Unmasking samo theatre’s “The Phantom of the Opera”
Samo Theatre performed The Phantom of the Opera to sold-out audiences for two weekends, from February 23 to March 3, setting the stage with luxurious costumes, digital backgrounds and operatic singing.
Samo orchestras leave sold-out audience in awe
On March 7, the Samo Orchestra Program put together its long-anticipated 2024 spring concert, where all eight orchestras got the chance to perform their pieces to a sold-out audience.
American Fiction Wins Well-deserved Oscar
“American Fiction” is a remarkably thought-provoking film that challenges the level of consumerism, creativity (or lack thereof) and “wokeness” that society has. Not nearly enough people are discussing this complex and touching movie, despite its five Academy Award nominations, People’s Choice Award win and best-adapted screenplay Oscar, which is a huge accomplishment for first-time director Cord Jefferson. “American Fiction” is the perfect combination of hilarious satire, emotional generational family conflict, and calling out what the general public deems to be politically correct in a fascinating manner.
Cartoon Saloon Puts a Twist on Irish Folktales
This Saint Patrick’s Day, rather than simply sporting green, hone in on the celebration with Cartoon Saloon, a remarkable Irish-owned animation studio based in Kilkenny, Ireland. Since their establishment in the late 90s, co-founders Tomm Moore, Paul Young, and Nora Twomey have used their platform to bring Irish folktales to life. Each of their dozens of projects combines compelling storylines and gorgeous art to shine a light on an important part of Irish culture with the rest of the world.
Samo’s cafeteria transforms for spaghetti and strings
On the night of Feb. 10, the Intermezzo, Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras greeted guests at Samo’s cafeteria for the annual Spaghetti and Strings concert.
Rising stars take the stage at cafe samo
On January 26 and 27, the Samo choir program hosted its annual Cafe Samo show, leaving an adoring crowd in awe of the students’ talent. Each act was carefully picked through an audition process led by Brooke Aron (’24), Justin Xu (’24), Walden Sullivan (’25), Sam Rubin (’25), Madeline Bryce (’24), Hope Hamilton (’24), Sarah Linowes (’24) and Valentina Manco (’24), and ultimately 21 acts were selected to play both nights. Upon being chosen for the show, students had just 10 days to prepare for the final culmination of their hard work.
Banned Books Find a Home at Samo
For the past few years, the issue of banned books has been a hotly debated topic across America, especially in terms of policies in education. From toddlers to teens, state governments have grown concerned about the information put into young minds through literature.
An Ode to Concept Albums
In a world of constantly changing songwriting, concept albums remain one of the most immersive forms of music-making. Story-telling albums go beyond a simple compilation of tracks but create a string of songs that all contribute to one cohesive narrative. Each song can mimic a different chapter in a book, creating a genuine and immersive storyline for listeners.
Samo Jazz Band Kicks Off The Year With Their Winter Concert
The Samo Jazz Band started the semester swinging with their winter concert on Jan 21. Their first concert of the new year featured prominent figures in the jazz world Stanley Clarke and Clay Jenkins, as well as Samo’s very own John Beasley (’77).
“West Side Story” Comes alive once again with Samo Band
On Feb. 6th, John Adams Middle School hosted Bands on the Road- a concert to generate funds for the upcoming Samohi Band tour.
Changes in ASB elections will allow students outside ASB to run for leadership positions
Starting in the upcoming ASB elections, eligible students outside of ASB will be able to run for leadership positions.
Last minute valentines day date ideas
Oh boy! It's February 13, and you still don’t have a plan. Coming in hot, Valentine's Day should be memorable for all lovers. While dinner is a simple and safe option, here are some more unique ideas that will be sure to impress your partner. Whether you prefer an athletic climb or a simple night in, there is something here for everyone.
Samo artists empowered by entrepreneurship
Historically, art departments lack the funds to provide much of the necessary equipment for students to use at their disposal. Thanks to faculty and students, the money needed for materials and resources in visual arts classes is being met through new and creative fundraising strategies.
Fortnite comeback takes gaming world by storm
Before the original creator of the game and creative director for Epic Games, Donald Mustard, decided to step down from his role, his final effort was to bring back the original map for just one month. In the month players were able to relive the very first season, countless students restarted their PCs and got back to playing Fortnite.
Saltburn: crossing the line, or blurring it?
“Saltburn” is horrifically glamorous and disturbingly enigmatic. Director Emerald Fennel took an untraditional approach to a psychological thriller by embedding it with elegant cinematography and magnificent sets.
Day of the Dead inspires Samo’s annual art gallery
On Thursday, Oct. 26, Samo hosted its annual Roberts Art Gallery, with a themed focus on the following celebration of Day of the Dead. The walls were decked with pictures, paintings and multimedia pieces with mediums like fabric, string, paper mache and more.
Love, lies and laughter collide in “The Foreigner”
“The Foreigner” by Larry Shue came to life at Samo’s Humanities Center for the first time on Oct. 27, with three other shows following.
Dazzling duets and fundraising feats at Sweet Serenade
The Samo choir students serenaded the audience on Saturday, Oct. 21 at their first concert of the school year. Apart from the showcase of talented singers at Samo, Sweet Serenade–fittingly–provided arrays of handmade dessert trays as well as an auction/raffle fundraiser.
School to studio: the power of making music
Finding time to make music while also balancing responsibilities personally and academically can be a challenge, however it’s not just about juggling tasks, it’s about finding time to express themselves, and ultimately harmonizing their multifaceted lives.
Trying to be cool about boygenius’ new album
Boygenius has established itself as an icon of the indie music scene. Building upon the themes presented in their first full-length album released in March, Boygenius’ Oct. EP “The Rest” continues their tradition of melancholic melodies that emphasize a sense of community and love.
Samo band kicks off the year with their fall concert
On Nov. 7, the Samo band held their annual fall concert, bringing together the five levels of the band led under directors Kevin McKeown and Terry Sakow. The concert was an impressive showcase of the band’s first few months of practice and only foreshadows the coming performances.
“The Bear” season two and the path to healing
Season one of FX’s “The Bear” ended with a joyous discovery of $300,000 hidden in tomato cans, and it seemed like the show with 99% positive ranking from Rotten Tomatoes couldn’t get much better than it already was.
Hollywood on hold until SAG-AFTRA strikes end
On May 2, the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) closed their laptops, put down their pens and went on strike. Two short months later, an irritated Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined the writers for the first time since 1960.
Samo Orchestras’ first concert of the year was (movie) magical
With dim and colorful lights, nostalgic film scores, a dramatic piano, Samo’s Orchestra Movie Music Magic concert on Oct. 6 was a hit among all ages. Celebrating 120 years of performances at Samo, the orchestra played to inspire a new generation with timeless songs from the movies we all love.
Biblical ballads: a review of Mitski’s latest album
Cosmic. To concisely summarize the seventh and newest album of singer/songwriter Mitsuki Miyawaki, professionally known as Mitski, borders on impossible, but this word most accurately captures its magnitude and nuance.
“GUTS”: Album of the year or anticlimatic?
On Sept. 8, singer-songwriter and actress Olivia Rodrigo published her latest pop-rock album “GUTS”. Rodrigo’s previous release and debut album, “SOUR”, was incredibly well received and secured her place in the pop world.
“Sex education” season four comes to a finish
The fourth season of “Sex Education” brought the hilarious comedy full of lustful British teens to a close.