Twilight v. Harry Potter

With the perfect balance of love, friendship, myth, and adventure, the Twilight Saga written by Stephenie Meyer provides everything a reader yearns for. The series centers in the little town of Forks, Washington where Bella Swan falls for Edward Cullen, a 108 year old vampire. The love expressed between Bella and Edward can be comparable to that of the most epic love tales like Romeo and Juliet, and Heath cliff and Cathy. Unlike the Potter series Twilight offers a multidimensional perspective by including that kind of love in all its books.

Along with fairy tale romance, the series offers a story about true friendship by including Bella’s best friend, Jacob Black. While the Potter series relies entirely on its friendship based storyline, Twilight adapts to the different perspectives people possess. Bella and Jacob’s friendship mirrors that of Ron and Hermione but it explores the characters feelings more deeply than the Potter series ever does, and its depicts how their friendship blossoms into love more accurately since it is written in first person.

The Potter series provides a wide look at various mythological creatures and events. Twilight manages to include mythology in a more focused way than Harry Potter since it sticks to the fictional world of vampires and shape shifters. Meyer creates her own myths and origins and eloquently combines it with true events and places, causing the reader to feel like the story is all the more plausible. While Potter waits to include big battle scenes far into the last of the 7 book series, Twilight provides a dosage of action in every book and manages to depict its tale in 4 books .

Due to its length, the Harry Potter movies aren’t as anticipated and seem like a never ending predictable story. Twilight keeps the reader guessing and unable to stop reading until the very end. New Moon is one of the most anticipated movies of the year because unlike Twilight and all the Harry Potter films, it doesn’t stray from the storyline quite as much.

Last profile for rock ensemble

Name: Gabriel R. ” Gabe, Chincilla” Coto

Grade: 9th

Instrument:  Bass Guitar

Favorite chord/note to play and why: B because on the 5th strin on my bass ” metal frequency”

Favorite Musician/ band: Maximum the Hormone

Reason to join Rock Ensemble: To play in a school band

Final Draft of blurb on “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” play

The Visual and Performing Arts Academy will be presenting “I Never Saw Another Butterfly”, the play adaptation of Raja Englanderova’s story. It was inspired by documents written by the children at the Terezin concentration camp during World War II.

The lead role of Raja Englanderova will be played by senior Niv Ramati. “I hope that people walk away not only thinking about the play but going beyond and also thinking about the actual holocaust and how bad and unnecesary it was” , stated Ramati.,”I hope they walk away satisfied that even if they can’t realate to the subject of the play they don’t feel like they wasted their time”.

This specific play was picked for its facility of production, ability to fit education standards, and powerful message. “ I think we all have to be aware of what terrible things people have gone through in the past so we don’ t commit the same mistakes” said drama teacher and director Pauline Lakanen

 The drama will debut in the Miami Beach Senior High auditorium on November 3, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. with an additional showing on November 4. The students and seniors fee will be $3.00, adults $5.00, and children under 12 get in for free.

new blurb on play

The Visual and Performing Arts Academy will be presenting “I Never Saw Another Butterfly”, the play adaptation of Raja Englanderova’s story. It was inspired by documents written by the children at the Terezin concentration camp during World War II.

The lead role of Raja Englanderova will be played by senior Niv Ramati. This specific play was picked for its facility of production, ability to fit education standards, and powerful message. “ I think we all have to be aware of what terrible things people have gone through in the past so we don’ t commit the same mistakes” said drama teacher and director Pauline Lakanen

 The drama will debut in the Miami Beach Senior High auditorium on November 3, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. with an additional showing on November 4. The students and seniors fee will be $3.00, adults $5.00, and children under 12 get in for free.

Edited Marching Band article

The Silver-Hi Tides Marching Band has proudly returned after a four year hiatus due to school budget cuts and lack of faculty. Marching Band Director and ex-Hi Tide, Joshua Figueroa said “It’s more than the eye can see; it’s not just marching. It’s about dedication, hard work, and having Hi Tide Pride!”

