Aca-Believe It- Pitch Perfect 2 rocks box office

A group of awkward nerds takes on the challenges of college while “pitch-slapping” the world with their vocal glory.

“Pitch Perfect 2” hit theaters Friday, May 15. Typically sequels are a disappointment, but this one was impressive to say the least. It was no shock that the film came out as the No.1 movie premiere last weekend.

The Bellas are a group of talented young women who form an A Capella singing group for Barden University. This movie is based around the Barden Bellas trying to gain back the respect of their viewers, while finding their original sound as a group.

The movie starts with quite the opening—of Fat Amy’s legs that is. During a performance for President Obama and the First Lady, a wardrobe malfunction of a lifetime costs the Barden Bellas a spot in the world tour of A Capella music.

Throughout the film, the girls face many challenges as individuals and as a group that many college students can relate to. For example, the dreaded mystery of finding a job after college, seeing your friends, and just finding out who you want to be once graduation is over.

This relatable comedy rocked the box office during its three-day opening. Nearly every seat was filled at every showing around the globe. The film raised the most money in history within a three-day opening for musicals with a total $69.2 million.

Even Rebel Wilson, aka Fat Amy, was raving about the success of the film on her Instagram page. Her post read, “We CRUSHED IT!! Highest 3-day opening EVER for a musical. Thanks Pitches for showing up and supporting us.”

The only critique would be that some of the singing scenes sounded more auto-tuned than the first movie. It took away from the realistic vibe. The less-edited and more pure singing was more enjoyable to hear.

The way the movie ended made it seem as if they are hinting at a third round of this A Capella phenomenon. The fans will have to wait and see if the next one is as impressive.

At a Glance:

Upcoming Showings: Regal Albany Cinemas, Cinemark 17, Showtimes Regal Cinemas Valley River Center

Seen in Valley River Center in Eugene, Ore. on May, 15, 2015

Grade: A 

Sequel to Pitch Perfect (2012)

Going Solo

“His palms are sweaty, weak knees, arms are heavy. There is vomit on his sweater already, his mom’s spaghetti. He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready to drop bombs.”

If there was ever a perfect explanation for how a performer feels while waiting to take the stage, Eminem hit the nail on the head with this excerpt from his song “Lose Yourself.”

Every single time, the nerves are relentless, but the rush of adrenaline is worth the stress.

The memory of that first solo performance is still just as fresh in my mind as if it were yesterday, but it was actually three years ago.

It was a Journey medley. “Don’t Stop Believing,”  “Lovin’ Touchin’, Squeezin’,” “Anyway You Want It,” and “Faithfully” were the songs the medley consisted of.

We were rehearsing one day after school, and Mr. Hill, the choir director at the time, said, “Hey, Marina, how about you give this solo a shot?”

Why not?

The thought of a little rehearsal fun turning into an actual performance in front of the whole school was never in the equation, but turning down the opportunity was not either.

Stepping up to the microphone, and preparing for that very first solo as a sophomore at Lakeview High School was a thrilling event to say the least.

It was only one small fraction of the song “Faithfully.” “Restless hearts sleep alone tonight. Sending all my love along the wire.” That was it, but it was enough to get a girl hooked.

After that it was church, school productions, my brother's wedding, and even louder in the shower. Just ask Mom for proof of that.

Music has always been there. It started out with piano lessons in the third grade. Then when Mrs. Collins retired from her teaching, Grandma Brazeal filled her position.

The after school routine consisted of the of us sitting side by side on that skinny little piano bench, playing waltzes, carols, and hymns until she was satisfied.

Then, when middle school came around, I gave my heart to choir.

The idea of soloing was shoved in a box in the back of my mind, but the opportunity and desire never struck until my sophomore year with Mr. Hill and his trick in rehearsal. 

At a glance:

Mathew Hill: Lakeview High School choir teacher for two years

Lakeview High School: Located in Lakeview, Oregon

LBCC student goes beyond to spread the word

Graduate. Get a degree. Get a job. Make more money. Change the world.

The list goes on.

Young adults are constantly being told to make a change, and shoot for the moon. For some this can and will be too much for them to handle, while others take life by the reins and steer it to their destiny.

For Jon Perry, a first year student at LBCC, this seems to be what he is doing.

Perry grew up in Independence, Oregon, and attended Santiam Christian schools all the way from kindergarten leading up to graduation day.

 “I grew up in a Christian home where Jesus' love was a regular part of my life,” said Perry. Which has been a big leading factor in his participation with the Christian organization, Camp Attitude.

Camp Attitude is a non-profit organization that is located in in Foster, Oregon. This summer camp is focused around young children with learning disabilities. The main goal of this program is to spread the love of God to young children.

The camp’s website says,’” Your Attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”  – Phil 2:5.’

This seems to be the exact reason that Jon Perry got involved in the first place.

Perry has always had a passion to help others, and remind them of God’s love. When a man from the camp came to his high school to speak about the program, he decided to volunteer to help out for a week for the summer.

That one week turned into two, then eventually into an official spot on the Camp Attitude Core Team. The camp’s website says that the Core Team members focus on serving through leadership and supportive administrative roles.

The first couple of summers, he only worked for half the summer, but in the summer of 2014, he worked his first full summer on the team.

The outdoor atmosphere of the program gives the workers a great opportunity to get the children to branch out give new activities a shot.  Perry says, “It is a special experience for the campers because this may be the only time or chance they have to do these activities.”

Perry also works part time in the general maintenance portion of the Benton County Fair Grounds. He helps out with events if the extra hand is needed.

“He has a good work ethic, and he seems to great goals for himself,” says Darcie Vanderyacht, a Benton County event coordinator.

Perry seems to have his hands full for only being 21-years-old.

Even though his work with the camp has had a large impact on his life, he does not plan on pursuing a career in a field such as this. But due to his active participation with the camp he knows his heart is one of service.

“Wherever God calls I plan serve and volunteer for others and share God's word,” says Perry.

At a glance:

Jon Perry: 21 year old freshman at LBCC - took a break after high school to work before attending college.

<jonperry1994@gmail.com>

Camp Attitude: A non-profit Christian summer camp

Benton County Fair Grounds: Located in Corvallis, Oregon