Saturday night crafts at Weyden and Brewster

STAR // Dennae Taylor

Seawolves painting their art work.

Saturday night craft event at Weyden and Brewster got messy as students filled the tables to paint free canvas bags. REACH and Student Involvement put on the event and is a weekly occurrence with different crafts. It went from 7-8 p.m. and had a big turnout. There were about 12 students to begin with but more trickled in as time went on, some even coming towards the end of the event to get in a quick paint session. Most students came in groups or pairs and some came by themselves.

On the tables lay a white covering along with the white canvas bags, different stations of various acrylic paints, paint brushes, cups of water, plates, and paper towels. The colors were purple, yellow, white, green, red, blue, orange, and black. Someone mentioned how there was no dark green color but were able to make it themselves with the green and black paints.

Music was put on in the background a few minutes into the event, starting with “Hey Ya!” by Outkast, a very energetic song to start out the evening. The next song played was “Dancing Queen” by Abba and similar songs of that type. Students sang along to the music as they painted.

Many students decided to paint flowers on their bags to fit in with the theme of Spring. Some did freehand and others looked for inspiration online. One student painted a scene with trees, birds, and a sunset. “This is me at the GMC watching the sunset.” Eduardo Avila, a first-year psychology major, says that you can find him spending his evenings on the Green Music Center lawn, watching the sunset. His friends attest to this statement.

Another student was painting a lily. Olivia Alamillo, a first year in human development came to this event with three of her friends. They were having a contest to see who could paint the best picture. Alamillo used orange and green for her lilies. Cristal Martinez, a first-year in liberal studies, was painting her name in bold letters and putting some decorations along the sides. Martinez and Alamillo were both sketching their design in pencil before painting over it.

The W&B center was filled with talking and laughter among friends. One student who came in a little late to the event said that she was already messy and she just got there. A couple of other students were discussing how to draw a strawberry, and one mentioned starting out by drawing a heart. Many students made mistakes when painting, but there was an abundance of canvas bags to go around for this very reason. Everyone shared the paints and would go over to another table to borrow a color they did not have.

Alamillo and her friends held the final decisions of the contest towards the end of the event. Alamillo got first place, Avila came in second, and Martinez came in third. Makayla Bea, a first-year liberal Studies major, got fourth place with her painting of polka dots.

Sonoma Film Institute presents : ‘Fisherman’s Friends’

You could watch the third installment of a beloved superhero franchise that has witty dialogue, fast-paced action sequences and fan-favorite characters. Or you could watch a heartfelt, comedic story about a group of British fishermen who unexpectedly make the biggest-selling traditional folk album of all time.

The movie Fisherman’s Friends was shown on Friday, May 5 in Warren Auditorium and hosted by the Sonoma Film Institute.Around 9 individuals attended the screening, which allowed attendees to choose any seat they desired.. The film began right at 7 p.m. and ended at 8:40 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation fee but students are able to get in for free.

The Fisherman’s Friends is loosely based on the real-life story of the “Bouy” band who scored a top-ten single on the UK charts. The film adds more to the story by adding a rom-com element. The first half of the film focuses on a music manager Danny who’s trying to convince a group of ten fishermen who he stumbles upon during his vacation to let him manage them. After he goes fishing with them he earns their respect and they sign on to record an album. They are able to record an album and then try to find a record label that will distribute it.

The film was released in 2020 but because of COVID-19, it didn’t receive much attention. Thanks to the Sonoma Film Institute Seawolves and film enthusiasts had a chance to see it on a big screen in Warren Auditorium which had a movie theater feel to it. Frederick Harris, who is a 66-year-old Rohnert Park resident, was happy to talk to the STAR about what his thoughts were on the film and the Sonoma Film Institute’s program. Fred said, “It was a fun film. I enjoyed the sea shanties that were sung.” Harris who is a self-proclaimed movie buff also mentioned how much he enjoys being able to see movies on campus he said, “This program is so great it gives me a reason to get out of the house and see something that doesn’t usually get shown in real movie theaters.”

