Spotlight on VAPA
by Vanessa Flores
The Visual and Performing Arts programs, known as VAPA, encompass various artistic disciplines such as art, band, choir, orchestra, and theater at Fresno High School. VAPA plays a vital role in the school community by fostering creativity and engagement among students and adults alike.
The Fresno High Band, overseen by Mr. Corey Reynolds in C-10, contributes significantly to the school spirit by performing at football games and rallies. Mr. Reynolds views the band as a cultural asset representing not only the school but also the city of Fresno. The band has participated in numerous events, including performing the national anthem at the Fresno Grizzlies game, playing at various local venues, and participating in parades. Mr. Reynolds' involvement with the band dates back to his middle and high school years, and his dedication stems from a passion for music education and creativity. He takes pride in the progress made by the band in the previous semester and looks forward to upcoming events such as regional band day and festivals at different schools.
The orchestra and choir programs, led by Mrs. Beverley Morehead in C-21, play a crucial role in enhancing the school culture. Mrs. Morehead, with a lifelong passion for orchestral music since childhood, instills a sense of accountability and pride in her students both in and out of the classroom. The orchestra students have shown remarkable dedication, with upcoming events including a regional day and a trip to a universal festival. The choir program has taken a new direction under Mrs. Moorehead's guidance, focusing on student-driven choices and a diverse selection of music to enrich the school's cultural experience during events like Black History Month.
The art program offers classes in various mediums such as Art 1, Art 2, CD Design, Ceramics 1, and Ceramics 2. Art teacher Amy Kohl in N-74 emphasizes that the arts program empowers students to express their creativity and feel a sense of accomplishment through their work. With a background as a professional artist, Mrs. Kohl aims to inspire students to appreciate the beauty of art and encourages their imaginative expression. Noteworthy projects in the past semester include a mass project featuring underwater animals made from tape and wire. The art program plans to showcase student work and introduce new mediums such as fiber art, clay, and stone carving in the coming months.
In the Theater program under the direction of Mrs. Julie Pullinger in C-20, the focus remains on providing students with opportunities to engage in theatrical productions. Mrs. Pullinger's dedication to the program stems from her early experiences in middle and high school, where she found her passion for theater. The theater program's recent achievements include growing participation among first-time performers and the collaborative efforts of the stage crew in set design. Future endeavors include rehearsals for the musical "Peter Pan JR" and upcoming events like Move Up Day and the FHS Theater Festival.
Play Updates
by Sonny Mora
Peter Pan Jr is coming! Auditions and callbacks finished, and the cast has been selected. There were enough auditioners to make it possible. The lead roles are played by Alec Reyes as Peter Pan and Adeline Townsend playing Captain Hook and Mr. Darling. Ms. Julie Pullinger is in control of the play, making sure all the actors are playing their part, so it comes in fantastic.
22 actors meet for rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Performances are March 21-22. “This is the most vocally compatible cast I’ve seen,” offered Cadence Allen.
Costume and prop designs are in the work with all the Drama Club helping. Tech Crew is preparing the lights, mics, projections, and music for the live performances. “This is one of the most dedicated casts we’ve had in a while,” shared senior Adeline Townsend.
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Our Entertainment Editor, Cadence Allen would like to start of book club, and his first choice is Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The book was published in 1897. It is an epistolary novel, the narrative is related through letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles
Dracula