November 4, 2011 Volume XV Issue 1
What’s in this Issue
A World Without Tests George and Koller create a new curriculum that wipes out tests
Gabby Ross Features Editor
Revenger’s Tragedy takes on NCTC
Northwest teachers are always looking for ways to help their students learn. Chemistry teacher Donald Koller and social studies teacher Aaron George did just this by completely altering their grading systems. Their classes are now test- free zones. Koller’s grading system is what he calls “brain-based.” He came across the idea while watching his daughter over the summer. “We all know how much the brain soaks up after only a yearand-a-half, and so I was thinking how should I be interacting with her and help her brain develop,” Koller said. “I read a book on that specifically for those under 2-years-old, and it told me about what kinds of activities I could be doing and this got me thinking, how much does this apply to high school? “The big answer is flexibility and choice.” Koller’s new grading system allows students to choose their grades and activities from C, B, and A layer assignments. Students have several assignments they can choose from such as online lectures, worksheets or labs where students can get their points. “I think it gives the students better opportunities to work on assignments they’re better at, rather than what is required by the teacher,” said sophomore and chemistry student Zoe Reddig. Koller said he did a lot of planning for this year and has noticed student interaction has increased and hopes to see more positive results. George’s grading system has only changed for his AP U.S History class. Unlike Koller’s A,
Page 3 Invisible Children Frontline Tour stops at Northwest Page 4 An overview of 5 out of the 17 school board candidates Page 5 Take a tour of Pawnee, Ind. with a review of Parks and Recreation Page 7 Gay Marriage ban on the ballot for May 2012
Photo by Samantha Sabin
Chemisty teacher Donald Koller grades student’s unit sheets, a part of his brand new curriculum
B, and C level grades, George isn’t giving out grades at all. In his class students can only achieve “at standard” or will receive their paper back with the message “needs improvement.” “I like it,” junior Claire Lucas said, an AP U.S. History student. “The new grading system actually makes things a bit easier for me by taking off some of the pressure that a normal grading system might produce.” George’s goal is to make sure his students learn the material taught in class.
“I think the main reason I changed it is because I see so many students trying to focus on achieving that A, working towards a temporary goal,” George said, “but to get an A on a test you don’t necessarily have to learn anything, you just have to memorize everything.” A student who turns in an assignment and receives a “needs improvement” has two more chances to turn in his assignment to achieve an “at standard.” Those who do not re-submit their assignment will receive an F.
“I want everyone to get an A, which is why I’m giving them multiple chances to be at standard,” George said. “For AP, there are high standards, but I want them to be able to achieve those standards.” George is using this year as a trial period, not only for his students but for him as well. If his new grading system works out for his AP students he may apply the same system for all of his classes.
The Importance of Anti-Bullying in Schools Guest Speaker talks to Northwest’s GSA about new anti-bullying policies
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School News Features Opinion
intermission
Samantha Sabin Editor-in-Chief
2-3 4-6 7-8
Northwest School of the Arts 1415 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216
Anne Tompkins is sitting in a room with fourth graders. She has everybody go around the room and say what they like. One student says he enjoys Pokemon but that his fellow classmates tease him about it. But the Pokemonloving fourth grader does not care. “I like Pokemon. It’s my thing. Back off,” he says. Tompkins is proud because she believes students should be taught early on to embrace their unique characteristics.
