![Standing center stage, senior Ananya Akula conducts the Phoenix Chorale. “[Conducting and teaching] is really fun,” Akula said. “Music education is what I want to do.” On the day of the choir assessment, Akula found out that she received the President’s Music Scholarship – a full ride to the University of Miami Frost School of Music.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ananya-1200x800.jpg)
![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-1200x800.jpg)
![Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-1200x823.png)
![Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-1200x897.jpg)
![As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-1200x662.jpg)
Phoenix Band Delivers Breathtaking Performance with Help of Stone Hill Band
On Dec. 7, the Phoenix and Stone Hill bands collaborated to deliver an inspiring performance. The performance provided a chance for future Phoenix to gain the experience of a high school band.
Trombone player senior Tj Lynch performs during the first half of the concert.
February 4, 2022
The band concert on Dec. 7 was a work of art. The collaboration of the Stone Hill and Phoenix band worked beautifully together and was an enjoyable experience for everyone present. Conductors Justin Radcliffe, Robyn Lawrence, and Andrew Giada led the show well and ensured everything went smoothly.
For this performance, the Stone Hill Middle School band was able to perform alongside the Phoenix band. The show began with a short yet sweet compilation of songs that were performed perfectly. It was a great night of middle schoolers being able to see the type of music they will be playing in the upcoming years, and band teacher Justin Radcliffe even spoke to the audience about the variety of opportunities there are in highschool for a middle school band student.
The songs that they performed included “Ancient Hunters” and “Guardians of Liberty;” meanwhile, the wind ensemble played “Scramble” and “Alamo” for the crowd. All the songs were beautifully played with skill that could be seen throughout the whole concert.
“I’m really excited for this performance since I haven’t been on stage for band in a really long time,” sophomore Logan Molina said. He looked forward to playing the song “Guardians of Liberty,” on his trumpet.“Guardians of Liberty is going to be the best part of the show for sure, we have it down perfectly down to every instrument.” He was nervous about the performance of “Ancient Hunters,” however. “I was unsure about it leading up to the show,, but I think we pulled around for the performance,” Molina said after the show.
Following Stone Hill, the Phoenix band was able to swiftly transition and maintain the lively energy of the performance. With the mixed crowd, it was a fun time for both middle and high schoolers. Some of the band members say that the diversity is their favorite part of the program.“[My favorite part about the band is getting] to play with a lot of different people,” sophomore Arun Jannupreddy said.
“I felt really nervous before performing,” saxophone player junior D’Amora Brunson said, “[but], I was really proud of the performance that we gave.” Furthermore, Brunson found that the most important part in creating this event was the community. “The community is really uplifting and we encourage one another even if we mess up,” Brunson said.
The band concert was a great success and learning experience for the Stone Hill students aspiring to be Phoenix band members, and it was a fun experience for the high school students to show off their skills to the audience.
