For those of us who want to try new things( like new clubs or activities on and off campus), but hesitate because we are afraid of change, let’s take example from singing prodigy Jaqueline Le. A junior with no formal vocal training or music theory background but with an intense love for music, she went through a vigorous week-long audition process to become a member of Fountain Valley’s award-winning choir.

I sat down and interviewed Jaqueline about her experiences in Troubadors and Concert Choir.

Can you describe how you felt when you made it into concert choir and troubadours?

J: Well when I first found out I made it, I felt pretty amazing. I tried out to see how far I could go; I never dreamed I could actually make it. It made me feel… I don\’t know, adequate. Y’know? Talented.

What was the transition like, going from no previous choir experience to singing in the top two choirs at Fountain Valley?

J: It’s been both surreal and utterly terrifying, to be honest. Sometimes, I’ll feel incredibly lost, sitting there in class. But it’s a really good experience, and I’m learning more every day.

What do you hope to accomplish this year in choir?

J: Well, make more friends and be less socially awkward, for a start. Hopefully learn more music theory so I’m not doing an excellent impression of a lost puppy. But, I don\’t know….I guess make a name for myself, mainly.

 What was your first impression of Mr. Tison?

J: He seemed really nice and not scary and intimidating at all, from what I was led to believe, haha.

What does singing mean to you?

J: I could go on and on and say it\’s a way to express myself, la-di-da, but the truth is I just love singing. I can\’t explain it in any way, really. If I love a song, I\’ll sing it. It\’s just something that brings me absolute joy.

Why did you decide to audition for troubadours and concert choir?

J: There\’s a number of reasons, really. I love to sing, obviously. I\’ve been told that I was alright, and I wanted to see if I was good enough. I wanted to be a part of something at school, which is where I am for most of the day, where I could do something I genuinely enjoyed.

 If you could meet any musical artist, who would it be?

J: Good grief…. Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine.

While our Girls\’ Field Hockey team is full of fantastic players, there\’s one who knows the game inside and out better than anyone else.

Master of her “funky stick”, Jacqueline Aleson- O\’Farrell (\’11) is the Left Forward on the Varsity Girls\’ Field Hockey team.

I had the luck of interviewing Jacque earlier in the season about how our mighty Barons were doing this year. Her experience with the game is quite extensive, having joined the team freshmen year and making Varsity on her first try.

Not many students at our school know about our Field Hockey team. Jacque herself came to know of the sport from a stray flyer she saw. It\’s quite a shame that many students aren\’t seemingly aware of how well it ranks. Field Hockey just barely missed play-offs these last three years. And, considering the honest fact that many students have no idea what\’s going on with the Field Hockey team, this means the Lady Barons have been fighting their own battles with little support while consistently still coming out on top.

Jacque describes this year as one of the best, saying, “This season, we started out really strong, [and] we\’re going to keep trying harder.” The team has been improving with each year, and although many players have come and gone out on the field, they have shared a positive attitude with the team that keeps growing stronger.

As Jacque recalls, “In seasons of the past we\’ve had some amazing players like Ashley Woody, Alyssa Warren, and Jennifer Shultz and they\’ve been amazing. I hope we have more players that keep coming in [like them].”

This growing morale is a great environment for plenty of students out there who are considering trying something new and definitely rewarding.

The Field Hockey team isn\’t just effective on the field. The team has helped many players grow and mature during their time here at FVHS. Jacque has taken away from her four years on the team a renewed competitive spirit as well greater athleticism and confidence in herself. Games will be won and lost from time to time, but it\’s what the players take from the game that will last in the end; Jacque has taken some great memories that I am sure she will never forget.

Every three Fridays, students titter in the halls, eagerly awaiting English class. No, they\’re not Shakespeare fanatics and The Scarlet Letter is not their favorite book. Three letters: B-B-N. Baron Broadcast News, and its partner Baron Banner, work together to relay current events and news to FVHS students. But what puts BBN on the screen is the team of students working behind the camera – from set design to clip editing.

Meet Tammy Tran (‘12), a video editor, who\’s new on the scene but has a lot to offer. Here\’s a look at Baron Broadcast News through the fresh lens of one of its newest members, Tammy.

