The Sandspur Volume 123 Issue 10

Issue 10, Volume 123 Thursday, November 10, 2016

Editorial Page 2

Page Page #2 •• SECTION OPINION/ELECTION

Thursday, 11, 2014 Thursday,September November 10, 2016

Established in 1894 with the following editorial:

EXECUTIVE STAFF Lauren Waymire Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Mariano Managing Editor Caroline Arrigoni Production Manager

CONTENT STAFF Raquel Leon Head Content Editor Amanda Grace Head Copy Editor

Barbara Padilla Minoska Hernandez Morgan McConnell Copy Editors Eric Hilton Kalli Joslin Section Editors Christina Fuleihan Staff Writer Kalli Joslin Nolan Brewer Web Editors

DESIGN DEPARTMENT Shaayann Khalid Head Designer Victoria Villavicencio Zoe Kim Maliha Qureshi Designer

BUSINESS & FACULTY Greg Golden

General Manager of Student Media

Dr. Bill Boles Faculty Advisor David Neitzel Business Manager Taylor McCormack Business Intern Jose Araneta Student Media Graduate Assistant

ADVERTISING

Contact: advertising@thesandspur.org

Cover Art Designed By Caroline Arrigoni ‘16

The last year has been a tumultuous one. Our election cycle alone has pitted friend against friend and for many became more of an internationally broadcast personality contest than a political campaign. Our airwaves have been so dominated by everything happening around us that most forgot the other significant event happening this week: Veteran’s Day.

Those who protect our nation are not at liberty to follow their own politics at work. There is a constitution, a Commander in Chief, and a job to do. Their actions are a statement of patriotism alone; there is no room for partisanship. Their selfless work is what ensures that we are able to continuously exercise our political and civil rights.

The significance of this day

is felt by many in the Sandspur staff; we have mothers, fathers, friends, and other loved ones who haved served. We have peers on this very campus who made the committment and now serve as leaders and role models in the beautiful community we call home. Regardless of the outcome of the election, these extraordinary people show us that we all have our part to play in

making our community and our nation the best version of itself.

We challenge our readers to hold steadfast to their beliefs and to simultaneously strive to serve and uplift each other through words and actions.

The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect those of Rollins College.

- The Sandspur Staff

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Page 3 • FEATURES

Debate team tackles election The Rollins debate team split into two teams to pitch Clinton against Trump, covering some of the most controversial policies of the campaign.

Christina Fuleihan

Staff Writer

The debate team knew that, with election day growing closer and the highly contested campaigns for the presidency nearing the ends of their sixteenmonth-long journies, it would be difficult to avoid the overpowering dialogue about the presidential election. However, to close out the first day of Rollins Family Weekend, on November 4, the world-renowned Rollins College Debate Team brought us a version of the presidential debate so sophisticated that we might have expected it from the candidates themselves had we not known better. Representing Side Government, or Trump, were Dianna Loew ’18 and Katherine Rizzo ‘17; Kolten Ellis ‘17 and Joshua Brown ‘18 represented Clinton as Side Opposition.

There was powerful dialogue on both sides, and one wonders what the presidential debates might have been like if

the candidates themselves were this aware of and fluent on the issues. However, the highlight of the evening was Side Government’s ability to make even a candidate like Trump seem like a legitimate contestant in the presidential race by demonstrating clear stances on the issues in question. The chamber was filled with “Hear, Hear” and “Shame, Shame” in support or disdain for the views of both candidates, though there did seem to be a bias for Clinton within the group.

The main issues discussed during the debate included US foreign policy, the Supreme Court’s ability to interpret the Constitution, and education.

Side Government’s main points were that a literal interpretation of the Constitution should be required of Supreme Court Justices with a “messiah complex,” that the Department of Education needs to be abolished in favor of a competitive business model for education, and that, realistically,

we should not continue taking soft stances on hard problems.

Loew ’18 claimed, “Trump will not make popular decisions, but will make decisions that keep you and your family safe. . . We need to be realistic about the situation we are in.”

“The only question we should be asking ourselves on the Eighth,” continued Loew ‘18, “is whether your Make America Great Again hat will be red, white, or blue.”

Meanwhile, Side Opposition focused on some of Trump’s previous failures, such as Trump University, while also making a clear distinction between that which is morally right versus legally right. Side Opposition ended the debate by making clear the distinction between the “rule of iron law represented by Trump” and the “rule of human decency represented by Clinton.” Ellis ’17 stated that it would be possible to “move world community forward in accordance with rule of human decency, as

the rule of human decency understands human rights need to be upheld.”