Without a doubt, some of the best scenes in the film included the parts when the sea shanties were being performed. Unfortunately, the romance element of the film did throw off the pacing and didn’t seem like it belonged in the film. Still by the end of the film those who attended the movie gave a small round of applause. The Fisherman’s Friend was a feel-good movie with a lot of heart that would be a breath of fresh air for anyone getting tired of superhero films. The Sonoma Film Institute hosted these screenings every week this semester, showing a different movie every Friday and Sunday. Unfortunately, the screening of Fisherman’s Friend was the last film that was scheduled to be shown this semester, which was the 50th anniversary season for the program.

BFA Exhibition showcases at the University Art Gallery

Each semester the University Art Gallery hosts the Bachelor of Fine Arts(BFA) Exhibition to showcase and highlight the work of the university’s graduating seniors.  From now until May 20, work from Dawn Marie Brown, Sophia Larsen, Rachel Sculley, and Isiah Warren is on display at the University Art Gallery on the north end of campus.   

One of the talented artists who the STAR was able to catch up with was Isiah Warren. In his display, he showcased a gallery of photos that portray the culture of the rap music industry in a way that looked to show viewers a different side of rap from an artistic point of view.  Warren’s photos were especially notable because they come naturally and candidly.  His pictures are active documentation and he explained that “I use whatever is around me at the moment, rather than searching.”  In his artist statement, he explains that rap artists are everyday people who work tirelessly to make art that tells their stories and culture in an influential way.  Warren’s exhibit consisted of photographs of famous rappers and producers that he has grown close with.  He explained that they have brought him into their circle to document the world of rap from a closer perspective.  Warren enjoys being able to exhibit an inside look at the industry and said he loves being able to “show the humanity of these artists who are often seen as gangsters or thugs, but in reality, are hardworking artists.”  His project looks to break the barrier between the rap industry and the audience by showing off more artists who represent their upbringings and their environments through art.

Dawn Marie Brown, another artist, approaches her work in a slightly different way.  Her art revolves around creating and exploring the metaphysical internal space within herself.  Brown utilized cardboard in a few of her pieces which were particularly interesting.  She said she likes using cardboard because she believes the “material immediately imbues the pieces with metaphorical weight and meaning.”  Brown explained how cardboard has many properties in common with the human body such as being fragile, man-made, and compostable.  Brown also noted how it will eventually break down into its most basic elements and eventually return to nothingness.   Brown was thrilled to have the opportunity to display her work in the round for the viewer experience.  She specifically emphasized the ability of viewers to explore and digest the work while being engaged in all of the senses.  She also explained how that internal space takes form in both vaguely familiar residential spaces, as an artifact of my youth, as well as completely removed liminal unknowable non-space.  Brown elaborated on how she approaches the development of each piece and she said, “The fabricated world that she illustrates takes the viewer into her mind to illustrate deeply personal raw emotion as an internal response to the external world.”  Brown was very appreciative to see the fruits of her efforts and she felt it was a really nice way to end her career at SSU with her art displayed all in one place.

This art exhibition is open from 11 am until 4 pm on Tuesdays through Fridays as well as from 12 pm until 4 pm on weekends from April 27-May 20.  It will be closed on Mondays and holidays.

Schroeder Hall hosts Chamber Music Showcase

This past Wednesday, the music department hosted its annual Chamber Music Showcase in Schroeder Hall.  This hour-long session was made up of four different performances which consisted of the Clarinet Choir as well as String, Woodwind, and Saxophone Quartets.  The entire performance seemed to be flawless and it highlighted the talents of each musician.

One of the string players playing the violin was second-year music major, Miranda Ronan.  Ronan has been playing violin for 12 years now and it showed in her ensemble’s performance.  They played the string quartet in minor op13 by the late Felix Mendelssohn which was suggested by ensemble member Zander Voge when brainstorming what they should perform. The piece was said to be Mendelssohn’s first truly mature piece that the ensemble thought would be a great challenge.  Ronan explained, “It was just a fun challenge not just in learning the notes, but the different themes and characters we had to articulate.”

