January 6, 2011: Marin Academy Voice

Volume XX, No. 5

Wednesday, January 6, 2011

San Rafael, CA

THE BEST

WINTER EVER

TE

Page 4 Bananagrams Page 11 Dodgeball Photo Illustration by Riley Champine

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News

january 6, 2011

Joe Harvey plans a new adventure Ruby James News Editor

Joe Harvey will be leaving his position as academic dean this year and will assume the position of head of school at the nearby Saint Mark’s School.

“I have thought about school leadership for a long time,” said Harvey. “It felt like it was time to take the next step.”

As a member of this community for the past 10 years, Harvey has influenced numerous facets of Marin Academy. Harvey began as junior class dean, then progressed to athletic director and finally academic dean. He has also been an English teacher throughout his time at MA. Many are curious about what responsibilities the position of academic dean holds.

“It’s a really intensive job. It requires a lot of night and weekend work,” said former Academic Dean, Jennifer Blake. “As academic dean, you have a lot of competing demands.”

Joe Harvey became academic dean in 2007.

“Joe’s done a great job. I think that what he has done remarkably well was to help shepard the initia-

work with an amazingly talented and committed faculty and staff here.”

Students agree that Harvey has positively impacted their education both as an English teacher and academic dean.

“Joe has helped me shape what I value in my own education and in my life. He has awarded me with an unbiased approach in analyzing the community of Marin Academy, my education and the greater expectations and constrictions Ruby James that are imposed in our Harvey imagines his bright, new future as Head of School at Saint Mark’s. world,” said senior Desiree Wattis. “I am sad tives to improve communications number of different capacities,” to see him go because his chawithin and across departments said Lynne Hansen. “It would be risma is something that lights up and to better end of the year ex- hard to find a place where he has our school.” perience for students,” said Blake. not influenced the community in a Although the community is los“Joe helped lead the way and with significant away.” ing a vital leader, another school others took those ideas and made Harvey himself reflects on his will soon benefit from Harvey’s them a reality in a really extraor- experience as a leader at MA. arrival. Looking to the future, dinary way.”

“I think that some of the most Harvey will take on a whole new Many faculty agree that Harvey important traits of leaders are to responsibility next year at Saint successfully fulfilled his position be in partnership. The notion of Mark’s. as academic dean. a truly collaborative leadership is “Part of what I have always “I have worked with Joe since a really powerful model for me,” strived to do is to change, grow, he started here 10 years ago in a said Harvey. “I’m very lucky to and challenge myself in new

ways,” said Harvey. “You don’t always have to leave a place to change and grow, but sometimes you do. For me, it represents this moment to challenge myself in new ways, to take on a new leadership role, to learn and take on a new community, to find ways to stretch, and to hopefully help a school advance in ways that it is hoping to.”

With students as young as five, Saint Mark’s is a different environment than MA. “I have not really worked with a younger group before. It is going to be a change but I am very excited for the potential,” said Harvey. “[Saint Mark’s] is a remarkable community. I love that when you go on campus kids come up to you, look you in the eye, and introduce themselves. It’s a wonderful thing!”

Head of School Travis Brownley declined comment, stating she was not yet ready to talk about her plans for next year regarding the position of academic dean.

From the MA Voice: “Farewell Joe! You will surely be missed but you will long be remembered for your trademark blue button down and khaki pants.”

said senior Kyle Newell. “We are so flooded with schoolwork during the regular school year that it is hard for many students to take a week off and go on an adventurous outing.”

In addition to this lack of nature and outdoor oriented courses, seniors are frustrated over their diminished ability to utilize seniority. Although seniors have always been given their top choice of minicourse over underclassmen, this year many of the most popular courses have been eliminated. This sudden change in course selection has left seniors with a feeling of contempt.

“I have been looking forward to doing Fab 5 since freshman year,” said senior Chloé Ouyang.

“It’s a bummer that come senior year, certain minicourses aren’t

faculty, and only so many teachers at the school have the capacity both physically and emotionally to run these [four courses mentioned above],” said Dean of Students Lynne Hansen. “Teachers are not contracted to lead courses and so it really comes down to a matter of choice on behalf of the faculty.”

Despite student discontent, there is still a wide range of new minicourses for students to partake in.

“I’m disappointed for [students that are unhappy] but I also think that there are really good choices in the catalog this year,” said Hansen. “I hope that minicourse is an opportunity for students to try something new and maybe push some boundaries around things they haven’t considered in the past.”

Minicourse ballots stir controversy among seniors Avery Hale Staff Writer

As students received their minicourse catalogs in late November, the response was surprisingly more dejected than it had been in years past. Several of the cherished minicouses from the year prior such as “Fab 5,” “Zion Outdoor Leadership,” “Backpacking the California Coast,” and “Slickrock” are no longer offered.

Instead, a majority of the courses include day-long trips and on campus activities, lacking the allure of far off, outdoor adventures.

For years students have treasured minicourse, learning outside of the classroom, and getting out in nature.

“I would have liked to see more chances for outdoor activities,”

Courtesy of Jo Ubben

Adam Brune, Jo Ubben, and Becca Rich pose during a skiing minicourse.

offered anymore when it’s theoretically supposed to be the year that you have the greatest chance of getting the most popular ones.”

Although it seems to be the common sentiment among stu-

dents that the courses offered for 2011 minicourse are lackluster, the reasons behind these changes are fairly unavoidable.

“At this point the creation of courses is completely up to the

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News

January 6, 2011

New fire drill regulation now on campus Allie Smith & Adam Perlstein Staff Writers You may have noticed a spike in the number of fire drills this year, and get used to it, because there will only be more.

Since the beginning of the year, Marin Academy has been following an order by the San Rafael Fire Marshal to conduct fire drills once a month.

“We had a visit from the fire marshal at the beginning of the year for an assessment,” said Dean of Students Lynne Hansen. “There should be more concern around fire drills at MA.” This increased cause for concern is due to a change in fire code throughout educational facilities in California.

