Volume 126 Spring 2017 Roundup Issue 4

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Free college

Pierce promise for new HS grads

News Editor

P

ierce is preparing for the Los Angeles College Promise which offers one free year of community college for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) graduates beginning this summer.

The College Promise is an initiative to help students attend college without worrying about tuition for the first year.

Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the program in April 2016. More than $1 million was allocated to help fund the program, and the remaining amount came from a partnership between LAUSD and the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD).

“The mayor’s office did raise over a million dollars and the rest is coming through the foundation,” said Dean of Student Services and College Promise team member William Marmolejo. “The foundation is like the alumni leg of community college. The model for our promise and the LACCD is the last-dollar-in model. We are trying to use other people’s money first to give students the benefit of that free tuition.”

According to Marmolejo, incoming students must apply and complete certain requirements to be considered promise students. Since Garcetti announced the program, Pierce College formed a team to accomplish their goal.

“In the fall, we put together a team and we wrote a plan on how to recruit and implement the plan,” Marmolejo said. “These team members have been meeting on a regular basis to figure out how we are going to attract these students and get them to do things they are required to do.”

Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, be enrolled full time both fall and spring semesters, apply for financial aid, complete an orientation and assessment, have graduated from LAUSD and participate in a summer program.

Incoming students who are enrolled in the program, won’t have to pay for tuition for one year. They will be guaranteed an English and math course along with other benefits that are packaged into the program, but are available to any student attending Pierce or any of the nine colleges in the district, Marmolejo said.

“I think it benefits society as a whole because we need an educated public,” President Kathleen Burke said.Preview:

pg. 2 Petition for graduation pg.

Transfer 101

3

Transfer Tips Beyond the Basics

American Jewish University

Representatives from the American Jewish University will be at the Transfer Center on Thursday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Mall.

CSULA

Representatives from California State University, Los Angeles, will be in the Transfer Center on Wednesday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CSUN

Premiering October 2012, Harmon's play discusses themes of identity, privilege and conformity, as three cousins in a Jewish family are brought together in mourning after the death of their grandfather.

When choosing plays, the Pierce Theater Department tries to provide a balanced offering to its subscribers, according to Theater Manager Michael Sande.

“This play, in particular, is going to leave the audience asking questions about the theme and themselves in a bigger cultural context,” Director Anna Steers said in a phone interview.

The audience is exposed to family arguments concerning religious values and material heirlooms that cause tension between the characters.

According to Andrew Former, who plays Jonah, it’s easy for him to draw parallels between his life and his character.

“With a play like this that is so modern, we are not so far from the characters,” Fromer said. “It’s about looking at your own life and seeing

Marc Dionne / Roundup

Andrew Fromer, as "Jonah" and Seanetter Deutsch as "Daphna" on the set of "Bad Jews" in the Dow Arena theater in Woodland Hills, Calif. on March 20, 2017.

the similarities, which are pretty stark.”

Because there are only four roles, memorizing all of the lines was daunting for the cast members.

“The sheer amount of words that I had to download in my brain was a challenge,” lead actor Ryan Phillips said.

Preparation began three weeks before the semester started, with show rehearsals beginning in early January.

The look of the set is partly defined by what is described in the text, in addition to the creative liberty of the student set designers and director.

It was important to Steers that the actors grasp the greater context behind “Bad Jews” and the main references, which included the Holocaust.

“All of the students were eager to do the research, and all the actors went to the Museum of Tolerance and spent a day there. It’s tragic in a much larger scale to realize that,” Steers said. “We started to live in the reality of how people in the Jewish faith identify with their religion after the Holocaust.”

Former anticipates the crowd will have varying reactions to the play.

“I really hope [the audience] will be

torn, because you think you know the answers, but it’s really not clear what side you should be on,” Former said.

According to Sande, the Theater Department is sensitive to people who still want to see the show, but haven’t yet secured tickets.

“What we are telling people is to come [in person] 45 minutes before the show starts. That is when the box office opens and that is where you can get on a waiting list,” Sande Said. The show is set to run March 24 through April 2.

