Alta High School - Accipitor Yearbook (Sandy, UT)

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Going over a scene from the musical Guys and Dolls. John Durrant. Robin Bishop and Susan Gilliat discuss the proper acting techniques from facial expressions, to tonal qualities as they practice the popular musi cal. A sketch or a water color is always easier to do when on professional drawing tables, which are at the disposal of Susan Maraida and any other Art student who has the assignment or urge to let his or her artistic leanings flow. Practicing a scene from Neil Simon's play God's Favorite. Mitch Hall and Steve Ivie work on the memorization of the lines. Drama students do many scenes so they may have a greater repetoire. Art Drama • 119

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» Digging his hands into the wet and gooey pottery clay. Doug Anderson molds and shapes a new art form. Pottery students get to slop about in the muck and still create a beautiful yet practical piece of art in one of the funnest art classes around. Soft lines and shapes begin to fill Laurie Cain's can vas as she adds another tree, or shrub in her oil painting of a frozen pond. The hidden beauty which lies in all artists is given a chance to be expressed with colors and styles that please the eye. Discussion of drawings between consenting artists is always a big help as both Hosel Jensen and Dale Profitt know. Personal critiques from peers often mean so much more than from a teacher and help bring about some beautiful paintings. Dramatic Artists As one walks into the drama and art rooms, it becomes obvious that these classes are not your average, everyday per- iods. These electives give students a break from the solid classes as they have no set pattern for learning. There are no comput- ers, no pop quizzes, no impersonal homework—it all comes from the heart and imagination. If it can be said that cul- ture is alive and well here in school, then it lives on in Art and Drama. My mother always said I was very au- tistic, revealed A.P. artist Kirsten Easth- ope. Art classes developed and unleashed the wild, hidden personalities that are natu- rally associated with students in that field. The environment provides an excellent stimuli for their creative minds. Designing record covers, stage sets, and mobiles are only a few of the many tasks given. Drama is a class that gets progressively harder. To receive an A , students not only do the acting, but must watch plays being performed so they may perfect their abilities. Strutting across stage to classic Shakespeare, and laughing to a brilliant Neil Simon play provide the enchantment that draws over a hundred mild mannered students to the wild and crazy drama classes. What defines an artist? Who is really an actor? It seems that anyone who enjoys the excitement of really creating—drawing a simple charcoal sketch or a humourous pantomine. Anyone who wants to express themselves—whether in an elaborate oil painting or in a passionate scene belongs with others that feel the same way. To make the audience understand why some- thing happened or to get the feeling or mood of the painting is what the art and drama student must accomplish. 118 • Art Drama

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Some Musicians Of Note A big chunk of the successful publicity generated by school organizations came from the awardwinning music depart- ment. The various groups not only enter- tained school and community patrons, but they also worked hard to bring home hon- ors from district and state competitions. The music department consisted of the instrumental music classes taught by Mr. Ken Gondor. and the choral department led by Mr. Gordon Quigley. Five singing groups were available for students interest- ed in singing: A'capella. Madrigals, Girls Chorus and the Junior Choir. Besides per forming the annual Christmas and spring concerts, the choirs traveled to local churches, the ZCMI Mall, the L.D.S. Church Office Building. The Madrigal Choir presented Christmas carols for those attending the performances of The Nut- cracker” at the Capitol Theater. The major competition of the year for choirs and indi- vidual singing performances was the State Solo and Ensemble Festival, held on April 16. The choirs were exposed to, practiced, and performed a great variety of music from pop to classical to religious. This vari- ety provided diverse opportunities for per- formance locations. In other words, be- cause of their varied music repertoire, the group was able to perform at many loca tions to many different audiences. “In or der to succeed in the chorus.” Mr. Quigley stated, a total commitment to attendance at all rehearsals and performances must be made in addition to the individual time Looking for direction from conductor Ken Gondor. the string section of the orchestra class practices numbers from the school musical Guys artlfDolls 120 • Music At athletic activities, the Marching Band proved one of the best spirit boosters to the fans. This year s band was larger and better than ever and won several competitions early in the year.