“Prior codes offered an exception for high schools allowing them a reduced number of drills,” said Director of Operations Mickey Morris. “All schools grades K-12, are now required to follow this code.”

All 400 students must return to the main part of campus after a practice evacuation.

Allie Smith

omore Erin Van Gessel. “We only need to review it once or twice to understand how to do it in a real life situation.”

Others agree with Van Gessel, but some see the merit in the situation.

“I think [fire drills are] an important part of being safe because they allow us to have some idea of what we’re supposed to do in an emergency,” said senior Gabe Jo-

out to the field than if we just have one or two,” said history teacher Tom Woodward. Woodward is against increased repetition, “because, you know, it’s not rocket science.”

Other teachers echo this sentiment. “[Fire drills] often take up the last ten minutes of class when important information is often covered,” said history teacher Betsy Muir.

The administration, aware of the disruption, is making an effort to distribute the interruptions evenly.

“The drills are placed so they don’t affect one class more than another, we try to move them around,” said Hansen.

Many also recognize that at the end of the day the law is the law.

“The drills can be disruptive, and, knock on wood,” said Head of School Travis Brownley. “We’ll never need them, but it’s good to comply with the law.”

Marin County Fire Marshal Scott Abber said that in many cases, “the local jurisdictions [get] to decide what is best for educational occupancies.” He suggested that MA’s urban location and accessibility also contribute to the frequency of the drills.

As students become aware of the rising number of fire drills, many remain skeptical of the effectiveness of the frequency of the drills.

“Having them more than once every three months I think is a little bit wasteful of our time” said soph-

seph.

A few teachers feel that the number of fire drills is unnecessary and disruptive.

“If we have four or five fire drills a semester, I don’t think we’re going to be any faster going

cleaning up after break and it takes Dae’ Janique [Harris] and me another half hour after lunch,” Despite frequent reminders said Epicurean staff member Lise from school staff and the Eco- Eisenberg, “so about an hour [each council, students continue to leave day].” a mess of garbage and lunch remAdministration has taken note nants around the school, especially of the mess as well, noting that in the plaza and café. This issue such behavior is not acceptable at has caused dismay among café this level. and maintenance staff, who have “We have to appeal to people’s been forced to clean up after the responsibility and intelligence to students. recognize that this is a school and “I spend about half an hour you have to take care of your business and pick up after yourself,” said Dean of Students Lynne Hansen.

Hansen speculated that the difference this year might be due to changes on campus, especially where students spend their free time.

Olivia Lloyd “With the addiTrash left on tables in the cafeteria after lunch. tion of the ping-pong

table in the courtyard, there’s a lot more people who are sitting in the courtyard and having lunch and watching people play pingpong or whatever and they just lose track,” said Hansen.

Eisenberg was more openly frustrated with students’ behavior.

“I’ve been here ten years and this is the worst I’ve ever seen it, by far,” said Eisenberg. “I’ve seen two and three year olds that can keep a place cleaner than this.”

Senate is currently investigating ways to reduce the amount of tableware and trash left out.

“We are in discussion about it right now,” said Sophomore Representative Dezi Gallegos. “I feel that the only improvement would be instigating some sort of, I don’t want to say punishment, but something along those lines.”

Both Hansen and Gallegos emphasized that picking up after students is not the job of the café or maintenance staff.

“It’s not a good thing to do for so many reasons,” said Gallegos.

“It’s kind of mean to the people who go around our school and Olivia Lloyd h a v e t o Plates, cups, and food are left in the courtyard after lunch. clean up.”

Sophomore Ecocouncil mem“I think that when it’s brought ber Jessie Capper brought up an- to students’ attention,” said Hanother complaint about the mess. sen. “it makes people pretty aware “It’s a little disappointing,” of the fact that [leaving a mess] is said Capper, “because there is not okay.” trash everywhere and it’s such a beautiful campus that should be Additional Reporting by well cared for.”

Alex Claman Hansen expressed optimism that such friendly reminders had been effective to curb trash in the past and could do so again.

Students, teachers, faculty react to constant café mess Andrew Miller Copy Editor

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Features

Lauren Thomas Co-Editor in Chief Walking through the library or courtyard during lunch, one is likely to hear shouts of “split,” “dump,” and “peel” from groups of students huddled around tables, feverishly arranging small lettered tiles into words as they are aided and egged on by friends and spectators. This game, called “Bananagrams” because of the banana-shaped pouch the tiles come in, has taken the campus by storm.

“It’s like scrabble but without a board,” said senior Talia Krahling, “but better, because it’s an individual game and more fast-paced.”

Krahling estimates she plays Bananagrams almost every day at school, but she is far from alone. Dozens of students have adopted this craze and taken to playing during lunch, break, free

January 6, 2011

blocks, and after school. culture, as much a fixture as the get,” said Scheer. “It’s definitely er, have been sucked into this “Bananagrams is a fun way to ping-pong table these past few addicting. I find myself playing craze. Adults on campus embrace destress and bond with other peo- months. Scheer thinks that the Bananagrams on phone applica- the game as well. ple on a cold day in the library,” large following the game has at- tions, on the computer, and even “I think it’s a fascinating game,” said junior Yuriko Vaughn. tracted is no coincidence. in my head.” said Head Librarian Derek AnderBananagrams was first intro“The more I play, the better I Not only students, howev- son. “There’s a whole new atmoduced to the Marin Academy sphere in the library and I’m community by senior Maddy delighted to have bananagrams Scheer, who started the club as part of it.” “Bananagrams is with Krahling and fellow seencouraging both social and innior Lauren Phipps this Septellectual engagements without tember. using electronics.”

“The concept of the club What lies ahead for Bawas sort of my brain child,” nanagrams? said Scheer. “I played Ba “Because the three leadnanagrams quite a lot at the ers are seniors, it has been Mountain School and I startpretty hard to organize in the ed playing it during lunch middle of sports, college apwith a few friends. Once I plications, and homework,” saw how popular it was, I said Scheer. “However, you decided to create a club.” can plan on seeing more asAlthough the club does sembly announcements, more not advertise in the daily bulorganized club meetings, and letin nor does it hold formal definitely a Bananagrams tourLauren Thomas meetings, Bananagrams has nament.” become a part of the student Whether in the cafe, in the halls, or even the library floor, students play at all times.