See anything interesting on campus? Tag us @Roundupnews on Twitter Page 7: Swim and Dive place in meet Page 4: Only Pierce student starring in "Bad Jews" see Pierce promise pg. 3

tarthur.roundupnews@gmail.com Jose Salazar / Roundup The following is the current standing record for the baseball team: L @ Allan Hancock 9-3 L @ Allan Hancock 5-2 L @ Rio Hondo 6-2 L v. Moorpark 9-2 L @Cerritos 7-4 L @ Mt. San Antonio 4-2 W v. Oxnard 6-5 L @ Taft 3-2 W v. Taft 17-8 W v. Glendale 9-2 L v. Ventura 7-3 L v. Allan Hancock 6-1 L @ Harbor 8-7 L @ Oxnard 9-1 *W v. Valley 12-3 L @ Ventura 8-1 *W v. West LA 10-1 *L @ Mission 7-4 *L @ Bakersfield 9-7 *W @ Valley 4-2 *W v. Valley 8-2 *L @ Valley 7-6 L @ SD Mesa 5-4 L @ Ventura 3-2 *= conference games Baseball— inconsistent offense overshadows strong pitching Music festivals

Representatives from California State University, Northridge, will be in the Transfer Center on Thursday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Good news for 'Bad Jews' LAPC eatre department welcomes a sold-out show Fake news workshop The next Fake News vs. Real News workshop will be on Wednesday, March 3, at 2:30 p.m. in the Library / Learning Crossroads room 5212

For the first time in more than 10 years, the Pierce College Theatre Department sold out the entire run of one of its show.

All 600-tickets of Joshua Harmon's comedy “Bad Jews” are already gone. The play stirred controversy about two weeks ago when several people called to complain about the shows title, which was displayed on the marquee outside the school.

Adegree does not represent a person’s skills. What really matters is the knowledge and information school counselors have to inform their students.

Students need to choose a counselor they believe is right for them. They should be informed about the counselors before they have a face-to-face conversation. However, it is a waste of time to make appointments with each counselor to see who is the right one.

Pierce College should have a page where students can rate counselors, like ratemyprofessor. com. Such a site would transform how students choose their counselor, basing it on the comments and the ratings they are given. With a rating site, students with different needs can go to different counselors. This website would reduce students’ stress and disappointments about whether they received the right information.

School counselors should be graded on their effectiveness, whether students are progressing in their educational goals and transferring at the right time. According to the California Department of Education, counselors and counseling programs are a crucial element in improving students’ achievements.

School counselors do a lot more than help students figure out what classes to take. They also help students work through behavioral problems, mental health concerns and other issues that might hamper their success.

According to the Huffington Post, with the help of a counselor, schools have a 91 percent graduation rate and have 17 percent of students transferring to a four-year college.

“Ratemycounselor,” would be more accurate than “Ratemyprofessor” because there is less possibility of biased negative reactions because students are not

-Corrections-

Volume 126, Issue 3:

Page 1: The times for Cal Lutheran University were from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., not 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. And the times for Pepperdine University were from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., not 4 p.m. to 12 p.m.

Page 3: Rolf Schleicher’s name was misspelled as Schneider.

Page 4 : The photographer’s name for the Laura Tate feature was spelled wrong. It’s Vilma Figueroa.

Joseph Perret is a CAOT professor not a COAT professer.

receiving a grade. If negative reviews were shown, counselors would improve on what is necessary. In the article from the National Center for Education Statistics, with a counselor’s guidance, 83 percent of participating students showed improvement in grades.

Counselor’s specialties vary from financial aid, probation, personal problems and educational help. For that reason,

DANI NOVAZSKI Reporter @DNovazski

“Ratemycounselor” should provide the specific focus of that counselor. The counselors’ services help students develop a clear sense of direction in their future.

The American Counseling Association stated that, “School counselors, like all educational professionals, are increasingly being required to demonstrate evidence of effective practice.”

Every semester, counselors

Pro: Concerts help destress

to a concert can be linked to decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Music can also help to release emotions bottled up, liberating a person of emotional weight.

should be required to take a course, such as a performance review on how to improve their skills, and stay updated with any changes regarding degrees and class information.

As the needs of students change, the directives of counselors should change along with them. There are counselors who are not aware of the different degrees offered at this school, such as the journalism degree.

“Idonʼtthinktheyshouldallow it.Peopleshouldbeinclassto payattentionandlearn.Students should take online classes if theyʼrenotgoingtopayattention in a classroom.”