The debate closed with some questions from the audience, with debaters expressing their views regarding their vocations as both students and debaters.

In response to his views regarding the debate, Brown ‘18 echoed American sentiments, “if we don’t have [rhetoric skills] at the foremost, most elite level of policy-making and decision-making in our country, then what are we doing? What do we need to ask of ourselves in terms of fulfilling our duties as educated citizens?”

Loew ‘18 stated, “the basis of the [debating] discipline is to take two arguments and equally skilled rhetors and be able to find the truth from that.”

And while Side Opposition, representing Clinton, won last night’s debate, it won’t be until November 8 that we get to see who will win the only race that matters. The stars of the

night, however, were definitely the debaters and their ability to represent the best that a liberal education has to offer. Just last week, for instance, the Rollins Debate Team won first place in the Southeast Regional Ethics Bowl 2016 competition.

Kolten Ellis ’17 expressed his views on a liberal arts education in response to an audience member’s question, saying, “The value of the liberal arts education lies in applying a holistic unified body of knowledge. As students of a liberal arts education, we can engage critically with ideas that matter, and are motivated to apply our education in innovative ways to solve the problems of tomorrow, rather than do jobs available today. A liberal arts education allows us to take a unified body of knowledge from across the disciplines and allow us to innovate and apply that knowledge to something. So, to Marco Rubio, I say welders can wait. It’s time for more philosophers.”

Students reflect on Neighborhoods As the Neighborhoods program finishes its fifth semester, students share some of their insights and experiences from the newer general education system.

Joseph Klens

Writer

The Neighborhoods program introduced by Rollins three years ago has made its mark on the school and its students, establishing itself an integral part of Rollins College’s liberal arts education.

Historically, the program has received mixed reactions from students. Concerns have ranged from exclusivity to misleading criteria to the way in which honors students are outliers in this system Three students were interviewed about possible improvements and how the curriculum fits in with the rest of their studies.

What did you think when they introduced the Neighborhoods?

I saw that flashy title and thought, “Wow! This is like Hogwarts!” I also thought that this

would allow me to learn about specific interest topics that I wouldn’t be able to at other institutions (i.e Piracy, Superheroes, Cults, Film Scoring etc.)

Did the Neighborhoods limit your liberal arts education or distract from your degree goals?

If anything, they allow me to view my major from an alternate perspective. For instance, I had the opportunity to look at intellectual property rights within science-based research during my 200-level neighborhood class. This is one of the many topics that are important to my field, but allow me to see a holistic view of what my career could be.

Do you see any room for improvements? What are they?

Of course, I think there should be a fluid way for student to track their neighborhood progress outside of memory or

DegreeWorks. The learning objective should be more clearly stated in each class so that the students understand how they are building upon previously acquired knowledge. The neighborhood system is based on learning skills, not necessarily the content, and I think several students fail to realize these skills unless explicitly told.

Jack Allen ‘18 What do you look forward to in your Neighborhood most this year?

I am currently taking a course called People with Special Needs and Disabilities in a Global Society, and I look forward to this class every Tuesday and Thursday. It is such an interesting topic in an intimate setting with a professor I would not have normally had!

How well informed were you

about the courses? Did you make the correct choice?

I was 94% sure I made the right choice. The other choice was Mysteries and Marvels. A lot of my theater friends were in the ICE neighborhood, and they told me about it. Some info I got was from Find Your Anchor. I was, like, 40%, then Find Your Anchor made it 94%.

Why Mysteries and Marvels?

When we had that event in the Campus Center where we were able to see what the neighborhood were, that one seemed the most interesting, vaguely.

And the class titles were the most interesting.

Erin McFee ‘19 Is ICE the best neighborhood?

Why? ICE felt like it was the only

neighborhood that was about the future instead of the now.

They have film scoring, theater creativity, digital storytelling, how to change the world, Nuclear power-arms and war, you know? A bunch of courses that are focused on the future.

Why exactly did you choose ICE? It’s going to make me think about the future more than right now. I think that you sometimes do need to focus on the present, but you need to think about the future, man.

Is the focus of ICE aiding your major goal?

Yeah, I think ICE goes well with a theater major. I think courses like film scoring are going to help build my technical skills.