Wildcat dreams: students and faculty plan for 2011 Everett Barger & Claire Shurz Staff Writers It is that time of the year when students and faculty alike look back on their accomplishments of the past year and look forward to what they would like to accomplish in the upcoming year. For some, the new year represents celebration and de-stressing, while, for others it’s the time to crack down and get to work. Community members share what they want to achieve in 2011.

“I want to get on my bike more. You should all sign up for my biking outing!

- Betsy Muir, history teacher

“I hope to have really good grades by the end of the year.”

- Sydney Block, ‘14

“I want to make varsity soccer next year.”

- Patrick Little, ‘13 “I want to drop the ring into the fires of Mordor.”

- Desiree Wattis, ‘11

“I want to be more committed to my schoolwork and my friends. I also hope to be able to trust people more easily.

- Alex Hartzell, ‘12

Image Citation: http://www.fotosearch.com/UNC117/u11453343/

“I would really love to befriend Matt Waxman this year.”

- Johnny Winston, ‘11

“I want to finish my homework on time for once.”

- Francisco Kilgore, ‘13

“I want to be number one in Starcraft in the world.”

- Graham Seamens, ‘11

“I want to start wearing my retainer every night.”

- Kate Kingsley, ‘12

“I would like to revisit Orcas Island in Washington, reread Anna Karenina, and learn to play the harmonica.

- Nancy Hoffman, history department chair

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Features

January 6, 2011

How we’ve changed and how we haven’t Average Class Size : 13 Credits Required : 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 3 years of Foreign Language, 2 years of Laboratory Science, 2 years of History, and 1 year of Creative Arts.

Unique Electives Offered : African History, Latin American Studies, and Computer Science

Average GPA of the Class of 1974: 3.62

MA Archives

The entire student body in 1974, the second year since the opening of the school, poses for a group shot on the natural-grass field.

Most Popular Colleges Attended: UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, University of Southern California

1 9 74

2010 Credits Required: 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 2 years of Foreign Language (up to the third level), 3 years of History, 2 years of Art.

Average Class Size: 15

Some Unique Electives Offered: International Relations, Number Theory, World History, and Poetry Most Popular Colleges Attended: UC Berkeley, UC Los Angeles, University of Southern California, New York University, Skidmore, Wesleyan

MA Archives

The graduating class in June of 2010, the 39th year since the opening of the school, poses for a group shot on the astro-turf field.

Writing and Reporting by Lucy Sogard and Neha Budhraja

Average GPA of Class of 2010 : 3.57

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Features

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Hot chocolate G

Turn winter into

January

Though it doesn’t snow around here, the wind and rain can leave students chilled to the bone- and what better way to warm up than with a steaming cup of hot chocolate? Whether you like yours rich or milky, sweet or strong, in a mug or (God forbid) a Styrofoam to-go cup, this childhood favorite is sure to warm your body and ease your mind. Here are the Bay Area’s best offerings, as suggested by Marin Academy students.

Peet’s

Ghirardelli’s

Hot chocolate CVCCCC: Peet’s hot chocolate is mild and creamy, with just a hint of milk-chocolate flavor; the best part is the thick layer of frothy foam floating on top.

Hot chocolate CVCCCC: Ghirardelli’s sweet, milky hot chocolate tastes like childhood. Both the simple flavor and the mass of whipped cream on top are sure to send you on a trip down memory lane.

Aroma

The Grove

Everywhere Small $2.45 Atmosphere CVCCCC: Peet’s and Starbucks may serve similar drinks, but Peet’s is clearly the quiet twin. While Starbucks is bustling and brightly lit with floor to ceiling windows and in-yourface advertisements, Peet’s is more subdued with its trademark coffeebrown décor.

Fourth Street, San Rafael Small $2.50 Atmosphere CVCCCC: Aroma is a lunchtime hotspot for many MA students, and for good reason. The red brick walls and the paintings, photographs, and posters that adorn them give Aroma a certain appeal.

The couch and computers with Wifi make it the perfect place both to get some work done, or to kick back and relax.

Hot chocolate CVCCCC: The hot chocolate is a little bit grainy, but the flavor is classic. Though it’s plenty sweet, the flavor is far from cloying.

Before a week of hot chocolatetasting trips, one would never have thought temperature would matter much- but it does, and Aroma’s is perfect.

Ghiradelli Square, San Francisco Small $3.25 Atmosphere CVCCCC: Ghirardelli Square is a tourist must-see, so naturally the café is full of tourists; its shelves are stacked high with brightly colored bags and boxes of chocolate, leaving room for only a few small tables shoved off to the side.

Avery Hale

The Depot Café

Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley Small $3.50 Atmosphere CVCCCC: The Depot Café and Bookstore is an effortlessly happy place. An open atmosphere and a friendly staff make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a free afternoon. The café itself is small, but a high ceiling and large, windowed doors that open onto the plaza give a spacious illusion.

Hot chocolate CVCCCC: The hot chocolate here is a foamy concoction, sweet to the last drop. The first few sips tasted strangely (but pleasantly) like honeysuckle.

Fillmore Street, San Francisco One size $3.80 Atmosphere XXCVCCCC: Stepping into the Grove is like stepping into a snow-covered ski lodge in cowboy country. The crackling fireplace adds a lot to the restaurant’s rustic atmosphere, and makes it the perfect place to step out of the city fog and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate CVCCCC: The hot chocolate is classically delicious, striking a perfect balance in texture and flavor: it’s a smooth, creamy, chocolaty cup of comfort. And on the off-chance that it doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, The Grove also serves cakes, organic fruit pies, giant homemade cookies, and Three Twins ice cream.