“I asked them ‘Why do you like Lady Gaga? Because she’s like everybody else?,’” Tompkins said.“ And they said ‘No. Because she’s different.’” Tompkins serves as a U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Every so often, she visits and works with the school’s chapter of the Gay-StraightAlliance (GSA) to gain equality. Tompkins is one of four openly gay U.S. attorneys in the nation. On October 6, Tompkins and GSA discussed the importance of anti-bullying
policies and their stance on the proposed gay marriage ban amendment. “People are afraid of what’s different,” Tompkins said. “We have this weird way of wanting to be the same.” Tompkins said students can’t always rely on the teacher or other adult figures to bring up the issue. She said one in 25 teachers see it, but do not think it is their place to interfere in a bullying situation. “What you see a lot of the time is people suffering in silence,” Tompkins said. “It’s the fear that it’s going to make
you a worse target to say ‘this happened to me.’” To combat against bullying, GSA plans to draft a proposal for a new policy that asks for a confidential reporting process. They hope this will put any bully victim’s worries at ease. “It’s not just about being against it, it’s about doing something about it,” senior Dorrie Hankins said during the discussion. Tompkins suggests that GSA partner with other chapters in Charlotte and organize ways to educate See Tompkins page 6
2news Very Important Dates
Nov. 4, 2011
Give a vote, Get a note Northwest competes for $50,000 prize from GLEE
Nov. Beauty 4-6 and the Beast
7pm, 3pm, 7pm
Nov. Picture 8-9 Day Nov. Game On 4:30-6 pm 10 Nov. No School 23-25 Dec. Chicago The 2-3 Musical
7pm, 3pm, 7pm
Dec. 5
Spring Musical Workshop
Dec. Winter 9-10 Dance
Concert 7 pm
Dec. Piano Recital 12 7 pm
Dec. MS Chorus 13
Concert 7 pm
Dec. HS 9-10 Chorus
Concert 7 pm
Dec. Winter 19-30 Break For more calendar events go to www.cms.k12.nc.us
Senior Laura John shows support for Northwest by voting for the school at the Glee Give a Note site
Naja Richburg News Editor Northwest is constantly coming up with innovative ways to use the students’ talent to raise money. This year Northwest is trying to get help from a television show called GLEE. GLEE is donating $1,000,000 to at-risk music programs to schools all across the country. In order to enter the contest the schools must upload a video to the GLEE Give a Note website. Schools all over America are submit-
ting videos to showcase their school’s talent with hopes of winning one of the cash prizes. Northwest’s video was recorded and edited by Nathan Lampone, the school’s Audition Coordinator. “Dr. Bowe told me about the contest about three weeks ago,” Lampone said. “I went around the school with my camera for five days and filmed different art classes rehearsing. I recorded the audio track separately. Those are NWSA students singing.” In the video, the students are singing “Do You Hear the
People Sing” from the musical Les Miserables. This song really resonated with Lampone for the contest. “As I edited the video, I realized that I wanted to make the lyrics ‘Hear the people sing’ stand out and echo, sending the message to GLEE to ‘please help us keep our curtain open through your funding.’ That’s when I decided to go back and film our auditorium curtain closing,” Lampone said. This shot is used for the closing of the video. Plans are already being formed for the distribution
Photo by Samantha Sabin
of the cash prize. The school hopes to purchase new sheet music for the chorus and musical theatre departments along with new sound equipment. They also wish to purchase new instruments so that each student can have their own regardless of any financial issues at home. Northwest is in the top ten out of 398 videos as of Oct. 20. Students and faculty are both exuding a lot of school spirit to try and gain votes for the school. Until the first level of the competition ends on Nov. 7, Northwest will keep its hopes high.
Students Speak Out About Dress Code Policies Some students are not happy with it while others understand why it’s there Lincoln Frye Layout Staff “Dress Code.” When students hear these words, they groan. The administration has imprinted it in the students’ mind. In the past, most teachers hardly ever enforced it, but this year, NWSA is cracking down on what students can and cannot wear. “It’s important to have a dress code,” junior Sally Niven said, “but I just feel like they are taking it too far this year.” As of this year, no scarves can be worn inside the building, announced Assistant
Principal Marshall Gore. But, “I really do not like the a few weeks later, he said, three figure rule because “Scarves may be worn as acsometimes it gets really hot cessories to girls outfits. outside and in the class“They are not to [be] worn rooms,” junior Molly Sullivan as a head covering. The dress said. “The rule to me just code criterion doesn’t make mainly addressany sense.” es bandanas “The reat’s not my (red/blue) and son there is rule. It is CMS’s other gang cola dress code rule.” ored items.” is so that a -Marshall Although student will Gore it is not a new be nonaddition to disruptive to the dress code, the learning, teachers have begun heavily educational environment,” enforcing the “three finger said Gore, reading aloud from rule,” which says the shirt’s the CMS hand book. straps must be at least three “It’s not my rule. It is fingers wide at the shoulder. CMS’s rule.”
“I
Students like junior Gabriela Celecia believe the dress code is oppressing their individuality. “I think that students should be able to express themselves and the dress code is stopping that,” Celecia said. Senior Jasmine Foster agrees with her. “Although I think a dress code is super important, I think that students should at least have some freedom of choice in what they wear,” Foster said.
Nov. 4, 2011
Clubs raise money at Northwest Fest FCCLA raises cash for NYC trip
intermissiononline.com
Clubs promote themselves at NW Fest Photo Slideshow:
Hundreds protest at Occupy Charlotte Feature:
Photo by Samantha Sabin
Senior Dorrie Henkins reads tarot cards to Northest students at the GSA booth
considering their amount of merchandise, Castillo said. FCCLA is becoming sparse at Northwest, and is in need of new members, Castillo said. To join, students must talk to CTE teacher Barabra Wesselman, the faculty adviser. Many events are planned, such as a trip to New York City in March, in which they will visit Mood Fabrics, Inc. and the Manhattan Fashion District.
