![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)
Ten Years of Sweet Melodies: Little Mix Celebrates Anniversary with “Between Us”
Girl group Little Mix releases the album “Between Us” to celebrate their ten year anniversary, featuring fan favorite anthems and five new songs. The compilation is the first album released since the departure of Jesy Nelson in 2020.
Royal Variety Charity via Wikimedia Commons
Little Mix, consisting of Jade Thirwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards, and Jesy Nelson (who has recently left), performed “Love Me Like You” from the album “Get Weird” at the Royal Variety Performance in 2015. The performance was aired live on television and viewed by the British Royal Family.
February 4, 2022
Following the departure of Jesy Nelson in December 2020, Little Mix released their highly anticipated compilation album, “Between Us,” on Nov. 12. The album has a total of 26 songs overall, with five new ones. The album also includes features from Nicki Minaj, Jason Derulo, Anne-Marie, Saweetie, and other artists.
The band, with members Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirwall, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, originally started in 2011 on the British talent show, “The X-Factor.” Little Mix released their first album, “DNA,” in 2012, beginning their musical career.
“Between Us” features five brand new songs: “Cut You Off,” “No,”“Trash,” “Love (Sweet Love),” and “Between Us.”
The album switches between fast melodies you can dance to (“Wasabi” and “Woman Like Me”), to soft, heart-wrenching ballads (“Secret Love Song” and “Between Us”). It’s a bit weird to see the switch in vocals from early albums like “DNA” and “Salute,” to more mature vocals in “Confetti.” Songs including Jesy Nelson on the album, due to her departure, especially stand out.
A common theme in past Little Mix albums is love songs and breakup songs, and that theme is carried throughout “Between Us,” especially in the new songs. “No,” the third song featured, currently has more than 10,000 listens on Spotify. It is an angry breakup song, perfectly fitting with past fan favorites.
Since Nelson’s departure, she has released the single, “Boyz,” featuring Nicki Minaj. Jesy had a huge impact on the band, and it’s easy to see how much she’s influenced the band in new songs.
The album is a nice yearbook of all the hits Little Mix has released over the years, and it’s sweet to hear the change in the tone of songs since 2011. Overall, “Between Us” is a lovely way to pay tribute to memories.
Since the release of “Between Us,” the band has stated they are going on a hiatus after their spring 2022 tour. They clarified they are not breaking up, but taking a break.