Some counselors don’t have the appropriate information or don’t fully understand the process. This website will increase students’ interaction with counselors and their educational goals, as well as promote positive behaviors.

newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

Con: Concerts are disracting

Concert attendance during the semester is beneficial for students, because it can contribute to lower stress levels and better moods.

Within the labyrinth of demands that being a student carries, it is important to remember one’s individual identity. Music and other personal interests allow a student to connect with who they are outside of school, and such a connection can be revitalizing for a student who is buried in coursework.

Engaging in activities that are rewarding to the individual, based solely on intrinsic motivation, can remind a person why they are putting forth so much effort in other areas of their lives, such as school.

Often it is helpful during an arduous project to take a break to recharge and come back with a fresh perspective. Concert attendance during the semester offers such an opportunity. A student can attend a concert and literally shake off the stress they have been carrying, then return feeling refreshed and ready to go. For many, music is medicine, and the therapeutic effects are definite. During the semester, when both the assignments and stress pile up, it is invaluable to have such a release.

When a person is carrying around stress, they are often distracted. A student burdened by everyday stress can have their studies affected by anxiety. Studies have shown that going

The entire process of attending a show or concert is enlivening. In the weeks or days before the occasion, the person experiences the excitement that comes with looking forward to a concert. It can be a welcome break to see that a musical festival is on the calendar, in addition to the ongoing heap of studies.

The anticipation of an upcoming event can even serve as a motivator— the student will be driven to complete all of their work so that they can let go at the event and truly enjoy themselves. The memories and joy gained through the experience of a concert can contribute to a person feeling inner fulfillment. When a person is operating from that space, they are likely to do better in all aspects of their lives.

One might argue that concert attendance could serve as a distraction. Anything can be a distraction in a student’s life, such as Facebook or relationships, if they allow it. It’s up to the individual to choose to be conscious of balancing their school and personal life.

Having a release is healthy. For some people, that release is sports, or going to the gym. If attending concerts or music festivals resonates with a student, it is a great thing to do during the semester to blow off steam, enjoy oneself and refocus.

dnovazski.roundupnews@gmail.com

Copy Editor @madisaysso

Students shouldn’t go to shows or music festivals during the school year because it detracts from their full responsibilities from school.

Yes, music is a vital part of many of our lives, but attending bands’ performances and other types of music events shouldn’t be something that students plan during the school year.

Students should not go to see shows or concerts during the semester because most of the events happen at the least opportune of times. I know that there have been times that I have wanted to see bands or artists perform, but couldn’t make it because they happened on one of my school nights. These times are not considerate to the average student’s schedule and force them to stay up past an adequate time, keeping them from getting the proper rest that they need.

Most concerts or shows that fall on a weeknight do not start until after 7 p.m. That time, however, isn’t when you see the headliner band, but the filler bands and opening acts that come before. If one is there for the headliner band, they may stay hours to finish the concert all of the way through.

I have been to concerts where artists have performed for hours past the normal time that it usually takes to

Cartoonist:

finish a set. Though I enjoyed the extra playtime, it bled into my next day and my work suffered because of the lack of sleep I had from having to stay the extra time. Yes, I could have left early to accommodate my schedule, but honestly who turns down an encore when a band gives it to you?

Another reason students shouldn’t attend concerts or music festivals during the school year is because they lose that time being productive. Many of our assignments are not done in the classroom. They are to be done at home and require our full attention.

Music festivals, such as Coachella, take up the whole weekend. Though the festival grounds might have hotspots, students aren’t going to be using them for school work; they are going to be using them to upload selfies from the event. All of that time that was afforded to them during that festival would be squandered as they enjoyed the festivities going on around them.

Lastly, students trying to attend these concerts or music festivals are sacrificing more than just money to attend these events. They have to figure out much more than just attending; they also need to figure out things such as transportation, who they are going with, and how. All of these things can cause extra and unnecessary stress for a student trying to do their best during a school semester.

mmartinez.roundupnews@gmail.com

-John Batac, Undecided, 19

“Aslongasitʼsforpersonaluse andtheyʼrenotdistributing ittoothers,Idonʼtthinkitʼsa problem.”