Leadership’s Response
Some students felt that the event suffered because of the rain. Sophomore Brianna Cleggett said “meh.” when asked if she enjoyed the event. Student leadership had to adapt to torrential rain before the event. Junior Emily Mason, a member of leadership
said, “‘student leadership planned to have it out in the field behind the gym, but because of the rain, it had to be indoors. We think everyone had a good time anyway” Despite the location of Northwest Fest, most students were still enthusiastic.
Revenger’s Tragedy has a new twist Steam punk influences modernize this classic play Joneka Percentie Business Manager As the lights fade, the audience erupts in applause. Only a few characters of the original cast have survived the final scene, and the macabre, and darkly funny play has ended. “The Revenger’s Tragedy,” a dark comedy set in 17th century Italy by Thomas Middleton, tells the story of lust, ambition, and vengeance in the Italian court. The play attracted the attention of theatre teacher and director Bonnie Fraker because of its “dark, witty, and over the top” tone. What made this year’s North Carolina Theatre Conference play different from previous was the steam punk style that incorporated science-fiction and Victorian era British culture. “I thought that steam punk would work with all of the evil yet funny characters in this play, and I hoped that the style might appeal to NWSA students, so
Intermission Online Exclusives Photo Slideshow:
Brittany Rowell Staff Writer
Among the diverse clubs at Northwest Fest, FCCLA was successful because of their jewelry and hair accessories. FCCLA (Family Community and Career Leaders of America) is a national, non-profit organization for those who have an interest in Apparel and Fashion Merchandising. The club sold “hip, trendy, and cute” merchandise, which separated them from the other clubs, said Manolo Castillo, sophomore and member. They sold feather earrings, feather hair extensions, hair flowers and button rings. They raised a total of $120, all of which goes into helping the Apparel Department prepare and costume Northwest shows. Castillo said the earrings were a huge success, but with the popularity of their booth, there was a possibility of theft amidst the crowd. According to Castillo, several students crowded the booth at once, all requesting the popular feather earrings. More earrings disappeared than the amount sold. Despite the missing earrings, FCCLA still made a large profit,
news 3
Photo by John Fraker
Kristian Andrewson plays Vindici in The Revenger’s Tradgedy
that they would take a chance on seeing a play they might not normally see,” said Fraker. Costume design and Apparel students Shelby Mills, Lauren
Pennebaker, Jacky Crosier, and Arrietta van der Voot worked to create the steam punk costumes. Women’s attire included corsets, petticoats, and top hats; men’s
attire included tights, calflength coats, and aviator goggles. Theatre tech classes created the steam punk influenced set that included gears and clockwork designs with bronze and silver accents. Students were even encouraged to dress in steam punk and received a discounted ticket price if they embodied the spirit of the show. “I think our student designers and crew did a great job in creating the steam punk costumes and sets. The NCTC judges will be impressed by the fact that both were created by students,” said Fraker. Fraker’s interpretation of Middleton’s cynical play proved to be successful. “I chose ‘The Revenger’s Tragedy’ because I read it in college and liked it, but had never seen it performed. I like to direct plays that I haven’t seen so that I’m not influenced by the way another director has done the same play.”