Atmosphere C===Order to-go CVC=Nothing specialVV CVCVCV=Kick back and relax CVCVCVCV=Impress a dateV CVCVCVCVCV=Your new home Hot Chocolate C=Send it backV=fmslk fsddsfsfsfdfddfdfdfdfdsdfsdCC V V=Lukewarm CVCVC=Hits the spot CVCVCVCV=Time for seconds CVCVCVCVCV=Chocoholic

It is norm however, stu refuge of the winter’s icy w “Granted senior Cara In a comm and relished that are mor to brave the “[I wear] m keep my feet Senior Ben to stay warm Others fin “My frien Eian Thoma Snugglin encourages.

“There ar Ying Fry. “Th Buena.”

Skating in whereas the bigger rink.

When it c seniors John skating and There are Westfield Ma of Air, and, o refuge on co Staying in “[We] stay sophomores “[I like to] sophomore M Seasonal f weather.

“My boyfr definitely co math teache Science te “I go to a C about as big

mal for students to dread going to class. Recently, udents have come to dread leaving the heated eir classrooms, forcing themselves to confront wrath. d it isn’t as cold here as it is in other places,” said Neal, “I still hate it!” munity where outdoorsmanship is both encouraged d, the cold weather can put a damper on activities re enjoyable when it is warm. Those willing enough 40-degree weather said layering is essential. multiple sweatshirts, long pants, and sneakers to t warm,” said Neal. n Bogin said he purchased a heated mattress pad m. “They’re the best things ever!” said Bogin. nd that the cool weather is advantageous. nds and I call it snuggle weather!” said freshman as. “That’s really how you stay warm.” ng is not the only activity that the chilliness

re lots of things to do when it’s cold,” said junior There’s ice skating in Union Square and in Yerba

n Union Square offers a holiday-themed experience, rink in Yerba Buena is more professional, with a

comes to planning a rendezvous in colder weather, nny Winston and Sophia Dauria said that “ice dinner afterwards” makes a good winter date. many other options as well: The Exploratorium, Mall, the California Academy of Sciences, the House of course, the movies all offer excitement and old winter days. n is always an option, too. y in, watch TV, and go in the hot tub,” said s Harry Cooke and Alexi Wattis. ] stay in, rent movies, and play tetris,” said Maia Sinaiko. foods can also be a source of warmth in the rainy

riend makes a mean tomato and basil soup, which omes into the mix when the weather gets cold,” said er Krista Tokarz. eacher Jon Bretan opts for soup as well.

Chinese restaurant,” said Bretan. “The bowl is as your head and it’s perfect for a cold day.”

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Features

o a wonderland

y 6, 2011

G HD F G FD How to build a fire G

If you want to warm up this winter, learn how to make your very own campfire.

Remember, no lighter fluids or synthetic fire starters, just good old natural resources.

Also, take all necessary safety precautions when dealing with fire. In other words, keep a clean and safe workspace, position yourself safely to avoid burns, and don’t play with fire! Here’s the how-to in making the perfect fire.

1. Pick a safe place

Many campsites have a designated fire pit, but if this resource isn’t available, you’ll have to make your own pit. Clear all dry leaves and sticks away from a flat dirt surface. If need be, gather a few large stones and place in a circle around the pit. Fireplaces are perfect alternatives if you’d rather stay indoors.

2. Gather tinder

The most common material for tinder is newspaper, so just rip out a page or two and crumple it into a ball. Repeat until you’ve created a small mound of tinder, which can be between 10 and 15 pieces of newspaper.

3. Place kindling

Next, gather small sticks or bark and place on top of tinder. There is no need to create an intricate formation, but allowing air to travel through the sticks and paper is key.

4. Arrange your wood

Here’s the tricky part. Arrange your wood in a triangle formation around the pile of tinder and kindling, but try not to crush what you’ve already made. Leave plenty of space for air to travel in and out.

5. Light your fire

Strike a match and light the tinder from two or three points around your fire. Blow air onto the flames to speed up the process and allow the kindling to catch fire. Now it’s time to admire your creation.

Remember to keep adding wood as you go and never leave a fire unattended.

Writing and reporting by Julia Irwin, Ilana Salant, Maddy Scheer, and Ella Storey l Layout and design by Katie Eiseman and Lauren Thomas

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A&E

January 6, 2011

The Island Five: albums we can’t live without If you were stranded on a desert island that happened to have a CD player, what five albums would you want to have with you to pass the time? Music has the unique ability to help people escape the stress and chaos of life. Our music preferences, however, can also give an insight into our characters. Here’s what a few Wildcats chose as their ‘Island Fve’: the five albums they simply cannot live without.

David LeCount

Miles McCreary

Nicole Stanton

“‘Legend’

by Bob Marley: It’s the best album ever. Period. ‘True and Livin’ by Zion I: [He] is probably my favorite rap artist and this album has a lot of songs on it that I listen to most every day, especially ‘Temperature,’ ‘Bird’s Eye View,’ and ‘I Need Mo.’ ‘Power In Numbers’

by Jurassic 5: After Zion I, Jurassic 5 is the rap/hip hop group that I listen to the most. I love this album mostly because of the songs ‘Freedom’ and ‘What’s Golden.’

‘Stadium Arcadium’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers: I’ve always really liked the Red Hot Chili Peppers and I like this album because it’s a really long album, 28 songs I think. ‘LP3’ by Ratatat: Ratatat doesn’t have any words in any of their songs so I always listen to them when I’m doing homework.”

“‘Immaculate Collection’

by Madonna: The music from my childhood.

I’m still singing them now. ‘Tigerlily’ by Natalie Merchant: The music of my college era. It reminds me of my friendships with certain people. ‘Back to Black’ by Amy Winehouse: I know every single word to every single song. She’s one of my favorite train wrecks, and I love her. ‘Rent’ “I saw it on Broadway in New York City with the original cast, and that was one of the highlights of the 90s. ‘Wild is the Wind’ by Nina Simone: Seeing her live just about a year before she died when I was in Michigan was just the highlight of my life.

I was so happy.”

Jiazhen Zhang

Alex Hartzell

“‘Gift of Silence’ by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It’s so nice.

It’s a guided meditation.