-RyanMachado,Psychology,22

“Yes.Weallhavedifferentlearning styles.Somepeoplelearnbetter visuallyandsomelearnbetter throughaudio.” -DavidDeras,GraphicDesign,19

“Ithinkprofessorsshouldallow it.Peoplelearndifferently.Ifitʼs effectiveandithelpsthem,why not?”

-NeaveAsuro,Art,19

deems not to be a letter. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. the Sunday prior to the issue date. Editorial Policy: The Pierce College Roundup position is presented only in the editorials.

Cartoons and photos, unless run under the editorial masthead, and columns are the opinions of the creators and not necessarily that of the Roundup. The college newspaper is

published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by the virtue of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the L.A. Community College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof.

“Ithinkso.Ithelpsmepay attentiontowhatthetopicis insteadoftryingtoscribbledown noteswhiletheyʼretalking.”

-EmmaSargsian,Neuroscience,22

Illustration by Beck Shields / Roundup

Pierce Promise

[From Free college, pg. 1]

All LACCD campuses are participating, but each is developing different methods for the program, said Joanna Zimring Towne, who is part of the College Promise team.

“The idea behind the College Promise is that every campus, every college, has these core elements, but do them in whatever way they decide,” Zimring Towne said. “Every campus does it differently, and that’s fine. The district’s intent was not to make everybody do the same thing, but that everybody is providing the same core services that we know to be successful high-impact practices that will help students succeed.”

Marmolejo said that looking through data, historically, you find students are not graduating at what’s considered a satisfactory rate. The purpose of the program is to ease students’ financial burdens so that they are able to take advantage of the services provided to thrive in their first year of college.

To accomplish that, each school is offering required summer transitional programs, success coaches and priority registration for classes.

As of now, one option for the summer requirement is the Summer Bridge eight-week course that covers skills and student resources in-depth. Students can participate through the First-Year Experience, but for students who cannot commit to that program #PierceSuccess is another option, Zimring Towne said.

The #PierceSuccess workshop will run for four days, July 10 to 14. The event will occur from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., a total of 16 hours.

“None of these things are new ideas, but it’s hard to get students to take advantage of the," Zimring Towne said. "By packaging it up before they even get here, our students will hopefully be starting much stronger.”

jherrera.roundupnews@gmail.com

Petition to walk the stage

Deadline to submit grad application is April 14

KARISSA PRECIADO Reporter @twitterhandle

Graduation is on the forefront of the minds of students who are ready to take the next step. Less than a month remains for the April 14 deadline to submit a petition to graduate.

According to the Director of the Transfer Center Sunday Salter, some issues students encounter during this time of the semester is meeting deadlines and not having enough units to graduate.

“I think a lot of times they do not understand the true nature of deadlines for the universities,” Salter said. “Another issue students encounter is being short of units. If they come early enough, we can help them take a short-term class to add in the late-start spring session. It’s great if they come in right now and get checked by a counselor and not wait until the last minute. The sooner students come, the better.”

Once the student has completed their graduation requirements, or plans to complete them by the end of the spring term, they should schedule an appointment to see a counselor, Salter said. The counselor will then help the student fill out the form.

According to the Assistant Bookstore Manager Candy Van, the student store will be organizing a special event for the graduating students at Pierce.

“We will be having our first ever grad fest in the bookstore sometime in April,” Van said. “We are still not sure when, but if students come and buy their cap and gown that day, they will get 10 percent off. The price for the cap and gown is the same as last year, $31.95. They will be available in the bookstore to purchase the first week of April.”

The Graduation Office will provide a list of student names that will be graduating this semester, Van said. Only those on the list can

purchase a cap and gown.

Nursing student Nelly Espinoza plans to graduate this semester and said that petitioning to graduate was easy, and she is excited to walk the stage during the ceremony.

“I think most students think it is going to take a long time or that they will just get it done tomorrow, but honestly the sooner you do it the better,” Espinoza said. “I have worked really hard, and I cannot wait to walk the stage.”

According to Salter, students who participate in the gradation ceremony will receive a memento for the occasion.

“Students who are transferring this year and decide they want to graduate

Rundown Brahma Blotter

These incidents were reported between March 9 - March

by:

Reported

Jose Herrera, Randi Love

Vanessa Arredondo

and

3/13

Ill Student

A student fell ill in CAS 5130 around 5:15 p.m. and was transported to the hospital.

