THE VOICE Issue 1

January 2012

BREAKING NEWS: SOIRÉE JUST 2 WEEKS AWAY IN THIS ISSUE

“We Will Rock You”, is a song written by Brian May, recorded and performed by Queen in 1977. It is also the name of the musical.

The musical was written by British comedian & author Ben Elton in collaboration with Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor and was first produced in London. WWRY is set 300 years in the future when earth has been renamed as Planet Mall. Everyone holds the same thoughts and opinions. The time is the future, in a place that was once called earth. Globalisation is complete. Musical

instruments are forbidden, and nobody has ever heard of Rock Music. The Company computers generate downloadable tunes for everyone. Planet Mall is controlled by Globalsoft Corporation which is headed by The Killer Queen.

The story focuses around a dreamer, Galileo, who works together with the “Bohemians”, rebels who believe that there was once a time called “The Rhapsody” when the kids formed their own bands and write their own songs. They seek to find the Place of Champions which is said to hide the last ever musical instruments, and in turn rid Planet Mall of auto tuned,

computer generated music. But will they succeed?

Bringing the St. Aloysius theatre up from the ashes, the S.A.C. Sixth Form Students are proud to present Soirée 2012 on the 9-12th February. Soirée has become one of the symbols of the Aloysian spirit where everyone, from students, to parents, to staff, come together to reveal the artistic talent of our school. An event of such collaboration and hard work is by no means one to be missed.

As always, the night will be divided into two. In the first half there will be a variety of heart throbbing performances. Whilst in the second half of the night we will be putting forward the musical „We Will Rock You‟. Get ready to be awed by the gifted voices of our lowers and uppers taking on the powerful rock band of the „70‟s.

Tickets may be bought from the Sixth Form reception as from next week. Ticket prices are €10 and €12.

INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECTORS OF SOIRÉE 2012 Page 8

SOIRÉE 2011 in pictures Page 5

SOIRÉE 2012 OFFICIAL LOGO Page 9

We Will Rock You! by James Mula and Josh Chircop

THE VOICE Issue 1

A few words from the

CHIEF EDITOR

Fellow Aloysians! With great pleasure I would like to present you the very first edition of The Voice: the new version of the Saint Aloysius Newspaper.

We felt the need to connect with you students not only by using Facebook but also by introducing a new medium. A newspaper seemed the best idea. After meeting with the students interested in forming the S.A.C. Student Newspaper Body, a proposal was then sent to the administration. This was in turn accepted and the work began.

Rumor had it that many liked the idea of having a Student Newspaper. This is why throughout the past month all the members of the newspaper body have been working hard to produce the first issue.

Our Logo designed by Anthea Galea

Such acknowledgment places pressure on us to preserve the high standards and status of Saint Aloysius College Sixth Form.

We hope that you will enjoy browsing through the online version of the newspaper, while working your guts out to produce a high-standard Soirée which will make the audience gasp for speech.

Rachel

THE VOICE | Issue 1 3

Dear Aloysians,

It has been over 2 months since the students’ council has been formed! Time has passed quickly, maybe too quickly for our liking and today, here I am writing to you all, with great pride, in our first edition of the SAC Newspaper, “The Voice”.

During this period of time, the council has done its best to represent the student body as efficiently as possible, it has been our aim from the very beginning to make a difference in your school life and hopefully with this newspaper, together with our new Facebook page, we will be fulfilling our aim even more.

Obviously, this term’s main activity is Soiree. This event is not only aimed to show off our talents, but also to unite us more as a family! Over the years, our Soiree has managed to earn a good reputation as an event with high standards and this year I am sure that we will live up to these standards. This means that all those participating must give their utmost to practise their items so that our audiences will remain amazed!

I have had the opportunity to watch some rehearsals, and I must say that I was very impressed by all the hard work. The crew on the other hand, have been doing miracles to help out in the theatre and all these deserve a big well done.

I am sure that most of you are aware that a show like ours is likely to trigger both positive and negative comments, and this year is no exception. I do understand that most of you, myself included, are very passionate about our school and the urge to defend Soiree from any negative comments is continuously present. However, I advise you to ignore any resentful comments as the best way to preserve our school’s good name is by showing all our audiences, that it is reasonable to be envious because we can put up a great show!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of people who constantly help us out in our work, mainly Mrs Portanier, all the administration and helpers. I would also like to thank all the council for the hard work; certainly without their enthusiasm none of our activities would be successful. Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank all the students who have supported our events!

