Artist of the Issue: James Hovet
March 2, 2018
Filed under Artist Of The Issue, Arts, Showcase
James Hovet ’18 has spent time in the CPAC ever since his arrival on the circle five years ago. Taking a bow after directing his first one-act play has been James’ most memorable Groton theater moment. He has also acted in the productions of “Equus,” “The Laramie Project,” “Twelve Angry Jur...
Who’s Winning What? Oscar Predictions 2018
March 2, 2018
Filed under Arts
After a tumultuous and historic year in Hollywood, the year’s most prestigious awards ceremony is nearing. In this article, I’ll be predicting the winners of the Oscars’ main awards based on the results of previous award shows, critic reviews, and personal opinion. Here is a list of the Oscar nom...
Cardi More Than Just a Girl from the Bronx
March 2, 2018
Filed under Arts
Triple platinum debut single. Three songs in Billboard’s Top 10. Stripper turned Instagram personality turned superstar. Cardi B is arguably the biggest hip-hop breakout star of 2017. If the lyrics “I don’t gotta dance, I make money move” don’t ring any bells, I recommend that y...
Teachers Reveal Their Favorite Tunes
March 2, 2018
Filed under Arts
If you’re looking for a way to momentarily escape Groton’s winter blues, look no further than our faculty. With their tastes in music ranging from heavy metal to country, you’re sure to find something that will help break you out of Groton’s dreary and dark winter, even if only for three minutes....
The Last Jedi: A Fan Base Divided
January 19, 2018
The Force has awoken: this past winter break was graced with the arrival of the eighth installment of the Star Wars saga. The Last Jedi, directed by Rian Johnson, brought a surge of polarizing developments to the story and caused uproar among fans. Let’s take a look at a couple interesting theorie...
Artist of the Issue: Max Klein
January 19, 2018
Filed under Artist Of The Issue, Arts, Music
Leaving the audience in awe, Max Klein ‘18 graces concerts with his musical talents. From being a music prefect to composing pieces for theater productions such as Equus and Twelfth Night, he’s grown into a formidable presence in the Groton art scene. Max says piano was the first instrument...
Belated Christmas Bops
January 19, 2018
Filed under Arts, Music, Reviews
Feeling the Christmas blues? Sounds like you need a sick playlist to jam along to. Here are some contemporary tunes to help you reminisce on the good ol’ holidays. “Santa’s Coming For Us” - Sia Contrary to its title, which sounds like a dark, cautionary tale of Santa coming to ki...
Weightlifter Brings Inspirational Art to the Circle
January 19, 2018
Filed under Arts, Visual Arts
Immigrant, weightlifter, artist: Kledia Spiro, this year’s Mudge Fellow, can be described in these three words, but her art and her person transcend these ideas. At an early age, Ms. Spiro immigrated from war-torn Albania to the United States. Here, she became both an Olympic weightlifter and an art...
Installations in Galleries Provoke Thought
October 26, 2017
Filed under Arts
With two galleries on campus, there is always much artwork to explore on the Circle. This fall, art faculty Beth Van Gelder and Monika Andersson worked to curate art that would encourage students to engage with our resident galleries. The Brodigan Gallery, located next to the Webb-Marshall Room, cu...
New Leader For Groton’s Gospel Choir
October 26, 2017
Filed under Arts
Robert Pate, the new gospel choir director, brings a new set of vocals and unique experiences to the Circle. Hailing from Baltimore, Mr. Pate has distinguished himself from his classmates at public school for singing in adult choirs from a young age and for directing successful church and school choirs. M...
Artist of the Issue: Daisy Fey
October 26, 2017
Filed under Artist Of The Issue, Arts, Showcase
Some artists only master one art form and boast perfect control over their execution and inspiration. Daisy Fey ‘18 is the exact opposite: a Renaissance girl. Daisy paints, draws, sings, tattoos, and writes. Rather than looking for inspiration, Daisy lets it find her, aiming only to “draw the ener...
It Fails to Fulfill Its Namesake
October 26, 2017
Filed under Arts
Nothing ever appears as terrifying on screen as it does in our minds when we are alone with a novel. Stephen King’s latest book-to-screen adaptation, It, directed by Andres Muschietti, is based on the unsettling 1,300-page epic published in 1986. But the movie fails to live up to the novel and, quite...
The Autumn Aux: Your Fall Playlist
October 3, 2017
Filed under Arts
Fall term is an endless list of possibilities – the season to reinvent yourself. New year, new me, right? The changing colors of the trees is the sign that another year of Groton has begun. With a blank slate in front of us, perhaps it’s time to also modify our playlist. The following list of new songs...
