T A
HE
DVOCATE
William Aberhart High School
Volume 20, Number 4
November 7, 2014
Twenty years of publishing The Advocate
Sing, Sang, Sung
by ADAM BROWN
October 31st was a very special and
exciting day for Aberhart’s choir students.
Not just because it was Halloween, but because it was the first day of choir camp! The
Concert Choir and Grade 10 Women’s Choir
spent the weekend out at the River’s Edge
Camp, near Cremona, at what turned out to
be a spectacular time for everyone.
The choirs were joined by guest
clinicians Dinah Lindberg Helgeson and
former Aberhart Choral Director and psychology teacher, Erica Phare-Bergh. Dinah is a gifted teacher and singer who has
educated around the world, including as the
Choir Director of the International School
Bangkok, and performing with groups such
as “The Choir of the West”. She is now in
very high demand as a guest clinician and
has conducted several All-State Choirs at
festivals in the United States. Ms PhareBergh has directed the Children, Youth and
Adult choirs at McGill University, as well
as directing Aberhart’s Concert Choir when
they won 1st place in the Large Mixed Choirs
category of the Young Prague Choir Festival
last year.
Choir Camp always brings with it
a large amount of work, as can be shown
when the choirs would rehearse in largeensemble or sectional workshops for hours
throughout the day. They go through many
vocal technique exercises, breathing exer-
cises and runs through various pieces. The
choirs are also introduced to many new languages and styles in these pieces, from Latin
to French and American slave music to pieces reflective of wars and great sadness. As a
choir, it is always important to understand
the context of what we are singing, so there
are quite often very deep discussions as to
the origins of the music, what they mean
and how the choir should convey it.
But choir camp isn’t all just vocal
work, 24/7, by any stretch! A large focus of
the camp is on team-building and getting
to know the people you sing with. The first
night was just that: exercises that included
figuring out how to line everyone up based
on height without talking, to dispersing
throughout the room and figuring out how to
get back to your original place, once again
without talking or touching the floor. It was
truly amazing to see how well a group like
this could work together to complete these
challenges as a team, which is what it’s all
about!
The second night consisted of a
Choir Halloween organized by the Student
Music Council. Halloween Ninja’s (I won’t
say who they were…) kidnapped Ms Olivier
and with the help of the Halloween Fairy,
freed her from the anti-Halloween curse.
Sound a bit weird to you? Good. I won’t go
into too many details about the rest of the
night, but the choirsters were divided into
groups, sent on their merry way to stations
to collect points and attempt to win the coveted trumpet trophy! There was also tons of
candy along the way and many interesting
and enthusiastic team cheers (such as one
by the group calling themselves the “Adam
Creeper’s”).
In the end, it was a very sad moment when we loaded the bus to come back
to our normal lives and reality. Choir camp
always has that effect on people. Everyone
learned so much, shared so much, and gave
so much of themselves that weekend that it
couldn’t have gone much better than it did.
On a personal note, I’m so incredibly proud
of these amazing people, with so much soul
and talent. This was also the last music camp
for the grade 12 students and we will always
cherish these fine memories. A huge thank
you goes out to accompanist Faye Klassen,
Ms Trowbridge, the parent chaperones and
all of the other clinicians who worked with
the choirs! The biggest thank you of all goes
out to Ms Olivier, for her amazing guidance
and exceptional directing and organizing. It
has been amazing to work with these people
thus far and from here on out, the possibilities are endless. That is the beauty of music.
Page 2
E
D
November 7, 2014
I
T
O
William Aberhart High School
R
I
A
L
A Poppy Goes A
Long Way
by DENNIS KWOK
Since the first World War, more than one
hundred and ten thousand Canadian soldiers
have sacrificed their lives so that the rest of us
may live a better life without the fear, despair
or conflict that continues to rage throughout
the world. Today, there are still some 65 000
active full time members as well as 51 000
reserve members that continue to serve our
country as those willing to put their own lives
on the line for the rest of us. While many Canadians wear the poppy as a symbol to honour
our veterans, the money that is raised by the
Poppy Fund helps to support important needs
that our veterans have. Donations to the fund
help ensure that our veterans can receive the
financial aid that they need for medical costs,
living costs, post-military career training as
well as counselling for issues such as posttraumatic stress disorder.
