more comfortable and right in an organization as I have in color guard,” said Grace Bodine. Grace has been in color guard for two years and wants to do be in leadership next year. Color guard is more than a sport to people.

It has allowed them to become more confident and make friendships they wouldn’t have if they weren’t in it.

Color guard is the visual representation of the music the band plays. Color guard started as a military activity. In the 1970s, Peggy Twiggs reinvented color guard from showing the flags at different angles to the color guard that is known today. While color guard is outside with the band, there is a version of color guard inside with prerecorded music called winter guard. Many people don’t think of color guard as a sport but they are wrong.

People join for different reasons. “It’s hard to explain, but after I successfully tossed and caught a flag for the first time, I immediately knew I wanted to join color guard,” Grace said.

Izzie Mohr has been in color guard for two years and is the social officer. “Not only did I find it super interesting, and completely different from what I had done previously in my life, but also it was a chance to get closer to my sister (which in the end only having done one),” Izzie

“

ed music instead of the band. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Grace likes “practicing inside away from the cruel Texas sun and the unpredictable wind. And the guard is able to get more experimental and lyrical in our work. But I also really like the spirited atmosphere in

Sabre is like the petals of a rose, while the rifle is the thorns, and the flags is the stem, basis of everything -Izzie Mohr

marching band, going to all the football games and being part of a much larger production”.

While for Mr.Roman it’s the “production value with live music and the large scale” for color guard and the “intimacy and the control over all design elements” for winter

guard.

Izzie likes the “flexibility and expressibility that is found in winter guard” and how color guard is the “big picture. However, color guard is a ton more work but it’s with the whole band so it’s like a huge family gathering for three to four months straight”.

Color guard is very different from band. Izzie did marching band her freshman year and changed to color guard. She describes band as “a highstrung group of musicians who were focused on perfection” and color guard as “a group that was crazy, fun and completely weird”. “Of course, I just fit better with a group where I am able to express myself rather than stare like a statue into a crowd” Izzie said.

In the LBJ color guard there are four leadership positions; captain, lieutenant, flag captain, and social officer. Izzie wanted to be in leadership because she didn’t like the relationship between band and color guard. “Guard has always been separated from the band because of past members, and I wanted to incorpo

“

These happen randomly during summer band camp, practice and on they way to and from competitions. It just adds so much to my high school experience and I can’t imagine my time at LASA without being in color guard”.

But for Izzie it’s the people, “If anything the people are what make guard - guard - and since everyone guard is made up of different people, then each guard is different and I think that is rather beautiful”.

In color guard, no matter how many times the members perform, they still get nervous. “No matter how many times I performed I still get performance jitters. However, once the show starts. I quickly forget all about the nervousness I had before and get super focused in on performing and the work at hand. When I hear someone shout my name in support or claps from the crowd, I become more confident and the show seems a little easier,” Grace said.

Color guard performs with the band at football games and competitions and is outside. But winter guard is indoors and with pre record-

Photo taken by Allen Butt Photo taken by Allen Butt

Taken at the third show of the This photo was taken at the third comptition of the winter guard season on March 4. The LBJ season. The LBJ Winterguard got 3rd place in their Winter guard got 3rd in their division division June 2017 | Bellissimo

29

Izzie Mohr Photo Photo curtisycourtesy of Izzieof Mohr.

ThisThis is ofphoto Eliza Fisher performing half time

is of Eliza Fisher at performing football game at oneof ofathe football games

“

30 June 2017 | Bellissimo

you feel the music and you get into the rhythm (and hearing people cheer for you) it all just clicks together,” Izzie said.

In color guard, hearing people cheer makes the members more confident. “The feeling of someone cheering for you is by far the best thing about performing. In the color

something that is honestly dependent on so many variables that one can’t really quantify if a guard is truly better than another. Therefore I think that the cheering that happens during shows is by far my favorite thing because it’s not just someone enjoying what is happening, but also letting the guard know that the acknowledge they are doing the best within their circumstances,” Izzie said.