Uncovering the 7th Street Riddle Review:
Teen girl magazine unlike the others Feature
Dance teacher Brian Winn on life at Northwest
Intermission wants you! Do you want your voice to be heard at Northwest? Do you love to write? Come to Ms. Wesselman’s room, E 134 at 8am, on the first B day of every week. Want to write a review for our book blog? Send reviews to us at: Intermissionbookblog@gmail.com
4 features
Nov. 4, 2011
IC’s Frontline Tour stops at Northwest Invisible Children’s Frontline Tour hosts a screening of ‘Tony’ Joneka Percentie Business Manager The auditorium filled with cheers; students wiped their eyes, others wrote down information, some stifled cries that seem uncontrollable; emotions were rampant at Northwest’s chapter of Invisible Children’s most recent event, the Frontline Tour. Although the club has had movie screenings in the past, this one ignited a response unlike any other. “It was more personal you could feel Tony’s pain, after the movie everyone wanted to be very involved,” said senior Kayleigh Mace, secretary of Northwest’s Invisible Children’s Chapter. Invisible Children is a national organization whose
main goal is to use the power of media to bring awareness of the abduction and abuse of children in Africa. For the past 25 years, children in Northern Uganda have been kidnapped from their homes, and used as soldier’s in rebel Joseph Kony’s war against the government. The Lords Resistance Army is a part of the longest-running war in Africa. The war has spread to surrounding areas of Uganda including the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan. The Frontline Tour visited Northwest featuring Invisible Children’s new documentary “Tony.” It follows the friendship of Tony Bazila and Invisible Children filmmakers and the hardships and challenges he faced after being kidnapped into the LRA. Brenda, a victim of the LRA from northern Uganda, was present at the screening. Brenda has spent the past year as a roadie, or volunteer, for invisible children. Having firsthand witness the violence and terror of the war, she said “it’s time for us to do something, and end the longest war.” Brenda said “they are making
differences, they are changing lives,” Brenda said In regards to chapters across the country that have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Invisible Children. After the “Tony” screening, Mace was bombarded with requests to join the Invisible Children, “everyone was moved and wanted to get involved.” The Invisible Children organization has been supported by middle school, high school, and college chapters around the country. Northwest’s chapter began in 2008 and has “raised almost $12,000 as a club” said senior Catt Giammarresi, the Invisible Children president. The group raises money through events such as movie screenings, Shave to Save, an auction where bids are placed to shave a student or teacher’s head, and Change for Change, a year-long contest between classes to raise the most money for the organization. “A lot more people have gotten involved since I was in the tenth grade, hopefully it won’t die with this [graduating] class,” said Mace.
Photo illustrations by: Gabby Ross
What you need to know:
-In 1986 Joseph Kony starts the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda which is against the Uganda government -In 2003 Laren Poole, Jason Russell, and Bobby Bailey traveled to Uganda for a film making adventure and discovered the civil war between the LRA and Uganda. This started Invisible Children. -The rebel leader Joseph Kony has been abducting children from their homes and using them as child soldiers because they are easily conditioned to believe murder is okay. -This “invisible” war has been going on for 22 years and is the longest going armed war in Africa -Schools for Schools is a program to rebuild schools in Northern Uganda. -The war has moved from Uganda, to Sudan the Dem. Rep. of the Congo and the central African republic. -The Protection Plan is a plan that builds FM radio towers to help the remote cities in Africa get help and warn other cities that the LRA is nearby. -The radio tower signals can be tracked at www.lracrisistracker.com Learn more at www.invisiblechildren.com
Yearbook staff changes lead to innovative solutions With a new adviser and a whole new staff, the yearbook staff has thought of new ways to finish the yearbook Justina Hauss Online Editor With only two returning staff members and a new adviser, the Renaissance staff has already some triumphs this year. English teacher Nadya Schmitter is leading a new group of students assigned with the daunting task of creating a yearbook, but Schmitter is no stranger to the hard task. “I was on my high school’s yearbook staff,” Schmitter said. “I enjoyed giving my input to something that people will look at for years to come.” To make the yearbook the best it can be, students took on challenging responsibilities. “Several of the new members have stepped-up to leadership roles are doing a great job,” Schmitter said. Sixteen students are tasked with this challenge. They must document every event throughout the school year
and cannot afford to miss one. “The most difficult part of being on the yearbook staff is trying to get the yearbook to be as cool and great as possible,”said senior Jasmyn Brown, who is a copy editor on the Renaissance staff. “With having to meet all the deadlines on a certain date, it can be hard with a relatively small class to make everything as nice as possible.” The new staff has been trying to think of new and more efficient ways of completing the yearbook. “We were tossing around options for the yearbook this year in order to make it cheaper for students to buy and to increase sales,” Schmitter said. The idea of an online yearbook was tossed around in the workroom, but the ultimate decision was to keep the traditional hard copy yearbook. The staff agreed more students would purchase a hard copy because they are familiar with it.
