Musical achievements

Winter percussion wins first place at last competition

• Jack Sklar, journalism 1 writer

In the echoey confines of the Hulman Center, Sam Thompson, junior, and the Winter Percussion Ensemble performed their final winter percussion show on April 6. Each key struck, each note played, every single movement took months to refine and craft into a performance that earned them first place. After everything was played and done, they packed up their instruments and confidently strode into the arena one more time for judgment. It was their time to shine.

“It was a similar feeling to the other final runs I’d done before,” Sam said. “Each performance comes with a lot of adrenaline, so that really puts you into a competitive state, as if you were participating in a team sport.”

Most of the time, writing the show’s music falls into the director’s hands, or sometimes even a composition professional that’s been paid by the director. However, Sam took it upon himself to compose the entire show’s music without anyone else to collaborate with.

“There were a lot of benefits for me and the program when I took up this challenge,” Sam said. “Not only was I testing my skills as writer and composer, but I was also testing the skills of my fellow ensemble members to play the piece. This year’s music was not easy in the slightest.”

Although many of the ensemble members agree that this year was their best show ever, Sam has faith that future seasons will live up to it and maybe even surpass it.

“Everyone is constantly improving,” Sam said. “Even though we have some seniors leaving this year, the strong momentum of this program and the improvement of the ensemble will really help to keep the program and its prestige in order.”

Orchestra receives gold with distinction at ISSMA

• Lauren Hoogeveen, editor-in-chief

Celebrating in the cafeteria of Lake Central last Friday, Symphony Orchestra received gold with distinction and Philharmonic received gold at the ISSMA Organizational competition. The final requirement for the All Music Award, this is the first time they have won it since 2003.

“I was extremely surprised but very proud,” Addy Ellis, junior, said. “It’s about time since we did it [win the All Music Award] again.”

Club updates

Environmental club prepares for earth day

• Amalia Alvarez, journalism 1 writer

Environmental Club has been planning the upcoming Earth Day event tomorrow at Heritage Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seniors Eden Cook and Lily Hestjean have been planning this event alongside the rest of the club for the last few months and are very excited to share it with not only the student body, but the community. There will be crafts, face painting, rock painting, seed giveaways and many different environmental organizations that will be coming to set up booths.

“[We have been] working with the Munster-based group Munster Sustainable and Green to bring this event to life, as they spearheaded this event last year and continue to make it possible,” Lily said. “This celebration will be an amazing opportunity for the community to come together to appreciate our local green spaces and celebrate the beauty and value of this planet.”

Robotics season ends