Till our next issue, take care of yourselves.

Paula

Young Christian, a British poet and writer, falls in love with Satine, star of the Moulin Rouge (a Cabaret in France). The setting is that of Montmartre in Paris, France at the beginning of the 20th Century.

The film was quite successful, and it was nominated for eight Oscars, of which 2 were won: for Art Direction and Costume Design.

Ten years after the film came out; it was time for the Aloysians to give the musical a go in their annual soiree. The cultural Soiree has become a tradition nowadays for St. Aloysius’ College, Sixth Form. It is a very successful production, with an excellent reputation. The Soiree includes individual dance and song items and a musical choreographed and directed by the students themselves. The production of Moulin Rouge included almost 80 students. Many students took part in the entire production, everyone having a different role, from singers, dancers, actors and musicians to the directors and the crew. All in all about 250 students took part in the whole production. Rehearsals took place during breaks, after school and during the last few weeks, every day until very late at University (the venue of last year’s soiree).

Message from the

S.A.C. Student Council President

Last Year’s Moulin Rouge by Marthese Grech

The Closing Scene of Soirée 2011

Moulin Rouge is a romantic musical film which came out in 2001. It was directed, produced and co-written by Baz Luhrmann (Strictly Ballroom-1992; William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet-1996, starring Leonardo Di Caprio). Basically, the film’s story is based on other famous stories, namely the Orphean myth, La Traviata, and La Bohème.

THE VOICE | Issue 1 4

THE VOICE | Issue 1 5

THE VOICE | Issue 1 6

Forbidden Love by Enya Tanti

She sailed across Cara Bay whilst a flock of seagulls swooshed and glided across

the soft ripples. Eight trouts had got their heads bashed after falling into the temptation of nibbling a piece of fish that clung onto a hook. Her golden curls

swung across her pearly face whilst the cold breeze kissed her skin. The cloudy sky let cracks of sunlight shine through and creates patches of royal blue and

grey across the ocean.

Time flew every time she went fishing so she quickly made her way back to the

crab infested shore. Her sandy coloured horse was waiting patiently for its

owner to hop onto it. Miread tightened her grip on the majestic horse whilst it trotted regally back to Malin Arm's public house. She fleeted into the pub ahead

of her father and heard him mumble spitefully:'' Those filthy prods!''. Her euphoric attitude quickly evaporated once she woke up to reality. Later on she

had overheard her dad mention how a new regiment of British soldiers had just

arrived on the Emerald isle.

She went outside to get a crate of Guinness and had noticed that amongst the

soldiers their appeared to be a familiar childhood friend. She was nostalgically transported back to a time when her neighbour Darren used to race her up and

down her farm and as a reward he used to give her a wee peck on the cheek. But they had been separated as a result of their different religious beliefs.

He now eyed her up and down but there was no way she could have

approached him without going unnoticed. After a couple of minutes it started raining cats and dogs so she hurried in. She then heard a pebble bumping

against a window pane and her head jerked up immediately...

For three months she had been

meeting Darren in secrecy but was always haunted by the possibility of

any acerbic character catching them eloping together. Despite all her

hope they were finally caught by

her father when she hadn't returned home one night. Through the yells

between her parents most villagers had begun spreading rumours as

quick as lightening. Before she

knew it the locals captured her and shaved off all her hair. They then

put tar and feathers on her head so that she could easily be

distinguished amongst a crowd.

Miread was never allowed to see

her lover again and bitterness had

finally succumbed her when she forced a knife straight into her

heart.