Q: What is your role in BBN?

A: I mainly film and edit clips for Tharadet Man (‘11). But some people have said they want to work with me so hopefully I\’ll get the chance to be more involved for future episodes!

Q: Why is it that we have yet to see your face in BBN?

A: I avoid being on camera at all costs because I\’m camera-shy. That\’s the only reason. I\’m not interesting to watch or look at. (Baron Banner would beg to differ.)

Q: What do you enjoy most being in BBN?

A: I don\’t enjoy BBN. –laughs- Just kidding! What I enjoy the most is when my classmates compliment on a clip I worked on. As long as I feel like I did a good job, all the time and effort is worth it.

Q: What would you say to all those out there (especially freshmen) who are considering joining BBN)?

A: You should know how to film and edit well – how to choose interesting angles and add variety to video clips. A lot of people in BBN are better now on camera. They\’re good actors and fun to watch, but there\’s a shortage of people who can put the actual videos together. (That\’s why we have new recruits like you!)

Q: What have you all done differently this year, as compared to last year’s BBN staff?

A: It\’s all in the sports report. We\’re trying to make it more informative compared to the music videos-esque clips last year. That\’s why there are more interviews with the athletes about the sports and games, not just announcements of who won and lost. (Baron Banner applauds this change.)

Q: Are there any big projects you guys are currently working on?

A: Everyone has their own project to work on. We don\’t share our ideas with one another because everyone is in their own little group. It would be nice if the class was more united so we can at least know what kind of video everyone is doing.

Q: Can you give us any hints as to what’s in store for the upcoming Bell Game edition of the BBN?

A: The whole episode is certainly going to be all anti-Edison! We have parody clips called “Are You Smarter Than A Baron” and “The Green Scare”, but that\’s all I can say for now. You\’ll have to see the episode for yourself!

In our ongoing series of student interviews, the Baron Banner gets a chance to reveal the lives of random students. Here

Kyle Le

we talk to sophomore Kyle Le, an honor student and member of the Troubadours.

Baron Banner: With the year coming to a close, tell us a little about your year in Troubadours.

Kyle Le: It\’s been completely busy this whole year, and in the past month we had to do a lot of competitions. That was really stressful, but also really rewarding because all the hard work we do pays off, especially when we ended up getting 1^st place at Golden State College.

BB: Was it challenging to be one of the only sophomores in Troubs?

KL: You could say that, but there\’s also another sophomore, Gabi Lam. Sometimes I feel like the others have more experience and it can be intimidating, but I\’ve learned a lot from them.

BB: What would be your most memorable moment this year?

KL: Definitely going to New York during spring break for concert choir. There was a lot of amazing food and sightseeing. It was an amazing experience.

BB: Do you plan on pursuing music in your future?

KL: I don\’t know about majoring in music, but I will definitely keep practicing music in the future. If an opportunity does come up though, I\’ll take it. As of right now, I\’m planning to go for what\’s stable and thinking about going to medical school.

BB: So, what\’s your schedule look like for you next year?

KL: Hopefully troubadours and concert choir, which I have a pretty good chance at. Spanish 3, Pre-Cal Honors, AP English, AP Biology, and AP US History.

BB: Wow! How will you manage your time with all those classes?

KL: It\’s going to be really busy, but I\’m going to be doing the same thing as all the other members of troubs this year. I\’ll probably be staying up late nights and doing homework right when I get home instead of not laying down on the couch and such. I\’ll have to manage my time better.

BB: What other activities are you involved in and out of school?

KL: Well, I\’m secretary for Tiffany\’s Dream, and I take classical piano lessons with a Russian teacher.

BB: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

KL: I definitely enjoy making new covers of songs and putting my interpretations of those songs on the piano. I\’m a Facebook-addict, and I like biking.

BB: Thank you for your time!

KL: No problem.

Kyle Garibay is known for his strong musical talents at Fountain Valley High School. He was kind enough to let Baron Banner interview him about these talents. Let\’s take a look at what he said.

BB: Why do you always wear that red flannel?

KG: It\’s one of my favorite shirts I guess.

