LB's A Capella groups go to the ICCA's

It was like “Pitch Perfect” in real life. The flashing lights, the rhythmic jams, and enough hip gyration to last a lifetime. It was the International Championship of Collegiate A Capella (ICCA).

Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. LBCC’s Blue Light Special and Sirens competed in Tualatin, Ore. at Rolling Hills Community Church against 10 other ensembles from the northwest for the chance to advance onto the semi-finals for the a capella champion title.

Varsity Vocals has been hosting college a capella competitions since 1995. They strive to give students the opportunity to learn from one another and get feedback from professionals.

LB sang against groups from the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Southern Oregon University, Central Washington University, George Fox, and Portland State University. The first and second place groups, who get to advance to the semi-finals, were Divisi from UO and Outspoken from OSU.

Each group had a 12 minute maximum time to impress the judges. Blue Light Special used their 12 minutes singing arrangements of “Uptown Funk,” “Hide and Seek,” and “It's Raining Men.” The Sirens sang arrangements of “Elastic Heart,” “My Heart With You,” and “Nobody Love.”

Blue Light’s, Sam Irvine, gave a jaw-dropping solo in “Hide and Seek” and “It’s Raining Men” that had audience members to their feet. He shocked everyone with his falsetto and range of vocal ability.

Siren’s Hannah Chilton said, “I knew he was capable of a ton, but I was blown away. I cried when I heard him because he did so amazing.”

While both LB’s groups don’t get to advance they both performed their sets with unbelievable talent. The Blue Light’s Brenden Murray achieved an award for “Best Arrangement” for their song “Hide and Seek.”

“I feel pretty good about it. I’m just really proud of us all. We gave it all we had,” said Murray.

The groups had to try out back in October of last year. They have been rehearsing and preparing for this competition for months in hopes of making a lasting impression the judges. Even though they do not get to advance the group members were proud.

Siren’s Christie Gangewer said, “It was the best performance we have ever given. Our hard work and dedication paid off. “

AT A GLANCE:

-Saturday, Jan. 30 @ 7 p.m.\

-LBCC a capella groups: Blue Light Special and Sirens

-Supervisor: Raymund Ocampo

-Host: Varsity Vocals

-Portland, Ore. 

Week 4

Topic 1

Profiles are such great pieces to write. If I could come up with two suspects to interview for a profile, I would want to do maybe an LB Commuter alumni, or maybe a student doing a study abroad program.

These are both interesting options to me. The LB Commuter one would give great tips on how to be successful in the journalism world, and also give us a look into the upbringing/ journey of it all.

The study abroad topic was something that I recently heard about. Maybe looking into students who are dual-enrolled, and seeing how they can make that happen. Studying abroad has always been a hope for me in my college career at some point.

Five questions I could ask subject #1:

1. Ask about the upbringing, childhood, dreams for future when younger.
2. Schooling, college, work experience.
3. Does journalism make you happy? Do you feel like this is your "calling?"
4. Tips for upcoming journalists.
5. Hobbies outside of writing/ journalism. Hopes for the future.

Week 3

Topic 1

– Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Give voice to the voiceless.

AND

– Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.

These two statements are the ones that stood out to me the most when reading "Seek truth and report it; Minimize harm; Act independently; Be accountable."

Just this last term a co-worker int he Commuter office said something to me that will always stay close to me, even if I end up not pursuing journalism.

Chris Trotchie said, "Journalism is one the easiest and simplistic ways to give back to the people. I have taken so much in my life, and now I want to give back."

That is what being a writer is about. Giving a voice those who normally would not, being open minded to the creativity and opinions around us, and giving back to people in a way that informs them of the truth.


Topic 2

Week 2

Topic 1

The biggest challenge I have faced with this news story has been finding the topic that drives a good story. I don't want to write a boring story. I have found that sometimes a story just turns out to be a total bust, and you scrap it, and move on. I have changed my topic twice already, so we'll see what I land on by Friday.

My hope for my next story is that I will take the time prior to do a little research on the topic. It is easy to want to just start writing, but without the right tools, we cannot build a read-worthy story.

Interviews scare the bejesus out of me. I get nervous, my voice shakes, and I babble. I feel my cheeks turn red when I make eye contact with my subject. I would really like to increase my confidence with interviews. Maybe if I just think of it as a casual conversation with a person, then I'd feel less vulnerable to anxiety. RELAX.

Topic 2

Edna a special kind of woman. She has a passion for journalism that I could only dream of having. She also has a sense of respect for each victim she covers.