It is essential that Canadians are aware of
the issues that pertain to our veterans today
and consciously take the effort to help. There
is not a set price for a poppy as it is important
that we remember all those who have served
Canada. However, know that the poppy
honours the men and women from every one
of Canada’s military involvement across the
world including both World Wars, the Korean
War, peacekeeping missions, Afghanistan,
and now our involvement in the Middle East.
Over a hundred thousand Canadians have
died in the line of service since 1914 and
many thousands more have served. Although
there are no longer any more Canadian veterans from the first World War, any contribution
to support our veterans is the least of how we
can show our thanks and appreciation to the
The Advocate wants YOU!
Do you like to write?
Do you like to take pictures?
Do you have a special affinity for organizing and
laying out massive amounts of material?
More importantly,
do you want to wield PERSUASIVE POWERS
you never thought possible?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, we want YOU!
We’re looking for journalists, columnists, cartoonists, photographers,
and layout lackeys to help us with The Advocate this year.
Email your submissions and letters to the editor to
[email protected]!
causes that they fought for.
Today, the Canadian Forces is recognized
around the world as a driving force in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid as well
as training the personnel of other forces. At
any given time, there are approximately 8000
Canadians deployed out in order to keep our
world a better safe, to keep our homes a safer
place. Thank a veteran and wear a poppy for
there is no higher calling in Canada, than to
wear the uniform of Canada.
TheAdvocate
THE ADVOCATE is the official newspaper of William Aberhart High School. We
publish on a bi-weekly basis and encourage
letters to the Editor of THE ADVOCATE.
THE ADVOCATE is meant as a forum
for student expression and is published to
inform and entertain the students and the
entire school community.
Editor-in-Chief: Dennis Kwok
Staff Sponsor: K Kempt
Columnists: Adam Brown, Aria
Poutanen
Contributors: Stephen Pittman, Kylah
Wilson-Zelmer, Matthew Garber, Kyra
Otto
William Aberhart High School
November 7, 2014
Page 3
The Impact of Music
by CLAIRE KELLY
Music can influence so many
things, since there are a huge variety in
styles of music. I don’t know about you,
but music is an incredibly big influence
in my everyday life. Your mood can be
based off of what music you’re listening to,
whether it makes you relaxed, energized,
soothed, angry or sad. Genres of music
include pop culture, alternative rock, indie,
country, R&B, house style and so many
more. Our own special taste in music gives
us ways to express ourselves in many ways,
that our behaviour and art style can’t exactly put a point on. Having a similar taste
in music as someone else is a great way to
make new friends, since music tends to be
a very popular and common denominator in
friendships.
It’s also shown that listening to
music helps to improve your concentration.
That’s why so many students can finish
homework more efficiently and quicker
when they are listening to music. Even
while going through life experiences, music
and songs can be related to these events
and will make us nostalgic of that time.
Even just listening to the words and meanings of the lyrics of a song can change your
mood, because your own opinion or view
from the lyrics can differ from the singer/
songwriter. I listen to music every day,
and I am always wanting to discover new
artists to get a new taste in sound. Music
helps shape us, making us more unique as
individuals.
by KYLAH WILSON-ZELMER
by ALANA MCPHERSON
Page 4
November 7, 2014
We Remember
by STEPHEN PITTMAN
As we approach Remembrance
Day, it is important to pause and reflect upon
why we honour our troops. We not only remember those soldiers who lost their lives
in action, but also the impact their sacrifices
had on Canada and the world. As Canadians, we often express our national pride,
and sometimes take our freedom for granted. It can be difficult for some us to imagine facing the horrors of war, especially in
today’s society where popular war games
such as Call of Duty distort those realities.
This year marks the centennial
of the beginning of World War I, a deadly
war that radically changed Canada and the
world. Causalities were high: 60 000 Canadians died, including 2800 nurses and
178 000 wounded. The grief and destruction was horrendous. However, through
those sacrifices, Canadians gained a national pride that continues to this day.
