September 13, 2012 A & E 11

Show choirs learn their shows Although the new school year

started less than a month ago, preparation for this year’s show choir season is already underway. Xavier’s two show choirs, Xhilaration and Xuberance, have been learning music and choreography since the beginning of August in preparation for competition season.

Xhilaration, Xavier’s varsity show choir, is composed of 47 members in grades 9-12. The director of Xhilaration this year is Mr. Matt Walker. The group got together on August 7 with a team-building retreat and the reveal of this year’s show. The show consists of the songs “Undefeated” by Jason Derulo, “Home” by Marc Broussard, “Remember When it Rained” by Josh Groban, “King of Anything” by Sara Bareilles, “Too Close” by Alex Clare, and “Renegade” by Daughtry.

“I’m very excited for the upcoming season. The students are also excited, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year,” Walker said. “I’m looking forward to working with a bunch of new kids.”

Xhilaration started the year off strong with a week-long choreography camp on Monday, August 27. “I am so excited

for choreography because we have some really exciting songs this year,” senior Micaela Andrews said. “They have a good beat so we know there will be some good choreography that goes along with it.”

Xavier’s junior varsity show choir, Xuberance, also includes students in grades 9-12. This year the group is under the direction of Mrs. Jaclyn Hussey, who is the new Assistant Director of Choral Activities. Xuberance’s show consists of “On My Way” by Sutton Foster, “Pricetag” by Jessie J, “Blessings” by Laura Story, “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson, and “Canned Heat” by Jamaroquai.

“I’m a little nervous, but I’m very excited to lead Xuberance,” Hussey said. “I just know the kids are going to be awesome. We have some good songs this year.”

The opening show may be a little over five months away, but the sounds of both show choirs practicing can be heard if you walk by the choir room or theater after school.

Ashley PudilA&E Writer

John &Con: Reviews by

One of the summer’s most controversial and chart topping albums was the critically acclaimed channel ORANGE from R&B singer Frank Ocean. The album features an array of styles, from the orchestral strings on the opening track “Thinkin Bout You”, where Ocean croons over the thought of a lost love, to the Elton John inspired piano chords on “Super Rich Kids”, as he describes the trivial problems of a wealthy teenager (which features a great guest verso from fellow Odd Future member Earl Sweatshirt).

The best example of the different musical influences is on the 10-minute synthesizer heavy journey “Pyramids”, comparing the life and death of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra to the modern experience of an exotic dancer.

However, ORANGE truly shines during the more personal moments, where a listener starts to put the pieces together of the

difficulties Ocean has faced with newfound stardom and struggles with past love. Tracks such as “Bad Religion” and “Forrest Gump” bring out a side of genuine emotion, mixed with great production, which creates not only a song, but also an experience where you are hit with the passion and difficulty he is singing about.

The album is one where not only are there no bad songs, but no bad moments. Ocean has created an experience that will be listened to, talked about, and enjoyed forever.

“channel ORANGE”

John Richardson and Connor CollinsSports Assistant Editor and Sports Writer

Albums to look for:Cruel Summer-G.O.O.D

MusicSept. 18

Babel-Mumford and SonsSept. 24

The boys of the Xavier show choirs practice a dance routine in preparation for a performance. Mlodzik photo