![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)
On Oct. 26, the front of the stage in the auditorium was appropriately adorned in a collection of Halloween-themed decorations, including skeletons, pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, and even a miniature version of the famous Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from the “Ghostbusters” films. The Phoenix Orchestra echoed the mood of the festive decor with the themes of a variety of classical orchestral pieces, as well as some seasonally appropriate Halloween and fall-themed songs, as they performed their annual Spooktacular collaborative concert.
Throughout the concert, audience participation was a key feature. The orchestra played “The Itsy-bitsy Spider,” featuring audience participation involving moving one’s hands and fingers in a variety of motions corresponding with the lyrics. They also played an orchestral version of “Baby Shark,” featuring call-up performances from the audience where they acted out the dance associated with the song. Finally, they performed a simplified version of the famous 1812 overture, which included a live bass drum to represent cannon fire, which the audience was encouraged to support with a loud interjection of “BOOM!”
The Spooktacular Collaboration took place during the school day, which invited special education students to sing with the orchestra and interact with them. Junior Tiffani Nguyen, who has been playing violin since the sixth grade, was excited for the Spooktacular. “It’s supposed to be a fun way to interact with the special education students at Rock Ridge and to have a chance to hangout with them, and also incorporate them into the play, as well,” Nguyen said.
Phoenix Orchestra conductor Teresa Gordon acknowledged that such a presentation of musical scores could not possibly come on a whim. A great deal of practice and preparation had to go into this event for everything to click. “It’s quarter-long planning,” Gordon said. “We learn a bunch of stuff in the beginning of the school year and [then] we have our annual thing that we do.”
The collaboration of the fine arts department with the special education students shows their dedication to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. The orchestra’s next concert will be in December.