‘Cinema Paradiso Soundtrack’

by Ennio Morricone: It’s very melodious, and just sounds very romantic. ‘Amandla Soundtrack’ by various artisits: It’s got a lot of songs that are really powerful… the music has a lot of power and strength in it. ‘Rodrigo y Gabriela’ by Rodrigo y Gabriela: It’s really good to just get your spirit up. It’s happy music, and very lively. ‘Yankee Hotel Foxtrot’

by Wilco: It’s just very poetic.”

“‘Ready to Die’ by Biggie Smalls: He has no hesitation when it comes to talking about controversial topics. ‘Life After Death’ by Biggie Smalls: It reveals a darker side... the album is so good because of his ability to change his style and make it work so well. ‘2pac: Greatest Hits’ by 2pac: There are a huge range of topics… ‘2pacalypse Now’ by 2pac: 2pac brings up many issues… many of these songs are dark. ‘Me against the World’ by 2pac: 2pac strays from some of the more angry tracks and becomes mellower.”

“‘Dvořák’s N e w Wo r l d Symphony’ I never get tired of this piece, and have probably listened to it several hundred times. ‘Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony’ Any of Beethoven’s Symphonies are enduring works of genius, but this one always feels fresh and exciting. Beethoven’s ‘Kreutzer’ violin sonata with Itzhak Perlman, and Vladimir Ashkenazy: All the depth and excitement of Beethoven packed into 30 minutes and two instruments.

‘Chopin: The Piano Concertos’ Lang Lang is probably the most celebrated pianist playing today.

Everything he does is masterful.

‘Mozart’s Vespers’ [Mozart] did not especially like writing church music, but this is the closest thing to a conversation between angels that you will ever hear.”

for smaller artists to get their music out there.”

17 of 20 students interviewedsaid that they have downloaded at least one song illegally, a statistic that perpetuates the perception that many students on campus opt to download music illegally. According to PCWorld, almost two thirds of young adults download music illegally.

In 2009, iTunes changed its standard charge of 99 cents per song to a new deal with recording studios in which songs cost 69 cents, 99 cents, or $1.29.

“If you think about it, 99 cents to $1.29 is so big percentagewise…It’s ridiculous,” said junior Lyla Wilton.

Sophomore Peter Krebs agrees.

“ITunes is just way too expensive,” he said. “It’s a rip-off.”

According to an article by Nate Anderson featured in the technology news website “Ars Technica,” artists receive at least 12 percent of a music sale from however much the label receives from Apple,

which is generally about 70 percent of the total sale. Although this means that for a $1.29 download an artist only receives 11 cents, illegally downloading music prohibits artists from receiving any commission from sales at all.

“I try not to illegally download music from smaller artists,” said sophomore August Larmer. “Bigger artists who already have a lot of money don’t need it as much.

Like, Kanye [West] doesn’t need me to pay for his songs.”

Sophomore Zane Morrissey recognizes the economic value in paying for any form of music.

“By illegally downloading music, you’re disrespecting the artist,” said Morrissey. “You’re ripping them off. So if you respect that musician, you will pay for their music.”

Debate over paying for music or illegally acquiring it is not a new topic. Dean of Students Lynne Hansen offers her opinion.

“I think [illegally downloading or acquiring music] is a gray

Reporting by Greig Stein and Charlotte Lobdell

Pirates of the world despair as Limewire dies Lena Felton & Tess Winston Staff Writers News flash: pirates have been illegally downloading software.

Or, that is, students have been partaking in illegal software piracy.

Recently, illegal music downloading has been thrust into the media spotlight. A court order was issued to the company Limewire in October to stop “distributing [its] software,” which has been at the forefront of the illegal music downloading movement.

Acquistion, a program similar to Limewire, also recently stopped working.

“I think that the loss of Limewire is both good and bad,” said senior Gray Bender. “It is true that artists weren’t paid because of illegal downloading, but it also takes away a way of sharing music and brings things one step closer to the regulated mainstream industry of iTunes and other businessoriented music distributors like Amazon. It also makes it harder

Tess Winston

area for a lot of people,” said Hansen. “We used to make cassette copies of music, so I don’t draw a real hard line in the sand about it at home.”

A host of illegal piracy sites provide temptation for many people as the Internet becomes a rampant entity in our society. Bit Torrent programs, such as Vuze, allow for illegal computer-tocomputer data sharing. Known as “P2P” programs, these are extremely accessible and easy to download.

If students are found using these types of sites at school, though, punishment may ensue.

“The following activities are not permitted on MA computers,” said Hansen, quoting from the handbook. “The handbook lists a bunch of rules… and then yes, violating copyright laws or software licenses. Which means that you could face disciplinary action for using illegal software.”

The Recording Industry Association of America, or RIAA, has made efforts since as early as 2003 to stop illegal music downloading. However, whether there is effort to stop the cultural fixation or not, music piracy will remain an inexorable topic of dispute as long as music, successful hackers, computers, and the Internet exist.

Sea pirates may be an enormously diminished population, but from the looks of it, music piracy in our community is far from extinct.

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A&E

January 6, 2011

Winter play brings Pulitzer Prize to campus Sam Pritzker A&E Editor From February 3 – 5, the Marin Academy theater company will perform its rendition of playwright Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize winning “The Skin of Our Teeth.”

“It tells the story of mankind struggling to overcome various cataclysms,” said Director David Sinaiko, “and it is unflinching in its look at humans – displaying both our good sides and bad.”

While the story is complex, it will be both comprehensible and entertaining.

“The story focuses around the Antrobuses, a typical, suburban family,” said junior Tyler Sylla. “It starts during the ice age

and follows the family through human history. The plot line is fairly intricate but definitely enjoyable.”

Furthermore, unlike the fall production of “The Cradle will Rock,” a musicheavy piece, “The Skin of Our Teeth” is a straight play.

“I’m hoping that [the production] will be both profound and comical without there needing to be too much music involved,” said Sinaiko. “Nevertheless, there will be some music integrated into the play, which MA musicians will be performing live.”

The winter play has also garnered much more interest among the student body, with an unprecedented 70 students auditioning for this production. A vast majority of the auditioners have been seniors.