3/15

Ill Student

A student fell ill in CAS 5130 around 3:15 p.m. and was transported to the hospital.

and participate in the graduation ceremony will be receiving a special platinum-colored honor cord,” Salter said. “They will be able to wear it with their gown for the ceremony.”

According to Salter, the graduation ceremony is a memorable experience for students, and being called on stage is an even more empowering moment for them.

“The graduation ceremony is always meaningful. There are always so many students who participate,” Salter said. “It is a really important milestone for them, the faculty, and for all of us. We look forward to it.”

kpreciado.roundupnews@gmail.com

According to Sheriff cadets, the incident report has not been updated since March 15, and will not be available until Thursday, March 23.

Pierce College Sheriff’s Station

General Information:

Emergency: (818) 710 - 4311

photo illustration by Samantha Bravo/ Roundup

“I think a lot of times they do not understand the true nature of deadlines for the universities.”

Sunday Salter Director of the Transfer Center

Sharai of light takes the stage

eater student is only Pierce actor in the comedy “Bad Jews”

SAMANTHA BRAVO Managing Editor @sammybravo93

Staring at her reflection as she rehearses her lines, Sharai Bravo, 26, prepares for her starring role as Melody in Pierce College’s upcoming comedy, “Bad Jews.”

When Bravo came to Pierce in 2013, she knew she wanted to be in theater. Bravo has helped with production back stage including, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Tartuffe,” and most recently “Fences.”

Bravo has been a stage manager however, this is Bravo’s first major acting role at Pierce College.

“The audition process [for Bad Jews] began in December. It was tough, but I did my best to prepare for it,” Bravo said. “January is when we started rehearsals.”

Bravo said her most memorable play was a high school production of, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

“It was an interesting show to work on,” Bravo said. “It was a high school production, and it was an Oscar Wilde play. It was very funny and witty.”

Bravo is playing the role of Melody in the upcoming play “Bad Jews,” and said she enjoyed working with the cast and the Theater Department faculty.

“They’re just so phenomenal,” Bravo said. “I rarely ever see them stressed out over any problem that happens. Like for me, I don’t think I could ever handle that kind of stress, but they are so good at what they do. Very professional, but also so approachable.”

This is Bravo’s second-to-last semester at Pierce, and she hopes to transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles with a

theater degree.

Bravo said that when she prepares for her role, she not only does research for it, but she takes advice from her classmates and advisors.

“A lot of things go through my mind when I’m preparing. I read the script, obviously, but a lot of things influence me before I prepare. I feed off what the directors give me in terms of which direction she wants me to go,” Bravo said. “It definitely influences how I process the character.”

In theater, Bravo said they don’t hide emotions, they embrace them.

“If you tell a director, ‘I’m feeling very emotional today,’ they always tell us, ‘Embrace that. Use that, because that’s your strength,’” Bravo said.

Anna Steers, “Bad Jews” director, said Bravo’s role in the play challenges her because their personalities are completely opposite, but she wants to learn and grow and grow actress.

“Sharai is an excellent student and she goes above and beyond,” Steers said. “She not only does her work, but she is super present and focused.”

Steer said Bravo is a great student and is always helping others.

“What sets Sharai apart is, she is compassionate and takes great care of all the other people in the room,”

Steers said. “She is super prepared, and because she is prepared, she is able to continue being the levelheaded and loving person she is.”

Bravo said Steers is an amazing director who knows how to ask questions that really make her think about her character and bring out the best performance.

“She’s such a hard worker. She really is an actor’s director and makes me think in the direction I need to go,” Bravo said. “She’s also kind and very open. You can really trust her with her work. You

can trust her ability as an actor, and I knew already, as soon as I started working with her, that I’m going to grow.”

Bravo said that she had less lines in “Bad Jews,” compared to her cast members.

“I applaud them for that. Being able to memorize it, is amazing,” Bravo said. “For me, I keep running the lines in my head. I’ll be washing my hair or doing the dishes, I just run the lines over and over again. I don’t know how they do it.”

Adjunct Theater Professor Eileen Gizieschi, teaches costume and makeup design at Pierce College and also designs costumes for the theater

department. Gizieschi said Bravo has been in her intro to design, makeup and pattern-making classes.