When talking with the STAR, Ronan was asked about how she felt her ensemble performed.  In great constructive form, Ronan talked about how they had a few very minor timing issues and could have delivered phrasing in a more expressive way although this was the group’s first time performing outside of recitals.

After reaching the end of her page of music and flipping it, it flipped back due to the way the original copies are in book form.  She didn’t panic in any way and fixed the issue so seamlessly that it was hardly noticeable.  Ronan said it was simply something musicians are used to. She said, “When it comes to performances you’re trained to just keep moving on, kind of try to always stay thinking a few notes or measures ahead of where you are.”  Ronan knew she still had a page and a half of music left to perform which was more important so she got right back on track and focused on continuing her and her ensemble’s impressive performance.

The final set of the night came with the saxophone quartet. They played a four-piece Quartet for Saxophones. This group included Cooper Ysais, Sergio Aranda-Garcia, Nathan Silva, and third-year music education major Owen Short.  The STAR was able to talk with Short about the performance.  He thinks the performance went great and said that his fellow musicians felt they did very well with their pieces. Short was also asked about his feelings about performing and he emphasized how much he loves it as well as how he is always eager to showcase what he loves.

Throughout the ensemble’s performance, the ensemble seemed to be in perfect rhythm both musically and physically, as they moved bobbing and nodding perfectly as if they were all jamming with the same vibes.  Short explained how they talked about it in rehearsal for synchronized spots in their piece but how it also comes down to natural feelings in the moment for them.  He noted that movement can make the difference between a group that plays well together and one that doesn’t.  Short loves this and the many other aspects of performances and he said, “I’m a very proud musician, and being able to share that with others means the world to me.”

SF Opera’s Tuba Player joins the SSU Instrumental Repertory class

On Wednesday April 26th San Francisco Opera’s tuba player Zachariah Spellman joined Sonoma States weekly Instrumental Repertory class. The class was held in Weill Hall and went from 1-2:30 p.m. Spellman introduced himself to the class confidently while wearing a shirt covered in tubas.There were about 20-30 students at this event. Spellman began with the song “If I Fell In Love With You” by the Beatles. He then played a song with a little backstory. “Effie Falls In Love” , he explained, is a song about an elephant that is chasing after a monkey because Monkey has a pheromone that has made the elephant fall in love with him. The song is a representation of Effie’s feelings for Monkey. Marilyin Thompson, professor of the class, played on piano while Spellman played the tuba.

Leif Dering,a transfer student in his first semester and majoring in classical double-bass performance, knew of Spellman vaguely before he came to perform with them. “I see the Opera regularly when they’re in season,” said Dering. Others did not know who Spellman was. Katie Mason, a Junior at SSU with a Music Education major, did not know him prior.“People were excited that someone important was coming.”

When Spellman finished playing for the class there were a few acts backstage that were ready to play for him and showcase their talents. Spellman wanted each musician to tell “their story” after each performance. “It’s up to the player to tell the story,” said Spellman. Spellman proceeded to ask all players to come to the front of the stage. He explained to the audience members that he had six pencils, one for each player to draw from. The pencils were all different lengths and the person who picked the shortest pencil would go first, and so on.

Ryan Ristine pulled the shortest pencil. Ristine played the French Horn with Thompson on piano. Spellman said he did a lovely job. Ristine’s story on the piece was that he started working on it halfway through the semester. The first movement was supposed to sound like a pleading and the second movement was supposed to be more soothing like a “warm blanket,” Ristine said. Spellman’s suggestions were for Ristine to go faster and start to lose control, to be more convincing in the second movement.

Brian Poole played the trumpet. When finished Spellman asked, “What are the sensations in your face right now?” “Burns a little bit,” said Brian. When talking about his piece Poole said “I’m putting myself into this, this is me.” Spellman’s notes were to stop thinking and just listen. He talked about how when playing musicians can tend to let their mind wander, make lists up in their heads, that you just have to listen to what you are playing just as an audience member would.