“I feel that having something tangible is more ideal,” Brown said. “I want something that I can actually look back on and see all of my high school memories. One change student’s will enjoy is the price. The yearbook will only cost $45 compared to $65 in the past. “We worked very carefully on a budget with Jostens that made it so the yearbooks could be cheaper , but we would not be losing money,” Schmitter said. “Hopefully the lower price will help us to increase our sales.” The yearbook staff is also encouraging student photo submissions that can be used in the yearbook.The staff looks forward to the upcoming year. “We are right on track with where we need to be and the team works extremely well together,”Schmitter said. “I look forward to producing an amazing yearbook”
features 5
Nov. 4, 2011
Same Darkroom, New Look
A brand new darkroom is coming soon, and students are more than excited
Joneka Percentie Business Manager Chemicals are placed around the sink. Negatives are enlarged and finely focused, and photo paper is exposed to the image. The red-light illuminates the room just enough to see, but not enough to damage the sensitive photographs. In Northwest’s darkroom, photography students have the unique opportunity of having an active part in the development and creation of photos. However, the size of the limitations of the darkroom makes it difficult for all students to fully take advantage of it. As a result, photography teacher Laurie Schorr has initiated the expansion of the darkroom. “There are over 100 photo students, with only [seven] enlarger stations,” Schorr said. “The current darkroom is not safe and it’s not effective for use in a 90 minute class.” Located in the B-building, the darkroom is available
to all photo students for use to complete assignments and projects. Junior, and Photo I student, Charles Dodson is looking forward to “start developing film” and stated that “the new darkroom would be the best way to do it.” Adjacent to the darkroom is a critique room where students look over and analyze each other’s work. In order to optimize the space, plans have been made to expand the darkroom into the critique area. “The critique room is three times the size of the darkroom. It will be in the same room, but the critique room will be changed into a larger darkroom space,” Schorr said. Construction on the darkroom has already begun and is expected to be completed in the upcoming month. “All of the students in the photography program will benefit from it for years to come,” Schorr said. Photo by Katie Bannerman
The current darkroom is not suitable for the number of photo students, but plans have been made to expand.
The Race to the School Board continues on
An overview on where 5 out of the 17 candidates stand on current issues Alice Wilder Opinion Editor
Ken Nelson
Lisa Hundley
Elyse Dashew
Experience/Occupation: Technical Business Analyst with Keane Testing: “I’m tired of our children being used as social experiements.” Magnet Schools/Shuttle Stops: “Eleminate transportation for any trip to/from school over a certain distance depending on age” -2011 SPPACE Questionare Learn More: www.kenwnelson.com
Experience/Occupation: VP and Corporate Manager in Charlotte. “Working on the Safe Space project which promotes Anti-Bullying.” Pay for Performance:“CMS employees should be paid a salary based on multiple measures of their performance.” Testing:“we want to ensure there are multiple measures to determine how well our children are faring in class. We can’t rely solely on the annual tests.” Magnet Schools/Shuttle Stops:“I support increasing educational opportunities for students and Magnet programs…I like the general concept of the Magnet program” Learn more: www.LisaForCMS.com
Experience/Occupation: Co-founder of MeckFUTURE “a grassroots group that united families” Pay for Performance:“I believe we should reward teachers for helping teachers learn more” Testing:“The tests need to be used as tools…I don’t think we need standardized tests in every single subject”SWANN Superintendent: “continue to improve our graduation rate and narrow the achievement gap.” Learn More: www.dashewforschoolboard. com
Aaron Pomis Experience/Occupation: Worked as a teacher, was an administrator with Teach for America. Was a member of a governing school board in Chicago. Pay for Performance: “I don’t support rolling it (pay for performance) out if the teachers aren’t completely confident in it” SWANN. Testing:“I think to add another level of high stakes testing at the end of the year… this data that we’re gathering now is not to help kids learn” SWANN Learn More: www.aaronpomis.com
Election Day is on Nov. 8. Learn more about the candidates at the CMS website.
Keith Hurley Experience/Occupation: Pay for Performance:“Eliminate it and over testing. Get back to teaching core subjects and doing it well.” Testing:“I do not think teaching to a test is adequate for future learning options.” -SPPACE Magnet Schools: “I strongly support the magnet school programs. The arts are a positive educational program that I support as well. I feel the teachers need to have the freedom to teach in this area. I dont like the “over testing” of our students. I trust our teachers to teach and we can manage those results accordingly.” Learn More: www.KeithHurley.com
6 features
Nov. 4, 2011
Moore follows her siblings’ footsteps Eighth grade student Sarah Moore captivates audiences around the theatre community
Catt Giammarresi Staff Writer Sarah Moore is an eighth grader beyond her years. When Moore was only in sixth grade, she appeared in her first principal role at the school as Jojo in Seussical Jr., the Musical in 2009. Moore has since been cast in the two middle school musicals that followed, Fiddler on the Roof and Beauty and the Beast. But Moore says Seussical is still her favorite. “My favorite show has been Seussical because it was my first theatre experience at Northwest,” Moore said. “I had a lot of fun and learned a lot of new things.” Moore has also captivated audiences in the community as well, through her performances in Annie at Theatre Charlotte and in Alice’s Adventures With Poorly Cooked Cafeteria Food with the Treehouse Acting Company. However, what she considers her greatest accomplishment yet did not take place in the Charlotte theatre community. “My greatest accomplishment was getting into and going to Destination Broadway this summer,” Moore said. Destination Broadway is a week-long intensive camp in
New York during which time young actors have the opportunity to take performance classes with professional performers. “It definitely improved my performing skills,” Moore said, “and it was a lot of fun.” Moore hopes to pursue a career in theatre, but is also considering becoming a teacher. When she is not performing, you can find her reading, playing the guitar, and writing songs and stories. Both of her older siblings have graduated from Northwest. Emily Moore graduated in 2010 and Colin graduated in 2011, making Sarah the last Moore remaining at Northwest. “I like having them attend, especially in 6th grade, because they were the only people I knew,” Moore said. “It feels different now that they’re gone and not having them around me all the time, kind of sad and happy at the same time.” With the repertoire that she has built up as an eighth grader, Moore has a bright future ahead of her. “I look forward to just enjoying people,” Moore said. “I love people, and can’t wait to meet new people as I get older.”