Jonathan Garcia ‘20

Page Page #2 NEWS 4 •• SECTION FEATURES

Thursday, 11, 2014 Thursday,September November 10, 2016

Rollins celebrates Dia de los Muertos The patio outside the Cornell Fine Arts Museum was home to Rollins’ Dia de Los Muertos festivities on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at sunset.

Maura Leaden

Tommy the Tar gives thumbs-up for Rolllins family. Photo by Caroline Arrigoni

Family Weekend festivities take over campus Rollins hosted its annual Family Weekend festivities from Nov. 4-6. Events included nature walks, cookoffs, and research presentations.

Christina Fuleihan

Staff Writer

There are a vast amount of activities planned for Rollins College’s annual Family Weekend each November. This year, Family Weekend occurred from Nov. 4-6, 2016. Parents had the chance to learn about Rollins College, bond with the campus family, and sit-in with students during class.

On Friday, Nov. 4, activities included a Wellness Center Open House, a sold-out Rollins Improv Players (RIP) show, and an “R” Community Block party in support of the Second Harvest Food Bank. There was also a Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Showcase in Bush Atrium throughout the afternoon, where students from a wide range of disciplines who had participated in the Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Program this summer discussed their findings with families.

The Block Party was a large

success as well, with around three-hundred people in attendance at the event. Community organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank and One Vote ’16 and campus organizations, such as Eco-Rollins and the Annie Russell Theatre were present at the event and led Rollins families in interactive activities.

The Block Party proved a great way for families to learn about the nine dimensions of wellness while enjoying themselves. Families participated in Rollins’ Feed the Need Campaign, played trivia games in order to win reusable plastic water bottles, created homemade Rollins College magnets, were given care packages sponsored by the Wellness Center, and learned about social tips by playing “Connect More,” a game sponsored by the Wellness Ambassadors. In this game, participants can play Connect Four using red and black plates with social skills and other advice written across the front in order to encourage

healthy social interactions. Students and family-members alike could also be seen voting for the best chef at the Sodexo Chef’s Challenge Cook-Off. In addition, Eco-Rollins and the Sustainability Program sponsored a booth where participants could create recyclable bags from old t-shirts.

On Saturday, more great events were hosted around campus. Families had the opportunity to participate in a Rollins Foundations Neighborhood Course, enjoy the campus scenery by partaking in a morning nature walk, see the Rollins College Lacrosse team compete against alumni of the program in a Tars Tailgate, play FSL trivia at Dave’s Boathouse, and enjoy a live concert by Indian classical instrumentalist Rajeev Taranth, among various other activities.

Family Weekend 2016 events culminated with a service event, as Eco-Rollins and the Sustainability Program led families in a service opportunity to help restore and cleanup Lake Virginia on Sunday, Nov. 6.

Writer

Rollins showcased its cultural awareness and diversity with this past week’s Dia de los Muertos celebration, which is Spanish for ‘Day of the Dead.’ The memorial event was sponsored by the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and occurred on the beautiful back patio of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum overlooking the lake. It was a perfect day for the event, with a consistent, cool breeze and perfect timing due to the presence of warm sun’s “golden hour” that shone on the altar and the guests.

T h e main attendees included students currently enrolled in Spanish classes and students involved in other culture-oriented classes, such as Summer Sullivan ‘19.

Sullivan explained, “I am here for my neighborhood class.

I’m in the neighborhood When Cultures Collide, and I’m taking Global Popular Music. I came here to learn more about different cultures.” Sullivan shared some of the facts she learned at the celebration, including that “the reason why Dia de los Muertos is on November 1 or 2 is because it coincides with the Catholic holidays of All Saints

“

Day and All Souls Day.” Certain aspects of Latin culture and the specific holiday’s traditions were present at the event. Chicken and vegetable tamales were served and an altar was arranged to honor the deceased loved ones of the Rollins community, which is the main tradition practiced by Dia de los Muertos celebrants. One of the standout items placed on the altar was a specially framed collage to honor the victims of the Pulse shooting.

Furthermore, Professor Almond’s 3D Foundations art class prepared a unique presentation for the event, which added excitement and color to the patio.

Following an explanation of the meaning behind the holiday, art students paraded cardboard, PVC pipe, and paper mache creations into the space to display their Dia de los Muertos-inspired sculptures.

Most pieces were designed with specific Aztec gods in mind, according to McKenna Leaden ‘20, who is a member of the class. All structures were huge in size and adorned in gorgeous hues. It was an interesting sight to witness due to the students’ commitment to authenticity, as they dressed like their sculptures as part of the presentation.