Canada became an independent country,
no longer part of the British Empire, with a
greater sense of unity and national strength.
Canada again fought for our national freedom and international peace by
contributing to the defeat of Nazi Germany
in World War II. The Canadian Forces also
participated in other wars including the
Korean War and the Gulf War. Recently,
Canada contributed to the mission in Afghanistan to again maintain international
peace, and the current mission to fight ISIS.
Especially this Remembrance Day, our
country pays tribute to Corporal Nathan
Cirillo, who was tragically shot while
guarding the National War Memorial in Ottawa on October 22nd 2014. This tragic incident occurred not in another country, but
on Canadian soil, far too close to home. He
will be remembered as a wonderful man and
an important figure in the Canadian Forces.
Remembrance Day pays tribute to all those
individuals who risked their lives to maintain
peace, security, and ultimately our freedom.
It’s a time to commemorate those soldiers
who served in the first World War all the way
to those who continue to fight for us today.
William Aberhart High School
H U M A N S O F A B E
by KYLAH WILSON-ZELMER
“What defines you?”
“Nothing, a definition excludes the possibility for
change.”
H A L L M O N I T O R
by MATTHEW GARBER
What was your
Halloween
Costume?
“I was Mario!”
Sam D. (Gr. 10)
“I didn’t wear a costume…”
Elisabeth G. (Gr. 11)
“I dressed up as Link from The Legend of
Zelda!”
Lilli T. (Gr. 12)
“I was a 70’s disco… guy.”
Mr Mooney
William Aberhart High School
Halloween at Aberhart
Page 5
November 7, 2014
Page 6
November 7, 2014
William Aberhart High School
ABE Choirs at River’s Edge
William Aberhart High School
P R I N C I PA L’ S A D VISORY COUNCIL
Moving Forward
by ADAM BROWN
Last week, we held our very first Open
Meeting, where anyone and everyone could
come and voice their opinions, thoughts and
ideas, as well as engage in ongoing council
discussions. There was a terrific turn out, and
we want to send a huge thanks to everyone
that came! We hope to see even more as the
months go by. Keep in mind that the next
meeting will be November 25.
We will also be coming out with our own
Student Survey shortly, wandering about the
halls and asking as many of you as possible
your thoughts on a variety of questions. In
case we miss you, or if you want to send in
your thoughts anonymously through the Student Feedback Email (abefeedback@gmail.
com), here are the questions:
-What grade are you in?
-Do you feel that there is a significant disconnect between students and Teachers in
our school?
-Do you feel that there is a significant disconnect between students and Administrative
staff in our school?
-Do you think class size effects disconnect?
-Do you find Teachers approachable at our
school?
-Do you find Administrative staff approachable at our school?
-Do you find it difficult to engage in the
majority of your classes?
-What kind if learning environment do you
prefer? Are you an auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learning? Do you prefer working alone
or with others?
We really value your most honest answers
to make informed inquiries with our administration in terms of solutions or modifications.
We have also been working on another
way for you to anonymously communicate
with us: a box where you can leave anonymous comments and thoughts for us to read.
It will be up shortly, so stay tuned for an
announcement for it.
There have also been discussions on
reforming the library into a much open,
modern-type area for students, and it is looking very promising!
Until next time, have a great long weekend, and don’t forget to honor our heroes on
Remembrance Day.
Page 7
A R I A ’ S
November 7, 2014
5 1
Its Too Early For
November
by ARIA POUTANEN
Hello Kids,
I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween! November is upon us, and if you
are as in denial as I am, this week’s playlist
is for you. I tried to evoke some energetic
pop to put a that fall-spring back in your step,
as well as to cheer you up in the face of the
oncoming winter. This week, I implore you to
check out Twin Peaks (the band, not the TV
show, although both are truly excellent), as
well as The Courtneys! This weeks local pick
are Meisha and the Spanks. I also included
a track from everyone’s favourite Queen of
the Night, Elvira; I highly encourage you
all to find the video for 2 Big Pumpkins on
YouTube, as it is hilarious! Check out Bo
Burnham as well, for more hilarity. If some of you hadn’t already guessed,
I am a volunteer, station member, and
sometimes-programmer at the University of
Calgary’s community radio station CJSW
90.9 FM. If you know me in real life, you
may have heard me talk about many of the
times that you should tune in for amazing
music – which is, for the record, always.
