Music Page 12Musical styles convergeNatalie MillerReporterMusic seems to be one thing that everyone loves. However, withso many artists out there, it is impossible to know every song.And what <strong>about</strong> those bands that are amazing and full of talent, butfor some reason have not become well known yet? Sometimes it isbands like these that end up leaving the biggest impressions.“I really like <strong>The</strong> Civil Wars. <strong>The</strong>y’re country with a little bit ofan alternative feel,” senior Nicole McGuire said when asked whatlesser know band she has grown to like.Branching out in music is something that everyone can try. Solet us see what other great singers are out there. What <strong>about</strong> JasonMraz? An alternative to him would be Jack Johnson. <strong>The</strong> peacefulmelodies and clever lyrics are all still there, but with a differentvoice.<strong>The</strong> Band Perry makes great songs that might please someTaylor Swift lovers, and there are plenty of pop artists out there tosatisfy everyone. <strong>The</strong>re are even alternatives to Lil Wayne. Lil Zanehas a similar style of rap that can satisfy Wayne fans looking forsomething slightly different.Pandora is an easy to use site that opens people up to differentartists and music. It lets people name their favorite singers andsongs, and then creates a station for them that plays the music theynamed, and more music like it. This allows everyone to listen to themusic they want, while also branching out a little bit. It can be prettysurprising how much a person’s musical taste can change after beingexposed to new styles. Sometimes all it takes is a little experiment-Trojanaires start over newDiscontinuing Trojan Expression,one of the all-girl choirs, thevocal department is now focusingtheir attention on two main showchoirs; the Trojan Connectionand the Trojanaires. With fewerchoirs this year, those who triedout were up against much toughercompetition to be accepted intoone of the honorary show choirsthan they were last year.Throughout the year, Trojanaireshave countless opportunitiesto perform at competitions,fundraisers, workshops and clinics.Setting the bar extremelyhigh last year in New York, wherethey performed on Broadway andplaced in the top three againsteight other schools, and qualifyingfor nationals in Indianapolis,the Trojanaires still expect toachieve even more this year!“I am very excited for theBailey Fischer-ColumboReporterupcoming trip to Branson thisyear,” junior Jane Rogers said,when asked which event she ismost excited for.<strong>The</strong> show choir programis not just an opportunity forstudents to expand their vocaland performing talents, but itis a time where many makeeverlasting friends. Throughthe enduring practices outsideof school and the many out oftown trips across the country,everyone feels the bond created.“Everyone gets so closeknit, with all the rehearsals andtrips and everything,, and it trulybecomes like a family,” juniorKate Woosely said.Although this year is setup with a different format, theshow choirs are beyond excitedto start with high expectationsand extreme dedication.Ben Rector:Rising to fameAmy PrittReporterBenjamin Evans Rector, known as Ben Rector, hasexraordinarily topped the charts in September. He has recentlyreleased a new album, called Something Like This,that has gained him a great deal of recognition. As many ofus know, Tulsa is his hometown and we are enthralled to seehis rise to fame.<strong>The</strong> singer and songwriter grew up here and went toMetro Christian Academy all his life, up to graduation. Heplayed the piano when he was younger, but did not earnestlyfocus on music until he reached high school. When he wentto Metro, he picked up the guitar his sophomore year andfell in love. That was the same year he started to write hisown songs and even formed a band. <strong>The</strong> band played showsand short gigs, but dispersed as college split apart their futuretogether.After Rector’s long years of high school, he finallygraduated Metro in 2005. His dedicated heart urged him togo to the University of Arkansas for college. He graduatedcollege in 2009 and decided to move to Nashville, TN todedicate more of himself to his love for music.Ben’s home in Nashville has gained him many fans. Hetoured and played in front of thousands of people, creatinga spark of his music played throughout the states. His influencesand style of music include rock, pop, and folk music.“His music is new, creative, and very different fromeverything else out there. He doesn’t conform to today’smusic standards. His music is something he believes in,”senior Brooke McGarvin said.Now, Ben Rector is the talk of all his fans since therelease of his new album last month, Something Like This.His fourth album has ended up being number four on theiTunes chart, ahead of Lil Wayne and <strong>The</strong> Beatles, on theday it was released. His album shows how much his hardwork has paid off with the positive feedback from his fans.His new album has dissented a new tour to praise howhard he worked on it, and for him to perform his new songs.Many people are rushing to buy tickets for his current tour.Not only has Ben released a new album and is promoting hisnew tour, he is coming back to his hometown to visit his oldfriends. That means he is granting us the excitement of beingable to see him perform at the Cain’s Ballroom on Oct.25. <strong>The</strong>re is no doubt that Ben Rector is now a risen star.
Ads Page 13Congratulationsto the homecoming candidatesSeniors:Juniors:Sophomores:Bailey BrunsKate GuestNicole McGuireJessica stacyBrianna McGuireKelsey RayAshley WilsonKatherine WoosleyAbby BiggsChloe CoffeyHunter HarwoodTylar Trimble
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