Between players Spellman yelled “Next Victim!” followed by a laugh. The audience found this statement very funny. Johann Clapstein, a music education major and transfer student came out playing on the tuba. Clapstein gave a rendition of Blackbird, a piece you can find Spellman playing online. “There will be some audience participation in the middle, I’m so sorry,” said Clapstein jokingly.  During the piece, everyone clapped and got into it, bobbing their heads to the beat. At the end of the song, Spellman said, “I’m mystified by your use of technology.” His notes were to really lock in those harmonics.

Students had very good experiences with Spellman’s visit. “He was not only entertaining but also inspiring and gave us a new perspective for our playing. Repertory class usually has the same boring yet informative vibe, but Spellman brought a new life into the class and invigorated us as players,” said Mason, “I love how he brought everyone back to the stage after their performances and asked them their story. His words were powerful and I can imagine he communicates musically at an incredibly high level,” said Dering.

Dering’s concluding points were, “Perfection is so near impossible to achieve that it’s pointless. Occasional mistakes are natural- strive to be excellent, not perfect.”

Annual Spring Dance Faculty and Guest Artist Concert

STAR // Dennae Taylor

Spring Dance performers on Thursday.

On Thursday, April 27 the Theater Arts and Dance department put on the Spring Dance faculty and guest artist concert. The concert showcased the talented students of the theater arts and dance department who performed for a crowd of around 40 at Person Theater. A little more than half of the seats were taken but there were still enough to accommodate anyone running late. Those who attended were able to purchase tickets online and also at the ticket window near the theater entrance. SSU students were able to get free tickets while regular tickets cost 12 dollars. Throughout the entire show there was applause and cheering from the crowd not only was the weather warm but so was the atmosphere.

Two student dancers introduced the show at the beginning by discussing the dances and how excited they were to perform for an audience.Every dance that was showcased had unique choreography as well as its own wardrobe. Between each dance, the dancers would switch their wardrobe which  gave some time for anyone that might need to step out for a bathroom break to do so. It was easy to tell that a significant amount of family and friends of the dancers were in the crowd because of all the cheering and names being called out.

Leslie Alvarado was one such person who had a friend performing. Alvardo, who is a third-year nursing major, told the Star,” My friend has been working hard all semester for this show. I’m so glad that I was able to come out and show my support for her.” A performance that stood out was the poem called “Perfect”. This poem looked at perfectionism and the trouble it may cause someone mentally, physically, and spiritually. First-year communications major Jared Huff said,” One of my favorite parts of the show was the poem because of how well it was delivered. I could feel that they really cared about what they were talking about.”

It was easy to see just how passionate the students were about their routines. Third-year biology major Alex Elias mentioned how physically difficult it must have been to perform each routine, especially the ones where there was a lot of running and choreography. Elias said,”It looks like it could have been a workout. I noticed some of them were out of breath by the end of the performance. After the final section of the night was done all the participants gathered on stage for a bow. Attendees were also asked to stick around at the end for a Q and A section with the dancers and choreographers.

Sonoma State’s Instrumental Repertory Recital

STAR // Kylie Perry

A performance  during the Instrumental Repertory Recital.

On Wednesday, April 19th from 1-2 p.m., SSU had its Instrumental Repertory recital in Schroeder Hall where music majors come together to listen and perform musical pieces. Instrumental Repertory happens every week but the recital only happens two to three times a semester. Students were asked to put their names on the sign-in sheet if in the class to get participation points. There was also a QR code at the desk upon entering the building that led attendees to the site that showed the program for the afternoon’s pieces.

About 15 minutes prior to the performance’s beginning, several students were already in Schroeder.  There was a lot of chatter but when it hit one, there was complete silence. A few more students showed up late but remained silent when coming in. The lights went dim and the stage lights came on.