One of the standout items placed on the altar was a specially framed collage to honor the victims of the Pulse shooting.

Page 5 • FEATURES

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Study abroad in spring and summer 2017 Multiple departments are offering field study opportunities for spring break and summer 2017, but the deadlines to apply are coming up soon.

Spring Break (Applications due November 14, 2016) Service Immersion in the Bahamas • No Credit • Tentative Program Fee: $1770 • Travel with staff members Mike Rainaldi & Katie Jones to Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas to understand the community from a perspective outside of the tourist industry. By focusing on the education system of a special needsbased school, students will dive into personal projects from technology to art, facilitating lesson plans and developing a sustainable partnership with the school. You will also understand the Bahamian environment and take a snorkeling tour!

ENG 310—Global Middle Ages Spain • 8 credits total—must enroll in ENG 310 and 329 during Spring 2017 semester • Tentative Program Fee: $2200 • Join Dr. Jana Matthews & Emily Russell to explore pre-modern Spain through poems, novels, museums, and archeological ruins.

By analyzing the past, students will reimagine the future and make connections between America and Spain.

LACS 203—Social Awareness and Sustainability in Cuba • 2 credits • Tentative Program Fee: $3900 • Join Dr. Patricia Tomé outside of Havana, Cuba to study the historical and cultural aspects of this interesting country. By visiting National Parks, eco-tourism areas, and political cities such as Cienfuegos and Santa Clara, students will create a broad understanding for sustainable agriculture and life on this island.

Ellie Rushing

Writer

Rollins’ Field Study programs offer students an opportunity to venture out on a one- to three-week trip, exploring the world outside campus with a specific course goal. These trips Summer Vacation (Applications due November 20, 2016 unless otherwise noted)

ENV 353—National Parks and Protected Areas • Application due November 14, 2016 • 2 credits—must enroll in ENV 353 during Spring 2017 semester • Tentative Program Fee: $2660 • Join Dr. Barry Allen to explore the beautiful natural areas of Costa Rica. By traveling through areas of high biodiversity and sustainable development, students will analyze habitats and management strategies associated with protected areas and biological corridors. Highlights on the trip including visiting Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, La Selva Biological Station, Laguna del Lagarto National Wildlife Refuge, Arenal Volcano National Park.

BIO 388F—Marine Biology Laboratory in the Bahamas • 2 credits • Tentative Program Fee: $2170 • Travel with Dr. Paul Stephenson and Kathryn Sutherland to the Bahamas to understand the natural world of the Bahamian marine ecosystems. By applying methods of science to marine flora and fauna studied, students will gain important hands-on knowledge regarding this fragile environment.

are faculty-led, but allow participating students many incredible opportunities to experience another culture and environment while also providing them with course credits to bolster their transcripts.

Although all of the field studies come at an addition-

al cost, International Programs offers great need-based scholarships to applicants; Rollins wants every student to have the opportunity to travel the world and study abroad. Whether the field study occurs over winter break, spring break, or summer vacation, the trip will expose you

to a new mindset when it comes to general academic, social, and career education in the field.

Below is a list of the upcoming field study opportunities for spring break and summer 2017, with a brief description and the deadline to apply for each.

CHM 102F—WaSH in the Dominican Republic • 4 credits • Tentative Program Fee: $2990 • By joining Dr. Pedro Bernal on his 20-year project, you can immerse yourself into the sectors surrounding the public health crisis of the Dominican Republic and help become part of the solution. Dirty water kills around 2 million people per year and by understanding the water-related public health work of this area, students will understand first-hand how to address the problem. Want to see a video? Check out #WaSHDR2016. Also, this course counts as elective credit for the Global Health minor. It is open to students from all majors – a chemistry background is not required.

HIS 212F—Journey to the Middle Kingdom of China • 2 credits • Tentative Program Fee: $2100 • Led by Dr. Yusheng Yao & Wenxian Zhang, this course will enable you to experience the vibrant and diverse China through cultural excursions, lectures, and social engagement activities. You will get the chance to climb The Great Wall, stroll on the Tiananmen Square, explore the Bund at night, visit Chinese family and talk with your Chinese college students face-to-face.

EDU 346F/546—Educating Immigrants and Migrants in the Netherlands • 4 credits • Tentative Program Fee: $3330 • Join Dr. H. James McLaughlin to journey to Amsterdam and learn about the sociocultural and educational issues surrounding the children who immigrate from Turkey, Morocco, and the Middle East. A photo project will be produced along with a visual and written representation of the children and their families.