Alongside the Marching Band comes the revival of the Auxiliary, composed of members that dance to the songs that the band plays. “Dancers make the band look more exciting and bring more spirit”, said Katherine Hernandez, senior and one of the three Auxiliary captains. Alright girls, if you call just moving your butts around and having those robotic faces on, looking more exciting, then I guess you are. Are you just marching and dancing for yourselves or do you actually want the people to scream HI TIDE PRIDE? Girls in the back: you’re not performing at a funeral, you’re supposed to smile and curve your bodies.

Percussion is an amazing section of the band, and out of any section it really is the one that is on task at every performance. Kai Vecchio, senior and drummer, said “The marching band is a large group of very diverse, integrated people that have to coordinate and act as one. Without respect for one another it would be very hard to get everything done.”

The revival of the Beach High Marching Band is truly an amazing activity to have back at the school. It’s definitely something that everyone can participate in. Miles Mittenthal, sophomore, said, “You definitely need to be passionate about what you’re doing. It’s definitely hard work, but in the end of the day, it’s all about having fun and loving what you do.”

Veronica Duell, sophomore said, “Our Marching Band has a big impact on the Beach High football team because they provide them with support and boost team spirit.”

I Never Saw Another Butterfly blurb

The visual and performing arts academy will be presenting “I Never Saw Another Butterfly”, the play adaptation of Raja Englanderova’s story based on poems, diaries,letters, etc written by the children at the Terezin concentration camp during World War II. The play is based on the memories that Raja narrates of the 15,000 Jewish children that were taken to the Czechoslovakian camp while they awaited the transfer to the horrid Polish death camps.

(Quote from lead actor/actrees and mrs lakanen) 

The drama debuts in the Miami beach Senior High auditorium on November 3,2009 at 7:30 p.m. and will have an additional showing on November 4 at 7:30 p.m. Students and seniors will have to pay $3.00  for the show, while adults pay $5.00 and children under 12 get in for free.

Band quotes for pelinsu

 

FOR THE AUXILARY IM STILL MISSING ONE CAPTAIN AND I DONT THINK YOU SHOULD USE THE “WHICH SECTION IS THE WORST?” QUOTE FOR THE PERCUSSION BECAUSE IT’S KIND OF RUDE AND IT COULD GET THE BOYS IN TROUBLE SO DON’T INCLUDE THOSE PLEASE.

Auxilary:

Cassandra Salazar 11th grade

Why do you think it is important for the band to have dancers?  – Its important to have dancers with the band because it shows more school spirit and it adds a little funk to the band.

How do you think you guys can improve? – Ways I think we can improve are having at least 3 times of practice a week insteadof two and having girls more dedicated to auxilary and willing to be committed.

What is the best and worst part of being in the band? – The best part of being in the band is being able to be a part of something that is like the heart of the school…That’s where all the spirit comes from.

Katherine Hernandez, senior

1 – Dancers make the band look more exciting and bring more spirit they bring the expression of the music .

2- We can improve by having actual uniforms.

3- The best is we have fun and loose weight and meet grewat new people and there is no worst. It’s amazing…

 

Percussion:

Kai Vecchio ,senior

Who do you think is the best section and why? – Well i mean obviously its the cush (drumline) because we are the hardest working section and the tightest knit. We put the most effort in and we still know how to get down and have a good time.

2.Which section do you think is the worst and why? -I’m just gonna say the horns in general because they suck, they blow, they do it all.. But especially the saxes for licking that wood..

lmao am i allowed to say that?

3. What do you think is the most important element to have in a marching band? – When it comes down to it, probably respect. Marching band is a large group of very diverse, integrated people that have to coordinate and act as one. Without respect for one another it would be very hard to get this done.

 

Oscar Cifuentes, junior

1- the cush because we’re the most disciplined and most dedicated section in the band.

2- the band because they have no discipline and always put everyone behind.

3- Discipline because you can’t do anything without discipline in a band and you have to be deddicated.