Artist of the Issue: Malik Gaye
October 3, 2017
Filed under Artist Of The Issue, Arts
While others chose baseball bats and paintbrushes, Malik Gaye ‘18 chose masks and microphones. He has a pronounced gift for theater—especially comedy—and enjoys making people laugh, especially his peers and younger Grotonians. The way he presents himself not only on stage as an actor, but also ...
Chronicling the Rise and Fall of Taylor Swift
Claire Lee ‘20 and Katie Reveno ‘20
October 3, 2017
Filed under Arts
‘Cause, baby, now we got bad blood / You know it used to be mad love / So take a look what you’ve done / ‘Cause, baby, now we got bad blood. From Tennessee-native country singer to queen of pop, Taylor Swift is thought to have peaked at her album 1989, filled with instant chart toppers such as ...
An Interview with Melissa De Jesus, Groton’s Newest Art Teacher
Sophia Wu and Anya Hanitchak ‘21
October 3, 2017
Filed under Arts
Ms. De Jesus sits down with us in the early morning, willing to spend a few minutes of her day with third formers who have absolutely no idea how to hold a proper interview. As we mumble through our questions she answers thoroughly, and is genuinely pleased to be with us. She is excited and nervou...
Artist of the Issue: Candilla Park
September 11, 2017
Filed under Artist Of The Issue, Arts
Candilla “Candy” Park ‘18 is what some might call a Renaissance girl. From writing and debating to playing instruments, dancing, and painting, Candy has explored many mediums of art.She has dipped her toes in some areas while taking a full dive into others. In her opinion, however, “the best t...
Summer Reading, Reviewed
September 11, 2017
In the all-too-likely event that you skipped your summer reading, dear reader, I’ll relieve your suspense now: you did not miss any transformational experiences. That being said, you’ll find a pleasant few hours’ reading. Both the recommended community book (The Town that Food Saved) and the Diversity and...
Max Klein ’18 Makes Exquusite Music
June 2, 2017
Haunting. Elegant. Intense. Playgoers were in awe of the music composed by Max Klein ‘18 that accompanied Groton’s production of Equus. Charlie Hawkings ‘17, who played psychiatrist Martin Dysart, said that Max’s music “truly captured the essence of the play.” Yet Max’s composition, despit...
Five Plays, Two Shows: One Acts Return
June 2, 2017
Spring term has flown by, with memorable events from Circle Fest and Events Dance to Spring Fling taking place throughout. Preeminent among these spring traditions, though, is the One Act Festival, in which students direct short one-act plays (often written by students). This year’s One Act Festival ...
Artist of the Issue: Michael Aduboffour ’17
June 2, 2017
Filed under Artist Of The Issue, Arts
While some Groton students blow the community away with their visual art, theatrical pursuits, or dance, Mike inspires with his words. He is an artistic force to be reckoned with in his own right. This year, Mike has truly blossomed as an artist, releasing his first professional single "Vapor" this winter and ...
13 Reasons Why Not
May 11, 2017
Filed under Arts
Thirteen Reasons Why, a Netflix series based on the novel by Jay Asher, is considered controversial because of its portrayal of suicide. The show is about the reaction of various people to the thirteen tapes that 17-year-old Hannah Baker made before she committed suicide. Each of the tapes focuses on ...
Mohamad Hafez brings art to the Circle
May 11, 2017
Filed under Arts, Visual Arts
This spring, Syrian artist Mohamad Hafez installed his powerful work around the Circle. Thanks to Beth Van Gelder, Mr. Hafez has been welcomed into our community to tell his story through his work. Ms. Van Gelder first noticed Mohamad’s work in an ad in Artscope Magazine for an ...
DAMN.
May 11, 2017
It has been over two years since Kendrick Lamar released To Pimp A Butterfly. The album, eclectic, masterful, and wildly successful, ushered in a new era of experimental rap-jazz that, at first listen, seems to continue in DAMN.. But Kendrick’s new album, released on April 14th, is notably more mat...
Artist of the Issue: Piper Higgins ’17
May 11, 2017
Filed under Artist Of The Issue, Arts
An Open Mic head, Choir Prefect, and Music Prefect, Piper Higgins does it all. And yet, she has never taken a music lesson in her life. In her five years at Groton, Piper has continually inspired others with her beautiful voice and guitar playing. You simply can’t miss her filling the Chapel and...
Embrace your angst with the best of the 2000s
By BECKY ZHANG ‘18 AND ROSELLE LOVELL-SMITH ‘18
January 27, 2017
Filed under Arts, Music, Reviews
Thought you’d seen the last of us? Don’t worry. DJs Beckybeckyhi and Rizzle Lizzle Smizzle heard your pleas and are back with another angsty playlist to get you through these chilly winter months. Get ready for our freshest playlist yet, throwing back with a few classics from your wildest middle school...