Of course, Anne Frank’s house, the Van Gogh Museum, and other Dutch cultural landmarks will be explored on the trip.

THE 350F—Performance Design at the Edinburgh Fringe • 2 credits • Tentative Program Fee: $2200 • Immerse yourself into the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest theatrical event. Students may perform in as well as attend at least two performances per day at the Fringe, while experiencing the culture and history of Edinburgh, Scotland and its ties to the international theatre scene.

EDU 346F/546—Teaching Practicum in China • 4 credits • Tentative Program Fee: $2990 • Dr. Jie Yu and Angela Griner lead the amazing field study of teaching in a public school in China for 3 weeks. Students will be paired with a student teacher from the world renown school of Chengdu University, which will immerse you into the culture and allow you to explore and teach in a completely foreign environment.

POL 206F—Community Development in Tanzania • 2 credits • Tentative Program Fee: $2800 • Learn about sustainable agriculture and organic gardening amongst the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, ultimately building an ecolodge for the local community. Dr. Dan Chong will lead waterfall hikes and a world-class safari to the Serengeti, students will be exposed to an unbelievable amount of knowledge and cultural experiences.

Page 6 •FEATURES

Thursday, November 10, 2016

New English faculty welcomed with reading The English Department welcomed four new faculty members last week with a reading of their selected works.

Rebecca Candage

Writer

On Tuesday Nov. 1, the Rollins English Department officially welcomed four faculty members to their new positions by hosting a reading of their selected works. Vidhu Aggarwal, Associate Professor of English, gladly received them in the Faculty Club as hard-working colleagues and thanked everyone for coming. Since the event was open to the public as well as Rollins students, faculty, and alumni, there was a wide range of attendees. After the guests enjoyed refreshments, took their seats, and were welcomed by Aggarwal, the reading began with Professor Victoria Brown. She is the author of the novel Minding Ben and other pieces of published short fiction and nonfiction. After the anecdote recounting how her recent move from Brooklyn, New York to Orlando, Florida had left the official copy of her piece in Apogee Journal tucked inside storage boxes and verbally hoping a typed copy would suffice, she began. Her essay was entitled “Nice Girl and Small Man,” a rendition of a summer trip with her children to Tobago, reminiscent to her own Caribbean roots.

She artfully crafts comments on global society into a humorous and compelling memoir.

Next came Professor Matt Forsythe, who sported a black T-shirt spelling out OHIO using iconic Star Wars items. He affectionately explained his attire by saying his works were essentially “a love song to Ohio.” Though he has been lecturing at Rollins for some time, this is his first official year working toward tenure. Forsythe was the first and only to publicly acknowledge his nervousness before reading, saying he wanted his students in the audience to see that it is good to do things that seem scary. He shared two pieces, the first entitled “On Silos: a Q and A.” Published in literary journal

The Pinch, the piece humorously weaves a tale of a teenager climbing the side of a silo and falling to his demise. True to the title, it is done in question-and-answer fashion, with an invisible and mute questioner for the narrator to refute. The audience responded well to this unorthodox essay; bursts of laughter could be heard throughout the piece. His second work also imbues humor as the narrator describes the gigantic Jesus Christ statue in Ohio before and after it was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.

The third reader of the night was Kristen Winet, professor and new Director of First-Year and Academic Writing. She acknowledged her past work in travel writing with a new travel piece she had “just been working on this morning,” “Walking Budapest.” It was told in seven parts chronicling her and her husband’s several-day river cruise and encourages thought on one’s physical ability to travel. She was inspired by the older men and women with physical disabilities either from old age or other conditions who continued to voyage, specifically one man who was often denied access to places because he wore a brace, but enjoyed the cruise all the same.

The last speaker was Ryan

Winet, Kristen’s husband and fellow professor. He has illustrated a graphic novel and is an editor for an online poetry journal.

In an interesting change of pace, Winet brought his artistic and poetic sides together to present a series of poems on each tarot card of a futuristic fortune-telling machine that has grown arms and legs and become sentient. The poems ranged in length based on the card they were inspired by, yet carried the same amount of intrigue for the audience.

The two dozen spectators held onto every word presented and were not afraid to express their enjoyment of the pieces to the new faculty members after the reading. When asked what she thought of the event, Karlissa Keller ’18 said, “I enjoyed the different styles of the different authors. There were quirky, funny, relatable, and travel…. I might be a tad biased but I liked Professor Brown’s the best for her close-tohome depictions of allergies and travel, especially when mixed.

