KCRW, Keeping Local Radio Alive Since 1945
A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor

KCRW, Keeping Local Radio Alive Since 1945

In recent years, radio channels have declined in quality while platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have replaced go-to sources of personalized sound. Amidst these modern music empires, KCRW, an iconic radio station based in Santa Monica, is hard at work to keep independent media alive.

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Samo choir echoes their Spain trip at Cathedral Classics
A&E Louis Rotgin, Sports Editor A&E Louis Rotgin, Sports Editor

Samo choir echoes their Spain trip at Cathedral Classics

On Friday April 19, 2024, Samo’s top choir showcased their skills at the Cathedral Classics Concert, held in the foyer of Barnum Hall. This performance culminated their recent tour across several Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Zaragoza, Segovia, Madrid, Toledo and Burgos, where their melodious voices graced iconic cathedrals, including the renowned Catedral de Burgos.

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American Fiction Wins Well-deserved Oscar
A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor

American Fiction Wins Well-deserved Oscar

“American Fiction” is a remarkably thought-provoking film that challenges the level of consumerism, creativity (or lack thereof) and “wokeness” that society has. Not nearly enough people are discussing this complex and touching movie, despite its five Academy Award nominations, People’s Choice Award win and best-adapted screenplay Oscar, which is a huge accomplishment for first-time director Cord Jefferson. “American Fiction” is the perfect combination of hilarious satire, emotional generational family conflict, and calling out what the general public deems to be politically correct in a fascinating manner.

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Cartoon Saloon Puts a Twist on Irish Folktales
A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor

Cartoon Saloon Puts a Twist on Irish Folktales

This Saint Patrick’s Day, rather than simply sporting green, hone in on the celebration with Cartoon Saloon, a remarkable Irish-owned animation studio based in Kilkenny, Ireland. Since their establishment in the late 90s, co-founders Tomm Moore, Paul Young, and Nora Twomey have used their platform to bring Irish folktales to life. Each of their dozens of projects combines compelling storylines and gorgeous art to shine a light on an important part of Irish culture with the rest of the world. 

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Rising stars take the stage at cafe samo
A&E Aili Forster, Editor-in-Chief A&E Aili Forster, Editor-in-Chief

Rising stars take the stage at cafe samo

On January 26 and 27, the Samo choir program hosted its annual Cafe Samo show, leaving an adoring crowd in awe of the students’ talent. Each act was carefully picked through an audition process led by Brooke Aron (’24), Justin Xu (’24), Walden Sullivan (’25), Sam Rubin (’25), Madeline Bryce (’24), Hope Hamilton (’24), Sarah Linowes (’24) and Valentina Manco (’24), and ultimately 21 acts were selected to play both nights. Upon being chosen for the show, students had just 10 days to prepare for the final culmination of their hard work. 

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Banned Books Find a Home at Samo
A&E Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024) A&E Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024)

Banned Books Find a Home at Samo

For the past few years, the issue of banned books has been a hotly debated topic across America, especially in terms of policies in education. From toddlers to teens, state governments have grown concerned about the information put into young minds through literature.

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A&E Claire Harrison, Opinion Editor A&E Claire Harrison, Opinion Editor

An Ode to Concept Albums

In a world of constantly changing songwriting, concept albums remain one of the most immersive forms of music-making. Story-telling albums go beyond a simple compilation of tracks but create a string of songs that all contribute to one cohesive narrative. Each song can mimic a different chapter in a book, creating a genuine and immersive storyline for listeners.

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Samo Jazz Band Kicks Off The Year With Their Winter Concert
A&E Louis Rotgin, Sports Editor A&E Louis Rotgin, Sports Editor

Samo Jazz Band Kicks Off The Year With Their Winter Concert

The Samo Jazz Band started the semester swinging with their winter concert on Jan 21. Their first concert of the new year featured prominent figures in the jazz world Stanley Clarke and Clay Jenkins, as well as Samo’s very own John Beasley (’77).

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Last minute valentines day date ideas
A&E Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024) A&E Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024)

Last minute valentines day date ideas

Oh boy! It's February 13, and you still don’t have a plan. Coming in hot, Valentine's Day should be memorable for all lovers. While dinner is a simple and safe option, here are some more unique ideas that will be sure to impress your partner. Whether you prefer an athletic climb or a simple night in, there is something here for everyone.

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Samo artists empowered by entrepreneurship
A&E Former 2024 Staff Member A&E Former 2024 Staff Member

Samo artists empowered by entrepreneurship

Historically, art departments lack the funds to provide much of the necessary equipment for students to use at their disposal. Thanks to faculty and students, the money needed for materials and resources in visual arts classes is being met through new and creative fundraising strategies.