More importantly, I wanted to talk about my
experiences this past October 24 – 31 where
I volunteered during the 2014 Funding Drive.
I answered phones, took pledges, and was
even invited onto Suffragette City, a two hour
program featuring exclusively female created
content, to talk about my experiences as a
volunteer and my history with the station. The
Funding Drive is one of my favourite times
of the year, as it is an amazing opportunity
to contribute to the community and also get
some wicked swag in return (the Friends
Card gets you discounts at 170+ businesses
around Calgary!). This year, we had a record
breaking total of $239000 pledged, and I hope
next year we can do even better.
That’s all for now folks, enjoy your early
November!
Page 8
November 7, 2014
H o r o s c o p e s
Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
There’s a very strong accent on
career, which may lead you to
ponder and think deeply about
the direction you’re going and
your priorities.
Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
The idea of transforming
your life so that it opens up
new horizons for you could
seem very appealing. Though you might
feel as though you have a blank canvas,
something that really fires up your
enthusiasm may well come along to
replace it sooner than you think.
Aries (March 21 - April 20)
You seem determined to succeed
at an important career goal,
so much so that you might be
willing to step on another’s toes
on the way. Thursday’s Taurus Full Moon
might test your loyalty.
Taurus (April 21 - May 21)
An important relationship
may reach a critical phase.
However, if you get involved
in a dispute this week, back down.
There’s a chance that a full-blown
argument could wreck your relationship.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
It’s time to make one or two
major changes. However, you’ll
likely be left in no doubt about
which issue to concentrate on
first. It’s at times like these when real
transformation can occur.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Interactions can be all
consuming. You may be
overwhelmed by others’
feelings - as well as your own.
Temptation may test your loyalty, but
only your conscience can decide what’s
right or wrong.
Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)
A work or lifestyle matter might
have you on edge. You may
appreciate the company of a
good friend who can give you a
fresh perspective on what’s happening and perhaps some advice.
William Aberhart High School
Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
You may want to pace yourself,
as your thought processes could
be fairly intense while problem
solving. You might need to give
yourself a break every once and a while.
P
L
A Y
L
I
S
T
by ARIA POUTANEN
SNOW IS NO
Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22)
You may get the spending bug.
Whatever your situation, the
careful handling of resources
may enter the equation, so give
yourself a strict dollar limit!
1. 2 Big Pumpkins - Elvira
Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
You’ll be completely in your
element with a major planetary
lineup in your sign increasing
your willpower. You may say
something you don’t intend, so it helps to
tread carefully.
4. Get Up, Get Up – Younger
Lovers
Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
You may be more reflective
than usual in the week ahead.
Try to avoid a tendency to think
too much on topics that you
can’t as yet do anything about.
7. Don’t Need No Fascist Groove Thang – Heaven 17
Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
Your social life seems to be at
the top of your agenda, mixing
you with people to whom you
can’t deal with. Just don’t do
anything you might regret later by giving
in to impulses.
When you’re
done, please
pass this on or
recycle. Thanks!
2. Making Breakfast – Twin Peaks
3. Sexy Robot – The She Creatures
5. Planet Claire – The B-52s
6. Beach Bear – Crystal Swells
8. Mars Attacks feat. Young Braised – The Courtneys
9. Repeat Stuff – Bo Burnham
10. The Beginning of the Twist – The Futureheads
11. Ha Ha Ha – The Julie Ruin
12. Oblivion feat. Susanne Sund
for – M83
13. Wrecking Ball – Meisha and the Spanks
14. Bizarre Love Triangle – New Order
The Advocate’s Policy on Letters to the Editor
The Advocate encourages signed letters to the editor
and prints both positive and negative comment.
Anonymous letters will not be published.
Letters to the editor are published as written by the author.
Spelling and grammar are not corrected.
Occasionally, letters will be edited for length and/or inappropriate language.
Editorial responses are not printed.
We reserve the right not to print letters that do not bring new light to an issue.