Senior’s theatrical talent personifies theatre department’s excellence on stage

by Meghan Poff

Dr. Einstein. Tall and thin with long, spidery legs and powdery white hair, he sits on the velvet chaise, legs crossed, looking unusually suspicious. When he speaks in his thick German accent, he looks down and rushed his words as though he has something to hide. He fidgets in his chair uneasily and you wonder what he is so nervous about. This is Dr. Einstein. But it is also senior Aaron Johnson, and though you would never know just but watching, this is only a role.

Johnson played Dr. Einstein in the FC production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” a classic 1940’s comedy. A dedicated actor, though not truly himself tonight, the audience can feel as if he really is the character he is playing.

The next morning, as he walks purposefully to his first-period advanced theater class, he seems more composed, if not more intimidating. He moves down the hall, backpack hooked over his shoulder, with the air of someone who knows what he’s doing. With his short brown hair covering his head, jeans and a t-shirt replacing the brown suit of the night before, he seems like a completely different person. That’s just one of the many things that make him such a talented actor.

But in theater director Chris Bundy’s advanced theater class, everyone is there because they have some sort of talent. So what sets Johnson apart?

“The difference is he’s got the drive, talent, and passion. And when you’re passionate about something, you just can’t get enough. It’s like a drug,” said Bundy.

And Johnson really is committed. When he’s not at rehearsals or on the stage, it’s not unlikely to find him seeing other shows or reading plays.

“I don’t do much else besides theater. It’s what you have to do to get ahead,” said Johnson.

His passion for theater has already paid off. Johnson is the only FC student to have an original play produced at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. He said that colleges really looked it at as a step-up against the competition for college scholarships, for which he has already received offers. He also recently starred in an independent show called “Mass Appeal,” which was a two-person show. The other actor was a working actor from Derby Dinner Playhouse. Last year, he also worked in a show called “The Boys Next Door” at IUS. Johnson is not only a dedicated actor, but he is passionate about the characters he plays.

“When you play a character and a show closes, it feels like there’s been a death in the family and you’ve lost some part of yourself.”

Now as the lead role ‘man in chair’ in the FC production of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” Johnson also has the part as a seasoned actor, bringing his experience to the set. And to think he started from small beginnings. His first show, “The Wizard of Oz,” got him hooked to theater, and after that he just couldn’t get enough. Johnson surrounded himself with all things theater from that point on and knew it was what he wanted to do.

However, as a student at Salem High School, there weren’t many chances for advancement. With one theater class taught by the French teacher, it just didn’t compare to FC’s national award winning program.

“I was the only boy in the whole school corporation that did theater. Everyone thought it was a cardinal sin that I didn’t play football and all that stuff.”

But Johnson wasn’t bothered by the theater stereotypes.

“Theater is where I spend all my free time so why not? People will accept you, or they won’t. You just need to surround yourself with those who do.”

So Johnson compromised and switched school’s his junior year. That’s not to say it was an easy transition. As any new kid knows, it’s hard coming to a new school and breaking in, trying to make new friends. But Johnson found an upside in a difficult situation.

“At Salem I was in a class of 80 and everyone knew each other. But now being in a class of 400, I’ve really had the chance to meet some new people and it’s been great,” Johnson said.

But meeting new people wasn’t the only benefit of becoming a Highlander. Johnson said that being part of the theater program has helped him tremendously as an actor. He also said he has learned a lot from Bundy, and working with him has been enjoyable.

“Except for when he throws books at you,” he added jokingly.

However, this is not to say that Johnson is only the sum of the roles he plays.

Advanced theater student, sophomore Laura Duncan said that Johnson is pretty sarcastic in nature, which comes from his amazing sense of humor.

“In a few words, he is hilariously brilliant.”

Duncan also said that Johnson’s talent for acting has helped her as an actress. She added that the advice he has given her has really helped her acting technique.

“Everything just comes so naturally to him. He is so good and so talented I don’t even know how to describe him.”

As for Johnson’s performance in “The Drowsy Chaperone,” Duncan said that Johnson is Man in chair; if there were any role he was born to play, Man in chair is it.

