Questions with teacher Chris Jones
Mr. Chris Jones
Has this school year been any different or similar to previous school years when it comes to your art classes?
Every year is different in that every group of kids is different and they all have different personalities and dynamics.
This year we changed the junior high classes’ format where seventh graders take art first semester and eighth graders take it second semester. Now we have Art 1 first semester and Art 2 second semester. The classes are now a blend of seventh and eighth graders.
Do you plan on making any changes to any of the art classes at all?
Next year we’ll be dropping the Art History classes that have been offered as a third year high school art class to a 2-dimensional class. Kids will do a lot of the same work, but we will focus more on mastering particular media and working on some specific skills and techniques.
Do you have any advice for the upcoming art students?
I urge kids to always be working and practicing. In addition, it never hurts to keep your eyes open and explore things other artists have done or are doing. There are hundreds of museums, books and websites available to look at others’ artwork. Get out there and see what other people are doing!
What is your favorite thing about teaching art?
I like seeing kids develop and explore their talents. When kids come up with a unique solution to a visual problem that they’ve created themselves, it’s really cool to see how proud they are of what they’ve accomplished.
What is your least favorite thing about teaching art?
Kids who either think they CAN’T do something, aren’t willing to try or aren’t willing to WORK to produce something of quality.
I HATE mediocrity and laziness.
If you had not have decided to go into teaching, what other career had you thought about pursuing?
I REALLY don’t know what I would have done had I not gone into teaching. I guess I may have gone into some kind of design work.
Feature by Brianna Phillips
Student Art Feature: Rachel Manship
Rachel Manship, Senior
What is the title of your favorite art piece?
Me and my cat.
What medium did you use to complete this piece?
I used water colors.
How long did it take for you to complete this piece?
It took about two weeks.
What will you be working on next?
A portrait of me and my niece.
Do you plan on pursuing a career that involves some form of art?
Yes.
If yes, what career do you want to pursue?
Taxidermy.
Feature by Brianna Phillips
Studnet Art Feature: Brianna Phillips
Junior Brianna Phillips
What is the title of your favorite art piece?
Ink Barn.
What medium did you use to complete this piece?
I used ink to complete this.
How long did it take for you to complete this piece?
It took about a week and a half to complete, maybe two.
What will you be working on next?
As of right now I am working on a self portrait, and I will be working on self portraits until the end of the year.
Do you plan to pursue a career that involves some form of art?
Yes, I do. I plan on becoming a tattoo artist.
Feature by Brianna Phillips
JH Student Art Feature: Blake Roberts
Eighth grader Blake Roberts
What medium did you use to complete this piece?
I used a Sharpie this was a pointillism piece.
What is your personal favorite thing about this piece?
It seemed easier to shade with pointillism than to use a pencil or colored pencil.
How long did it take to complete this piece?
It took about two and half to three weeks to complete.
What assignment will you be working on next?
We will be working on calligraphy.
Do you plan on taking an art class next year?
Yes, I do.
Minton leads with a scream
Photo by Breanna Daugherty
Senior Blake Minton is an average, every day teen. Most people however, do not know that he is part of a band. Minton, graduate Teavin Ewin, junior Kirk Blevins, junior Jonathan Cook, graduate Billy Watson and graduate Max Larkin are all part of the band named As Burdens Fade.
In the band, Ewin and Minton perform vocals, Watson plays the bass guitar, Cook and Blevins play the guitar, and Larkin plays the drums.
“There is no actual leader because if there was, no one would get along. There are however, two front men which are Teavin and I,” said Minton.
Minton’s band has been together off and on for the past year, but as an official band, they have been together for about three months. Minton’s band plays post-hardcore, metal core and a little techno music.
Being a part of a band is not all fun and games. With a band there are certain responsibilities that a person has. As Burdens Fade has to do things like pay for gas, the PA system, fix guitar strings that break and all of the equipment that they need to put on a successful show.
“Bass guitar player Billy Watson is like the father of our band and he won’t let us pay for anything,” said Minton.
The band will be recording a couple of demo tracks soon. Although they have not actually preformed anywhere yet, they do have a show coming up this summer at a music concert venue called The Gear in Franklin, Indiana. After their show at The Gear, the band plans to continue performing at different places. People can stay updated on where they will be playing and how the band is doing by liking them through Facebook. Minton said that after he graduated high school this year he plans to continue being a part of As Burdens Fade.
“It is so much fun hanging out with a group of great friends and making music,” said Minton.
