THE FINAL BOW

As the cast of John Murrell’s Waiting for the Parade took their final bow last Saturday night, so concluded Mr. Keith Digby’s final dramatic contribution to Brentwood College. “I [was] really happy with them. A new and fun experiment with all the technical flare, a serious but comedic piece, and a real character play. They had a real balance and they were very well done,” he said when asked if the plays were all he had hoped they would be.

The new and fun experiment was War of the

Worlds, a compilation of Orson Welles and H. G. Wells’ work, all stirred together by members of the Acting 11 class and Mr. Digby. The performance was not only dependent upon the director and the endeavours of the actors, but largely on the technical crew behind all of the flashing lights, sound effects and smoke. With the feel of a radio announcement, and the portrayal of key scenes, the actors and tech crew depicted an alien invasion of earth. The creatures were to be defeated eventually; not by military or air force power, but by a disease that had been plaguing a small town outside of New York City. The class, too large to name everyone individually, did very well in their, for the most part, Brentwood acting debut.

The serious, yet comedic piece was the two-act play by Norm Foster The Melville Boys starring George Upton, Mathew Kay, Jennalee Desjardins and Molly Barker of the Acting 12 class. Owen and Lee Melville take a trip up to their old fishing haunt where they run into, and end up spending the majority of their trip with, two local sisters Loretta and Mary. More than a comedy featuring dull witted Owen, hopeless cook Mary, struggling actress Loretta, and awkward Lee, the play has a serious tone as Lee tries to force his brother to cope with his approaching death. Funny and, truthfully, tear jerking; the Melville boys kept the audience coming back night after night.

The character piece was Waiting for the Parade by Canadian playwright John Murrell. The play took the audience through the lives of 5 drastically different women, experiencing World War II from the home front in Calgary, Alberta. Lindsay Marshall-Ward played Marta, a German woman enduring discrimination and the pain of having her father in the POW camps. Katie MacKay was Eve, a subversive schoolteacher, trying to cope with the pain the war brings to families, while her own husband brings her a constant reminder. Catherine, played by Julia Robinson, was a woman waiting to hear how her husband’s service in the war progresses, as she copes with her growing loneliness. Sydney Black was Margaret, an older woman who has one son run off for convoy service and the other imprisoned for communist anti-war propaganda. Finally Janet, portrayed by Laura McLean, was a war enthusiast, lending every ounce of support she could muster, while her husband was not so faithful to his country or his wife. This myriad of personalities collided, cohered or coexisted throughout the war.

The school seemed to enjoy the variety of the performances as much as Mr. Digby did, supporting their peers along with people from the community. Thank you very much to all those who supported the performances and especially to Keith Digby, Cynthia Pronick and Don Armitage, without whom there would be no shows.

Story by: Sydney Black (Grade 12)

REFUSING TO DO NOTHING

Many, like Pavlov’s dogs, begin to drool at the ringing of bells, regardless if they are really hungry or not. They scurry out of their classes trying to beat the hundreds of others running for the cafeteria doors. And why? Because they’re ‘starving’, a word too loosely used and not fully understood. Conditioned to eat with the swarming crowds, droning on towards an all-you-can-eat bonanza; scoffing down whatever is offered and leaving the rest for the crows. Remember the days when you never took more than you could eat, because you wouldn’t be excused from the dinner table without finishing? Waste not, want not. In a cafeteria setting, waste seems to come more naturally. In a bubbled society, surrounded by easily accessible food, we all take advantage of our good fortune.

Awareness is the key to change. If we do not recognise our good fortune, we will never come to the understanding

of how good our reality is. So, among many of this year’s charitable events, comes the 30-hour famine — a temporary fast, where the participant may only consume clear liquids. The event takes a good-deal of self-control and motivation; not only does it promote the awareness of world hunger, but also self-awareness. One gets to know oneself fairly quickly when teetering on the edge of insanity. But our pain is only a fraction of the reality for millions of others. It takes only $360 of our dollars to keep one child fed for an entire year. That’s motivation enough for many students who signed up.

