![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)
Orchestra Celebrates the Holiday Season with Winter Concert
On Dec. 14, the orchestra performed holiday-themed songs at their first concert of the year, finishing off with their annual finale piece, a Transiberian Orchestra rock arrangement called “Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24.”
Orchestra Director Teresa Gordon directs the musicians to play softly while conducting the third piece of the winter concert, “Holiday Salute,” arranged by James “Red” McLeod.
December 19, 2022
With holiday lighting, festive sweaters, and a large snowman inflatable, the Rock Ridge Orchestra’s annual winter concert on Dec. 14 got everyone in a festive mood and excited for the upcoming holiday season.
The orchestra performed four songs: “Overture to William Tell: Finale,” composed by Gioachino Rossini and arranged by Sandra Dackow, “The Pink Panther,” composed by Henry Mancini and arranged by John Caponegro, “Holiday Salute,” arranged by James “Red” McLeod, and the finale, “Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24,” a Transiberian Orchestra Rock Arrangement.
“The Pink Panther,” featured guest percussionist Patrick O’Rourke on the drum set, and “Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24,” also featured sophomore Andrew Takach on the electric bass and eighth grader Maneesh Getni on the electric guitar. “It felt crazy playing with a high school orchestra,” Getni said.
A lot of hard work went into preparing for this concert. With multiple periods of practicing these songs, as well as some after-school practices, the musicians showed great effort in making this concert enjoyable for all. In addition to the music, director of orchestra Teresa Gordon also planned a scavenger hunt for guests in the audience. Guests had the opportunity to find little paper Christmas trees hidden around the auditorium and they had the chance to win presents, such as a Starbucks gift card and a Regal gift card.
This concert allowed people to come together and listen to light-hearted holiday music performed by the orchestra and have fun listening to these students’ hard work in preparing for this concert.