Story by Bailey Rankin
Alumni choir to say farewell to Stroud’s 36 years of directing
On Sunday, April 29, graduates of PHS who were members of the varsity choir have a chance to do something they never could while students.
Sing (and maybe dance) on the big stage.
After 36 years of teaching, choir director Debra Stroud has announced her retirement. Stroud is asking that any student who sang and dance as members of her varsity choir — the Paoli Harmony Singers — return to participate in an Alumni Choir. The Alumni Choir will perform as part of the scheduled Spring Revue! concert.
Stroud is asking that any former Paoli Harmony Singer come and perform in celebration of her retirement.
There will be two practices for individuals interested. The first practice was held this past Saturday, but individuals may still come rehearse this coming Saturday, April 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. The group will be singing You Raise Me Up and Disco Fever. Disco Fever will also feature dancing.
“I am doing this because I’m retiring,” said Stroud. “I would like to see about 50 to 75 former students there, and for there to be about half of the auditorium filled up.”
Stroud is looking forward to the event and hopes that many of her former students come back to help her celebrate.
“I think people will be very surprised when they see us perform,” said Stroud.
The concert will be held at 2 p.m. in the PHS auditorium.
Story by Emma Walker
Student Art Feature: Taylor Samsil
Taylor Samsil
What is the title of your favorite piece?
Closed Waters.
What medium did you use to complete this piece?
I used pastels.
How long did it take to complete this piece?
It took about two weeks to complete.
What will you be working on next?
I will be working on human figures next.
Do you plan on pursuing a career that involves some form of art?
Not at all.
Feature by Brianna Phillips
Junior High Student Art Feature: Rachel Cadle
Rachel Cadle
What type of medium did you use to complete this piece?
I used water color paint to complete the piece.
What do you like best about this piece?
My favorite part was blending the colors.
How long did it take to complete this piece?
It took about two weeks to complete.
What will you be working on next?
We will be working on landscapes.
Do you plan on taking any other art classes next year?
Yes, I do.
Feature by Brianna Phillips
Student Art Feature: Zach Bradbury
Zach Bradbury
What is the title of your favorite piece?
It is called “Picture This”.
How long did it take to complete this piece?
It took about a week and a half.
What medium did you use for this piece?
I used a graphite pencil and paper.
What will you be working on next?
I will be working on a giant octopus.
Will you be pursuing a career that involves art in some way?
I probably will not.
Feature by Bri Phillips
Student Art Feature: Ashley Toliver
Ashley Toliver
What is the title of your favorite piece?
Just me.
What medium did you use to complete this piece?
Paint.
How long did it take to complete this?
About, a week and a half.
What do you like most about it?
Just doing the painting was my favorite part.
What will you be working on next?
A portrait using pastels.
Are you interested in a career that involves some form of art?
Not Really, but I will continue doing it in my spare time.
Feature and Photos by Bri Phillips
Student Art Feature: Kyle Street
What has been your favorite assignment so far?
Pointillism
How long did it take to complete this piece?
It took about a week and a half.
Do you plan on continuing art classes in high school?
I’m not really sure.
What assignment will you be working on next?
We will be working on the Georgia O’Keefe inspired watercolor assignment.
Feature By Brianna Phillips
Student Art Feature: Tyler Line
Tyler Line
What is the title of your favorite piece?
It doesn’t have a title but if I had to name it, it would be “awesomeness.”
What do you like most about this piece?
That I worked really hard on it, and it turned out pretty well.
What medium was used to complete this?
I used paper and pencil.
How long did it take to complete this piece?
About two weeks to finish.
What will you be working on next?
A poster for the Orange County Music and Heritage Reunion.
Do you plan on pursuing a career that involves some type of art?
Yes, I really want my career to involve art in some form.
Feature and Photos by Bri Phillips
Student Art Feature: Shelby Rubuck
Shelby Rebuck
What is the title of your favorite art piece?
My self portrait.
What is the medium of your favorite art piece?
Graphite.
How long did it take to complete?
About two weeks.
What has been your favorite art assignment so far?
Making my monogram! It was really fun because I had never done anything like it before. It looked like a really cool neon sign!
What will you be working on next?
Right now in class, I am working on a pointillism of a tennis ball and a racquet at a tennis court. I knew I had to do something that had to do with tennis, because it is my favorite sport!
Feature By Bri Phillips
Student Art Feature: Senior Alleigh Becht
What is the name of your favorite piece?
Love/Hate
How long did it take to complete the piece?
It took two weeks to complete.