Also, top-notch was Forsythe’s silo piece for his ingeniously engaging interrupted style.” Now that they have been welcomed by their fellow faculty, students, and the community, the four new professors embark on their budding Rollins careers.

The impact of Native American appropriation Jojo Peloquin

Writer

In honor of it being Native American Heritage month, Rollins Center for Inclusion and Involvement decided to bring Dr. Adrienne Keene from Brown University to speak about Native American appropriation.

The CICI was able to request Dr. Keene to speak at Rollins a year in advance, so this was a premeditated and highly anticipated information session. Adrienne Keene is a citizen of the Cherokee Tribe, and originally resided in California. She is mostly known for her Native American Appropriation blog she started while she was attending Harvard for her graduate studies. The idea for a cultural appropriation blog was triggered when she walked into an Urban Outfitters and noticed many items that were labeled as Navajo. Dr. Keene and many others argue that because clothing labels sell items labeled as authentic Native American products, it is damaging to the identities of Natives.

In America, there is a long history of whites stripping away Native American identities, and when the new colonizers of the United States snatched the land from Natives, they also decided to ban many different defining features of Native life, such as long hair, sacred clothing, and language. It was not until the 1970s that Native American culture was even somewhat tolerated as a result of protests demanding fair treatment from the government. Then, in 1978, Native Americans officially received religious freedom. Dr. Keene explained that appropriation of closely-held religious symbols is damaging to Native American identity because of their past oppression. When the clothing, jewelry, and headdresses are easily accessible to those that do not understand their culture or past, it denounces their sacred nature.

Adrienne Keene noted that appropriators do not struggle in the same way that the oppressed do. Often times appropriators are not fully educated on the lives of Native Americans, but when one decides to research Native Americans, narratives that arise have been whitewashed or are else outdated. Inaccurate representations of Native Americans only perpetuate more stereotypes leading to more mistreatment and oppression; for example, when looking through older pictures of Native tribes, many of the males are wearing headdresses, so it may seem to an outsider as a common token among a tribe. In reality, the headdress is a sacred piece that has to be earned, so not everyone has access to it. Culturally treasured items such as the headdress must be respected by outsiders and insiders alike.

Dr. Keene made it clear that these stereotypes brought on by the costumes and media only makes appropriators feel better about subjugating others. Thinking of Native Americans solely in the past tense justifies—to some people—inaccurate stereotypes.

Dr. Keene related this to the North Dakota Pipeline protest; a sheriff reported that some of the Indians were shooting arrows at the helicopters flying above— this is a completely ridiculous fabrication because much of the hunting done today is accomplished with rifles. It is stereotypes like these that ignite fear into outsiders so much so that they rationalize meeting peaceful protesters trying to preserve their water source with violence.

Dr. Keene and others like her are in search for corrective measures and peace. Their goals are for everyone to be knowledgeable of Native American people today—to see them as people and nothing less. Dr. Keene believes it starts with taking down Native American appropriation and educating the rest of the country.

Page 7 • A&E

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Choral concert charms campus Maura Leaden

Writer

The Fall Choral Concert was an amazing performance put on by a collection of choirs here at Rollins College. The concert showcased Rollins Choir, Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Women’s Vocal Jazz, and Rollins Singers. Because of the range of choirs performing, there were different types of songs performed, including gospel pieces, folk songs, and even well-known Billy Joel songs. Some of the pieces were accompanied by various talented pianists, while others were performed acapella, adding an extra dimension of awe to the power behind the voices in our choirs.

The performance occurred in the John M. Tiedtke Concert Hall. The dimmed audience lighting, contrasting yellow stage lighting, and the specific trapezoidal structure of the room designed for musical performances, all joined forces to create the romantic and classical

intrigue of a live musical performance. Furthermore, with the structure of the room, the voices of the choir were projected into the audience to deliver the loudest and most resonating notes possible. The effect was truly enchanting. In the moment, I even found myself contemplating how lucky I was to go to a school that appreciates the elegance and importance of music, and honors musical tradition with this dignity and caliber.

My level of enthusiasm as an outsider can only be magnified by an actual vocal student. A few of the vocal performers from the concert shared with me their reflections on the night and their overall experience in the chorus program here at Rollins. Alex Pardesi ’17 is a member of the Rollins Choir, Men’s Choir, and Rollins Singers, who has a strong admiration for the program. He expresses that “being in each ensemble, working with each director, and getting to make music in so many different ways with my peers is such a blessing and plea-

sure for me that words often cannot describe.”