BB:  I heard that you have a band. Do you guys have a name yet?

KG: Well, I just record music with my friend Rene and practice with my other friends. We have not decided on a name yet.

BB: You guys should consider the name “The Flannels.”

KG: (Laughs) I\’ll take that into consideration.

BB: What kind of instruments do you play?

KG: I play bass, drums, guitar, and piano—all with my left hand.

BB: That\’s quite a lot of instruments. Did you take classes to learn them all?

KG: I took a class for drumming for one month. Aside from that, I am self-taught.

BB: You\’re amazing! Would you ever give lessons?

KG: (Laughs) I might give out lessons for fun, easy money.

BB: How many instruments do you own?

KG: I own one guitar (Fender), two basses (Fender and Ibanez), one set of drums (Gretsch), and one keyboard (Yamaha).

BB: Do you sing?

KG: No, I don\’t sing.

BB: Who’s your inspiration?

KG: My inspiration would be Thom Yorke from Radiohead. I have all their albums and everything.

BB: Could you name your top five favorite bands?

KG: Golly gosh, that\’s a bit hard. Radiohead, Blink 182, The Smiths, Nirvana, and Copeland.

BB: You have a lot of talent. Do you plan to major in music later in life?

KG: I\’m actually thinking about majoring in Psychology or English. I really enjoy learning about how others think and how they make their decisions. I also like to write. I think music is just a hobby for me, but I wouldn\’t mind giving out lessons.

BB: Okay, thanks for your time Kyle. Oh, and awesome shirt.

KG: No problem!

By Sami Yerunkar, Staff writer

Sophomore Scott Chen is known for both academic distinction and for musical talent. The Baron Banner caught up with Scott to see how he balances a rigorous academic schedule and orchestra at the same time.

Baron Banner: Since one of the things you\’re known for is your grades, do mind sharing your current G.P.A.?

Scott Chen: I earned a 4.8 last semester and ended my freshman year with a 4.6.

BB:  It was once considered impossible for a sophomore to have so many weighted classes. What classes are you taking?

SC: My weighted classes are English 2 Honors, AP European History, Honors Orchestra, and AP Music Theory. I don’t need to take a language class because I\’m in Chinese school, so I can take two electives. I also have Chemistry for a lab science and Algebra 2/Trigonometry for mathematics.

BB: You must study a lot to achieve such high grades. How much time do you spend studying?

SC: I have to spend a lot of time on school work and music, so I usually don’t sleep until twelve at night. I only study for history and some vocabulary for English, so I guess I don’t study that much.

BB: Are you involved in any sports on campus?

SC: I have been playing tennis for about half a year.

BB: How does tennis impact your daily schedule?

SC: I have one hour less to spend at home, but it helps me stay active.

BB: We heard your name in the announcements a few weeks ago. What was that about?

SC: That was when I made the All Southern Honors Orchestra.

BB: What is the All Southern California Honors Orchestra?

SC: The All Southern California Honors Orchestra is a music program for talented high school musicians. They have a rigorous two-part auditioning process where they audition once for entry into the Orchestra and one more time to determine your placement. We had two days of practice before our first concert.

BB: Congratulations! Music seems to be a big part of your life. What instrument do you play?

SC: I play piano and cello.

BB: How long have you been playing?

SC: I have studied piano for six and a half years, and cello for five.

BB: Have you thought about what you want to do after high school?

Scott: Perhaps study some kind of science at a good university and get a masters or a doctorate degree. I want to take a career planning course at OCC next year to see what career would fit me the most.

BB: Thank you for your time.

Scott: You\’re welcome.

By Kevin Nguyen, Staff writer

Every once in a while, the Baron Banner chooses a random FVHS student to interview. Here, freshman Dustin Doan gives us a little slice of his life.

 Baron Banner: What grade are you in?

Dustin Doan: I\’m a freshman.

 BB: What is your favorite food?

DD: Any kind of soupy broth with noodles.

 BB: What are your hobbies?

DD: Making people laugh.

 BB: What is your family life like?

DD: Asian mother, bamboo stick—the usual.

 BB: What do you do best?

DD: Sleep.

