By Julia Gokalp
Reporter

​The weeks leading up to May 21 were filled with excitement and anticipation-- especially from the senior class--for that was the day of the senior prom at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia.
 
Many of the promposals took much planning and the help of friends, and then getting ready for prom often took much effort as well. The levels of preparation ranged from renting tuxedos and buying flowers to setting up numerous appointments and renting vehicles. While some girls did their own makeup, others went to salons to find them crowded. However, after all of the fast-paced preparation, most people had photo shoots, with their friends or by themselves.
 
Some students rented limousines to carry their groups of friends. Others rented buses for larger groups. The drive to prom was often filled with traffic, but students passed the time by looking through photo shoot pictures, talking about excitement for the event, listening to music, and dancing.
 
Upon arriving, many students were impressed by the location itself. Matt Haldeman, one of the seniors who attended, remembers thinking that it was a “[v]ery elegant and classy venue” when he arrived, describing the place as “[s]omething you would see inside a ballroom of royalty.”
 
The venue included a ballroom with balloons matching the theme (they were red and black, since the theme was the Red Rose Ball), a somewhat crowded dance floor due to the large number of students, an ice sculpture carved into the number 2016, and a huge chandelier. Outside the room was, as described by Jessica Traub, another senior, “a fountain[,] […] and a ton of greenery[,] and an open ceiling which was especially beautiful.”
 
Some of the highlights of students’ nights at prom were spent in that area as they relaxed with their friends. Others enjoyed dancing with their dates and friends, especially the slow dance at the beginning.
 
Connie Yoon described her favorite part, saying that “dancing and singing at the top of my lungs alongside my friends just made it fun.”
 
Another benefit to being at prom was the food. Between appetizers such as cheese and crackers, vegetables, and salad; main courses such as chicken with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans (which was described as “delicious” by Annabeth Mann); and dessert such as ice cream, students had nearly constant access to food.
 
After the meals were served, the DJ finished playing music, and pictures with friends were done being taken, prom ended around 11 p.m. Some students went home while others went to parties with groups of friends. As they were leaving, some seniors realized just how close to the end of their four years in high school they were. However, despite being tired, many were happy because of how fun prom had been. Between dancing, being with friends, and photoshoots, it was a very enjoyable and memorable event.

By Shira Palmer and Kiara Alvarez
Reporters

On March 12, one of the most anticipated events of the year for choir fanatics all around took place at our very own Council Rock High School North. Ten schools joined together to create a night filled with funny moments and amazing music, also known as A Cappella at the Rock. Not only were the student performers extremely talented, but also the night was topped off with the appearance of The House Jacks, a successful band that has been featured in CNN, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times.

The show started off with our very own Rhythm of the Rocking performing “The Way You Make Me Feel,” a feel good pop song by beloved Michael Jackson. Although North Choirs performed, we were not permitted to win any awards because we were hosting the event (but don’t fret, North performances received some of the highest marks). The vocal groups were judged in categories such as tone quality, intonation, vocalization, musicality, and best solo. Especially talented singers were eligible to win awards in categories like Outstanding Male Vocalist, Outstanding Female Vocalist, Outstanding Vocal Percussion, and Best Overall Effect.

The Chamber Singers from the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush had the top overall score, a deserved placing. Judges gave their fantastic performance a 99.4 out of 100 points. North Voice attained the second best score with a 95.1 from their song “Run to You,” an outstanding piece that was also performed on the choir’s trip to England and Scotland. After the schools performed, The House Jacks sang beautifully on stage. It felt like a true concert and was mesmerizing to imagine that this was all occurring at our very own school. They sang some original songs and then allowed requests from the audience. The requests were entertaining and included songs such as “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj, songs from Hamilton (which they unfortunately were not familiar with), and “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men. However, the crowd pleaser was definitely “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. By the first chord, almost half of the auditorium was lit up by phone flashlights waving in the air. By the end, the requests piled up, so the band made some mash-ups that thoroughly entertained the audience for the remaining time.

​A Cappella at the Rock ended with a big bang. All ten schools surprised the crowd with thousands of high-school choir students onstage, singing their hearts out, as they performed “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia with the accompaniment of The House Jacks. It was a powerful and intense moment when rival schools (like Council Rock High School South) united with us to make the crowd go wild, making the event an official success. It was an event that brought together all types of music fans, whether they liked rap, Broadway, or pop. The fun wasn’t limited to just choir members, but friends and family also had a blast. We are all anticipating next year’s A Cappella at the Rock and all of the surprises and fun that will lie in store.