“She’s a really devoted student. She takes her work very seriously and enjoys working in theater,” Gizieschi said. “She’s a very wellrounded student, and she’s trying to get the most of her time here at Pierce.”

Despite having a full-time schedule, Bravo has been taking other classes at Pierce and working as a program assistant for Theater Arts Professor Valerie Grear.

“I’ve been taking all of the theater classes at Pierce,” Bravo said. “I’m currently taking an intro to theater,

as well as a pattern-making and makeup class.”

Bravo said even though her grandmother was a quiet woman, she looked up to her because she was humble and wise.

“She was an incredible women who had this formidable presence and the most amazing stories,” Bravo said. “She helped raise me and all her other 14 grandkids. She was very resilient, stubborn, but hard working.”

Bravo said it’s been awhile since she had a big role, but she is excited and eager for the show to debut this week.

“I keep getting these waves of

emotions going through me. I get this wonderful feeling of being open to the audience and people on stage and being open to myself,” Bravo said. “And letting the character inhabit and letting her emotions and experience flow through.”

In addition to starring in the play “Bad Jews,” Bravo is also working on the upcoming play “Hairspray,” in May.

“I’ve been doing theater since I was maybe 13,” Bravo said. “It’s the energy that theater brings. You can’t get that from film or TV.”

sambravo.roundupnews@gmail.com

Samantha Bravo / Roundup

Staring at her reflection as she rehearses her lines, Sharai Bravo, 26, prepares for her starring role as “Melody” in Pierce Collegeʼs upcoming comedy, “Bad Jews.”

"Equal Means Equal" film screening in the Great Hall from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Weekly Calendar

Job Fair in The Mall from 10:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.

"Thinking about majoring in business" workshop from 1:00 p.m. -2:00p.m. in the Career Transfer Center

Joshua Harmon's comedy"Bad Jews" in LAPC Theatre at 8:00 p.m.

"Bad Jews" comedy in LAPC Theatre at 8:00p.m.

"My paper is due" workshop from 2:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m. in the Library/ Learning Crossroads room 5212.

"Transfer to Elite Private Universities" workshop from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Transfer Center.

Piano professor tips the scales

ursday concert brings classical music to the students

MONICA GARCIA Reporter @monicagcalde

The public's ears were filled with classical music while the sound of 88 keys played as the weekly afternoon concert series continued.

The ASO hosted the concert in the Performing Arts Building on Thursday, March 16, where pianist Danny Holt performed.

Holt performed pieces from different composers like Fanny Hensel, Clara Wieck, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Xaver Mozart and Johannes Brahms.

According to Holt, performing contemporary classical pieces from the 20th and 21st century is his talent. Not only is he a percussionist, but a composer, teacher and scholar. He has performed and given lectures nationwide in venues, universities and music schools.

James Bergman, adjunct music professor, is in charge of promoting the afternoon concert series. Bergman met Holt through another musician and was familiar

with his work when he invited him to perform.

“Danny brings a lot of energy and interesting programs. I find it fascinating,” Bergman said.

Holt said his experience with playing the piano began decades ago in his neighborhood.

“I’ve been playing the piano for almost 30 years,” Holt said. “I started because a friend of mine that lived down the street played the piano, and I thought it looked fun. It’s been a part of my life since then.”

Holt said people who have inspired him throughout his career include: John Cage, Philip Glass and violinist Nigel Kennedy.

Holt has created his own website where he displays videos of his music, projects and information of his upcoming performances.

“On May 26, I will be attending a concert in Pasadena where I will be playing the piano and percussion,” Holt said.

Music major Sophia Cho said the show was interesting.

“Especially as a pianist myself,” Cho said. “I feel like these shows can be inspirational and motivational for students.”

Jose Herrera / Roundup

Danny Holt perfroms classic music from different composers such as C.P.E Bach, Franz Xaver, Mozart and other artists for the Thursday afternoon concert series in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on March 2, 2017.

There will be a music concert every Thursday at different locations. Information can be obtained by contacting professor

James Bergman. The next concert will be on Thursday, March 23, in Music 3400. This concert will include

artist Doug Masek, who will be playing the saxophone, and pianist Bryan Pezzone. The ASO music concerts are

open to anyone interested in attending.

mgarcia.roundupnews@gmail.com

Bad Jews: A dark family comedy

Performed at the Dow Arena Theater, “Bad Jews” is the entrée in a fourplay season.