 BB: What are your aspirations?

DD: …To live up to the Asian stereotype.

 BB: What or who are you inspired by?

DD: Everyone—including the scary monkey in my closet.

 BB: How do you feel about being a freshman?

DD: It\’s okay. A lot of upperclassmen look down on us—literally.

 BB: So where do you see yourself in the future?

DD: Sleeping.

 BB: I see. Well, what school clubs are you in, and why?

DD: Martial Arts Club and Club Soul because they’re fun.

 BB: What is your worst fear?

DD: Having a B+ in math.

 BB: Do you have trouble in any of your classes?

DD: [Obviously] that\’s math.

 BB: Okay, well thank you for your time. Have a good time in high school.

DD: [Thanks.]

By Zack Bernardin, Staff writer

If you have noticed bagpipe music being played around FVHS, especially during culture days or International Week, rest assured that it isn\’t part of your imagination. The Baron Banner caught up with the person behind the pipes, junior Wesley Mann (‘10), and interviewed him about his unique talent.

Baron Banner: What instrument do you play? 
Wesley Mann: I play the Great Highland Bagpipes. 
 
BB: How long have you been playing for? 
WM: Since about a year and a half ago. 
 
BB: What influenced you to play the bagpipes? 
WM: I sort of just decided I wanted to learn an instrument, and that seemed like the most interesting one. 
 
BB: So it was more of a random decision? 
WM: Yeah. 
 
BB: Have you been in any competitions? 
WM: Yeah, I have competed in all the Highland games around California. I attended the Monterey School of Piping and Drumming last summer.

It\’s like a summer camp for bagpipers, and I got a lot of compliments there on my playing. I\’m playing at the Highland games at the Queen Mary if anyone wants to come. It\’s February 14th and 15th, and you can check it out on the Queen Mary website. 
 
BB: Do play with a group? 
WM: I\’m in the Nickolson Pipes and Drums from Westminster. 
 
BB: You don\’t happen to be Scottish, do you? 
WM: Yes! I\’m part of Clan Gunn of Scotland. We play in the games together. 
 
BB: How many instruments do you play? 
WM: Currently, fourteen. I play the Great Highland Bagpipes, Irish Ullian Bagpipes, tenor banjo, mandolin, guitar, Irish flute, tin whistle, and the bassoon, just to list a few. 
 
BB: Impressive. What else do you do? 
WM: I\’m on the track and field team, and my events are shot put and discus. We have about eight meets a year and we win a lot of competitions. We won CIF championships last year, and we plan to win again. By the way – just so you know, you don\’t throw the discus like a Frisbee.

BB: Well, that just about sums it up. Thanks a lot! 
WM: No problem.

photo credit: Elizabeth Bailey

The Baron Banner picked a student at random to interview. Freshman Dennis Nguyen shares his views on lumberjacks, banjoes and Twilight.

Baron Banner: I like your shirt. Are you into lumberjacks?

Dennis Nguyen: No.

BB: Then do you just like plaid?

DN: It\’s good.

BB: Lumberjacks like flapjacks. Do you like flapjacks?

DN: I like waffles.

BB: Do you cut down trees by any chance?

DN: I break sticks.

BB: Is there any particular types of trees you like to cut down?

DN: The flimsy ones so I look strong.

BB: What kind of music do you like to listen to?

DN: Anything but country.

BB: Don\’t you have a favorite kind of genre— like banjo music?

DN: No, I don\’t like banjoes.

BB: Do you have any special or hidden talents? Are you secretly a spy or a lumberjack?

DN: I am secretly posing as a freshman.

BB: What are your hobbies?

DN: Not reading.

BB: Is there anything you specifically don\’t like to read?

DN: Twilight.

BB: You\’re going to get a lot of haters for that comment. Are you prepared?

DN: Yeah. It\’s not that many people.

 BB: Not that many people? It\’s actually almost every girl at our school. So, if you could choose, would you be a lumberjack, a mountain man, or a ranger?

DN: I\’d be a mountain man. I don\’t know what a mountain man is— but I\’d be one.

BB: That\’s all the random questions I have for you. Thanks for your time.

DN: No problem.