By Margaret Zheng
​Reporter
 
Children crave stories and indulge in anything magical or mysterious, from Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy to the tales of Mother Goose and cultural equivalents of the above.  But what happens when they grow up? 
 
Edward Bloom is a storyteller.  He’s a character in Big Fish, a modern musical, based on a novel and movie by the same title, that North’s Sock ‘n’ Buskin theater group is preparing to produce.  In the show, Edward’s passion and pastime is to recount fantastical, clearly exaggerated tales of his “heroic” youth, which by his accounts involved encounters with a witch, a mermaid, a giant, and plenty more. 
 
But young children, once avid listeners to tales, often become critical of such far-fetched fiction.  William Bloom, Edward’s adult son, no longer wants to hear the imaginative version of Edward’s life.  He is frustrated that despite having thirty years with him, his father is still a “stranger” whom he knows only by his incredible tales, which, Will maintains, cannot depict the true Edward. 
 
Thus the plot of Big Fish is set in motion, though I have certainly squeezed out the sweetest and tangiest elements of the exposition and omitted enough of the emotional nuances for this story to sound a bit corny.  The show’s just too “big” to be summarized.  Which is why you, reader, must see it. 
 
Behind the scenes, the cast and the pit orchestra (the crew hasn’t banded yet) have toiled over lines and songs, the cast having rehearsed since January, in preparation for the show’s opening on April 28.  “We’re almost there,” says Riley Kantner, an actor playing multiple roles, “and I know it will be really good.” 
 
James Hakowski, who will perform as Edward, relates to the story, despite the uniqueness of the portrayed father-son relationship.  He reflects, “I think it’s something you can understand between a son and a father, and I think it’s beautiful.” 
 
Concerning rehearsals, which can be up to six times a week for lead roles like his, James says, “It’s a wonderful experience when we get something well done.” 
 
As keyboardist in the pit, I must agree with James’s assessment: though the music is challenging, and my part is especially complex, when after enduring strenuous repetition a piece tastes a bit of perfection, all the pit rejoices, excited to seize the whole pie – or as much of πr2 as it can – by show time. 
 
And this show involves much work and many people.  Big Fish demands the largest cast a Sock ‘n’ Buskin musical has needed in years (more than 35 actors, whereas last year’s Songs for a New World called for only 12, and Into the Woods of 2014 only 15).  The pit is also large, including keyboards, strings, winds, and all sorts of percussion.  One song even calls for the clinking of “glasses”.  And with the grandness and complexity of the envisioned set, the crew will need many hardworking heads and hands as well. 
 
To Sandy Chantry, seasoned director of Sock ‘n’ Buskin’s shows, Big Fish is “a big deal” because North is the first high school in the area to perform it.  “It’s funny, but also really moving,” she comments on the show.  Mrs. Chantry is confident that people will enjoy this “dramedy” – a satisfying combination of the serious and sentimental with the quirky and comedic. 
 
There’s nothing fishy about it: Big Fish is a big show.  Its fantasy mesmerizes the young-at-heart, and its psychological aspect takes us all to a better understanding of our own lives.  Stories of the whim and tales of the self are not to be abandoned, at any age. 
 
So come to one of the performances here at CR North, on April 28, 29, and 30 at 7:30 p.m., and on May 1 at 2:00 p.m.  Support the arts in our school, and continue the narrative fabric of the ages. 
 
For stories are what tie separate lives together, aren’t they? 

By Maithri Nimmagadda
Reporter

As I watched North’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest, I was quite simply blown away and for good reason.

According to James Topham’s review of the play, “The Importance of Being Earnest combines a labyrinthine plot…and some of the most comic and wittiest lines ever written.”

The play, written by Oscar Wilde, is a brilliant, funny satire with a strong message of how frivolous the rich of the Victorian society are. The play’s main characters are John (Jack) Worthing, Algernon “Algy” Moncrieff, Gwendolen Fairfax, and Cecily Cardew.  The play opens up with Jack and Algernon, and the scene reveals that Jack comes to socialize on the pretext that he is visiting his scandalous “brother” Earnest. He then uses the name Earnest as his when he’s in the city. 

The viewers also learn that both Jack and Algernon are rich (hence the mockery of Victorian society), which helps Algernon afford all the cucumber sandwiches he consumes. The two also talk about Jack’s fancying of Gwendolen, who turns out to be Algy’s cousin and who is only willing to marry Jack because she thinks his name is Earnest. Algernon soon learns that Jack is a guardian to a girl named Cecil Cardew back in the city; he is intrigued by this girl and goes to the country posing as Earnest and from this a twisting plot continues.