Many people don’t think of color guard as a sport, but it is.

There is so much work that goes into it like two hour practices almost everyday, competitions that last all day, and practices on days off. The definition of sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes another or others for entertainment. It takes skill to spin six foot flags and to be in time with everyone else on the team.

Color guard competes against other guards and they spend hours perfecting their show. Therefore color guard is a sport. Like Grace said, “Color guard is one of the strangest and coolest activities out there”.

Color guard is one of the strangest and coolest activities out there -Grace Bodine

guard community, it is well recognized that color guard is hard, and it’s even harder since it’s a group sport and everyone has to be in sync.

This recognition is the basis of why color guard is a sport where teams honestly support each other because they recognize that everyone is doing something that is 1) unnatural to normal body movement 2) different for everyone (aka everyone had different talents that add to a guard) 3) and

“

rate guard into the band which turned out to be a much harder job than I thought to be. Also, I wanted to be someone could look up to and not be afraid to talk to,” Izzie said.

Drum corps is a professional marching band that people can do after high school. The age range is 1822. “High school guard is one thing, but professional guard is like high school guard on crack. Not only is it extremely expensive to participate in, you also loose basically your whole summer, and have to exercise nearly every day…

However, I do love watching drum corps and have an appreciation for those who participate, but that life just isn’t for me,” Izzie said.

When performing, there are so many things to do. Color guard members have to count, perform, and spin. “I do remember, however, that once it was all over, I had a surge of energy and adrenaline that coursed through me that made me want to run back and do the whole thing over again. Even now, right when a show starts there are so many thoughts of unsureness and self-doubt, but once

Courtesy of Izzie Mohr This photo was taken at the last competition of the season. The LBJ Marching band got 1st in prelims with the highest score of the entire competition June 2017 | Bellissimo

31

Everything YouByNeed to Know about Color Shyloh Dytrich All graphics by Shyloh Dytrich Guard FLAG

SABRE

PARTS

PARTS

1. Bottom and Top Stopper 2. Top and Bottom Tape 3. Tab 4. Silk

1. Tip 2.Blade 3. Grip 4. Guard

RIFLE

PARTS 1. Tip 2. Swivels 3. Strap 4. Butt 5. Neck 6. Bolt

Drop Spins On Flag

32 June 2017 | Bellissimo

Winter Guard Scoring There are five different types of judges; equipment judges, movement judges, design judges, design analysis judges, and general effect judges. Equipment and movement judges judge vocabulary and excellence. Design analysis judges judge composition and excellence and general effect judges judge repertoire effect and performance effect.

The range and variety of equipment skills that a winter guard possess is called vocabulary.

Excellence is the understanding of equipment and flow of the show for equipment judges, the understanding and application of movement principles for movement judges, and the achievement of spacing, lining, timing, and orientation for design analysis judges.

How the design choices fit together and work with the theme of the show is called composition.

Repertoire effect is how effective the design of movement, equipment, and staging is.

How the performers engage the audience through a range and variety of effects is called performance effect.

Things Needed for Competitions or Performances -uniform -make up and make up wipes -hair spray -hair ties and a lot of bobby pins -color guard jacket -color guard shirt and leggings -bodytight -sandals(winter guard) or dance shoes (color guard) -gloves

Winter Guard Divisions Cadet Novice Scholastic Regional A Scholastic Regional AA Scholastic Regional AAA Scholastic Open Scholastic World Independent A Independent Open Independent World

Drop Spins On Rifle

June 2017 | Bellissimo

33

Fencing as a Martial Art By: Allegra Parker

M

ost people think of “The Princess Bride” or “Pirates of the Caribbean” when they hear the word “fencing.” However, the sport is rapidly increasing all over the nation, due to the physical and mental benefits it offers.

There has been a rise in the number of fencers across the nation due to the recent Olympics, increasing population, and interests in swordfighting. In fact, in 15 years, there was almost triple the amount of people that participate in each event at Summer Nationals in July according to an article published my FOX Business.