"How dehumanizing to be regarded merely as numbers in the mounting statistics of death. They deserve better."

I will most likely never cover a murder story because I'm a big, fat chicken, but the way that Edna goes about getting her information is note worthy.

She is not afraid to contact family members of the victims or even the suspects. She is fearless. I am hopeful that reading this book will spark a fire in my confidence. I would like to be fearless when it comes to journalism at LBCC.

Even though the events that go on here at LB are rather small, it still takes a great amount of courage to put yourself out there and be vulnerable to the story.

To work the amount of integrity and bravery that Edna does would be the ideal journalist goal.

One Note at a Time

LB’s Chamber Choir is going on tour

Chamber choir’s director, Raymund Ocampo, is hoping to hit a high note with their upcoming tour. As the second term approaches the ensemble is working hard to have their voices be heard.

March 17-19 Chamber is touring to Seattle, Wash. and Eugene, Ore. The tour is going to be an opportunity for the group to share their hard work with an audience who can provide a different perspective to the students. They are not competing in a competition, just sharing their love for music with close by communities. 

“We are performing for an audience with critical ears who would appreciate the students' work,” said Ocampo.

The majority of the funding for this event is being brought in by the students, themselves. The other half of the funds are coming from the department, previous concert ticket sales, and donors.

“We need the four weeks that are left before the tour to work, but we have a really good start,” said Ocampo. “We have to be perfect. We are on schedule for nailing this tour.”

Ocampo obtained a masters  in chorale from Tampa Bay, and this is his second term at LBCC. He conducts two vocal ensembles and teaches courses in music appreciation, theory and music fundamentals.

Ocampo builds each performance set around the theme of the pieces. The main aspect for the tours set is to find light in the darkness. The three songs that will be sung were carefully chosen to pick that mold.

The pieces that have been handpicked for March’s tour are “Richte mich, Gott”, “O Nata Lux”, and “Luminous Night.”

Ocampo said, “Richte mich, Gott” is a plea to God to provide support and guidance and light. “O Nata Lux” means old born light of light, which is normally a Christmas song, but it worked in this set. Then there is “Luminous Night” which brings light into the darkness.”

The overall expectation of these three pieces is for Chamber Choir to be able to leave a lasting mark on their travels this spring. They don’t want to just sing a song, they want to be a part of the music and tell a story.

The students are working hard to achieve this outcome. Nicky Gangewer is one of the 26 students in Chamber. This is her third year in the ensemble, and this will be the second tour that she has been on with the choir.

“I get to spend time with people and choir and make new friends,” said Gangewer. “It also benefits me because it lets me understand different parts of our country and world and improve as a musician.”

Each member of the group not only spends an hour and 20 minutes, two days a week, but they’re also expected to rehearse outside of class on their own time to solidify their parts.

If Ocampo could give his students in Chamber Choir one piece of advice in preparation for this tour it would be, “Put all of your head and heart into this.”

AT A GLANCE:
-LBCC Chamber Choir
-Director, Raymund Ocampo
-March 17-19
-Seattle, Wash. Eugene, Ore.
-26 members in choir

Week 1 News Writing

Topic 1

About me:

This will be my third term at LBCC in a journalism course. New Writing is going to put my reporter skills to the test. I am currently an undeclared major due to the fact that committing to one specific major makes me feel tied down. I am thinking of perusing a Liberal Arts degree rather than a Journalism degree.

News Writing is going to be a challenge for me because I have a hard time "hunting down" the story. It is going to push me outside of my comfort zone when it comes to interviews, but I think that this is going to be good for me. Stepping outside the box doesn't always have to be scary.

My passion outside of this class is MUSIC. Music has always had special place reserved in my heart. This last term I tried out for the advanced choir here at LB, and I got it! No big deal... Hold the applause.

Topic 2

Top Three News Writing:
1. Challenge my writing abilities with more news related topics
2. Do ALL the forum assignments
3. Challenge my shyness by interviewing more people for my stories.

Week 1: Where are they now?

Topic 3

The first story that I plan to write for New Writing is a piece about Commuter Alumni and where they have ventured to after their work in the Commuter office at LB.

My top sources are going to be:
1. Rob Priewe
2. Sean Bassinger
3. Dale Stowell
4. Audrey Gomez

I would also like to talk with current Commuter staff to see where they intend to go after LB.

Five questions I could ask are:

1. How long did you work for the LB Commuter?
2. Did you always plan on perusing journalism?
3. How did your work at LB motivate you to branch out?
4. How did you go about perusing your career?
5. What advice would you have for JN students at LB?