The cast of the play was talented, and acted so that the messages and morals of The Importance of Being Earnest were preserved, but still kept a light, witty, funny, and quick-paced air that left the audience to roll in laughter.

​The stage and props were professional and brought true life to the play with built wooden structures, high details like curtains, and real food like cucumber sandwiches. A clear effort was shown to show changes in scenery and made me feel as if I were standing and watching the story in real life. The outfits were historically accurate and were occasionally so grand (ahem, ahem Gwendolen’s dress) that they brought more life and humor to the play. Thus, not only was the choice of play intriguing, capturing, and witty, but also the effort put in by Sock ‘n’ Buskin made the viewing of The Importance of Being Earnest memorable. 

By Josee Li
Reporter

While most students were enjoying their Presidents’ Day weekend off by sleeping in on Friday morning, the Council Rock North Marching Band rose bright and early. Why? Well, the marching band prepared a treat for all the teachers in the Council Rock School District. On February 12, Council Rock teachers gathered in the North auditorium to start a day of workshops. Focusing on the concept of teamwork introduced by Superintendent Dr. Robert Fraser, the marching band decided to play the song “Lean on Me” as they marched into the auditorium. Needless to say, as the marching band blared out the famous tune, teachers became encouraged to unite with the empowerment of music. After a booming applause with standing ovations, it was evident that teachers understood that their efforts everyday do not go wasted.

Not only did the teachers become inspired to work together, but they also realized that their hard work and dedication to their students everyday create something as stunning as the marching band’s performance. The marching band was able to show its own united teamwork as well, a key trait needed for superior shows. The simple but bold message that “we all need someone to lean on” resonated in every note, and every clap enforced the united concept that we are the Council Rock School District and together, the best education provided by our superior teachers can empower bright students to do astounding things.

By Julia Gokalp
Reporter

Many people dream of visiting the United Kingdom at some point in their lives, usually for the sights and landmarks within it. However, for the 99 students and many chaperones attending the choir trip this year, that dream became a reality. The trip, which began on February 6 and ended on the 15th, included three major stops with special events planned for each: Edinburgh in Scotland and York and London in England. Many students looked to the coming journey with excitement, with some of them looking forward to seeing the landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and Abbey Road, while others looked forward to the experience of traveling the world. Students had more independence on this trip after all, since students received ample free time while traveling in groups no smaller than three people. Much of this free time was spent buying souvenirs- cashmere or wool scarves, candy, hats, or even a kilt or bagpipes from Scotland.

Upon arriving in Scotland, the choir was greeted by rapidly blowing winds, light rain, and cold temperatures. Some students did not mind the inclement weather much. Others did, but found the adventure worthwhile despite it. First impressions of Scotland were not simply about the weather, however.
 
Karen Kraft, a freshman, recalls one of her first thoughts about Scotland: “I’ve never seen so much green before.” Scotland seemed to be filled with green, rolling hills and windmills, but those were not to be the venues at which the choir sang (with one exception which will be mentioned later).
 
The students on the trip performed a large selection of songs with origins from either America (such as “Somewhere” from West Side Story), England (such as “Tell My Ma”), or Scotland (like “Loch Lomond”). Of all of the songs that the touring choir- as it came to be called- performed, “Loch Lomond” seemed to be an indisputable favorite. Not only was “Loch Lomond” a song that the choir performed, but it was also a place which it visited while in Scotland.
 
As the two tour buses coasted through the startlingly green hills dappled with russet grass and sheep, it became evident that Loch Lomond was not far away, for the song mentions “Highland Hills.” Upon reaching Loch Lomond, the students noted that the place seemed to match the song even more. The sun, which, after the rainy, cold weather, had finally reached through the clouds, illuminated the peaceful water, just as the song had said- “in sunshine the waters lie sleeping”.
 
The sight of the body of water surrounded by mountains left many people in awe. Liam Safran, a freshman, described Loch Lomond as being “really pretty[,] ... really colorful[,] ... [and] a great place to visit[...].”
 
Sophomore Brooke Hauserman remembered it as “gorgeous,” and freshman Mallory Durkin recalled that “[i]t was very… peaceful.” Not only did the choir get to see Loch Lomond on a boat tour, but they also got to sing “Loch Lomond” there, an experience which many hold among their most precious memories from the tour.
 