Another student, Alexia Della Valle ‘19, who is a member of the Rollins Choir, Women’s Choir, and Women’s Vocal Jazz , shares that she loves “being in a variety of choirs because it exposes me to so many different kinds of music. Each one highlights a different part of my voice.

Whether it’s learning to blend in a Gregorian chant, nailing the 9 in a jazz chord, or adding soul to a gospel piece, I always feel like a well-rounded musician.”

The variety is extensive, as seen by the multiple types of choirs available.

The instruction is topnotch as well. Pardesi has extensive appreciation for all of the choral directors. “All [of] our directors in their many ensembles always try to be true musicians and directors, but not dictators.

They constantly push and challenge us to always put more into every performance, and never settle for anything but the best music we can make. That char-

acteristic alone combined with all their support, knowledge and guidance towards our amazing students, gives us the unique and amazing opportunity to truly have masterful artistry across our whole department.”

I was sure to capture the reactions of these students on some of the fan favorite performances of the night. Della Valle, performed “And So It Goes,” a Billy Joel hit, with the Women’s Vocal Jazz group. She said that it was one of her favorite pieces to perform, due to her ability to bring “new life and energy to an old favorite. When we were learning it, we had to keep in mind the vulnerability of the song, and bring that out in our performance to evoke emotion in the audience.”

The Rollins Choir performed another emotionally charged song titled, “The Road Home” that certainly evoked emotion from the audience, even to the point of tears. Pardesi commented that “the piece, by the late Stephen Paulus, is such a mu-

sically and emotionally diverse piece. We all love that piece, and whether we are singing it at a funeral, as we have, or just as a concert piece, the song always speaks to the heart.” This certainly was one of the most remarkable elements of the night.

The sense of emotion and unity felt in the room was vibrant due to the ability of every message to “speak to the heart through the hearts of all of the amazing musicians on stage,” stated Pardesi.

Pardesi perfectly summed up the main foundation behind the power of choral music. “Singing in a choir, or just making music with anyone, is truly one of humanity’s ultimate spiritually driven team sports.”.

The next choral performance will be the highly anticipated Christmas Vespers, which is a candle-lit, Christmas carol celebration that takes place in the Chapel, and is faithfully attended by students and Winter Park member alike.

Audience takes charge in improv show Upton Abbey

Accepts R-Cards!

“My favorite is spinach, tomato, and feta”

Locally Owned and Operated Maitland 1510 S Orlando Ave.000-000-000 STORE LOCATION

Orlando, FL 32751

OPEN 000-000-000

1214 99

& Marbled Cookie Brownie

$

each

CODE 5041

LIMITED TIME OFFER

LIMITED TIME OFFER Cash Value 1/20c. Prices may vary. Tax may apply. Code 5908

CARRYOUT OR DELIVERY Additional toppings extra.

LATE ©2014 Domino’s IP Holder LLC. Not valid with any other offer.

1 LARGE ANY WAY! Large 1-Topping Pizza Choose any style with any toppings

Roger Lewis, your local Domino’s Manager STORE LOCATION

STORE LOCATION

Minimum Purchase required for delivery. Delivery charge may apply. Limited delivery areas.

©2014 Domino’s IP Holder LLC. Not valid with any other offer.

This past Thursday night was crew preview for Upton Abbey: An Improvised Comedy of English Manors, the long-form created and developed by Theatre Department Chair Dr. David Charles with the help of twelve summer researchers. Upton Abbey is set during World War I, and is completely improvised.

It explores the different gender, class, war, and internal conflicts that arise on an English estate in 1918 through an episodic format. Though it is a serial format, the company is performing in a stand-alone style, so that audiences will be able to follow along even if they haven’t seen previous performances.

Each performer will portray two different characters. Roles were outlined during summer research, which consisted of students presenting on topics including courtship, war, and day-to-day life, and then later developing the research into a complete packet for reference. Each researcher was also responsible for the development of two characters. Students would develop

000-000-000 ORDER NOW AT DOMINOS.COM

2 LARGE

Minimum Purchase required for delivery. Delivery charge may apply. Limited delivery areas.

Large 3-Topping Pizza & Marbled 2-Topping CookiePizzas Brownie

13 99

$

Additional Toppings extra.