“I’ve never auditioned for a

play before and that was my motive behind auditioning for this one,” said senior Grace Lukach. “It was fairly laid back, too. I kept thinking to myself, ‘this is your last chance!’ I figure once I’m out of high school I won’t really have an opportunity Anna Kelly like this again.”

Underclassmen will also be largely represented in the production, with some of the more prominent roles being played by freshmen Lena Redford and Max Banta, as well as sophomores Lucy Flemming and Sarah Guilbaut.

“I’m thrilled that we have a large amount of underclassmen in the production – as long as they don’t start taking my thunder, fire, or lines,” said senior Ryan Fugate.

“Moreover, there are few plays in the world that capture the human essence as well as this one. It’s one of the strangest things I’ve ever read, but I remember walking away [from it] with a real sense of accomplishment. Upon seeing the play, I imagine you will too – or you might just be confused.”

SHOW TIMES

Fri 7:30: MA Theater Sat 6:30: MA Theater

Jan. concert will rock your soul (/jazz/acoustic/reggae) Annie Warner Staff Writer

Our very own rock, jazz, soul, acoustic, and reggae bands will be having their first concert of the year from January 13-15. This year there is an addition to the usual concert schedule.

“We have a matinée, which is new,” said Music Director Bob Schleeter. “Typically we have around 20 seniors in the music program, however, this year we had more like 30. We added a class [reggae] to accommodate those extra students, and so we have an extra show for them.” “[The matinée] is mainly to feature the reggae band, which is great,” said junior Evy Roy, a member of the soul band, “Soultree”.

The matinée is not the only new addition, though.

“This year, we’re experimenting with doing a more elaborate video…very professional,” said Schleeter. “We’d really like a lot of people to buy that.” The MA music program will also be launching a new website, which should be up around the time of the concert.

Each band has a separate focus, a culminating theme that is displayed in its concerts.

“Everyone has an inspiration per year, and all the bands each have a really great song,” said Roy. And some of those songs might surprise you. The rock band, for example, is changing things up.

“This year rock has been heading in a fairly unique direction,” said senior band-member Gabe Beaudoin. “We are playing songs

Bob Schleeter

by a few electronic artists such as Breakbot and Deadmau5, but still staying true to the classic rock feel of Led Zeppelin.”

And the rock band isn’t the only one with a variety of tastes.

“The soul band is in one word: funky,” said Roy. “We find a lot of inspiration from great singers: Stevie Wonder, Chaka Kahn and Ledisi.”

The jazz band is mixing traditional jazz with student talent.

“The biggest inspiration for our jazz band is probably Chick Corea,” said Beaudoin. “Sturdy Adams, our keyboardist/pianist/ keytarist also influences our band’s sound, and we will be playing one of his original tunes.”

Meanwhile, reggae incorporates a wide spectrum of songs and styles.

Bob Schleeter

“Reggae has a wide range, reggae to contemporary, fusing rock/ pop/reggae, everything,” said Schleeter.

To Schleeter, one band truly stands out and a large portion of this success is attributed to the band’s strong foundation players.

“They’ve kept the same foundation for three years, Grace [Lukach], Simon [Linsteadt] and Desirée [Wattis],” said Schleeter, “And the additions of Nancy [Degnan] and Alexi [Wattis] just pull it all together.”

Alexi Wattis, one of the newcomers to the band agrees. “[Grace, Simon and Desirée] provide a really solid core of the band,” said Wattis. “It’s obvious when playing with them that they’ve been working together for three years.”

Bob Schleeter

MA’s acoustic (“The Dangs”), soul (“Soultree”), rock (“Led Cheitlin”), and reggae bands will perform from January 13 - 15 in their first concert of the year.

But, Wattis admits, this made joining the band a bit difficult.

“It was a little scary coming into this band because they are all such talented musicians, but it encouraged me to try even harder to get to their level. There is a really good chemistry between everyone, and we all hold up very key parts in the band.”

The concert usually sells out, and this year should be no different. “Get your tickets early and come to the concert!” Said Roy. “Get up there and dance!”

CONCERT LINEUP

Thu 7:00: Jazz, Soul Rock Fri 3:30: Jazz, Reggae, Rock Fri 7:30: Accoustic, Soul Sat 7:30: Accoustic, Rock, Reggae

Bob Schleeter

10

Opinion

January 6, 2011

Breaking free from the cyberprison The Challenge:

I don’t know about you, but my parents are constantly on my case about spending too much time on the Internet or in front of other electronics. They say it makes me more tired, less smart, and causes me to sleep fewer hours. Now, usually, the thought that they might be right doesn’t enter the equation during an argument with the parental unit, but I thought that they might be on to something. So, I decided to ban myself from the Internet (for anything besides homework), TV, etc for an entire schoolweek.

This couldn’t be too hard, right? Right?

Day 1:

Uh oh. This is going to be more difficult than I thought. Even though I hardly ever watch TV during the school week, my resolve for going along with the ban is being tested as Monday Night Football is airing right when I get home. Luckily, two terrible teams are playing so I can’t be missing much. Still, it’s disconcerting not to know what’s going on in the game, so I have to call my 10-year-old brother into my room for updates.

In terms of using the Internet, it is a little strange because I’m so used to immediately going to Facebook and ESPN. com as soon as I turn on my computer. Somehow it feels like I’ve lost purpose in life…

Day 2:

Day 3:

Things are starting to get interesting. With a lighter-than-usual load of homework, have I gotten a jump-start on projects now that I’m not being distracted by sports scores and friends?

Clearly a rhetorical question. Instead, I have invented new ways to procrastinate, which include gazing at my blank computer screen for five minutes straight, taking inordinately long trips to the kitchen and bathroom, and playing the drums on my desk. I’m starting to think that the Internet has me whipped…

Okay, fine, you caught me. I slipped, okay? I couldn’t help it. I had to know what was going on in the sports world. I need my ESPN fix, and I’m not doing too well with this whole Internet rehab business. And all right, maybe I checked Facebook too, but it was only for a second! I swear! I was asking about homework and I saw an embarrassing picture of a friend of mine and I had to look at it. It sucked me in!