Up Next Month…

KARMA SKIES A TRUE TRANSFORMAT! SOIRÉE 2012

THE VOICE | Issue 1 7

SOIRÉE SPECIAL

Directors of We Will Rock You

Leona Galea, Leanne Muscat Drago, Keith Tanti, Lisa Mifsud & Andrea Bartolo

Directors of Orchestra Desmond Tanti and Kenneth Terribile

The Directors of We Will Rock You How different is ‘We Will Rock You’ to ‘Moulin Rouge’? The genre of music is completely different. In ‘ We Will Rock You ‘ you tend to fall in love with the music rather than the story and it will be enjoyed by a greater range of people as Queen are familiar with older generations too. How did you go about choosing the cast for ‘We Will Rock You’? After the first audition we could pick out people we imagined were perfect for the role. After the call-backs it was quite obvious so it wasn’t that difficult. Which part of the play do you believe will be most appreciated by the audience and why? The finale because there’s a lot of audience interaction and we hope to get people on their feet. In which ways do you prepare yourself before directing the cast? The choreographers would read the script beforehand and therefore be prepared. Patience is very much needed when directing as is organisation. What is it like working with the cast? It’s fun working with them although it can get stressful at times but it is highly rewarding when you see their smiles and know that all the hard work has paid off.

The Directors of the Orchestra An interview with Desmond Tanti and Kenneth Terribile

What do you understand by the term ‘‘music’’? Desmond: For me music means a lot. It’s a hobby but I wish to find a job associated with it even though I have Maths and Physics as A-levels. Kenneth: For me it is something habitual. It’s a hobby but also an integral part of my life.

For how many years have you played the piano and violin? Desmond: (Piano) 13 years Kenneth: (Violin) 8 years

Why did you accept to become a director of this year’s Soirée? Desmond: Last year I took part in the orchestra. I liked the idea of directing this year’s orchestra thus when I was asked whether I would accept I immediately confirmed. Kenneth: When the committee was planning for the soirée, I was approached and asked whether I was interested in directing the orchestra. I was overwhelmed since last year’s soirée was magnificent. How are the rehearsals proceeding? Desmond: Pretty good. We have a really good group. They are all committed. Kenneth: It will be better than other shows. We’ll be having live music- a live orchestra. This year’s soirée will be massive!

They’re the Masterminds! by Amber Duivenvoorden & Rachel Powell

THE VOICE | Issue 1 8

LET THEM BANG!

By Janica Borg I interviewed Jean-Luc Camilleri, a First year at St. Aloysius’ College and one of the directors of ‘Tisbit’. ‘Tisbit’ is the opening item for Soiree 2012. As the name implies, the item involves a lot of banging sounds synced harmoniously together creating something innovative and very entertaining. Both Uppers and Lowers taking part in this item and the directors are very busy with ‘Tisbit’ rehearsals, aiming for an opening that will remain in the audience’s memory. How did it all start? Well, it all kicked off with Robert Spiteri and Jurgen Seychell (both second years). Seeing that there were a number of drummers around they thought “Hey we could do something about that!” And so they asked me to join in as a director accompanying them.

Such an item requires a lot of work behind the scenes. How did you and the other directors manage?

Robert and Jurgen wrote the intro of the item and one day with just only three minutes left for the next lesson to start we met by the corridor’s window ledge and with some beat boxing and tapping on the window sill we managed to "rehearse the intro". Then just three days before the audition we met again and practiced the intro properly on the instruments. Also we decided who is going to lead each section (consisting of different percussions; that is the snares, the bass and the tanks). Then just a day before the audition we met after school and in just one hour of rehearsals managed to put up the item.

Quite a large number is involved in this item. What will they be doing during their performance? Ideas are still being discussed. The three different sections will be playing different beats creating a sensational atmosphere. Also, for now let's just say that there will be lots of movement and light effects involved. Describe your item in a few words. Instantaneous combustion of rhythm! This all proves the hard work. We are all excited to head bang along with the members of ‘Tisbit’ during their smashing performance. Good luck!

THE VOICE | Issue 1 9

More to It than a Beat! by Jodie Bonnici

Ever walked into a club and, for a short moment, the music takes you

over and transports you to a higher

state of happiness? Scientific research proves that the brain

automatically reacts to music, especially songs or artists that you

are familiar with and enjoy listening to.

Listening to particular songs while

doing a particular action or studying helps you make a memory. You will

automatically associate that song

with the memory! This has been tested on Alzheimer‟s patients and has shown very positive results. Music, being an anti-anxiety agent is often used in

treatments, both for diseases and conditions and for people who suffered

through mental trauma. Music therapy has helped patients who had stopped speaking after a traumatic event to regain the ability to speak.