What are you going to be working on later?
A big mural for the school and some portraits.
Are you going to be submitting a portfolio at the end of the year?
Yes.
Do you plan on pursuing an occupation that is art related?
I am thinking about majoring in graphic design.
By Bri Phillips
Play Preview: Just Another High School Musical (Spaid & Rankin)
Senior Jennifer Spaid and freshman Bailey Ranklin go over lines for the play Just Another High School Musical.
Photo by Ashley Lindley
Play Preview: Just Another High School Musical (South & Hutcheson)
Freshman Steven South (in costume) and junior John Hutcheson rehearse for the play Just Another HIgh School Musical.
Photo by Ashley Lindley
Play Preview: Just Another High School Musical (Allen, Kemple & Myers)
Sophomores Ashley Allen, Anna Kemple and Jaima Myers share a laugh at play practice.
Photos by Ashley Lindley
Play Preview: Just Another High School Musical (Minton)
Senior Blake Minton dresses up in costume for Just Another High School Musical.
Photo by Ashley Lindley
Play Preview: Just Another High School Musical (Standiford)
Director Maria Standiford rehearses choreography with members of the Just Another HIgh School Musical cast.
Photo by Ashley Lindley
Play Preview: Just Another High School Musical (Minton, Hutcheson, Pinnick & Allen)
Senior Blake Minton, junior John Hutcheson, freshman Melody Pinnick and sophomore Ashley Allen rehearse lines for Just Another High School Musical.
Photo by Ashley Lindley
Historic stage to host Just Another High School Musical
Have you ever seen a play gone wrong? If not, here’s your chance.
The drama club will be presenting Just Another High School Musical. Frustrated at a lack of attendance at rehearsal, the director has headed south for Mexico to become a professional salsa dancer and leaves the Assistant Director and Stage Manager to fend for themselves to come up with a show on their own.
When the Assistant Director forgets what show they are supposed to be putting on, the Stage Manager steps in and has the cast of the show pick certain parts of different plays to go through.
Just Another High School Musical is a comedy with compiled snips of different famous plays with their own little twist. Some of the well known musicals that are featured in the play are, Little Women, and A Christmas Carol.
“We are the first group to put on a play at the old high school since it opened and with this play having very minimal sets, this was the best show for us to put on,” said director Maria Standiford.
Just Another High School Musical will not be shown at the PHS auditorium. The play will, however, will be shown at the Hillcrest Apartments on the old PHS stage. Admission to the show will be $3 for the show only and $8 for dinner and the show. Tickets will be available only at the night of the performance and you can buy them at the Hillcrest auditorium. There will be a diner served during the show and the main course will be spaghetti and garlic bread, with a desert of brownie Sunday served during intermission prepared by the drama club.
Just Another High School Musical will be starring many wonderful actors from Paoli High School and the show will include The Paoli High School Drama Department’s first ever live student piano accompanist, Ashley Allen. Most of the dances that will be in the show were choreographed by PHS sophomore, Hannah Thill.
Cast
Director (Both in and out of the show):
Maria Standiford
Stage Manager: Bailey Rankin
Assistant Director: Kelsey Stouse
Announcer: Ashley Lindley
Narrator: Lindsay Begley
Romeo: Aaron Atchison
Othello: John Hutcheson
Oedipus: Skylar Hodges
Scrooge: Kay-Anna Hodges
Tiny Tim: Skylar Hodges
Ghost: Ashley Lindley
Stage Hand: Melody Pinnick
Male: Blake Minton
Female: Marissa Spradlin
Tom: Blake Minton
Male Meg: Blake Minton
Male Beth: Steven South
Male Jo: John Hutcheson
Male Amy: Skylar Hodges
Meg: Melody Pinnick
Beth: Jennifer Spaid
Jo: Anna Kemple
Amy: Jaima Myers
George: John Hutcheson
Logan: Steven South
Craig: Aaron Atchison
Carrie: Lauren Rang
Emily: Allison Hedge
Noel: Jessica South
Teena: Lindsay Harkness
Story by Bailey Rankin
Artists at Work (Jones)
Art teacher Chris Jones is working on a 3-dimensional letter J for his last name. This is a project Visual Communication students will also be working on later in the semester.
Photo By Bri Phillips
Artists at Work (McBride)
Freshman Josie McBride is working on her ornament perspective drawing for Drawing 2.
photo by Bri Phillips
Artists at Work (Wright)
Sophomore Katie Wright is working on an ornament perspective drawing for Drawing 2.