But, not everyone sticks with the sport because it isn’t quite the swordfighting that the movies made it out to be.

Samuel Finley is a MacCallum sophomore.“I think a lot of people go into fencing because they are looking to learn how to swordfight,” says Samuel.“While this can be a good thing because it attracts lots people who are into sword fighting, I also think beginners should be aware that fencing is a competitive sport first and foremost. It’s not about swinging your blade wildly and trying to hurt your opponent, it’s about outthinking them and using precise and efficient technique,” Samuel says.

Samuel has fenced at the Texas Fencing Academy for five years and competed in his first Junior Olympics this Spring. “I think what sets fencing apart is that you have to do so much thinking, rather than just relying on instincts and physical capability. This

34

June 2017 | Bellissimo

isn’t to say that those things aren’t important; it’s the blend of these with the intellectual aspect that I really enjoy about fencing,” Samuel says.

Ray Parker,the head coach at Texas Fencing Academy, who has been fencing for 35 years, coaches Samuel.

“At the recreational level it engages kids mentally and well as physically,” Coach Parker says. “Their dreams of sword fighting are captured. It’s a healthy activity that soon comes to offer and require structure and discipline. I’ve taught kids for over 30 years and a common theme in the tiny fraction of the population that find fencing is that they are bright, smart and unique shining lights. Often not the gifted athletes that the mainstream sports have supported and provided positive feedback on their abilities.

Once they find fencing though they have an opportunity to grow into a very unique sport and sometimes their athleticism allows them to take it to national and international levels,” Coach Parker says.

Samuel gets to experience the benefits of the rising popularity of fencing first hand through the national tournaments he goes to. But, Olympian Ms. Vincent Bradford had a completely different experience fencing competitively in the late 1980s. “When I started fencing there were 20 entries,” she says.

“And there was only a Junior (under 20) women’s foil event. No youth 14 [age event] or any other age groups.”

But now at JOs there’s hundreds of women fencing, in numerous events.”

The rise in fencers across the nation can be tied to the recent top finishes in the Olympics. For example, Alexander

Massialas had the top men’s foil finish since 1984. Ms. Bradford explained her thoughts on what effects the Olympics would have on the number of fencers.

“I think it’ll help it grow,” she says.

“You know, you’ve got some stars.

Stars are always helpful, and I think it’ll help it grow because you have some heroes now. America can look up to, well, we have more medalists, and we have more people to look up to, and model ourselves after.”

Ms. Bradford has been fencing for 51 years and competed for the US Olympic team in 1980 and 1984.

She soon after took up coaching and says that coaching really changed her opinion of fencing, rather than competing at the international level.

“The developmental level is more important than the elite level. At the developmental level, you reach more people, [there are] lots of people out there doing the sport you love; lots of people out there having fun getting in shape,” Bradford says.

Samuel Finley, who has been coached by Raymond Parker for about four years, says he might not be where he is now without a coach.

“In the middle of a bout, you have so much adrenaline pumping, and blood flowing and sometimes it is impossible to stop and think through what you are doing,” he says. And, “even if you are doing a technique very well, it won’t work if it isn’t the right answer to your opponent’s tactics,” Samuel adds.

When people finally get up the nerve to start fencing after seeing it on television enough, Ms. Bradford

Ukraine’s Kseniya Pantelyeyeva at the 2015 World Fencing Championships. Photo by Marie-Lan Nguyen.

France’s Coraline Vitalis at the 2015 Ukranian Kseniya Pantelyeyeva on at the Worldfencer Fencing Championships 15 2015July World Fencing Championships.

Picture 2014 at the Olympic Stadium in

by Marie-Lan Moscow. Nguyen.

Photo by Marie-Lan Nyugen

34 35

March 2017 | Bellissimo June 2017 | Bellissimo

“

says that, “people are very tentative about scoring a touch the first time the ever fence. I mean they just are tentative, and I would say make sure you have on good equipment, rely on your equipment and have a good time, butbut don’t be tentative. No one’s going to be hurt, you should have fun, you know, swordfighting.”