You don’t know what this is like!

Day 4:

I am proud to report that yours truly has turned the corner. I managed to resist the temptress that is the Internet all night, and I didn’t even feel much desire, if any, to go on it. Dare I say…I think I’m starting to like not being on the Web. I’ve actually been more efficient with my work and I might have even shaved what amounts to an hour off of my total homework time. I have got to say, this is a weird sensation—not least of which because my parents might have actually been right about something. It’ll be sweet dreams tonight for me. Peace out, I think I’m a changed man! http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs20/f/2007/271/0/e/Parchment_Paper_Texture_by_sinnedaria.jpg

Free at last!!!

Ok, that was a lot harder than I thought it would be. It was sort of like running a marathon: at the beginning, it felt like I wasn’t going to make it, but I just kept my eyes on the prize and pushed on.

Being essentially shut out from the outside world is a disconcerting experience. In an age when any information we want, any interaction we desire, is at our fingertips, it ended up being refreshing taking a step back from it all. I’ve always been convinced that while Facebook is awesome because you can connect with everybody, it really is just the ultimate evil. You don’t really realize it until it’s too late, but that thing is about as addictive as crack. I’m even questioning the value of ESPN. And if I just doubted ESPN, you know something serious is going on.

Unfortunately, I don’t think that I’m made out to make this ban a habit…I couldn’t hide the smile on my face when I realized I was allowed to be on the Internet again. And I’ve already checked my notifications on Facebook. And the scoreboards.

Sigh. I’ve been sucked back in.

Writings, doodles, and frustrations by Op-Ed Editor Max Weiss

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Editors-in-Chief Editors-in-Chief Katie Eiseman Katie Eiseman Lauren Thomas Lauren Thomas News Editor News Editor Ruby James Ruby James Features Editor Features Editor Neha Budhraja Neha Budhraja Op-Ed Editor Op-Ed Editor Max Weiss Max Weiss Sports Editor Sports Editor Marshall Levensohn Marshall Levensohn Managing Editor Managing Editor Riley Champine Riley Champine A&E Editor A&E Editor Sam Pritzker Sam Pritzker Copy Editors Copy Editors Olivia Lloyd Olivia Lloyd Andrew Miller Andrew Miller Faculty Advisor Faculty Advisor Mary Collie Mary Collie

Staff Staff Everett Barger Everett Barger Alex Claman Alex Claman Lena Felton Lena Felton Avery Hale Avery Hale Julia Irwin Julia Irwin Charlotte Lobdell Charlotte Lobdell Adam Perlstein Adam Perlstein Ilana Salant Ilana Salant Claire Schurz Claire Schurz Maddy Scheer Maddy Scheer Eric Slamovich Eric Slamovich Allie Smithr Allie Smith Lucy Sogard Lucy Sogard Greig Stein Greig Stein Ella Storey Ella Storey Anie Warner Annie Warner Matt Waxman Matt Waxman Tess Winston Tess Winston

11

Sports

January 6, 2011

Ready, set... Dodgeball!

Marshall Levensohn Sports Editor Dodge, duck, dip, and dive!

The Dodgeball Club has hit the community head-on and has created a strong following throughout the school. For some, the big, red, rubbery balls of the Dodgeball Club have become not just a passion, but a way of life.

“Brett [Cutler], Isaac [Pollan] and I created Dodgeball Club for a couple of basic reasons,” said senior and co-leader of the Dodgeb all C lu b

Nic Titus. “We had been talking about making a dodgeball club for some time and I finally realized that I was sick of just talking about it.When we realized that many of the teachers we talked to thought it was a good idea, we knew that we had to go through with making Dodgeball Club so that we and all those who wanted to play could just have fun and enjoy a competitive outlet with their friends.”

Many believe that the Dodgeball Club has been a success thus far.

“It’s gone well,” said senior and co-leader Brett Cutler. “It has taken time to get the [supervisors] necessary, but so far so good.”

Students think that the Dodgeball Club, which meets during lunch, has added fun to the typical school day. “[Dodgeball] is an exciting thing to do during lunch that strays away from the usual sitting in the cafeteria,” said sophomore Sam Korol.

The Dodgeball Club has also received both approval and participation from the faculty.

“I’ve been really impressed with the fact that a group of students decided they wanted this to happen and they’re making this happen,” said physics teacher and Dodgeball Club faculty supervisor Ken Lanik. “I’ve supervised games a couple of times and when I’ve been up there it’s

been very efficient in terms of getting games going and making sure that everyone gets a chance to play. I think they’re doing a really good job in making things happen.”

Although there is even a faculty dodgeball team in the Marin Academy Dodgeball League (MADL), a freshman team is yet to exist.

“Upperclassmen tend to

Marin Academy Dodgeball League

not like underclassmen playing or doing the same things that they’re doing,” said freshman Lena Redford.

However, the actions of upperclassmen may be misconstrued by freshmen.

“Yeah, we throw the ball hard and will probably get you out,” said senior Brett Suddendorf.

“But high school is fun and you shouldn’t sacrifice fun for fear.”

Another topic of concern is how level the playing field is with boys and girls competing both with and against each other in the MADL. “Dodgeball Club brings all sorts of different people together in a competitive, but fun way,” said junior Alex Moss-Bolaños.

“Having a chance to play against girls is rare and really fun. It’s also not quite as easy as you think. It’s a great workout.”

The girls participating in the MADL have not shied away from the competition and have become a force in the league.

“It was fun competing in a game where the playing field was relatively equal between ladies and gentlemen,” said junior Meredith Parish. “I got two boys out, so that’s what’s up.”

The Dodgeball Club has some big plans for progressing through

the season and improving the club.

“We’re trying to have game days twice a week where we’ll have about eight to ten teams play two games each during the last two thirds of lunch,” said Cutler. “We’ll probably run through January or February and then head into the MADL playoffs.”

The leaders of the Dodgeball Club are committed to helping the club progress and be an overall fun experience for all students and faculty.