Faminers were gladly distracted by many activities set for them by the SAC, including a celebratory ‘you-made-it’ pizza party, but wolfing down pizza slices after torturing your stomach for a day is not to be advised — the body is most creative when it asserts it’s revenge!

To spread the awareness was the SAC, led by Sarah Williams. With her tie-dyes and posters she spread the word. Remember that hunger bites… so bite back.

Story and Pictures by: Jennalee Desjardins (Grade 12)

ROCKIN' OUT IN THE ROCKIES

On March 13th, the Brentwood Vocal Jazz Choir and the Brentwood Concert Choir departed for the Rocky Mountain Festival in Banff, Alberta. After a slightly turbulent, hour-long flight, the two choirs, who were accompanied by Director of Music John Williams, Assistant Director Elizabeth MacIsaac, teacher chaperone Rick Rodrigues and parent chaperone Marilyn Venturi, landed in Calgary and headed for Banff via coach. This was also the destination for numerous other choirs from North America partaking in the festival. The choirs also took along a professional pianist and drum player, as well as Brentwood's own Mitch Sato on bass, to accompany them.

The two choirs were accommodated in ski-style condos at a quaint resort a few miles from the Banff Center where the festivities were being held. The morning after arrival, the

The choirs anxiously wait in the lobby of the Banff Center

Vocal Jazz Choir performed a set of five songs on stage and delighted the crowd with complex scatting, elaborate vocal and instrumental solos, and an exciting, lively stage presence that was virtually unmatched. The concert choir, who performed the following day, sang a more classical repertoire that ranged from gospel style songs to solemn hymns to folk songs. Both groups received separate adjudications from professional judges who offered constructive criticism and advice; it was a very hands-on approach in which the choirs and the adjudicators exchanged thoughts and worked together on their songs.

The students were also able to sit in on a number of other festival performances and choral concerts. The group was fortunate enough to hear such professional choirs as the L.. C .I. Choir from Edmonton, Alberta, the Steinbach Choir from Steinbach, Manitoba, the St. Steven’s Madrigal Singers from Austin, Texas, and Kokopelli from Edmonton, Alberta. However, the pièce de résistance was the Rajaton Vocal Jazz Ensemble whom the students saw perform live on the last night of the festival. This group of six have travelled for the past four years to the Rocky Mountain Festival all the way from Finland. They were by far, the most superior jazz group in the entire festival. They sang their own contemporary arrangements of Finnish folk songs and carols; they also set Finnish poems to music as well as some of the poetry of

William Blake; and much to the delight of the audience, they performed covers of The Beatles using their own voices as the sound of the guitars and basses. Their unimaginable vocal techniques dazzled the many young people who came to hear them.

But as well as taking in all the various choirs, the Brentwood crew explored Banff itself and partook of many excursions; a trip was made to the Banff Hot Springs as well as a trip up Banff Mountain in a Gondola. Every night, the students and teachers either walked or took a taxi to downtown Banff to such highly refined and sophisticated restaurants as the Keg, Earl's, and Tony Roma's. The crisp, wintry air caused everyone's skin to dry up, however, and it can be imagined that the group was much relieved to be returning to Vancouver Island when it began to snow on the last day.

Story and pictures by: Amy Weinberg (Grade 12)

The Brentwood Concert Choir performs

Chaperone Marilyn Venturi also enjoyed the Festival experience. She writes:

The highlights of the trip for me, in no particular order, were:

Hearing the Brentwood College School Jazz and Chamber Choirs performing
Getting to know some of the students and staff and appreciating their individuality
The occasional pained expression on the face of one of the students during practices if an individual note strayed even slightly off pitch, yet a determinedly sweet smile during performances
The excitement of even the most prone-to-complaining student after the Rajaton performance (including pride in hands bleeding from clapping)
The beauty of the Rockies
The patience of a very tired group of students waiting for hours in the lineup for a popular performance, knowing that there was a student social going on elsewhere at the Centre at the same time
The sight of sweetly sleeping souls on the bus back to the airport
The thanks I received for small gestures such as chocolates on pillows