Sarah Moore Fun Facts Age: 13 Major: Musical Theatre Favorite Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower Favorite Musical: 13 Favorite Animal: Pig
Photo by Samantha Sabin
When she isn’t acting, eighth grader Sarah Moore loves to playing the guitar and writing songs and stories
Calvar continues his education for a year After taking a year off, Calvar has returned with his Ph.D in Choral Conducting from USC Brittany Rowell Staff Writer After taking a leave of absence to further his education, choral music teacher Peppie Calvar has returned because of his student, he said. Missed by his students, their reaction was “upsetting because they all loved Calvar,” sophomore Caitlyn Thomas said. According to Thomas, with Calvar there are no “on the fence” or lukewarm feelings about him. “When you hate Calvar, you really hate him; when you Tompkins continued from page 1
people. She believes there’s power in numbers, and if a larger group can educate people on discrimination against homosexuals, change will happen. The biggest example of discrimination brought up during the meeting was the NC
love Calvar, you really love him,” Thomas said. Thomas adores Calvar because he works with her, not only to grow as a singer, but as a person, too. When Calvar works with her class, Thomas said she feels he genuinely cares for all his students and wants them to succeed in their pursuit of music. Calvar pushes his students in the classroom. According to Thomas, he accepts nothing less than perfection. Calvar said he would not have left if he didn’t think it would benefit his students. He received his Doctoral
Degree in Choral Conducting at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Calvar returned because he wants the best for all of his student. “I love [them],” Calvar said. “I came back for my students.” According to Calvar, in normal circumstances, his job as choir director at Northwest would not have been guaranteed. CMS allows teachers to take a leave of absence for an allotted period of time, but the exact job position the teacher had before isn’t definite upon return. Calvar made a prom-
ise to Principal Barry Bowe that he would come back to Northwest after one year, and in turn, Bowe agreed to give Calvar his same position at Northwest. For many students, Thomas said, “Calvar is the reason why they love choir.” In his classroom setting, instead of “spoon-feeding” notes, as Thomas says, he gives you the tools you need, such as starting pitch, to figure out the rest of the music. According to Thomas, fortunately for his students, Calvar has returned better than ever.
He plans to do “as many incredibly wonderful, exciting, extraordinary things as possible,” including Vivaldi’s Gloria and Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, both with a full orchestra. In March, he plans to do Durufle’s Requiem, with the Myers Park Presbyterian Church. “I’m already passionate about choir, but he just makes it that much better,” Thomas said.
Gay Marriage Ban amendment that was recently put on the ballot for May 2012. “I feel like the people who proposed the bill were bullies who never got shut down,” senior Grace Peitzman said, a member of GSA. In September, the state Senate and House of Representatives approved
to put a gay marriage ban on the ballot. GSA members recognized some citizen’s apathy and ignorance of the bill. “A lot of people say, ‘I’m straight. I’m married. It’s not my problem,’” Tompkins said. Education is the only solution. Tompkins suggested they make posters when it
gets closer to May and have a speaker from Equality North Carolina, a group dedicated to securing rights for gays, lesbians, and trans-genders, come to the school and talk to students. “It’s about humanity, and that’s where GSA comes in,” Tompkins said. “We have perspective.”
At the end of the meeting, Tompkins reminded students she is willing to help in any way she can. “Gay-Straight-Alliance. I think the most important word there is alliance,” Tompkins said. “Really, the whole school should be a part of it. Why wouldn’t you be?”
opinion 7
Nov. 4, 2011
Are people listening to the lyrics anymore?