Another prime difference between Samuel’s fencing experiences and Ms. Bradford’s concerns the technology available at this point in time.

“The advent and use of the modern technology makes it more fair and also makes it more exciting to watch,” Ms. Bradford says. “because the spectators can tell what’s going on. And I also love, because I have retired from fencing now, watching the olympics and seeing now the lights go off on the fencer’s masks and the whole bottom of the strip lights up when a touch is scored. I think that is very cool and makes the sport more

attractive to spectators.”

Through her long career, Vincent Bradford says that the overall benefits of fencing are apparent because, “fencing offers a unique opportunity, because not only is it an individual

Fencing offers to people an opportunity to engage in a healthy fitness activity that challenges your mind as well as your body.

- Vincent Bradford sport, but it offers a unique opportunity like a martial art to learn to face an opponent and to keep your head; to think and strategize. Also, anytime anybody is engaged in a sport, or music, or art, or math or whatever and they study that discipline, whatever it is, it teaches people discipline.”

The physical and mental rigor

Korea won the gold medal men’s team Saber fenching at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

From ledt to right we have Gu Bongil, Kim Junghwan, Won Woo-young and Oh Eunseok.

Photo by Korean Olympic Comitte.

36

June 2017 | Bellissimo

required to be a high level fencer make it clear that fencing requires hard work and tactics. Ms. Bradford says that anyone with a skill set that works for them can be successful at a high level.

“If I’m a fencer, I would say that there are several abilities a person needs; we [coaches] could identify, several abilities, that a person needs. What we’ve observed throughout the years is, it’s such an individual sport that each individual takes their own strengths and uses them in the bout. For example, one fencer might have an incredible sense of timing. You know, this born; innate sense of timing. But, the speed of their movements is kind of slow. They just don’t have good fast-twitch muscle fiber. However, you can see that person being incredibly successful because they’re applying their strengths. You might see the next fencer, who has strength and power, but just doesn’t have that strong of a sense of timing. However, they

”

Diego Confalonieri (left) fences Fabian Kauter (right in the final of the Challenge Réseau Ferré de Franc e–Trophée Monal 2012 (épée world cup tournament) in Paris. Photo by Marie-Lan Nguyen.

”

use their sense of power and strength, I mean that ability, to mow their opponents down. They’re just so strong, so they’re using their own strengths. So I don’t think you can say that there is one ability, I think you need to have someone who can recognize what their strengths are and use them to their advantage in a fencing bout,” she says.

There are three fencing weapons: Foil, Sabre, and Epee.

Samuel Finley fences all three, as does Coach Ray, and Ms. Bradford has mostly stuck with foil. There are nany differences in the three weapons, such as rules, appearance, the blades themselves, equipment and speed. “If you want to make the Olympic team, I think you should probably specialize in one weapon,” Ms. Bradford says. “If you want to make yourself valuable to a college team, then learning two weapons would probably be good thing. If you just want to know all about fencing,

and you love it, and it doesn’t matter what you have in your hand, try all three weapons. All three are fun; it’s what your goal is, and also what the

multiple disciplines is quite an accomplishment, and I believe achievable. At some level though you will want to set a specific goal and that may be weapon specific. Until then flexibility and adaptability are key skills that will serve you well not only in fencing but life in general,” Coach Parker says.

Through the years, fencing has come a long way with influence from the olympics and modern movies. Nowadays, US Olympians like Miles Chamley-Watson and Race Imboden are elite models, which also adds popularity to the sport. Whether you are looking for a fun activity on a Saturday afternoon, a great way to get in shape and meet new, interesting people, or a sport that will challenge you mentally and physically, fencing is a great way to do that. The benefits are countless, and the lessons you learn will stay with you for your entire life.

Many do have versions of swashbuckling in their heads but they usually gravitate to our modern version pretty quickly. - Coach Parker expertise is around you.”