Charlie Gomez and Colin Bartlett opened the recital by playing a short piece on the marimba. Charlie Gomez, a junior and music education major, plays percussion instruments such as marimbas, xylophones, timpani, etc. He has performed in this type of recital before along with other larger recitals that involve everyone. Gomez explained what Instrumental Rep is. “It’s usually a class where we students have the opportunity to perform for our peers and receive feedback. Most of the time, Marilyn Thompson, our professor for the class brings in professional musicians from our own adjunct faculty to members of the San Francisco Symphony to give us feedback on our performance.” Gomez has a strong passion for music and wanted to share a little bit about that. “To me, music has always been there.” Gomez grew up around a family of musicians and music lovers. “It’s part of how we communicate with each other and sits at the center of our best memories,” Gomez said. “Music has done a lot of good for me, and now I want to pay it forward and share music with kids who may need it.”

The marimba was pulled off stage after the first performance. After each piece, the lights would go dim and the stage lights would come on to introduce the next performer.

The following performance began with Marilyn Thompson the piano teacher and instrumental accompanist who also runs the class, playing on the piano. Alexander Brown performed with Thompson but on trumpet. This song was a longer piece and was accompanied by a loud round of applause from the audience.

Thompson came out again to play on the piano for the next piece with Hunter Richison on the trombone. Richison gave a summary about the piece he played called “Ages 6 and 15” by Susan Mutter which describes how at six the child is basically carefree and at fifteen more rebellious and adventurous, through musical notes. Richison was very passionate about this piece as he moved his body with the rhythm.

There were eight more performances in the afternoon, each player passionate about their music and instrument. Aja Gianola who sang mezzo-soprano and Hikaru Hallberg who played the piano got a huge round of applause on their pieces of “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man of Mine” and “Ride on, King Jesus.” Hikaru Hallberg ended the recital with a solo on the piano.
Cooper Ysais, who’s in his second year at Sonoma State as a transfer student and music education major, attends this class most weeks. Ysais has performed on saxophone and bassoon throughout his four semesters at Sonoma State. When asked how he got into music, Ysais replied “Like most people in this department, I watched Little Einstein when I was younger and my dad always had music on.” Ysais started playing piano at the age of seven when he was unable to find many team sports that he enjoyed. “I played piano for two years and learned to read sheet music. In the summer of third grade, I went with my dad to the local music store called ‘Hensons’ and, long story short, started Saxophone.” Ysais expressed his deep passion for music. “Music is the only thing I’ve stuck with for this long. It allows for creative freedom and expression that nothing else has given me.”

Jazz Forum welcomes a Brazilian jazz band

Is there any better way to spend class time other than listening to live music? On April 19, the Jazz Forum held an open event in which students were welcomed to sit in and listen to live Brazilian jazz. The event was hosted in Schroeder Hall where the Jazz Forum class is taught. It was free to attend and didn’t require a ticket to attend. The musicians playing were Edu Ribero on the drums, Noah Garabedian on the bass, and Vinicius Gomes on the guitar who would be playing Brazilian Jazz. The event officially began at 1 p.m. and ended a little after 2 p.m.

Upon entering the classroom where the event took place you could see a crowd of around 40 seated students. Each student had a chair to sit in which was arranged in a half circle surrounding the three performers. The event officially began with each musician introducing themselves and giving some information about themselves as well as thanking everyone who made it out. Edu Ribero and Vinicius Gomes are from Brazil and on tour in America. After those interesting facts about the performers, they started playing. Their first song was a smooth soulful piece that had great guitar sections from Gomes which were elevated by Garabedian’s bass and fun drumming from Ribero. As they played, the head bobbing from students clearly enjoying the music seemed to be contagious and soon most of the room seemed to be doing it.