Music industry attempts to cover up crude lyrics with catchy beats Samantha Sabin Editor-in-Chief “I hope you don’t take this the wrong way. Girl, you look better with the lights off.“ The New Boyz and Chris Brown tried to cover up these crude lyrics with a catchy beat, but you can’t fool me, music industry. I did take it the wrong way. And what’s that Foster the People? You want me to out run your gun? If you insist, but I’m having difficulties remembering what I ever did to you, so please hold as I change the station. Lyrics like these are helping to define this generation’s pop music. Because of the
catchy beats, “Better with the Lights Off” and “Pumped Up Kicks” became instant hits. But while watching my friends jam out in the car to the catchy beat and yell “Out run my gun” to random bystanders uptown, I’ve begun to wonder: Do people actually listen to the lyrics? Or even care about them? After committing the lyrics to memory, I learned what Foster the People was really trying to say in “Pumped Up Kicks.” Unlike the New Boyz, they weren’t trying to damage my self-esteem. Instead, they decided to stray from the overdone “let’s get down on the dance floor” songs. Mark Foster told Spinner UK, an
online music magazine, the song “is about a kid that basically is losing his mind and is plotting revenge.” Foster said he tried to get into the killer’s mind, and was influenced by Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. But I didn’t even realize what the lyrics were until I heard the acoustic version. I was too caught up in the beat. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, lyrics have become more explicit in their reference to drugs, sex, and violence over the years. The average teenager listens to 1.5 to 2.5 hours of music per day. The AAP even said listening to lyrics is a secondary activity to youth, but
they suggest that the sexual references in many popular songs may be difficult for teenagers to ignore. If the other lyrics from the song weren’t enough, then consider another line from “Better With the Lights Off”: “I mean you already fine though, I just wanna see you with the lights off.” The sexual innuendo expressed in these lyrics can hardly be ignored. The results from an AAP study suggest there is a good reason to believe music may have an important influence on adolescents’ sexual behavior. According to social cognitive theory, people learn by watching and tend to imitate the behaviors of
the people they observe. The AAP believes this theory could predict that listening to musicians sing about having sex and degrading others can lead listeners to believe this behavior is appropriate and desirable. I don’t need somebody to think it’s okay to tell me things like “you look better with the lights off.” What happened to the days when pop music controversy was considered a 16-year-old Britney Spears dancing in a risque school girl outfit for a music video? Between you and me, I would much rather have to deal with that than with a music group who insults women to a catchy beat.
Welcome to Pawnee
An ode to Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope and NBC Comedy night Alice Wilder Opinion Editor
It doesn’t matter if her department can’t even afford to buy fertilizer. She wants to make her town fun for the Parks and Recreation’s Leslie people who live there. Knope cares. “It’s kind of my Leslie reminds me just how thing,” she said. That’s why I great being really invested in love her. I think it’s time we something can be. declare caring the new big When Leslie began her trend. campaign for a spot on Over the summer I fell in Pawnee’s city council, she love with Parks and Recreation. said unapologetically, “my The show centers around strategy is to win.” She Leslie Knope, the deputy doesn’t do anything halfway. director of Pawnee, Indiana’s If Leslie can do all of that, I department of parks and can finish a DBQ. recreation. Leslie might just This whole “whatever, I be my role model, especially don’t care anyway” thing is so when it comes to junior boring. Checking out of issues year. She reminds me there’s because there’s always a probably nothing benefit to he wants you can do about enthusiasm. them is lame. to make her Leslie Knope I love being town fun for gives a crap, surrounded and I love the people people who love that. She who live things. They unabashedly there.” want to go out loves her job, and take action. her friends That’s part of the reason I and eating waffles. Leslie will adore going to Northwest. bake someone a cookie in the Enthusiasm and passion shape of their face because are contagious, I like being she thinks they’re awesome. She sleeps three hours a night around people who are infected. It’s hard to imagine and writes Jack London quotes into budget proposals. a time when apathy has ever Underclassman, junior year been attractive. School is really hard, and is everything people tell you I can find myself it is. I’ve spent most of this quarter running only on coffee slipping back into and fear of college admissions cynicism. And officers. Most days I just want that’s when I turn to go home and sleep or waste to Leslie. “Make a list. Do what’s due time online. tomorrow first. But then I think of Leslie. Make some more She’ll fight tooth and nail to save a historic gazebo because tea,” I tell myself, and then,“watch she loves her town and its some Parks and history; even if that gazebo Recreation.” was the site of a horrifying massacre. If Leslie wants something done, it happens.