Calm songs, particularly classics which lack lyrics, help reduce stress. Upbeat music is preferred while working out or partying as it amplifies your level of

antibodies. These factors aid in building a stronger immune system, a tactic often used on seizure sufferers. Science has also given good news to people

who play an instrument. Creating music increases your memory and helps your

language skills. Next time you‟re making plans for Saturday night check if what you need is a

night out partying or a warm bath with mellow music in the background!

SOIRÉE 2012 LOGOS

Yes, it’s true! This year two logos have been chosen to mark the renowned Aloysian Soirée; one for the entire soirée and one specifically for the musical ‘We Will Rock You’’.

On Monday 16th

January during the weekly council meeting the S.A.C. Students Council chose the best two logos presented for the Soirée Logo Competition. These were then approved by Mrs V. Portanier.

This year hand-painted logos will replace the traditional graphically designed ones. The official soirée logo has been designed by Lucia Calleja, Josh Chircop and Kyle Sultana. The ‘’We Will Rock You Logo’’ has been designed by Alison Galea. The logo designing was quite a team effort!

THE VOICE | Issue 1 10

Wake up people! The New Year of 2012 is well under way and it’s not going to wait for you to bring your A-game, in any aspect of life! I assume we have all made a resolution or two for this year and have already started implementing them into our lives. A common resolution, as we all well know is to get fit, lose fat, eat healthier and get in shape for summer.

This is where I come in. I am offering my fellow Aloysians my wise advice and helpful tips on how to accomplish YOUR fitness goals and help you commit to YOUR resolutions and spread the words of healthy lifestyle to YOU. Starting this journey is hard at first but once you gain momentum…

NOTHING can stop you! So I want all of you start your 6 month long journey to your ideal beach body with one simple step.

The next sports hour you have, spend the entire time on a cardio machine doing good demanding exercise which gets your heart rate up and keeps it there! Set the machine to 60 minutes and do your best! That hour is all yours to take the first serious step forward! After your workout consume a small meal to get your metabolism kick started and your body burning those stubborn calories!

PRO Tip: In all my experience, cardio has become more fun with my iPod, so put some upbeat songs on that thing, plug in and get moving!

CHAPLAINCY

If words come to you in song, this is the contest for you.

The World Youth Day Song Contest is the definitive encounter for Christian musicians. All it takes is to put the contest theme to song. Entry to the contest closes on February 24 and the test itself is held on April 14. Download application from www.kdz.org.mt/events.html#news44

It’s coming! The Saint Aloysius Sixth Form Chaplaincy

The Voice

Send your ideas to the

Student Council.

Putting your

ideas into action!

Who Snoozes Loses! by Adrian Micallef

THE VOICE | Issue 1 11

Message from the Rector

Dear Readers,

It is a pleasure to

be able to write a

couple of words

with this new

edition of The

Voice.

I would like to congratulate the Sixth

Form Students’ Council on this new

initiative. May it serve its purpose of

bringing students closer to each other

and being better informed about all

that is going on in our school. May it

also serve as a platform for all those

who would like to write and share their

ideas and reflections.

This is a good time to launch this

publication since we are half way

through the scholastic year and

preparing for one of the most

important appointments in our

calendar – The Sixth Form Soirée. I

congratulate all students as well as

Management and Staff for their hard

work in preparation for this great

event.

Once again, well done and keep it up!

GOAL!

On the 25

th of January the Saint Aloysius Sixth Form football

team competed against other Sixth Forms winning the majority of the matches, placing 2

nd. Well Done!

THE VOICE Issue 1

Josh Chircop Current Affairs and

The

Voice

Newspaper Body

Luisa Cassar Pullicino Columnist

Josh Chircop Council Member and Photographer

Enya Tanti

Short Story

Jodie Bonnici

Random

James Mula

Say Your Own

Giulia Saydon

Critic

David Grima

Photographer

Michaela Zammit

Editor and

Council Member

Jessica Spiteri

Council Member

Rachel Powell

Chief Editor, Council

Member and Photographer

Caroline Agius

Chaplaincy and

Newspaper Secretary

Anthea Galea

Logo Designer

Newspaper Artist

Marthese Grech

Current Affairs and

S.A.C. Updates

Marlon Formosa

Music and

Entertainment

Janica Borg

College News

Michela Catania

Photographer

Adrian Micallef

Health and Fitness

Amber Duivenvoorden

Literature and

Current Affairs