Coach Parker, on the other hand, emphasizes the benefits of fencing all three weapons. “My goal is to teach fencers fencing,” he says. “They have multiple opportunities to perfect the art and each weapon requires different answers. I believe that kids are extremely talented and set the bar high.

To be able to say that you not only fence at a national level but do so in

”

June 2017 | Bellissimo

37

Fencing Gear Basic gear for all weapons

The jacket protects the waist and above, and stops at the neck.

The plastron is a hard piece of plastic that protects the chest. It is an extra layer of protection that goes under the jacket.

By: Allegra Parker

The glove is meant to offer better friction between the grip of the weapon and the fencer’s palm.

The underarm protector is like a half sleeve that is an extra layer of protection under the jacket.

The mask covers and protects the face and neck from injury during fencing.

The knickers are white pants worn underneath every other piece of clothing. When fencing at national and international tournaments, your last name must be printed onto the back leg of your knickers.

Graphics by Allegra Parker

Weapon specific gear

Foil

The body cord attaches the fencer’s weapon to the reel, going through their uniform.

It usually put on right before the jacket. Sabre and foil use the same cord, which has an extra alligator clip attached to clip onto the conductive lame.

Epee

Sabre

The lame is a conductive, thin metal layer that goes on top of the jacket. It clearly indicates the target.

38

June 2017 | Bellissimo

The mask cord is a insulated, thick wire with an alligator clip attached to both ends.

Images from www.blue-gauntlet.com.

Which weapon is right for you?

Facts from www.olympic.org/fencing

Olympic History

Fencing was first contested during the 1896 Olympics and is one of the few sports to have been contested at every Olympic Games. Fencing was one of the few sports that admitted professionals prior to the 1980s. Today, men compete in both team and individual events at the Olympics using three types of swords - the foil, the épée and the sabre. Women’s fencing first appeared in the Olympics in 1924.

The three fencing weapons: Foil The foil is characterized by its lightweight and easy handling. It is considered the ideal fencing weapon for beginners so you can familiarize yourself with the fencing. Experienced fencers benefit from the elegant shape of the foil as a light, swift weapon.

This fencing weapon is also suitable for demanding exercises and is a pure thrusting weapon.

Points may be scored only with the tip of the foil, not the edges. In foil, the torso is the

target area. Since foil fencers may only score a touch on the torso, a relatively small portion of the body, they are constantly in motion and often interacting in close quarters with one another. It requires fast reflexes and tremendous energy.

The foil often attracts athletes who are shorter than average, think fast, and who have a feisty personality with great endurance.

Epee The Epee (pronounced ep-pay) descended from the original duel weapon. Slightly heavier than the foil, the epee is also a thrusting-only weapon form. In target area, epee is the entire body - from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. The epee fencer may score a touch on any part of the body – even the opponent’s outstretched hand or foot. The slightest opening may provide an opportunity to score, or may give your oppo-

Sabre nent an opportunity to score a touch on you.

Epee fencers tend to be more cautious in their movements and careful about their aim. The fencer’s reach becomes important since the slightest edge may enable the fencer to score a touch before his/ her opponent does.

The epee usually attracts athletes who are taller than average since their longer reach gives them a natural advantage.

The Sabre used in today’s bouts comes from the days of the mounted cavalry. It was a weapon designed to attack the upper portion of an opponent who was riding a horse.

Thus, the sabre is used as a slashing and thrusting weapon. Sabre’s target is everything from the waist up, head included.

Sabre fencers may score with the edge of the blade as well as the point.

Consequently, those who choose this weapon are often called the “hack and slash” fencers. When the

fencers engage, there is little time to consider what is happening and react accordingly.

Therefore, success depends crucially on the ability of each fencer to size up the other and control the opponent’s expectations, which is achieved with much positioning and posturing before the two fencers engage with one another. Sabre fencers tend to be of medium height, and are often the most cerebral individuals in the sport.

June 2017 | Bellissimo

39

“A

rt is not what you see but what you make others see.

- Degas

“

A Liberal Arts and Science Academy Ezine Production

Photo from Local Madison Comedy