For Pelinsu

The Silver-Hi Tides Marching Band has returned after a four year hiatus due to school budget cuts, and lack of faculty and staff members. Marching Band Director and ex-Hi Tide, Joshua Figueroa said “It’s more than the eye can see; it’s not just marching, it’s about dedication, hard work, and having Hi Tide Pride!”

Alongside the Marching Band comes the revival of the Auxiliary, so hang in there girls you’ll soon be able to flaunt those moves. The Auxiliary is composed of members that dance at Beach High football games and pep rallies to the songs that the band and percussion play.

What is needed to be a part of the Marching Band Sensation?

The revival of the Beach High Marching Band is truly an amazing activity to have back at the school. It’s definitely something that everyone can participate in. Veronica Duell, sophomore said, “Our Marching Band has a big impact on the Beach High football team because they provide them with support and boost team spirit. Without them I don’t think they would win because last year we didn’t have a marching band, and we hardly ever won.”

Final Draft of Rock Ensemble (overview and profiles)

Rock Ensemble final draft

The infamous Beach High Rock Ensemble, led by Doug Burris, has picked the band members for the 2009-2010 school year since many of the members said goodbye last year when they graduated, leaving multiple spots open for new comers. The Rock Ensemble, which has been around for 27 years, has performed at numerous concerts, won countless awards, and even appeared on television shows such as “CBS Sunday Morning”.  The rigorous audition process requires each instrument, vocalist, or technical position to demonstrate their ability to read notes, display their talent at playing their chosen instrument, or to show their technical knowledge of the sound system and lights. This year the Miami Beach Senior High Rock Ensemble possesses a total of 14 rockin’ members. Among these members are manager Hillary Kofsky and the technician team made up by: Eitan Rabinovich, Agustin Pereyra, Andrew Freedman, and Layla Bessiso.

 

Name: Amanda Epstein

Grade: 11^th

Instrument: Voice

Favorite chord/ note to play: So, or G. It’s a sweet, sweet note.

Random fact: Jane Austen is my (only) god and her books are my bibles.

Reason to join Rock Ensemble: I loved Rock Ensemble last year, I felt inspired. Music is my passion and I thought it was time to pursue that pleasure.

 

Name: Isabella “Izzie/Ize” Cattani

Grade: 11^th

Instrument: Voice/ Guitar

Been playing this instrument since: I began singing when I was little (about 9) and I’ve been playing guitar since I was 14

If I could play any other instrument I’d be playing…: Maybe the piano or the clarinet. (I’d be trying to learn) Oh and the Jamaican drums and the harp.

Reason to join Rock Ensemble: I joined because I’ve always thought Rock Ensemble was cool.

 

Name: Kelsey Judith Lemus

Grade: 11^th

Instrument: Voice

If I weren’t in Rock Ensemble I’d be…: In cheerleading practice

Random fact: I love to eat a lot and I find it hard to stop smiling.

Reason to join Rock Ensemble: Music has always been my passion since as long as I can remember.

   

Name: Jesse Halpern

Grade: 9^th

Instrument: Drums

If I wasn’t in Rock Ensemble I’d be…: A Norwegian male supermodel

If I could play any other instrument I’d be playing..: The banjo.

Reason to join Rock Ensemble: I thought it would be a great after school activity considering my love for music.

 

Name: Nicolas “Nick” Trullas

Grade: 11^th

Instrument:  Drums

Been playing this instrument for: A year and a half

 If I wasn’t in Rock Ensemble I’d be…: Still drumming in church.

Reason to join Rock Ensemble: Because for experience and the fun of it.

 

Name: Jesse Kirkpatrick

Grade: 11^th

Instrument: Keyboard, vocals

Began playing this instrument: I began playing piano when I was 4 years old, and it’s been on and off since then. I’ve been playing my voice since my very first shower.

Favorite chord/note to play: My favorite chord is e minor 7^th because it reminds me of elevator music.