“La La Land” breaks records, Senko’s heart
January 27, 2017
“Cinemascope presents, in full color, a motion picture spectacular: an adventurous escapade of music, love, and dreams in a whimsical cityscape!” No, this is not a synopsis for a traditional movie-musical from the 20s, 60s, and 70s - it’s the promotional text for this year’s frontrunner for B...
Theater Department Thinks Outside the Boxes
January 27, 2017
Sixteen voices echo off the walls of the black box theater. Just seconds before, sock-clad feet were finding their places for the opening number, and hearts were beating with anticipation as Matthew Higgins Iati ’17 played the song’s intro chords on the piano. It’s the first run-through of the beginn...
Artist of the Issue
January 27, 2017
Filed under Artist Of The Issue, Arts
She does it all: singing, songwriting, guitar, and theater. At Groton, one would be hard-pressed to find a musical aspect of the school that Phoebe isn’t involved in. From two years of a songwriting FSA to co-leading Open Mic to her various other endeavors, Phoebe embodies music at Groton School. Whil...
Cozy on up with “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Becky Zhang '18, Assistant Arts Editor
December 15, 2016
Filed under Arts, Music, Reviews
Christmas is the best time of year for celebrating the joys of family, friendship, and childhood. If you’re looking to get in the sentimental Christmas mood, it’s time for you to (re)watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” It is “one of the best movies ever,” according to Dr. Reyes. Parents and f...
Artist of the Issue: Matthew Higgins Iati
Michael Senko '18, Assistant Arts Editor
December 15, 2016
Filed under Artist Of The Issue, Arts
One February day in 2012, the Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany, was harboring three magnificent musical ensembles: The Staatskapelle Orchestra, the choir of St. Paul’s London, and the trebles of St. Thomas’ Choir School. The cathedral, rebuilt in 1994 after destruction during the 2nd World War, is...
This winter, students dive into art through FSAs
Daisy Fey '18, Reporter
December 15, 2016
Filed under Arts, Music, Visual Arts
This winter, many students on campus have chosen to substitute a sport for an FSA as their afternoon activity. There are currently many FSAs focusing on art and music, with each student holding a strong passion for his or her project. On discussing his or her motives and an overview of winter projec...
Mudge Fellow Silas Finch brings talent to Groton
Karla Sanford '19, Reporter
December 15, 2016
Filed under Arts, Visual Arts
As Ms. Van Gelder says, Groton’s annual Mudge Fellow must be someone who “works well with teenagers” and with whom “kids can relate.” Silas Finch certainly embodies these traits through his friendly character and incredible work. Silas was introduced to Groton five years ago when his brother...
Learning how to groove: Faculty playlist
October 20, 2016
Longfellow once said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” If this is true, then what better way to get to know the Groton faculty than through music? If you can take your teachers’ advice on school work, why not do the same for music? “Everybody Dance Now” by C+C Music Factory Clas...
Previewing Parents Weekend Concert
October 20, 2016
Every fall, many parents visit the lovely and colorful Groton campus for Parents’ Weekend. And each year, a music concert that features many talented student musicians is held. This annual event is thought of to be one of the most enjoyable events that happen during Parents Weekend. In just one pe...
Halloween Costumes at Groton: A Guide
October 20, 2016
Filed under Arts
As bats and skulls appear in the Schoolhouse Forum, students are turning their attention to the spookiest day of the year: Halloween. Although some teachers seem anxious about having a campus full of sugar-filled teenagers brandishing plastic swords and sporting facepaint, nothing can stop the student bo...
Artist of the Issue: Anson Jones
October 20, 2016
Filed under Artist Of The Issue, Arts
One of the most most angelic voices on campus belongs to the unforgettable Anson Jones ’17. There’s no doubt you’ve seen her perform, whether in chapel, on stage, at Open Mic, or in the music wing serenading the halls with various songs using her “voice that sounds like butter melting across a ho...
Clint Eastwood’s Sully: A Review
Michael Senko '18, Assistant Arts Editor
October 20, 2016
Everyone has heard about it: the 2009 miracle on the Hudson. It was an uncanny feat of triumph, and 155 lives were saved. After an unheard of double-engine failure, a full-sized passenger plane landed on the Hudson. An American hero was born, an epitome of the will of human survival. The world was u...
Pumpkin spice playlist: Must-listens for Fall Term
October 7, 2016
Filed under Arts, Music, Reviews
Fall is here: the season of letting go and starting over. While it may seem that we have been at school forever, we remain in a time of transition, reflected both in nature and in the mind. The trees are turning bronze and shedding their leaves while we, too, are forced to leave the past behind and focus...
Accomplished vocalist to perform at Groton
October 7, 2016
Filed under Arts, Music, Showcase
On Thursday, October 27th, Groton welcomes Nedelka Prescod and her band to the Circle as part of the Gammons Concert Series. Every year this series presents four to six free concerts for members of the greater Groton community that are held in Gammons Recital Hall. The first concert of this school year...