“S
Caricature by Kayleigh Mace
Tune in to NBC on Thursday nights at 8:30 p.m. to watch Parks and Rec
Our other favorite comedy characters April Ludgate, Parks & Rec Liz Lemon, 30 Rock Britta Perry, Community Reagan Brinkley, Up All Night Maeby Funke, Arrested Development Casey Klein, Party Down Santana Lopez, Glee
8 opinion
Discovering the magic of community bands Anissa Aguero Columnist Music is one thing that, most of the time, keeps me from being too hysteric. In the 2010 spring musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, guest musician Michael Adams played first clarinet in the orchestra pit. Throughout rehearsals and even performances, I learned a lot about technique and style from him. Without a doubt, playing alongside a well-trained clarinetist helped invigorate my passion for music. After the musical, I asked if he taught lessons. He didn’t anymore, but he knew a colleague who currently did. This is how I met Chris Willis, who I now take private lessons from. I learned Chris played in the Charlotte Civic Orchestra as well as Charlotte Pride Band. CPB was conceived in 2009, and officially began in February 2010, so it goes without saying that we are fairly new to the music community. According to the CPB website, the mission is to “provide an inviting environment for musicians of all ability levels while promoting the value and respect of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people in Charlotte through quality musical performances.” There may be rehearsals where I’m sick and tired of reading measures 67-101, my embouchure gets weak, and I feel as if I have exhausted all brain power I thought I had. But there is nothing like going to rehearsal and knowing that for two hours, the only thing I have to do is play my instrument and enjoy the camaraderie CPB so effortlessly provides. I was immediately interested in participating in the band. It was intimidating at first, because musicians who have more experience, degrees in music, and are from in and around the community are a part of it. But I can now say, after being a part of the band for over a full season, it is one of the best things I have ever decided to do. I’ve learned so much, made many friends, and the best part is that I get to perform, rehearse, and spend time with other musicians who care about music just as much as I do.
Nov. 4, 2011
Editor’s Roundtable
Gay Marriage Ban on the Ballot for May 2012
Intermission Staff collaborates to encourage eligible students to vote in May North Carolina residents will get a chance to vote on the proposed gay marriage ban amendment in May 2012. If the ban passes, the state constitution will define marriage as a union between one man and woman. Although state law already does the same thing, the new addition to the constitution would make interference from the judicial branch nearly impossible. The government should not define who we marry. The Senate quickly passed the ballot measure in September, and so did the House of Representatives following a 75-42 vote. Because it is a ballot question, the governor has no opportunity to step-in and veto. The decision comes
down to the voters. The Huffington Post reports that during a floor debate, state Sen. James Forrester (R-Gaston) said, “Moms and dads are not interchangeable. Two dads don’t make a mom. Two moms don’t make a dad.” “Children need both a father and a mother.” Undoubtedly, other North Carolina residents share the same opinion as Forrester. But according to the American Psychological Association, there is no evidence that lesbians and gay men are unfit to be parents or that child development is affected. So, why should North Carolina define who is allowed to marry? Section 1 of the North
intermission 2011-2012 staff
Editor-in-Chief Samantha Sabin
Layout Editor Rene Vanek
Business Manager Joneka Percentie
Photo Editor Katie Bannerman
News Editor Naja Richburg
Layout Staff Allie Hunter Lincoln Frye
Features Editor Gabby Ross Opinion Editor Alice Wilder
Carolina Constitution states everybody is entitled to “certain inalienable rights…,” which include “life, liberty, the enjoyment of the fruits of their own labor, and the pursuit of happiness.” By placing this bill on the ballot, state legislators are inferring with our so-called “inalienable rights.” If this amendment passes, those who are openly gay in North Carolina will feel restricted. People will move to gay-friendly states, and the state’s economy will suffer. State legislators, such as Gov. Bev Perdue and North Carolina senator Kay Hagan, are trying to keep quiet during the ordeal. They are urging other elected officials to focus on lowering the nation’s unemployment rate. In all
Staff Writers Catt Giamerressi Carlynn Richter Brittany Rowell
Contributors Anissa Aguero Kayleigh Mace Kilee Price
Adviser Barbara Wesselman
Send any story suggestions or submissions to intermission.nwsa@ cms.k12.nc.us
honesty, they have no control over the outcome. It’s left to the citizens. The May 2012 election is the only hope. So, here’s the deal. Those representing North Carolina in the U.S. Congress have no say in whether or not the bill passes, and unfortunately, neither does Governor Perdue (D). The outcome of this referendum comes down to the voters. Come May, if you are eligible to vote, be sure to do so. Every vote counts.
-Intermission Staff
In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability. The opinions expressed in Intermission do not necessarily represent those of the school’s faculty or administration, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board or its administration. Intermission is a public forum for student expression.