Another one of the more precious memories was the visit to the York Minster, a cathedral that the touring choir visited while on a guided tour of York. Although lacking permission, the choir sang two songs- “Ave Maria” (the whole choir) and “Ubi Caritas” (NorthVoice). The reverberation created by the cavernous interior created a beautiful sound. Although the choir was not supposed to sing there (nor had it been expected), nobody who was asked about it expressed any regrets about singing there. As senior Matthew Stockburger explains the situation, singing in the York Minster “was more about taking the opportunity than facing the consequences.” Singing in such a beautiful and famous place was an opportunity that would likely never arrive again.
 
One of the venues at which the choir sang involved a combined performance with one of the local high schools (they sang separately except for the performance of “Viva la Musica” at the end of the concert), which gave some students the opportunity to make new friends. Students became friends with both people from England and Scotland and other choir students throughout the course of the trip. Traveling for numerous hours, spending time together at restaurants and guided tours, and singing together gave members of the choir opportunities to meet many people to whom they had never spoken before. The experience taught some students such as Karen to be more open to talk to people, for everyone in the choir was willing to talk.
 
One of the many chances that students had to converse was in the guided bus and walking tour of London. There, tour guides discussed some of England’s history, and students were eager to take many pictures, especially of Big Ben, a well-known clock tower.
 
Near the end of the trip, the choir performed at a somewhat smaller church than the others at which they had performed, but the concert was enjoyable nonetheless. Additionally, they got to see a local choir perform the soundtrack from Les Miserables. Since it was the last performance of the trip, it became quite emotional, for not all choir members were ready for the experience to be over.
 
This final performance was followed by one final dinner together where Mr. Williams, who directs the choir, commented about the trip as the choir intently listened. He mentioned how the work of the choir students had paid off after “[a]ll the hard work, the extra rehearsals, [and] the ‘I can’t believe I have choir again’” moments, for through the music, the choir had “touched and inspired [the] hearts [of those in the audience].” He also brought up a point that was mentioned earlier here, how people had been brought together during the trip. "Music really is that language that holds us together," he told the choir. After all the friendships that were made, and all of the new people that members of the choir met on this trip because music had brought them there, the statement could not have been more true.

By Emily Schmidt
Editor

With Disney less than two months away, I thought it would be very appropriate to compile a short list of things I’ve learned on my many trips to the various Disney-themed parks.
 

1. Floridian weather is as predictable as an earthquake.  With downpours possible at any time of the day, it is important to carry a rain poncho in your backpack.  Buying one in the park can be expensive, so run to the dollar store before packing for the trip.
2. You can’t rely on the wait time signs outside of each ride.  Usually, lines move pretty quickly, but if a ride breaks down, you can end up waiting for hours.  Upon entering the park, go to the rides farthest from the entrance (i.e. Fantasyland, Toontown, and Frontierland).  
3. If you’re an avid gum chewer, be sure to bring your own pack before entering the park.  In an effort to keep the park clean, gum isn’t sold anywhere on the premises.
4. Interacting with the human characters is one of the most fun things to do at the park.  Ask a character about his or her movie and watch in amazement.  I once got Cruella deVille to talk about her love of dogs, and she offered me money for mine.
5. Download the My Disney Experience app to your iPhone or Android to get up-to-date information on FastPass reservations and ride wait times.  Trust me, it works wonders for saving time and optimizing fun. 

 
For more tips, visit Mrs. Houston-Lingman’s teacher page and follow the directions provided. 

By Julia Fischer
Editor

The Tragedy of Macbeth is no Shakespearean comedy. Even if you have not read the play and are not privy to its dreadful ending, it would be clear that Macbeth is quite the tragedy by merely walking into the school’s auditorium. Haunting lamp lights greeted us at the door, and the screen onstage cast a reddish glow throughout the room. Once the lights dimmed and the play began, it was evident that Sock n’ Buskin would allow no member of the audience to miss the fact that Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.

In fact, the performers didn’t let us forget it either. Each scene brought the audience further and further into the story of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, played by Reno Thiart and Kiera Fitzpatrick, respectively. And just when you thought things would die down before intermission, Maddie Hayes (playing Fleance) let out a bone-chilling scream that left the audience wondering what would await them once they returned to their seats for the second segment of the play.