Marilyn Venturi

Photo credits above: Marilyn Venturi

BE NICE

With her revolutionary SPARC program (Student Peers Assistants Resource Counseling), Mrs. Andrea Felix has turned Tuesday lunch periods into more than simply a chance to refuel the body. For some, hunched over a sandwich in an emptied classroom, Tuesday’s have become days of intrigue.

Sitting atop a desk at the front of the room, the Boss of it all, Mrs. Felix, hands out missions, plots mysterious events, and listens, hands clasped in her lap, to weekly reports.

Through her network of hidden eyes, namely SPARC members, Mrs. Felix has determined that it is time for Brentwood’s biggest heist: an infiltration of random good deeds.

Secret arrows tipped with the essence of kindness have begun to flit about campus bringing smiles and relief at every touch.
There is only one rule to this mischievous fun – the more you are given, the more you have to pass on to those unsuspecting around you. Keep an eye out and watch your back; you never know when a good deed will strike.

Story and picture by: Andrea Norlund (Grade 11)

HATS OFF TO HATS

Throughout history, hat fashion has undergone a wide array of styles. The 17th through early 19th century were a breeding ground for a flourish of hat styles. Features were highly decorated ladies hats and the essential sleek top hat for gentlemen. This highly sophisticated style went on the decline after President Kennedy neglected to wear one to his inauguration. Even fashion is touched by politics.

PREFECT TRAINING

In mere weeks, the Grade 12 class of 2006 will be taking on a daunting task: training to be the prefects of next year. This is bittersweet for many as it signifies the transition from carefree days to more responsibility and privilege. The prefects of 2005 relish this time; they have reached the end of their Grade 12 year, and grad, the year's closing ceremonies and the relief from the burden of prefectship lie near.

The process begins with a Grade 11 student shadowing one of the Grade 12's through a typical duty night, a procedure designed to lessen the initial shock. Sign-in at 6:35 p.m., 9:15 and 9:35 p.m. is attempted under the watchful eye of an experienced prefect. Bedtime, the massive nightly battle, is achieved with double force and the Grade 11's thus experience their first taste of the year to come.

Grade 11's Jillian Allard and Graham Gilbert are both very excited to be prefects next year:"It's a chance to put our feet down and use our authority in a very positive way," AND neither of them mind the training they will be required to do.

By the end of the year, the shadowing will be complete and full responsibility will be taken on by the new prefects each house — just in time for final exams and crunch time for the Grade 12's. Duties include sign-in, morning inspections, locking up at night and checking to see that duties are completed. It's an exciting time for old and new.

Story and pictures by: Ellen Kutscher(Grade 12)

THIS SCHOOL IS SPIRITED

Brentwood College has no mascot. The “Brentonian”, the icon around which we are encouraged to gather, takes part in no way at any of our athletic events, nor does it do much to inspire blood lust in the hearts of those competing for the pride of the school. Yet somehow, our student body manages to dominate in the majority of our sports arenas, wiping the ice with

the jerseys of opposing hockey teams, and volleying serves right past the noses of other team’s all-stars, supported at every important home, and some away games by a trusty Brentwood cheering squad. So where does all of this school spirit come from? Is it manifested in the closely knit nature of our residential community? Or instilled in us by the hard work and commitment of our devoted albeit intimidating coaches?

Perhaps, but a more accurate explanation might lie in the fact that Brentwood students are conditioned to be supportive of their peers. Week after week, we are gathered as a community to recognise the achievements of our fellow Brentonians, both on and off the sports field. Teachers and administration alike wax poetic, commending our bright youth on their various medals, trophies, and acceptances. The average Brentwood student spends roughly thirty-six weeks of the year at school, with an assembly every Thursday. Each assembly lasts approximately thirty minutes. That means we spend eighteen hours a year hearing about the achievements of our community, of which there are many.

