Mount Hood

Great American band music comes to Western

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

Western’s wind and percussions ensembles and the Chemeketa wind ensemble paired up to perform a substantial concert on Thursday, Nov. 29.

Chemeketa’s ensemble, directed by J. J. Meyer, opened the performance. They played five pieces, all of which sounded impressively full despite the small size of the band. Songs played included “American Folk Rhapsody No. 2” by Clare Grundman, “Cajun Folk Songs 2” composed by Frank Ticheli, “Foundry” created by John Mackey, and “Down in the Valley” by Pierre La Plante.

Following Chemeketa’s performance was a set of performances by Western’s percussion ensemble. Two pairs of musicians played two movements each composed by Mark Mellits as part of a multi-movement project. Percussionists were Bailey Schafer, Noah Adams, Evan Saab, and Elijah Thompson.

Western’s wind ensemble was next in the line-up, directed by Dr. Ike Nail. Playing seven pieces, Western’s ensemble was slightly bigger than Chemeketa’s, but not by much; they still showed a great amount of musicianship and displayed a rich sound. Two songs, “Carnival of Venice” and “Reverie,” featured Keith Karns, a trumpet player and arranger. Karns is also the new Director of Jazz Studies at Western.

The final performance of the night combined both ensembles, finally filling all the stage seats and creating a truly large, triumphant, traditional-sounding group. “El Capitan, March” by John Philip Sousa was the closing song.

Both ensembles avoided the trend of playing holiday pieces, tempting being that it is that time of year. Despite the regular amount of missed notes and hiccups that any ensemble knows too well, the concert had a lively pace and there was rarely a lull in the action. Western’s wind ensemble exhibited a collegiate level of musicianship, as did Chemeketa’s even though their numbers were noticeably smaller. Coming together at the end gave the concert a sense of closure and the characteristically full sound of a classic American ensemble.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

“Music of the Spheres”: Dr. James Reddan’s Western directorial debut

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

The “Music of the Spheres” concert choir and Chamber Singers concert on Nov. 27 gathered together a large crowd of friends, family, students and community members.

Western’s concert choir is the institution’s largest ensemble, according to the event program.

Songs from various parts of the world were performed, including “Tshotsholoza,” a South African freedom song that was sung when Nelson Mandela was released from prison. According to Director Dr. James Reddan, this song was chosen to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Mandela’s release.

Also performed was the Austrian carol “Still, Still, Still,” “Sanctus” by Mozart, “Sure on this Shining Night” composed by Lauridsen and “Make Our Garden Grow” created by Leonard Bernstein.

The Chamber Singers are an ensemble comprised of around 24 students that performs mainly A Cappella music. Highlights included “Deck the Halls” performed in 7/8 time, “Babethandaza” which is another traditional South African song, and “Shalom Chaverim,” a traditional Hebrew song.

“In this concert, we celebrated music from different parts of the world, traditions, philosophies, religions, and ideologies,” said Dr. Reddan regarding the title of the concert. “Especially, at this time of year, it is important to celebrate our presence together and our ability to work together for more understanding for each other and the world around us.”

Dr. James Reddan is the director of all three on the choral ensembles at Western and only started approximately 10 weeks ago, as this is his first term as Director of Choral Activities. “Being new at WOU, everyone had to get used to me and me to them,” said Dr. Reddan, “choosing the music this summer was a great adventure, but more importantly, seeing the ensembles take ownership of the music to being it to life has made all of the hard work well worth it.”

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton

Poet Andrea Gibson releases new book

Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor

Andrea Gibson, a poet based in Boulder, Colorado, released their second book of poetry in 2018. “Lord of the Butterflies” is the fourth full-length poetry collection of Gibson’s. The poet’s other book, released in January 2018, is an illustrated book full of the most popular lines from their most famous poems and is titled “Take Me With You.”

Gibson burst onto the spoken-word poetry scene in 1999 and gained great popularity when they won the first Women of the World Poetry Slam in 2008. 2008 is also the year Gibson released their first poetry collection, “Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns.” Gibson is busy in the LGBTQ+ activism community, and is involved in the anti-war and anti-white supremacy movements as well.

Gibson’s newest release includes 38 poems. The poems are a combination of old pieces that Gibson has been performing on tour, and some pieces that are completely new. Gibson’s new book tackles themes of family, gender, mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, politics and self love, to name a few.
This is quite on-theme for Gibson, but their writing style frames the topics in a way that seems fresh and evergreen. The poet grasps nuance with a simultaneous tightness and fragility that, in my opinion, is one of the reasons they stand out from the crowd.

I have personally seen Gibson perform their poems twice, so it was cool to read some of my favorite poems with their voice speaking along in my head. It’s also nice to have a physical copy of some of Gibson’s most popular poems. I think this volume really captures the scope of Gibson’s work in a way that improves on their previous books.

Information on Gibson’s shows and tour dates can be found at andreagibson.org. I would strongly recommend experiencing their work live if possible.

 

Overall rating: I would strongly recommend this book.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Flag football phenom

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

Another year, another west coast region victory. For the second consecutive year Western fielded a sort of “Intramural All Star Team” to compete in the flag football western regional tournament held by the National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association. A group of seniors with a handful of juniors made their way to Arizona State University to defend their title of region champions from the previous year.

The 2018 team, headed by senior business major Matthew Cornish, had a large schedule ahead of them as they arrived in Tempe, Arizona.

Their first match of the day was against Dixie State University. After a hard fought match, the Wolves surcame to a six point loss. But the tournament was far from over. Game after game the Wolves obliterated their opponents. Several of the games were ended due to a mercy rule being called.