So what’s next for Johnson as graduation day looms ahead? He said that a BFA in acting is his main priority, as he feels that it is very important for an actor to go to school for their training.

“A lot of people have it in their heads that acting is acting, and anyone can get-up-and-go to New York or LA, but the truth is you need the training and the connections that come with it.”

Johnson’s top choices for college are the University of North Caroline School of the Arts, Emerson, and DePaul. He said that you must audition to be accepted so you can’t count on the one school you like to accept you, and he will be happy wherever he ends up.

Johnson also said that if he had any advice for aspiring actors, it would be that FC is one of the best theater programs in the nation, so use it. Audition for every show, take the classes, and attend all the events. And go see shows outside of FC. Immersing yourself in the arts is the best way to educate yourself and grow as an actor.
“I myself am still aspiring. Remember that you can never stop learning and you are never a perfect actor. This is so true. Actor’s in their 60’s still take classes and learn from other actors. So basically, never tell yourself that you are done learning.”

And on closing night of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” as Johnson took the stage for his final bow, the entire audience rose to their feet, the thunderous applause resounding throughout the room; his expression was nothing short of rapture.

“Those are the moments I live for.”

Determination, musical talent drive sophomore to excel in marching band

by Beth Brunmeier

Even though sweat drips down his face, sophomore Michael Bolton keeps his body and saxophone completely motionless until given the silent signal to relax from the field commander.

So continues another practice of the FC marching band.

This is where you would’ve found 131 teenagers every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as they prepared for performances and a sixth-place finish at state finals.

It is easy to spot the alto saxophone-wielding Bolton among the mass of high school students at rehearsal when everyone is wearing his or her unique style. However, once they don their black and white uniforms, only Bolton’s glasses and the look of grim determination on his face set him apart from the rest.

For Bolton, the music doesn’t stop when practice ends. How can it when he must stay “in shape” for band class, jazz band, pep band, All Region Honor Band, Solo & Ensemble, and the plethora of other musical programs that he is involved in?

Despite the fact that music has been steadily taking over his schedule, Bolton doesn’t seem to mind.

“I practice at least an hour every day. [When it comes to other hobbies,] I have to make time for those. It’s true that I can’t do all the school things I wanted to do, but it’s worth it,” he said.

Nowadays, Bolton can work his fingers expertly over the keys of an alto saxophone, a clarinet, or a piano. Be that as it may, his musical career started many years ago, back when being in band was the last thing he wanted.

“I played cello in elementary. I hated it with a burning passion. So when we had to fill out a music form for Highland Hills, I knew that orchestra and band would be too much work. I was afraid of singing in front of other people; so choir was out, and general music was where they stuck the scary kids. I wanted to do hand bells, but my mom told me that I was doing band. It was the best thing she ever made me do,” said Bolton, humor prominent in his voice.

In sixth grade band class, Bolton was drawn to the saxophone because of its brassy sound that contradicted its woodwind classification. The fact that it was extremely shiny didn’t hurt, either.

He quickly became a section leader and kept that title all three years at Highland Hills. He was also honored with the Director’s Award when he was in eighth grade.

“Michael had an outstanding work ethic and always tried his hardest. He was a quiet leader to those around him,” said Highland Hills band director Phil Thomas.

With the ending of middle school came a rush of choices. Would he continue on with his saxophone and do marching band, or drop it and join the tennis and swimming teams?

It was a no-brainer for Bolton.

“I know it was a tough decision for Michael, but I was very pleased that he chose to pursue music,” said Thomas.

So Bolton plunged into his first year of marching band.

“Michael was a quiet first year [student]. He didn’t really buy into marching band at first, you know? Now he gets more into band and the sax traditions,” said saxophone section leader Christopher Sinclair.

Whether he was hesitant at first or not, Bolton only had praises to sing about marching band. “I always feel like people really care in the FC marching band.”

Bolton plans on continuing in his music even after high school. “My college, no doubt, has to have a great music program. I definitely want to teach either math or music. I also want to do music in the area, like being in the pits for theaters or local orchestras.”