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A&E Manny Lopez, Sports Editor A&E Manny Lopez, Sports Editor

Fortnite comeback takes gaming world by storm

Before the original creator of the game and creative director for Epic Games, Donald Mustard, decided to step down from his role, his final effort was to bring back the original map for just one month. In the month players were able to relive the very first season, countless students restarted their PCs and got back to playing Fortnite.

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Saltburn: crossing the line, or blurring it?
A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor

Saltburn: crossing the line, or blurring it?

“Saltburn” is horrifically glamorous and disturbingly enigmatic. Director Emerald Fennel took an untraditional approach to a psychological thriller by embedding it with elegant cinematography and magnificent sets.

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Day of the Dead inspires Samo’s annual art gallery
A&E Former 2024 Staff Member A&E Former 2024 Staff Member

Day of the Dead inspires Samo’s annual art gallery

On Thursday, Oct. 26, Samo hosted its annual Roberts Art Gallery, with a themed focus on the following celebration of Day of the Dead. The walls were decked with pictures, paintings and multimedia pieces with mediums like fabric, string, paper mache and more.

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Dazzling duets and fundraising feats at Sweet Serenade
A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor A&E Max Kehoe, A&E Editor

Dazzling duets and fundraising feats at Sweet Serenade

The Samo choir students serenaded the audience on Saturday, Oct. 21 at their first concert of the school year. Apart from the showcase of talented singers at Samo, Sweet Serenade–fittingly–provided arrays of handmade dessert trays as well as an auction/raffle fundraiser.

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School to studio: the power of making music
A&E Claire Harrison, Opinion Editor A&E Claire Harrison, Opinion Editor

School to studio: the power of making music

Finding time to make music while also balancing responsibilities personally and academically can be a challenge, however it’s not just about juggling tasks, it’s about finding time to express themselves, and ultimately harmonizing their multifaceted lives.

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Trying to be cool about boygenius’ new album
A&E Emi Yamashiro-Hergert, Centerspread Editor A&E Emi Yamashiro-Hergert, Centerspread Editor

Trying to be cool about boygenius’ new album

Boygenius has established itself as an icon of the indie music scene. Building upon the themes presented in their first full-length album released in March, Boygenius’ Oct. EP “The Rest” continues their tradition of melancholic melodies that emphasize a sense of community and love.

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Samo band kicks off the year with their fall concert
A&E Sia Kresch, Staff Writer A&E Sia Kresch, Staff Writer

Samo band kicks off the year with their fall concert

On Nov. 7, the Samo band held their annual fall concert, bringing together the five levels of the band led under directors Kevin McKeown and Terry Sakow. The concert was an impressive showcase of the band’s first few months of practice and only foreshadows the coming performances.

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“The Bear” season two and the path to healing
A&E Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024) A&E Former Samohi Writer (Spring 2010-Spring 2024)

“The Bear” season two and the path to healing

Season one of FX’s “The Bear” ended with a joyous discovery of $300,000 hidden in tomato cans, and it seemed like the show with 99% positive ranking from Rotten Tomatoes couldn’t get much better than it already was.

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Hollywood on hold until SAG-AFTRA strikes end
A&E Dalia Puchalt, News Editor A&E Dalia Puchalt, News Editor

Hollywood on hold until SAG-AFTRA strikes end

On May 2, the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) closed their laptops, put down their pens and went on strike. Two short months later, an irritated Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined the writers for the first time since 1960.

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Samo Orchestras’ first concert of the year was (movie) magical
A&E Former 2024 Staff Member A&E Former 2024 Staff Member

Samo Orchestras’ first concert of the year was (movie) magical

With dim and colorful lights, nostalgic film scores, a dramatic piano, Samo’s Orchestra Movie Music Magic concert on Oct. 6 was a hit among all ages. Celebrating 120 years of performances at Samo, the orchestra played to inspire a new generation with timeless songs from the movies we all love.

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Biblical ballads: a review of Mitski’s latest album
A&E Emi Yamashiro-Hergert, Centerspread Editor A&E Emi Yamashiro-Hergert, Centerspread Editor

Biblical ballads: a review of Mitski’s latest album

Cosmic. To concisely summarize the seventh and newest album of singer/songwriter Mitsuki Miyawaki, professionally known as Mitski, borders on impossible, but this word most accurately captures its magnitude and nuance.

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“GUTS”: Album of the year or anticlimatic?
A&E Claire Harrison, Opinion Editor A&E Claire Harrison, Opinion Editor

“GUTS”: Album of the year or anticlimatic?

On Sept. 8, singer-songwriter and actress Olivia Rodrigo published her latest pop-rock album “GUTS”. Rodrigo’s previous release and debut album, “SOUR”, was incredibly well received and secured her place in the pop world.

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