I write in the arts section for the Redwood Gigantea. I write choir and musical stories and cover concerts, rallies, and how students feel about performing. Something I have learned about being a journalist is that so many people have such interesting and unique things to say. It is cool to be able to learn about people's experiences. Something I am proud of doing is getting out of my comfort zone and talking to more people. I am proud of being able to get more people's voices heard and written about.
Choir students excited for new school year:
This story includes information about how choir students felt about performing at the first rally of the school year. I interviewed students and got them to tell me how they feel about choir and what they are looking forward to in the school year. I was successfully able to report what they said and I used my journalistic skills to help them express their voices.
This story matters because it informs others about the feelings and thoughts of a choir student. This was the first choir related event of the year where students had to perform in front of an audience. It displays the courage they had and how they worked together as a whole to add more entertainment to the rally.
Choir students express their feelings about the upcoming choir concert
This is a story I created for an upcoming choir concert performance. I interviewed students and asked about songs they will be performing and how they feel about this concert. The students I interviewed shared what they are excited for and things that will stick out in the concert.
This story is important because it allows people to become interested in this concert. It will also attract more people to go to the concert and to appreciate the work choir students put into performing. This story shows the choir students' emotions and feelings regarding concerts. This puts more value into this art and it shows kind of a "behind the scenes" view on Choir.
Bye Bye Birdie is an energetic comedy with a long history of entertaining crowds
This is a story I made about the background information behind the musical Redwood will be performing called "Bye Bye Birdie." I provided a brief summary on what this musical is about, and highlighted some of the main characters. I also wrote about the history of "Bye Bye Birdie" and some key events that inspired this musical.
This story is important because it informs people on what this musical will be about. It also allows people to become more fascinated with the musical and it makes them want to watch it. My goal for this story was to inform people about the musical in a different way. Instead of only finding out surface level facts and information about the musical, I wanted to dig a little deeper and do some research to provide others with some interesting knowledge about "Bye Bye Birdie."
Cast Insight on Spring Musical Approaching Quick
I worked with another Redwood Gigantea member, Malayna Nieto, to produce a story for the magazine. We worked together and talked to some of the cast members of "Bye Bye Birdie" about their roles and how they feel about their part in the musical.
I think that this story is essential to write before covering other stories after the musical is over. It is necessary to know the goals and challenges that come into creating this type of production, so people see how much work, effort, and dedication is put into this musical by Redwood students.
Adrienne Terry Works Hard for the Spring Musical Another Year
This story highlights the choreographer and co-director of Redwood’s musical Bye Bye Birdie. I asked her questions regarding her goals for this musical. She also provided information on what it means to be a choreographer and some skills she has for this position.
This story is important because it lets people understand all the hard work that has been put into the musical. It shows that being a choreographer and co- director is very essential in order to produce a successful musical. This story highlights the dedication Adrienne Terry has for the musical and how important her role is.
Redwood Dance Program Impresses
This story is about Principal Dr. Amanda Richard and her thoughts and opinions on the Redwood dance program. She expresses the importance and impact that this program has on Redwood High school.
This story is interesting because it allows people to get insight into the thoughts of an important member of this school regarding the dance program. It highlights Dr. Richards appreciation for the dance program and this lets others see her support of the school.
Woodbury’s Wise Words about The Arts
This story shows what biology teacher, Mr Woodbury, thinks about arts at Redwood High School. This includes all arts such as choir, dance, studio art, band, and more. He describes the impact that the arts have on students and how it makes our school creative.
I think that this story is important to write because it shows appreciation towards students involved in the arts. It also displays why the arts programs are such a big deal and why they have a huge influence on our school's community.
Reflection
Since writing for the Redwood Gigantea, my journalistic skills have definitely grown and progressed. Something that was a challenge for me at the beginning of the school year was interviewing and talking to people I did not know. Each time I interviewed someone I got better and better, and less nervous to talk to people.
An example of overcoming this challenge was talking to the principal. I needed to interview her for the arts section's upcoming big story. The interview actually went very well and I found that I was not nervous at all. Over time it has become a lot easier for me to talk to people because I like hearing what they have to say and I like to write about their feelings and their experiences.
Another part of my journalism skills that have grown from the start of the school year is not waiting on people when trying to write a story. There have been a few cases where I try to contact a student or a teacher but it takes a long time for me to reach them or for them to get back to me due to their schedule or other reasons. When they would finally get back and when I would finish the story, it would be too late for it to get published. I have learned to set deadlines for myself and if someone is taking too long, I should move on to someone or something else.
Where have I been?
Before I took this class I did not think there would be as wide a range of topics to cover as there actually are. I thought journalism just covered big events like shows, concerts, dances, and sports events. I did not realize that there are lots of different and interesting people and things to write about. Before I took this class I also thought we were just assigned specific stories and that was it. I have learned that I am allowed to have input on what I write and if I find something cool to write about I can talk to the editor and get it done.
Where am I now?
Something I learned by taking journalism is that I can ask good and in depth interview questions about the topic I am covering. I now know what types of things I should be asking and how to ask them, to get strong and efficient answers. I can also now confidently write a successful story that covers the topic and provides important information about the topic.
Where am I going?
One goal I have is to plan out my time more efficiently. I want to schedule out the things I need to get done and not get off track with something else. Another goal for next semester is to be more open minded and explore new ideas. A goal I have for my section is to come up with more unique and interesting stories, and to cover more types of arts.