Reason to join Rock Ensemble: I joined Rock Ensemble because of its history and uniqueness. I mean come on. A Rock Ensemble? Who wouldn’t join?

 

 

Name: Joseph “Joe/Joey/Jo-Bear” Coto , Preference : Joseph Anthony Santa Maria Coto del Fuego de las Montañas

Grade: 11^th

Instrument: Sax, Vocal, Beard

Favorite Musician: Jamiroquai, Joseph Coto

Random Fact: I have 42,827 hairs in my beard.

Reason to join Rock Ensemble: I’m a good person.

 

Name: Alumine Soto

Grade: 9^th

Instrument: Guitar

Favorite musician/band: Jacob’s ladder

Random fact: I’m in a band called Rachel’s Concussion

Reason to join Rock Ensemble: Because I’ve always wanted to be in the band that’s been rocking the planet since ’72.

 

 

Name: Kevin Jefferson “Turulala” Sgarro

Grade: 11^th

Instrument: Guitar

Favorite chord/ note to play: E7(#9) it’s an awesome chord.

Random Fact: I like counting buttons.

Reason to join Rock Ensemble: Cause it’s awesome

Last Edit of Acidosis article

Acidosis LAST EDIT

Acidosis is In-Your-Face and soon to be in your CD player
By: Lyssa Goldberg

Acidosis, a local crossover thrash band of rebellious teens, has channeled its aggression into the anti-conformist album Colombian Necktie, set to be released October 16, when the band performs at Churchill’s Pub.

“The music we write is angry because we are angry,” expressed lead bassist and lead vocalist Ben Katzman, “but we would rather play angry music than violently take out our anger on people.”

The band members are Ben Katzman, who is a senior at Miami Beach Senior High; drummer Johan Grafe, a senior at Michael Krop Senior High; lead guitarist Justin Vega, who is a junior at Michael Krop Senior High; and newest member, rhythmist and lead guitarist Diego Edsel, a junior at Miami Beach Senior High.

Mario Cianci, a junior who attends Ronald Regan Senior High, was the previous rhythmist and lead guitarist for Acidosis, so his handiwork can be heard on the EP.

“We are not signed to a label because all the label offers we had put complete control over our music,” said Katzman.

This disdain towards authority has manifested itself in a “do-it-yourself” process for creating the album. According to Katzman, the band recorded the tracks, packaged the CDs, and will be releasing the album all on their own.

The recording process was quick and productive. “It’s not hard work because it comes from the heart,” imparted Katzman. “Although sometimes getting a song done is strenuous, we don’t complain because we’d rather do this than a 9-5 job.”

The album’s energized rhythm and blaring vocals stem from everyday experiences that inspire passionate turmoil within these rising musicians. Their music is also influenced by bands such as Megadeth, Metallica, and Black Flag.

The dynamic intro to their song, “They Live” is surely one that will invigorate the crowds at an Acidosis performance. This fast-paced tune is countered by candidly dramatic lyrics. Lines like “You’ve shown us false hope/Shown us the end/Damaged our liberty/You’ve damaged our death” tell the story of an unbreakable authority that has taken away the public’s freedom.

“They’ll always surprise you,” said Andrew Mamber, junior and fan. “I never get bored of hearing the same songs because they always know how to mix it up.”

Acidosis performances are characterized by their carefree chaos as teens head bang, storm the stage, and form mosh pits.

“Going into an Acidosis show, you can expect an electrifying performance,” said Ben Terem, senior and devoted supporter of the band. “Other than that, you never know what’s going to happen.”

According to Mamber, it has become rare for Acidosis to play a concert in which anyone in the crowd has not heard of them.

“Acidosis is drowning in success,” commented Sean Wouters of The Deaf Poets. “All very young musicians, they are turning Miami on to their scene, and I expect much more in only a short wait.”

You can visit www.myspace.com/acidosismiami for more information about their upcoming shows. The album will be on sale for five dollars and can be purchased at shows or by contacting the band through their MySpace page.