Regardless of the road his life is taking, Bolton said he believes that band has changed him for the better. “I was always very shy and scared to talk to people. Band brought me more friends and made me who I am today. I’m sure without it, I’d just be another stick in the mud.”

Goette adjusts to life in America as FC foreign exchange student

by Zoe Doebbler

Imagine traveling to a foreign place, with a language other than your own being the own primarily spoken. For junior Lisa Goette, this is reality.

Goette, a tall, red-haired girl with a seemingly permanent smile, hails from Germany and is in America for 10 months as a foreign exchange student. Unsurprisingly, crossing the Atlantic Ocean had brought its share of difficulties for her.

A large issue was leaving her family and friends. However, she still keeps in touch.

“I write emails every other week and call on my phone. I use Skype a lot too, because it’s free,” said Goette.

The biggest challenge for her right now is the language barrier, though. Goette said that teachers often talk too fast for her and there are still a lot of words that she has yet to learn. Compounding the issue is the fact that she learned British English originally, rather than the American variation.

“The language here becomes easier to learn each week, but I have to talk to teachers after class to explain some difficulties I’m having with the language,” said Goette.

There are some other differences between American and German schooling that Goette is adjusting to as well.

“In Germany, we don’t have lockers. Also, we stay in the same classroom all day, except for science classes,” she said.

Still, Goette would recommend a foreign exchange program to others.

“You learn better English, become more self-confident, learn more about a different culture, and make new friends,” said Goette.

And she has definitely been making new friends. Goette joined the cross country team and said that her experiences with it’s members along with those with her house family have been some of her favorite in America.

Doubtlessly, her teammates feel the same way,

“We love Lisa!” said teammates Jamie Bierman and Sarah Henry. “For her birthday, we took her to Lyn’s Paradise Cafe in Louisville. It was awesome!” said Henry.

When it finally comes time to return to Germany, Goette said that she plans to keep in touch with her house family and friends in America. She also said that she would like to return to America to visit people and see more of the United States.

Bierman said that she’ll be welcomed back with open arms.

“I don’t want Lisa to leave! When she comes back I want there to be have a welcoming party!”

Patterson’s musical talent, dedication help her contribute to award-winning orchestra

by Cody Repine

Junior Anna Patterson breezes into the cello room with a calm, clear focus. Authoritatively yet graciously, she politely asks the cellists to step outside and see that no one interrupts her. The two gather their instruments and gladly comply.

Maybe it isn’t the first trait that comes to mind when one thinks of a successful musician, but Patterson is a people person. According to orchestra director Doug Elmore, she gets along with practically everyone.

“It needs to be said that, while Anna is a wonderful cellist, she sits in a section full of unbelievably talented and committed players. The overall excellence of this cello section pushes all the kids to greater music-making,” said Elmore.

An orchestra is made up of several musicians working together with a common goal, to make music. It is something of a team sport, but generally it isn’t competitive.

“Just remember that the reason that we do this is because we love to make music, and we want to share that with everyone,” said Patterson.

That sentiment is what Elmore calls her natural musical passion, which shows every time she picks up a cello.

“She masters the notes as soon as she can, and then she works at creating great phrases out of those notes,” said Elmore.

That creative process is why Patterson enjoys performing so much.

“You can express yourself in a completely different way. It’s like painting or writing creatively.”

Elmore recalls her very first school performance in a quartet.

“It was an open string piece, but she played it like it was a cello concerto! She was in sixth grade, and I could already tell that she was going to do really well.”

His prediction proved true. Among Patterson’s accomplishments since then is her favorite performance from last year.

“Last year we played the William Tell Overture in school, and I was privileged enough to play the solo that starts off the whole overture. I was so nervous I thought I was going to be sick the night before we played at state qualifiers, but once I sat down to play, it was so fulfilling and so exciting, that I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”

There was a time Patterson could see herself doing something else. In third grade she really wanted to play bass.

“I didn’t want to play the violin. It just wasn’t my thing. For some reason I just wanted to play a really big instrument. My mom said, ‘Oh that’s just too big.’ So eventually I settled on the cello, and I’m really glad I did because I love it.”

