PHS MEDIA NEWS

This year, Paoli High School’s Drama Department will be performing Roger and Hammerstien’s The Sound of Music. The musical will be performed on November 21, 22 and 23 in the Ruth Uyesugi Auditorium. There are approximately 28 cast members, not including the chorus. This musical will feature the iconic songs “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things.”

This musical is a classic tale about a Nun postulate, Maria, who becomes a governess for the Von Trapp household. She looks after seven children who have lost their mother. Their father, Captain Von Trapp, is a strict man who forces his children to live in a military fashion. However, Maria changes that. She returns music and happiness to the home. 

“This musical offers action, intrigue and an unlikely love story,” said Drama Director Maria Wishart.  

The two lead characters of this performance are Maria played by junior Libby Padgett and Captain Von Trapp played by freshman AJ Lopez. These two will be accompanied by the Von Trapp children, which include Liesl played by sophomore Amanda Bowles, Freidrich played by junior Christian Ruth, Louisa played by sophomore Kylee Charles, Kurt played by sophomore Christopher Frias, Brigitta played by sophomore Angie Ceja, Marta played by sophomore Annabell Bledsoe and Gretl played by freshman Rylie Belcher. 

Other characters include Elsa played by freshman Ryliegh Anderson, Max played by junior Chandler Hinton, Mother Abbess played by senior Megan Poe, Sister Berthe played by senior Vanesa Swartz, Sister Margaretta played by senior Micayla Chism, Sister Sophia played by junior Haley Owens, Frau Schmidt played by sophomore Haley Cox, Franz played by sophomore Luke Gibson and Rolf played by sophomore Michael Hannon. Along with the main cast there are other supporting roles, including backstage, tech, props and costume crews. 

“The Drama Club hopes that many members of the community will come and be a part of the audience to experience the magic of this musical,” says Wishart.

Story by Amanda Bowles

On Friday, November 15, many members of the Pride of Paoli marching band will be taking a field trip to Indianapolis to watch the Bands Of America Grand Nationals Preliminaries. The band will have the opportunity to watch some of the best and biggest bands in the country.

“The trip is important because it allows our marching students to observe high quality performances and to understand where the marching arts are headed from a format and design standpoint. It is important in this activity to stay modern and current, while also retaining the traditions and identity of our program. Going to watch Grand Nationals give us a broad sampling of how other programs are approaching the current trends in the marching and performing arts,” said band director Cory Chapman.

After the competition, the band will be attending a leadership session with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, the Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, which is a musical instrument manufacturing company.

Those going on the trip will be leaving PHS around 7 a.m. and should arrive back to the school around 10 p.m.

Story by Angie Ceja

Paoli High School art teacher Chris Jones is continuing the tradition of making ceiling tiles for teachers this year.

Jones’s drawing 2 and Pre-AP drawing students are tasked with creating the tiles during the first semester of the school year. Every teacher is given the opportunity to purchase a tile to add to their classrooms. Teachers are also able to select a certain student to design their tile and can contact their artist to give them ideas or discuss their desired design. Tiles are $20 a piece, and the funds help the art department purchase new art supplies, computer software or any other necessity that the budget set does not cover. 

“Every classroom has about 100 boring white ceiling tiles. This project adds something a little more interesting. Bringing color to the space that could brighten up someone’s day,” said Jones.

Story by Amanda Bowles

On October 7 through 9, the Paoli High School Drama club will be hosting auditions for their fall musical, The Sound of Music. Auditions are open to any student in grades 7 through 12 and will take place in the Ruth Farlow Uyesugi Auditorium.

“The main consideration for casting is how you audition, who best fits which part. Other considerations are dependability, ability to cooperate, availability, seniority, what we already know about you,” said Drama Club Director Maria Wishart.

Anyone wishing to audition for a featured or lead role are recommended to prepare a karaoke or an a cappella song to sing for the audition panel so they can determine each person’s strengths.

Story by Michael Hannon

On October 10 at 6 p.m., the Paoli High School choir will be performing their first show of the year, An Autumn to Remember. 

Three choirs from PHS will be performing at the event. First, the junior high choir will be singing “Why We Sing” by Kirk Franklin. Then, the Singing Sensations will be presenting “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman and “When I’m 64” by The Beatles. Finally, the Harmony Singers will perform “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and “For Forever” from Dear Evan Hansen. Together, the three choirs will showcase “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” by Emma Lazarus and “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. 

“Students have been working really hard to give a mixture of music from modern to music from musicals and some classic rock and pop. We try to do a variety of music for everyone to enjoy. There will definitely be something in our concert will connect to and enjoy,” said Choral Director B.J. Crowder. 

During the show, donations will also be collected. Junior Libby Padgett from The Harmony Singers is preparing to go to The National American Miss beauty competition in Anaheim, California over Thanksgiving break, and the money collected will help fund that trip.

“Admission is completely free, but we will be taking donations to help a choir member, Libby Padgett get to nationals for a beauty pageant in California,” said Crowder.

The choir is still hard at work in the weeks leading up to their concert. More information will be posted in the hallways of PHS as the date grows closer.

Story by Jozalyn Kempf