Directed by Anna Steers, rehearsals and preparation for the play began in early January.

Originally published in 2012, by Joshua Harmon, the play is a dark comedy that involves family arguments concerning a material heirloom and religious values. It begins with a song titled, “The Sound of Silence” as a precursor to lead into the play.

With only four actors in the play, the audience will get a more personal experience. According to Steers, the actors prepared for the play by researching the original comedy and by visiting the Museum of Tolerance to gain a better understanding of the context of the play. The play will debut on Friday, March 24, through April 2.

Photos and Copy by Marc Dionne

Right:This is a necklace that is a family heirloom that belonged to the grandfather who died. It is very significant to the family since the granddather was given this necklaceby his father during the Holocaust and hid it under his tongue so it did not get confiscated.

Top: Ryan Phillips as Liam, Andrew Fromer as Jonah and Seanette Deutsch as Daphna laughing after recalling a memory of what happened to the grandfather

Bottom right: Sharai Bravo as Melody listening to a conversation among the family members.

Bottom Left: Seanette Deutsch as Daphna and Sharai Bravo as Melody fighting for the necklace Ryan Phillips as Liam gave to Melody.

SPORTS SCHEDULE

Men’s Volleyball Baseball

March 24 @ Moorpark 6 p.m.

Making a splash toward the finish line

Men nish in 3rd place, women 5th at second meet of the season

DANI NOVAZSKI Reporter @DNovazski

FELIPE GAMINO Sports Editor @fgamino13

Brahmas, Pirates, Vaqueros, Owls and Renegades hit the pool at the Steven E. Schofield Aquatic Center on Friday for the second official meet of the season. The men from Ventura College led the way, while Santa Barbara City College dominated the women’s competition.

The Brahmas placed third in the women’s 200-yard medley relay with a time of 2:06.30. The men placed last in the 400-yard medley at with a time of 4:53.72.

Jose Lamas and Nikolay Best, both swimmers for the men’s team at Pierce, finished second and fourth in the 1000-yard freestyle event.

Lamas and Best’s teammates, Gerryleo Sarmiento and Jennifer Weiss, who competed in the same event, finished eighth and tenth.

"I did better than I thought I was going to," Weiss said. "It was my first time swimming the 1000yard freestyle. I was aiming for 16 minutes, and I did it in under 15."

Brahma of the Week

The women’s 50-yard freestyle saw Nina Farivar in eleventh and Jocelyn Lopez in fourteenth. For the men, Manuel Chavez came in at 27.09 and Juan Lopez finished with 30.77, eighth and ninth place.

"I was able to beat my time from the last meet,” Farivar said. “I feel good about placing third. I hope to get an even better time next meet."

Cecilia Hansen finished fifth in the women’s 200-yard individual medley at 2:29.71.

Thaddaeus Adams came in fourth at 2:00:12 and Howard Nguyen placed sixth with a time of 2:03.33 in the men’s 200-yard freestyle.

Nguyen took fifth place with a time of 5:18.03 in the men’s 400yard individual medley. In the men’s 200-yard butterfly, Adams finished second at 2:24.59.

"I feel accomplished that I placed second in the 200-yard butterfly," Adams said. "Swimming is all about the mindset. The main person you are racing is yourself. Now that I [have] beat my negative mindset, I feel energized."

Juan Lopez decided to swim despite having a strained rotator cuff.

“It's doing good. I went to the trainers’ room, and they gave me an ice pack and a few test runs,” Lopez said. “I just have a little strain cuff on my shoulder and also on my shoulder blade.”

Lopez began to experience difficulties with his shoulder on Tuesday. However, that did not stop him from competing.

“I don’t like to quit,” Lopez said. “I always like to finish no matter what, win or lose. It’s how you finish that matters.”

Coach Judi Terhar commended both teams for their exceptional

Women's 200 IM 2:29.71 (5th)

Women's 100 backstroke 1:10.71 (5th)

I perform better."

At the end of the season how do you want your coaches and teammates to remember you? "Encouraging."

performance.

