Paul Ochen, Grade 11
UWCEA (Arusha)
“Dewey: New schedule.
8:15 to 10, Rock History.
Ten to 11, Rock Appreciation and Theory.
Then band practice till the end of the day.
Freddie: What about math?
Dewey: No. Not important.”
8:15 to 10, Rock History.
Ten to 11, Rock Appreciation and Theory.
Then band practice till the end of the day.
Freddie: What about math?
Dewey: No. Not important.”
Wouldn’t you love to replicate your favourite childhood movie on a theatre stage? The annual school play is hands-down my favourite recurring school event. Last year, we performed School of Rock, my best-loved movie growing up because of its compelling plot and awe-inspiring child artists. Portraying the school life of fifth-graders who - under the lead of their new substitute teacher - surreptitiously practise rock music and ultimately gave a thrilling performance at the Battle of the Bands, School of Rock is a 2003 film featuring MTV Movie award winner Jack Black. Our school play adaptation of the play was no different than the actual movie; it featured all the characters and key scenes.
On a sultry morning in the second week of school, Mr. Dixon, the teacher of Music, put up a poster calling for auditions for the play. Excited, I rounded up a few of my friends - Katanu, who loved to chant her most-liked songlines in the boarding house and Michelle, who occasionally sang in Physics class - and confidently strode to the Performance Arena for the auditions. I graced the Performance Arena with strains of Hailee Steinfeld’s Starving, and I was euphoric when I received an email two days later stating that I had been selected to play the role of Ned Schneebly. Ned was a middle school teacher whose job as a substitute teacher at Horace Green Prep was stolen by a friend of his, Dewey Finn, who used to live with him and his wife Patty; the majority of the characters, though, were middle school students. For the following four months, I took part in two-hours-a-week practice sessions to get ready for the show at the close of the semester in mid-December. Besides getting our lines, we had to learn a few rock songs: Hardcore, Teacher’s Pet, Substitute, among others.
Towards the show day, practice hours increased, the props and backstage team took our measurements, and we started two-hour long onstage rehearsals. When it finally came to the premiere day for the annual play, the Student Council worked hand-in-hand with the Arts club to ornament the Performance Arena; on the stage, curtains were raised, classroom props with a blackboard and a painting of the school badge were arranged through the centre of the stage, the bass guitars, drum set and keyboard were meticulously laid out in the right corner of the stage, and the audience section was splendidly organised with cosy seats and floor mats. At the rear of the hall, a popcorn and drinks stall was set up with rock-themed embellishments all over the tent. Universally, the aura was animated with a bit of rock sensation. At the stroke of 8, the show started - it ran for an exhausting two hours. The climax was my favourite part; the magnificent performance by The School of Rock band was no match for No Vacancy’s show - however, their stunning performance left the crowds asking for more. From the backstage crew and actors to the teacher production team and musicians, everyone who took part in the show was phenomenal.
Because of its thrill, arduousness, and interestingness, the annual school play is my favourite school event. I love the vivaciousness of the actors every year, the riveting musical performances, not to mention the beautiful stage organisation. Participating in School of Rock improved my overall body language and oral expression skills. I learnt the value of apt physical expression in effective presentation, a lesson that has been more than invaluable in my ToK oral presentations. Taking part in the annual play has also gone a long way in enriching my knowledge in music; one of my subjects is Music - an added plus for me. Needless to say, the annual play is one of the most awaited school events for its entertainment and engrossing essence. I love to sit in a snug chair and watch one of my treasured movies live in the form of consummate actors presenting on stage; even better, I love to be a part of the cast. What’s more, taking part in the annual school play improved my understanding of Communicators, an element of the IB learner profile. Through reciting script lines and using appropriate gesticulation when performing, I learnt new communication skills such as audibility, speaking composedly, and maintaining suitable eye contact.
On a sultry morning in the second week of school, Mr. Dixon, the teacher of Music, put up a poster calling for auditions for the play. Excited, I rounded up a few of my friends - Katanu, who loved to chant her most-liked songlines in the boarding house and Michelle, who occasionally sang in Physics class - and confidently strode to the Performance Arena for the auditions. I graced the Performance Arena with strains of Hailee Steinfeld’s Starving, and I was euphoric when I received an email two days later stating that I had been selected to play the role of Ned Schneebly. Ned was a middle school teacher whose job as a substitute teacher at Horace Green Prep was stolen by a friend of his, Dewey Finn, who used to live with him and his wife Patty; the majority of the characters, though, were middle school students. For the following four months, I took part in two-hours-a-week practice sessions to get ready for the show at the close of the semester in mid-December. Besides getting our lines, we had to learn a few rock songs: Hardcore, Teacher’s Pet, Substitute, among others.
Towards the show day, practice hours increased, the props and backstage team took our measurements, and we started two-hour long onstage rehearsals. When it finally came to the premiere day for the annual play, the Student Council worked hand-in-hand with the Arts club to ornament the Performance Arena; on the stage, curtains were raised, classroom props with a blackboard and a painting of the school badge were arranged through the centre of the stage, the bass guitars, drum set and keyboard were meticulously laid out in the right corner of the stage, and the audience section was splendidly organised with cosy seats and floor mats. At the rear of the hall, a popcorn and drinks stall was set up with rock-themed embellishments all over the tent. Universally, the aura was animated with a bit of rock sensation. At the stroke of 8, the show started - it ran for an exhausting two hours. The climax was my favourite part; the magnificent performance by The School of Rock band was no match for No Vacancy’s show - however, their stunning performance left the crowds asking for more. From the backstage crew and actors to the teacher production team and musicians, everyone who took part in the show was phenomenal.
Because of its thrill, arduousness, and interestingness, the annual school play is my favourite school event. I love the vivaciousness of the actors every year, the riveting musical performances, not to mention the beautiful stage organisation. Participating in School of Rock improved my overall body language and oral expression skills. I learnt the value of apt physical expression in effective presentation, a lesson that has been more than invaluable in my ToK oral presentations. Taking part in the annual play has also gone a long way in enriching my knowledge in music; one of my subjects is Music - an added plus for me. Needless to say, the annual play is one of the most awaited school events for its entertainment and engrossing essence. I love to sit in a snug chair and watch one of my treasured movies live in the form of consummate actors presenting on stage; even better, I love to be a part of the cast. What’s more, taking part in the annual school play improved my understanding of Communicators, an element of the IB learner profile. Through reciting script lines and using appropriate gesticulation when performing, I learnt new communication skills such as audibility, speaking composedly, and maintaining suitable eye contact.
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