“[The] leaders of dodgeball have set out with the mission to unite the school through pain, suffering, discomfort, and a general fear of the big red rubber ball we call fate,” said senior and co-leader Isaac Pollan. “Since many teens of our era have been deprived of the intense trauma of being domed to the face by big, red, rubbery balls during elementary school physical education, Marin Academy Dodgeball seeks to enlighten the MA community of those joyous experiences.

Deep down in our hearts, we know the welts and bruises will only make us stronger.”

MADL TEAMS Jael Team Muff Old Spice Team Happy Berb’s Python Ferocius Faculty Thunderball Green Eggs & Balls Balls To The Face Small Balls Taylor Gang Average Bros Team Chill

Additional reporting by Matt Waxman Photos by Riley Champine

12

Sports

January 6, 2011

Strength, speed, skill: staying fit in the offseason After months of building brawny and lithe bodies and searching for league titles, student-athletes are often left without a training schedule when their Marin Academy sports seasons end. However, unbeknownst to most students, coaches and trainers recommend several ways to stay in shape during the offseason.

“For general fitness, [a way to stay in shape] would be a combination of aerobic exercise and strengthening,” said Athletic Trainer Aaron Gill.

Although it is hard to maintain the sport-specific skills that a player gains throughout the course of the season, there are many ways to preserve general health.

“Play another sport,” said Athletics Director and Lacrosse Coach Josh Frechette. “You can’t replace the competition you’re going to have with workouts in the gym and other places. I encourage [students] to play as many sports here at MA

as they can.” pumping exercises Junior Charlotte Marx designed to transform agrees with Frechette and your body from reguswims to stay fit for her lar to ripped in just 90 winter basketball season. days.”

On weekends and over the Most coaches adsummer, when there are no mit that the regimentsports, Marx holds a gym ed training system membership. seems like a good “I swim at the Y someidea as it combines times,” said Marx, “and for nutritional informabasketball I just do strength tion with aerobic and Students use the on-campus gym during the offseason. training, and also running, anerobic workouts, and other aerobic training.” but have not heard “Each pose either targets your about student-athletes participatSome athletes participate in flexibility, strength, or health,” ing in P90X. other practices.

“Yoga, pilates, anything like that said junior Anwen Baumeister. “It Captains of many sports teams that’s not just on the machine or definitely helps you stay in shape. have taken initiative and started straight ahead is really good for the Since heat is added to the yoga their own informal practices durbody,” said Gill. “It’s more for flex- poses, you get a good cardiovas- ing the off-season. Although a ibility and static strength—meaning cular work out as well as building Bay Counties League (BCL) rule strength in one position. Whereas flexibility and strength.” prevents high school coaches In addition to guided yoga prac- from holding mandatory practices strengthening as in lifting weights tices, there are rumors of a few before a set date for their teams, is more dynamic strength.”

Yoga is not limited to the slow, seniors testing a program called coaches often hold unofficial trainmeditative activities that are as- Power 90 Extreme (P90X). Ac- ings or tell the team captains to sociated with the practice. In Bi- cording to the program’s website lead certain exercises. kram Yoga, people do 90-minute and several online testimonials, The lacrosse team, which has sessions comprised of 26 poses of P90X is “a revolutionary system found increasing success in the power yoga in a 105 degree room. of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle- past three years, has already started Olivia Lloyd

Olivia Lloyd Copy Editor

captains’ practices for the spring season.

“It really came from the kids; the off-season captains and the kids on the team were like ‘let’s get going,’” said Frechette.

Coaches agree that offseason practices are a great way to stay in shape and rebuild skills, and they also benefit team camaraderie.

“It helps with team bonding and building,” said Frechette.

For those more inclined to be out in nature, the Bay Area has thousands of trails that lend themselves to all skill levels of running, hiking and mountain biking. Many students say that they enjoy hiking with friends.

“There are a lot of trails and fire roads that are a lot softer on the body than asphalt and concrete are,” said Gill. “My favorites are in Ross and up into Fairfax.”

While coaches and athletes may not always see eye-to-eye on the best off-season training methods, all agree that doing something helps.

Athletes beware... theater kids are on the prowl Ryan Fugate

Marshall Levensohn Sports Editor

ML: Do you plan on making the Summer Olympics in London? If so, how are you training for the event?

RF: I’m planning on drinking a lot of protein shakes and making some of my own montages.

ML: What actor do you look up to and what actor do you consider yourself most similar to?

RF: Robert Downey Jr. is my hero.

I don’t know, though; I’ve always seen myself as a Brad Pitt type character, but Marshall Levensohn you never know, maybe a Leonardo Di Caprio.

ML: What are your personal and team goals for the 2010-2011 improv season?

RF: [I would like] to make it to and win the finals and to create a strong junior and sophomore class representation so they can carry on the club in future years.

ML: How do you “honor the game” as a theater athlete?

RF: I try not to hit anyone and only occasionally do I yell insults. Some of our competitors have been hit in the past. Meera Garriga literally was punched in the face.

ML: How did it feel last year during NCS coming so close to the title, but falling short?

RF: It was heartbraking especially after all of the inspiring pep talks that I wrote down. We really did improv our hearts out, but it was devastating losing to the Chinese National Team.

Meera Garriga

ML: Do you have any pregame rituals that you do before you take the stage?

MG: I listen to loud pump up music and stand in place punching the air repeatedly.

ML: What are your personal and team goals for the 2010-2011 season?

MG: I want to beat the poetry slam in the number of people we can fit into the BBLC Lecture Hall.

ML: Why should MA students come to theater games over other sports?

MG: Because we’re better! Theater Marshall Levensohn is making a beautiful art and sports is playing childish games. Therefore improv is making beautiful art out of childish games.

ML: What sets you apart from other theater athletes?

MG: I don’t practice, I’m not funny, and I don’t show up to rehearsals.

ML: As a junior, are you getting recruited to play for any teams in college?

MG: I’m being recruited by every Ivy League school after they saw my performance against the Chinese National Team.

Additional reporting by Eric Slamovich