"They did absolutely fantastic," Terhar said. "Many of these swimmers have not been swimming on club teams. The improvement that we’ve seen from each one of them is astronomical."

In the diving competition, for the women’s one-meter, Stephanie Rodriguez finished second with a

final score of 140.65.

For the men’s three-meter, Carlos Mier came in third at 125.50, Chase Raynor got fourth with a score of 123.45 and Ahmedjibreel Zavhar finished with 115.70.

Mier and Zavhar returned for the final event, which was the men’s one-meter. Mier placed fourth with 126.95 and Zavhar finished last

with 115.60. The Brahmas women’s team placed in fifth place with 35 points. Meanwhile, the men took third with 83 points. The next meet is at Santa Monica College on Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m.

Swimmer

Interview by : Felipe Gamino

Photo by : Jose Herrera

Arthur Azarian/ Roundup

Swimmers launch themselves after hearing the whistle at the swim meet on Friday, March 17 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Marioʼs world Performing sets on and o the court

Patrick and his friends are part of their own group called BREACH and have performed at places like The Observatory in Santa Ana and Fox Theater in Pomona. But their eyes are on different venues in the future.

When Mario Patrick isn’t getting assists on the court as a setter for the men’s volleyball team, he can be found center stage in another arena, the hip-hop world.

“My ultimate goal is to put on a huge sell out show in front of my hometown,” Patrick said.

And he is well on his way to doing that.

Patrick or, as his fans call him, “Mar-Lo,” has opened for big artists in the rap game including E-40, Metro Boomin and Lil Yachty.

Patrick’s start in music came when he joined a couple of his boyhood friends.

“We’re going on tour this summer, so that’s going to be very exciting,” Patrick said. “We will be in states like New York, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and finishing up in LA for the last show.”

Patrick sees similarities to being on stage and on the court.

“Volleyball and performing go hand-inhand,” Patrick said. “I tell coach Walker all the time, volleyball is a spectator sport where you want to be entertained and performing is basically the thing. I have performed in front of hundreds of people so when I get on the court, I don’t get nervous.”

Patrick picked up playing volleyball his sophomore year at Lancaster High School after watching his sisters play. Despite growing up in the Lancaster area, he chose Pierce because head coach Walker did a little bit of convincing.

“Lance made me choose Pierce,” Patrick said. “He really took an interest in me as a person and a player instead of just another player in the program. It’s better to play for somebody that actually cares about you. I’ve known Lance since I was in high school, so it’s cool to have a coach that cares.”

While he didn’t play in any matches, that didn’t stop him from contributing.

“Last year was huge for him because he was a standout as far as work ethic is concerned,” Walker said. “He was the first guy in the gym, he set up the nets, kept score if needed and did the grunt stuff that nobody wants to do. He’s everything you want as a teammate and student, and we are really blessed to have him a part of our program.”

His teammates see the same things as well.

much as I can, just because they are two different things,” said Patrick. “When is the last time you heard of a rapping volleyball player?”

Patrick plans on shooting a music video in the Pierce gym soon.

“The whole video is going to be like a volleyball game. It’s going to be a change-up.”

Patrick has been gracious for the response his music has received from his teammates and peers.

“I had friends, Harold and Deshaun, who made music way before me,” Patrick said. “We all grew up on the same street so one day we just started making beats together at my friend Harold’s house.”

Walker saw something special in Patrick early.

“I’ve known Mario ever since he was 16, he comes from a great family and he has a great vision,” Walker said. Patrick grey-shirted for the team last season.

“I think a lot of what goes on the court carries off the court as well,” said freshman middleblocker Amir Haghi. “He’s a very motivating person and always picks us up when we’re sad.”

Patrick has planned to bring his two passions together.

“I want to integrate music and volleyball as

“It’s a lot of fun having people around school coming up to me and telling me they heard my song,” Patrick said. “It’s a cool feeling. But that stuff is also old, I am doing a lot of new stuff and I am excited to see what people on campus think.”

ZACK ROME Reporter @datzackrome

“He’s everything you want as a teammate and student, and we are really blessed to have him a part of our program.”

-Lance Walker Head volleyball coach

Vilma Figueroa / Roundup

Mario Patrick is a setter on the volleyball team, poses for a portrait in the South Gym on Friday, March 17 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.