CODE 5364

LIMITED TIME OFFER

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Code 5909

Cash Value 1/20c. Prices may vary. Tax may apply.

CARRYOUT ONLY Additional toppings extra.

Valid with coupon only at participating stores.

Writer

the characteristics and potential choices of characters, which were designed to be brought to life in an improvised setting.

Dr. Charles used the show Downton Abbey as a guide for the creation of Upton, and researchers were also required to carefully watch Downton Abbey, analyzing it for style. Research was compiled over eight weeks; mornings saw character development workshops, and in the early afternoons, the researchers would improvise scenes themselves to guarantee plotlines could flow smoothly through the characters.

Their work from the summer will certainly be apparent when watching the show, but because the show will be improvised, each night’s plot will be completely new to the cast, crew, and audience alike. Much like the Rollins Improv Players shows (also directed by Dr. David Charles), Upton Abbey will incorporate audience members’ suggestions into each show’s setting and plot. The show runs November 11-19; tickets can be purchased now at the Annie Russell Box Office and online.

Valid with coupon only at participating stores.

Jojo Peloquin

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Page 8 • SPORTS

End of the road for men’s soccer

The men’s soccer team won their last game against Embry-Riddle on Oct. 30, but failed to qualify for this year’s Sunshine State Conference.

Tosan Popo ‘17

Ellie Rushing

Alexis Martinez ‘17 Writer

The Rollins Men’s soccer team completed their season last Sunday, Oct. 30, against Embry-Riddle. Although the Tars continued to fight for a spot in the Sunshine State Conference tournament up until the end, they fell short. Only the top six teams can enter post-season play, and Rollins entered the game tied for sixth with Eckerd. Although the Tars defeated Embry-Riddle 3-0, they failed to beat Eckerd for the tournament placement.

Rollins lost some key players from last year’s team; however, the competitive nature of the players has not faltered. Al-

though the Tars still ended up bringing together a very talented Men’s team, opponents in the SSC always seemed to stay a step ahead.

When asked about the outcome of the season, Jordan Cole ‘17 had many positive things to say: “There are some games and moments that we would love to have back, to do over again, but the team camaraderie was always very high and that continued through to the end of the season.”

The Tars’ underachievement in terms of making post-season play was not due to lack of effort or will to win; the team was simply outplayed at the very end. Most of the team’s losses were only by one goal—only two

Interested in law school?

Here’s your chance to get an inside look.

David Kuckkahn ’17

Jordan Cole ‘17

games exceeded this margin of loss.

Unfortunately for a few Rollins seniors, Sunday’s game was the last collegiate soccer game they will participate in as Tars.

Tosan Popo ‘17, Alexis Martinez ‘17, Jordan Cole ‘17, David Kuckkahn ’17, and Mark Biddinger ‘17 served as incredible leaders and athletes for their teammates this fall, and the program will miss them immensely.

Reflecting on the end of his season, Cole named a few things he will specifically miss about Rollins and the game of soccer.

“From the jokes and banter in the locker room to the competitive nature of practices... knowing that you have a group of

guys that would do anything for you at any moment is something I will always miss about the game.” Jordan has been a major contributing member of the team for five seasons.

The seniors this year exhibited immense leadership and talent. Although David Kuckkahn and Mark Biddinger were out for a large part of the season due to injuries, the other seniors stepped up on the field and came together to lead their team the best they could.

Speaking of talent, the end of regular season games calls for the release of All-Conference teams, where senior Tosan Popo ‘17 was notably selected as a member of the First Team All-Conference

Mark Biddinger ‘17

Pictures courtesy of rollinssports.com

honors squad. Not only was this the fourth consecutive year Popo was named to this team, but he is also one of only four athletes to ever reach this accomplishment.

The 2016-2017 Men’s soccer team fell short of their ultimate goal, but not for lack of talent. As the underclassmen continue to train throughout the post-season, Rollins Athletics plans to see this team come back next year with a vengeance.

The women’s team lost 0-1 to #1 ranked Saint Leo in the semi-finals for the SSC. Despite their defeat they will proceed to NCAA tournament in the #4 spot out of the South Region. They will go against Lee in Miami Shores in the first round.

Stetson Law Information Day Saturday, November 12, 2016 | 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

• Attend a simulated law class • Meet Stetson Law students and faculty • Campus tours • Admissions and financial aid information • Complimentary lunch

RSVP Today stetson.edu/lawday Office of Admissions and Student Financial Planning 1401 61st Street South | Gulfport, Florida 33707