It is no wonder, then, that we are so eager to observe the next chapter in the Brentwood story, whether it be on the field or off. We are all eager to watch the legend of our community unfold. The incalculable losses, the ecstasy of victories well earned. The saga of a great educational institution, soaring beyond expectations. It is this same high bar of expectation that drives our athletes, artists and intellectuals to success, uniting them as a force fit to be reckoned with. They act as tiles in the Brentwood mosaic, bound together by the glue of success, working towards the greater good of the school. Records are set and overturned by our students, honour is bestowed, medals are borne home on their wings. All without any help from a mascot.

Story and pictures by: Berit Anderson (Grade 12)

CHIPS AHOY!

Those who watch TV may have noticed a slow trend of showing more and more poker games. Students of Brentwood, in search of a new diversion or amusement, have seized upon this pastime.

As with most Brentwood trends, it is certain that it will pass with time, but for now, male houses are full with chants of raise, fold, and check. Late on a Saturday night, groups can be found huddled around a poker table, chips for betting in hand.

Do you have what it takes to play poker? You may have seen the celebrity poker games on TV, and have assumed that naturally, if Ben Affleck can do it, you can, too. But is it really a good idea? To really judge your skills as a poker player, try this little quiz...

If it wasn't for the pool ball pockets, that could be
a very classy poker table

1. The reason you knew your teacher was mad at you for being late this morning in class was because
   A) You can read minds
   B) You had been late the last four times, and she had warned you last class that if it ever happened again…
   C) You didn’t know.
2. People respect you because
   A) Your face is completely unreadable
   B) You have a good sense of humour
   C) You are completely open with your feelings
3. A flush is…
   A) A hand where you should bet high.
   B) Something in poker
   C) What you do when a member of the opposite gender talks to you.
4. You go for a walk on a Saturday afternoon. You...
   A) Trip over a huge four leaf clover
   B) Have a nice day
   C) Manage to find a rare strain of poisonous clover, which you accidentally eat.

Scoring: Give yourself 3 points for every A answer, 2 for every B, and 1 for every C.

If you scored 9-12, then yes, poker is for you. Bet high and bet often*.
If you scored 6-9, then give it a try, but don’t expect to win every hand.
If you scored less than a 6, another hobby might be better for you. If anyone offers to play poker with you, thank them for the offer, then run away.

*The above is not a promise or a guarantee, and any misfortune that may occur because of it cannot be considered the blame of this article.

Story and pictures by: Nicholas Chesterley (Grade 11)

JAZZ ENSEMBLES

On Friday, Brentwood's Jazz Ensembles scored a big hit in Nanaimo at the West Coast Jazz Festival. The Large Jazz Ensemble won a Gold Certificate which gives them a two year invitation to the nationals at MusicFest Canada. Solo awards were awarded to both Mitch Sato (Top Senior Guitarist) and Pierre Receveaux. It was not an easy day, but I am very proud of both ensembles.

Planning is now under way to attend the nationals, MusicFest Canada, in Vancouver on May 21.

Gordon Clements

ROWING: MAPLE BAY REGATTA

It was not a pleasant day weather-wise on Quamichan Lake on Saturday, but the racing and the results were exactly the opposite. The Brentwood crews arrived at the course at 7:30 am to unload and rig the boats for the 9:00 am start. Crews from all parts of the Island were similarly getting ready to compete in this one-day regatta. The westerly winds meant that the crews were going to be rowing into a vicious headwind all day, but, to make matters worse, the location where the boats were stored was similar to “no man’s land” during World War I. The mud claimed many shoes throughout the day, but for the seniors who spent the week on Salt Spring Island over Spring Break, this was a walk in the park! Half way through the schedule, the weather took a turn for the worse and and all small boat races were canceled and the remaining events shortened to 1000 meters. The Club had entered 47 different crews in the 45 different events, but nine of the boats did not get to race due to the poor conditions. A summary of the results is given below.