Each of the actors gave a brilliant performance, transforming from high school students into medieval characters. Their costumes made the play all the more realistic; not to mention, their cauldron actually seemed to boil and bubble. At the same time, the members of Sock n’ Buskin enjoyed putting on the production of Macbeth.
Senior, Reno Thiart (otherwise known as Macbeth) said, “It was a great experience, and I really loved doing Macbeth because it is one of my favorite Shakespearean plays.”

It is evident that Sock n’ Buskin put a great deal of effort into their production of The Tragedy of Macbeth, for it was a stellar performance over the three nights it was showing at CR North. Congratulations to Sock n’ Buskin for a job well done, and we look forward to your next production.

By Esther Kardos
Reporter

    International tours are no longer just for the biggest stars in Hollywood – after all, North’s very own choir will be embarking on one at the beginning of next year. Within the span of ten days, the singing sensation will be touring the cities of Edinburgh, Scotland, and London, England. Between performing both collaboratively with other high schools and individually, they will be staying at three different hotels, visiting the many castles in the area, seeing the local tourist attractions, and witnessing a performance of Miss Saigon in the famous West End Theatre. The members of the choir are, of course, elated to have this opportunity.

    One of the sopranos, Bhavana Ambatipudi, was quick to gush about her excitement. “Honestly, I’m most pumped for picking my roommate and taking an overseas trip on my own.  I’ve been to Europe before, but being independent gives it a new kind of weight.”

    Another member of the choir, tenor Nick Myers, was more passionate about the performances and culture. Though he, too, has previously visited Europe, Myers has high hopes for learning more about choral music within England and Scotland, and he is anxious to see a musical performance so far from Broadway. “It’s such a big deal, I’ve already got a countdown for February going on my phone,” he confessed.

​    Though their date of departure of February 6th might seem far away, the choir is already undergoing intense preparation. They practice both during and after school to perfect their upcoming performances, making sure their notes are crisp and clear. They will be presenting several songs, each showing off a different aspect of North’s musical talent.  With such preparation and talent, it is certain that the European crowds will be nothing short of blown away by North’s choir. We wish the choir good luck in spreading the music.

By Josee Li
Reporter

    When most people think of a band, they imagine flutists, clarinetists, saxophonists, trumpeters, and other musicians seated and playing music. However, for the Council Rock North Marching Band, that is not the case. Rehearsing for more than 7 ½ hours each week and attending football games and competitions each weekend, these musicians don’t make up an ordinary band. According to Rachel Neave, the drum major of the CRN Marching Band, “Being in the marching band requires a lot of multi-tasking. You have to memorize your show, play with extra loud or soft dynamics, and execute everything correctly with your marching technique. It’s both mentally and physically demanding."  
    
    Needless to say, performing the show is easier said than done. That’s why after so many hours of hard work, the Council Rock North Marching Band decided to share the results of their tedious work and their love for music with other bands on October 10th at the 5th annual Council Rock Marching Band Invitational. Present at the invitational were many other schools including Pennridge High School, Neshaminy High School, Montgomery High School, Sterling High School, Central Bucks High School West, Owen J. Roberts High School, and Council Rock High School South.
   
    Members from all eight of the listed bands shouted out compliments and words of good luck as they met new people who also shared their passion for marching band.  The invitational itself was a friendly competition, even though bands were being scored on their performances and were competing against each other for special awards.
   
    Wayne Bishop, the director of the CRN Marching Band, stated, “I think it was a fun event, but also a competitive event. There’s obviously a judging involved with it, but I think everything that marching band entails is fun at its core.”
Cheers from our fellow Council Rock South Marching Band erupted once it was time for the CRN Marching Band to perform. Although being the host of the competition exempted the CRN Marching Band from competing, there were still nerves on the field during the performance.
   
    Kevin Ehrgott, a trumpet soloist, recalled, “It’s exciting to be a key part of the show as a soloist, but there is also the pressure that if you miss a note it will be very embarrassing. So having a solo, in some ways, is both a blessing and a curse. Either way, it is great to have the opportunity to exemplify my skills and represent the band.”
   
    In the end, the key to the successful show was teamwork. “We all work off … everyone else’s success and in that way, we are a team that relies on each other. The group dynamic is so important,” Neave stated.
   
​    After North's performance, the invitational's organizers handed out awards and scores. Bands were not only treated to a thunderous amount of applause, but also received judges’ comments to improve their shows even further.
This invitational would have not been made possible without the CRN Marching Band Parent’s Association. All their hard work along with the support of many parent and student volunteers enabled the invitational to run smoothly and allow guest bands to enjoy the healthy competition.