“(Our offense) played excellent. We had a three quarterback system… Nobody knew how to play defense against us,” said Cornish.

Paired with the Wolves’s high scoring offense was a fearsome defense.

“Our defense played great. We had…Andrew Valladares nominated to defensive MVP after the tournament, as well as Cody Chimienti nominated to Offensive (honors),” Cornish added.

Because of the Wolves’s dominance in the tournament, they won a bid to compete in the National Championship tournament in Florida. However, due to funding issues and the short turnaround time, the Wolves likely will not be able to travel to compete.

“I would have liked to have seen how we played this year… There’s a couple of guys who are disappointed (we can’t go). But a lot of guys are happy to end the season with a win,” mentioned Cornish.

Overall, Cornish and the team stayed very humble, even after winning the western regional tournament.

“I want to make sure to thank The Health and Wellness Center because this wouldn’t have been possible without them. They were a big help for us, as well as the school because funding-wise we wouldn’t have been able to do it without them,” said Cornish.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Cross Country competes in National Championship

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

After being named to All GNAC honors, two seniors, Justin Nading and Tyler Jones took their running talents to Pittsburgh, PA for the NCAA DII National Championships on Dec. 1.

Nading and Jones were the only Wolves to earn the bid into competing and hoped for a solid finish.

The trail was overtaken by a plague of bad weather leading up to the tournament. But nevertheless, the Wolves pushed forward.

After a brutal run in cold and rainy conditions, Jones had found himself finishing the 10,000 meter course in 60th place with a time of 33:56.8. Nading came in at a respectable 109th with a final time of 34:42.0.

Out of the GNAC runners in the race, Jones finished 5th and Nading in 11th.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Wolves take on Vikings in Monmouth

Lake Larsen | Sports Editor

In their first major test of the season, the Wolves faced off at home with the 15th ranked Western Washington Vikings on Dec. 1. Coming into the match, Western had picked up an easy win against conference opponent Simon Fraser in the previous night. After the double digit home win, Western hoped to keep up their momentum with their next conference match.

Western Washington wasted no time jumping to a quick six point lead over the Wolves with back to back three pointers. But despite this early showing, the Wolves retook the lead and held a tight lead for the majority of the half.

As the seconds dwindled down in the first, the Wolves and Vikings continued to trade blows. With the game staying within a single score, the Wolves clung to the lead before a quick flurry of offense paved the way for Western to take a nine-point lead.

A strong push by the Wolves out of the gates in the second half helped Western reach a double digit lead early in the second, but this lead was soon swept away. Western Washington fought back to tie and eventually overtook the Wolves for the lead. With only a few minutes left in the half, the lead was traded back and forth before the buzzer sounded to a 70-70 tie.

This tight game play continued into overtime. Western jumped to a quick lead but the Vikings were never too far behind. This narrow lead stuck until only seven seconds were left on the clock. After a foul by the Wolves, Western Washington sank back to back free throws to tie the game back up at 80-80.

Neither team seemed to give an inch to each other in the second overtime period. The Vikings took the lead over the Wolves with less than two minutes left in the game, but this was the last lead they would see. One last offense push from the Wolves helped seal a win for Western at home.

The final score was 96-88 and the double overtime shootout came to a close with another Wolves win.

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

This week in completely made up horoscopes

[fruitful_tabs type=”accordion” width=”100%” fit=”false”]

[fruitful_tab title=”Aries 3/21-4/19″] Everything is fine. It definitely wasn’t a bad idea to start all your assignments for your online class during finals week. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Taurus 4/20-5/20″] Power through, Taurus. Pain is temporary, grades are forever. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Gemini 5/21-6/20″] One more final ‘til freedom. We believe in you. YOU’VE GOT THIS. *Insert studying montage with “The Final Countdown” by Europe playing in the background* [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Cancer 6/21-7/22″] Let’s play a drinking game. For every procrastinated assignment this term, take a drink! Yep, that’s all there is to it, but that’s all it will take. (Note: The stars want you to please drink responsibly). [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Leo 7/23-8/22″] You can make cooked bread by carefully inserting raw bread into a toaster. Make sure to have adult supervision. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Virgo 8/23-9/22″] Are you ready to head back home for break? Don’t you just miss the family time, the home cooked meals, the curfews, the chores, the barrage of questioning and the overly-loud family get togethers? Feels good to be home. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Libra 9/23-10/22″] The stars think it’s a good time to remind you that multiple cups of caffeinated beverages do not technically count as a meal. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Scorpio 10/23-11/21″] Cereal is not a type of soup, and anyone trying to tell you that is a liar. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Sagittarius 11/22-12/21″] Pro tip: playing holiday music while you study makes finals week merrier. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Capricorn 12/22-1/19″]Cereal IS a type of soup, and anyone trying to tell you otherwise is a liar. Live your best life, Capricorn. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Aquarius 1/20-2/18″] Brain. Fried. Wake the stars up in three weeks when Winter Term starts. We need our break, too. [/fruitful_tab]

[fruitful_tab title=”Pisces 2/19-3/20″] FINALS. FINALS. FINALS. SO BUSY, HALF OF THE STAFF FORGOT TO DO THEIR HOROSCOPES KINDA FINALS. INCLUDING. PISCES. BUT NICE JOB, NONETHELESS! [/fruitful_tab]

[/fruitful_tabs]

 

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   X  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
News
Explore WOU
Partnerships
Student Services
Freedom of Expression

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility    Public Records    Privacy    Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.