Patterson didn’t grow up in a particularly musical family, though they have always supported her in her music. With the exception of her uncle, who is a piano professor at Western Kentucky University, her family is more into sports. She said that she doesn’t mind. It makes her unique, and she kind of likes it.

Apparently her family likes it too. One of her cousins asked Patterson to play cello at her wedding.

“It’s kind of hard for just one instrument to play all the music for a wedding unless it’s like an organ or a piano because there’s a lot that goes into it, so we got a few other people together and formed this quartet, and before we knew it, there was person after person calling, hey can you play for this wedding or this gig, and before you knew it, we had formed Classy JAMS,” Patterson said.

Whether it’s in a quartet or with an orchestra, she loves performing and all the feelings that surround it.

“I love the sound of instruments warming up, just the cacophony around it. The sense that something exciting, big is about to happen, before everything, and for some reason, when the last note is played, there’s a wave of relief and excitement as well,” Patterson said.

Along with her emotional investment in her music, Patterson displays an exceptional practice ethic. She tries to practice every day for at least an hour and a half, although it is difficult during the school year because of homework. That dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.

“It makes no matter how she’s feeling…every time she picks up her cello, she is 100 percent into the art and discipline of making great music. She practices a lot, regularly, and with serious focus,” said Elmore.

So what does a natural musical passion coupled with an exceptional practice ethic add up to? Junior Quinn Klarer, a fellow cellist, states it very plainly.

“Anna is a beast of a cellist if there ever was one.”

Hampton’s appreciation for music and her students makes her a Bernstein of our time

by Nicollette Barreras
No one dared to speak as she glanced around the choir room.

With her voice, choral director Angela Hampton can make a room as silent as bones or make everyone joyful with frolic laughter.

Every year, Hampton comes into FC to teach the one thing she needs as much as food and water – music. She has always been surrounded by music her entire life, because her mother was a musician. It would be difficult, almost impossible, for Hampton to go on with her life without music. She wouldn’t know how to function without it.

Most of Hampton’s life she knew that she would be a musician, but at one point she thought about going into medicine. However, she came back to the thought of teaching music, and hasn’t stopped teaching since.

“She truly cares. She cares about each individual in the choir, and that’s why she pushes us to be the best that we can be,” said a cappella president Alex Criss.

Helping high school students to achieve a high quality musical performance experience and teaching them about life through music are Hampton’s main reasons for teaching.

“This age seeks to be part of something amazing. At this particular school we can do that,” she said. The light in her eyes when talking about music was nothing but pure joy in her small, sweet face.

Many FC students want to major in music, Hampton loves to help them in any way she can. She enjoys high school students because they allow her to push them musically, and she receives good results.

She puts a lot of time and energy into her choir, hand bells, and theory students, according to Criss.

“I think that is something to be respected,” he said.

Of course, Hampton’s days are not all fun and sugarcoated. There is hard work involved, too. Ask any of her students and they will share how much they have to work.

“You have to focus, you have to practice, you have to bring a good attitude to class, but most importantly, you have to be willing to grow and learn as a musician,” said Criss.

On some days, Hampton’s students act goofy or put random objects around her choir room. When she taught in her old room, students used to move her piano around in different positions. Of course, she will not accept any goofing off.

“Once the tenors were tag-teaming to always have someone going to the water fountain; so she [Hampton] and the intern gave the tenors salty pretzels as a “treat,” but then took away water fountain privileges for the entire period,” said former choral student Gabriel Barreras.

“It [pranking] hasn’t happened in so long, people fear me,” said Hampton.

Her students know that her way is the right way. Even though she may not seem very intimidating at first, she is definitely a woman that they don’t want to mess with.

Her love for music is palpable when visitors enter her classroom. Students from generation to generation all agree that Hampton has helped them in many areas of their life. Nothing in the world could ever separate Hampton from her passion of music, especially in her choir room.

Wonder, excitement, and anticipation all come together when Hampton raises her hands to start the beginning of a song. The sense of her eyes on the choir is such a strong catalyst; it can draw the perfect notes out of individuals to make a perfect harmony of sound. The world needs someone to make music breathtaking, and Hampton has and will continue to conquer that feat.

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