Girls

Jr A Nov 4x+ came FIRST included Hanako Okano (cox), Amanda Munsell, Alex Prieur, Seghan MacDonald and Lindsay Rinning. Excellent start to the day with the crew rowing away from the field to grab first place honours.

Jr A Nov 4+: FIRST. Sarah Gray, Jess Kosa, Liz Cosulich, Kristine Friesen, Natasha Zadra.
The regatta organisers combined the Jr. A novice category with the Jr. B four category. The crew had a very good race and finished first in their novice category.

Boys

Lightweight 4X+ (Quad): THIRD: David Summers, Max King, Mike Mains, Nick Chesterley, Patrick Johnston. Tough race considering it was the first time in the boat heading up to the starting line.

Jr. B Novice 2X:
DNF: Cooper Bockus, Dan Munsell. Racing against a strong field of crews from VCRC, Shawnigan and Gorge, Cooper and Dan were in second place with 500 meters to go. One of the boys caught a crab and the boat flipped leaving the two floating in the water as the other crews passed by bewildered by the events unfolding in front of them. Once rescued and brought back to the shore, pride was restored knowing that they held their own for the first half of the race.

Jr. A 2X (Double): FIRST. Ambrose Carr, Noah McColl:
The race was cut down to 1000 meters so Noah and Ambrose got out of the gates cleanly, got the lead and won by 4 lengths over a determined crew from Maple Bay.

Jr. A Novice 4+: THIRD. Warren Lewis, Jeff Ulmer, Tyler Dietrich, Graham Gilbert, Johannes Buchling. This was the first race for this combination and in the end, the headwind was too much and the Gorge and Maple Bay crews finished ahead of our crew.

Jr. A JV 8+: (Lightweight eight). David Summers, Max King, Dan Bester, Mike Mains, Patrick Johnston, Nick Chesterley, Charles Angle, Jason Pasnak, Kelen Epp. Since there were no other entries in the JV eight, we raced the lightweight eight against the Jr. A quads so they could get a race under their belts before the Brentwood Regatta. They raced well considering the horrible conditions and lack of competition.

Jr.B 4+:
SECOND: Dan Thompson, Oliver Greenberg, Luke McLellan, Liam Harrison, Andrew Meyer.
FOURTH: Hanako Ono, Mark Stephen, Nick Hsu, David Yeon, Mark Aylward-Nally

Considering these athletes were novices racing in the experienced category, we were pleased with the efforts and results from the race.

Brian Carr (Head Coach)

Junior Boys

The junior boys are undefeated so far this season. Last week's results:

Brentwood 3, Frances Kelsey 2
Brentwood 14, Queen of Angels 0

Senior Girls

Brentwood 8, St. Michael's 0
Brentwood 2, Gulf Islands 4
Brentwood 4, Frances Kelsey 0
Brentwood 3, Lake Cowichan 0

1st XV: the team managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory after leading Rockridge (the number one ranked team in the province) by 13-12 with six minutes to go, but eventually losing a game.
The Captain of the Boys Rugby Club this season will be Tom O'Malley.

2nd XV: came from behind to defeat Rockridge 17-15.

Girls: enjoyed a 30-0 romp over Parklands school. Tries: Marlee Hahn (4), Rebecca Kerswell, and Kim Ridley. Congratulations go to Marlee, who became the first Brentwood female student to gain national team rugby honours when she was chosen to represent the USA Under-19 team in a match and training camp in June.
The Co-Captains of the Girls Club this season will be Sydney Black and Marlee Hahn.

T. GIL BUNCH CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Future presentations:

Pacific Institute of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts Concert

www.celticperformingarts.com, 250-758-0208, 1-866-301-2358

Back to Top