![IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Junior Zalie Mann performs “I Love to Cry at Weddings,” an ensemble piece from the fall musical Sweet Charity, to prospective students during the Fine Arts Showcase on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The showcase is a compilation of performances and demonstrations from each fine arts strand offered at McCallum. This show is put on so that prospective students can see if they are interested in joining an academy or major.
Sweet Charity originally ran the weekends of Sept. 28 and Oct. 8, but made a comeback for the Fine Arts Showcase.
“[Being at the front in the spotlight] is my favorite part of the whole dance, so I was super happy to be on stage performing and smiling at the audience,” Mann said.
Mann performed in both the musical theatre performance and dance excerpt “Ethereal,” a contemporary piece choreographed by the new dance director Terrance Carson, in the showcase. With also being a dance ambassador, Mann got to talk about what MAC dance is, her experience and answer any questions the aspiring arts majors and their parents may have.
Caption by Maya Tackett.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/53321803427_47cd17fe70_o-1-1200x800.jpg)
![SPREADING THE JOY: Sophomore Chim Becker poses with sophomores Cozbi Sims and Lou Davidson while manning a table at the Hispanic Heritage treat day during lunch of Sept 28. Becker is a part of the students of color alliance, who put together the activity to raise money for their club.
“It [the stand] was really fun because McCallum has a lot of latino kids,” Becker said. “And I think it was nice that I could share the stuff that I usually just have at home with people who have never tried it before.”
Becker recognizes the importance of celebrating Hispanic heritage at Mac.
“I think its important to celebrate,” Becker said. “Because our culture is awesome and super cool, and everybody should be able to learn about other cultures of the world.”
Caption by JoJo Barnard.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/53221601352_4127a81c41_o-1200x675.jpg)
Country music sensation Kacey Musgraves is back in the spotlight with her highly anticipated album, “Deeper Well,” which promises to take listeners on a journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. With its recent release and promises of a tour from Musgraves this year, fans are abuzz.
“Deeper Well” marks a departure from Musgraves’ previous work, exploring new musical territory while staying true to her signature style. This album leans more heavily into folk influences compared to Musgraves’ previous releases. While her earlier albums blended country with pop, “Deeper Well” delves deeper into folk traditions by incorporating acoustic instrumentation. The album features a mix of heartfelt ballads, infectious melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics that showcase Musgraves’ growth as both an artist and a storyteller.
“Cardinal,” the opening track on Kacey Musgraves’ album “Deeper Well,” captivates listeners with its moving exploration of loss and resilience, as Musgraves beautifully intertwines themes of heartache and hope. Through vivid storytelling and soul-stirring melodies, the song not only sets the tone for the album but also stands as its most compelling and emotionally resonant tune.
Another highlight of “Deeper Well” is the endearing track “Anime Eyes”. The title alone reveals the charm and innocence of the song. In “Anime Eyes”, Musgraves explores longing and escapism through the lens of anime culture. In the line, “Made it through the tears to see a Miyazaki sky”, She references the beloved childhood anime movies of Studio Ghibli. This just amplifies the lovability of this song and of Musgraves as an artist.
Throughout the album, Musgraves explores themes of love, longing, and self-discovery with honesty and vulnerability. From the soulful “Broken Pieces” to the introspective “Reflections,” Musgraves invites listeners to join her on a journey of introspection and growth.
“Deeper Well” is a triumph for Kacey Musgraves, showcasing her evolution as an artist while staying true to her roots. With its captivating melodies, poignant lyrics, and stellar production, the album is sure to resonate with fans old and new alike. I was not previously a fan of Musgraves, but this album has quickly become my favorite of the year.
This story was originally published on RHS Today on March 21, 2024.