The students that were able to attend this performance mentioned how fun it was to hear this unique type of music. David Curran, a second-year biology major said, “I haven’t really heard anything like it before I’m not into jazz so this is my first time hearing it.” In between songs Ribero, Gomes, and Garabedian would teach the audience about the unique rhythm that Brazilian Jazz can have by having everyone in the audience clap along with them. Some like Aaron Daniels, a first-year business major, expressed how much he enjoyed it, “My favorite part of the whole thing was when we all clapped along and got to see how complex the rhythm of those songs were.”

Jazz Forum is a class that all jazz studies majors must attend so at times it could be hard for students from other majors to understand what was being talked about. Leah Nelson, a second-year business major said, “I couldn’t understand all the details they were talking about but I still really enjoyed the songs they got to play for us.” Luckily the musicians did ask if everyone was a music major and tried to make concepts more understandable to those in attendance that were not familiar with the intricacies of music composition. Although this was not an official concert it would be great to hear these great musicians play in the Green Music Center where more students would be able to experience an amazing performance.

‘Open Mic Night’ in the Alumni Amphitheater

This past Thursday at the Alumni Amphitheater, students gathered for Open Mic Night which was hosted by ASP (Associated Student Productions). There in the amphitheater, people shared their musical abilities, poems, and whatever their hearts desired, such as stand-up comedy.

Alex Boyle, who is a sophomore mathematics major who runs for the school’s distance running teams, attended the event and recited two poems. Boyle really enjoyed the night as a whole and her favorite part was getting to see the talents and creativity of everyone else that performed.  When talking with the STAR about poetry, she said really enjoys the diversity and creativity of poems as well as having the power to express so much in so many ways.  Boyle also emphasized how poetry allows her to unravel some of the craziness that she feels while being able to express it for others. When asked about what she takes away from performing in front of an audience she said, “Performing gave me the opportunity to put myself out there and step outside of my comfort zone.”  She also noted how it made her feel confident and part of a community, even if it was just for a brief moment.

Another student, who performed an array of songs, was singer Chris Daniels.  He is a junior who recently transferred to Sonoma State.  Daniels practices his singing at home as well as performing here and there and he hopes to join the school choir next semester.  Aside from his practices, he likes the open mic nights as they serve as a great outlet for him to perform for other people.  Daniels conversed with the STAR about the influence of public performances and he noted how it has helped him greatly in many other aspects of his life such as public speaking, effective communication, and performance etiquette. He really enjoyed performing in front of the tight-knit group and said “Something I like with smaller, more intimate crowds is that we kind of have that sense of comradery.” Daniels’s music filled the crowd with great vibes and visible serotonin.  Asides from serenading the listeners, he engaged everyone by having them sing at certain parts to enhance the music which was a really nice touch.

Senior psychology major Sara Wenger was one of the many people in the audience. This was her first time attending the open mic event and she talked about how she enjoyed the positive and supportive atmosphere of the event.  Wenger hit the nail on the head with this observation as no matter how each person performed, they were met with roaring cheers and widespread applause.  Wenger also said, “It was fun to see everyone support the performers and to see everyone enjoy themselves.”

ASP hosts two of these Open Mic Nights per semester and they have a list of activities for students to partake in.  Associated Students (AS) host tabling each Tuesday near the student center where they inform students about their activities as well as hand out postcards that contain monthly event schedules.

FNL Featuring: Noma Ninja Warrior

STAR // Alec Padilla

Seawolves at FNL night . (Left to right) Sedric, Max, and Isiah.

Student Involvement organizes various Friday night activities every week for Seawolves and friends to enjoy.  Their events are usually held at the Weyden and Brewster and they consist of free grocery BINGO, casino, board games, open mics, and other surprise events.  This week, Student Involvement just so happened to host one of their annual events which is called FNL. This Friday was Featuring Noma Ninja Warrior and it was held in the Rec Center.

From 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, there were two ‘jumpies’ and an oversized connect four game as well as a cornhole board set.  One of the jumpers had standing platforms and a ‘wrecking ball’ in the middle that users could swing to try and knock each other off of their platforms. The other had an oversized spinning tube that jumper enthusiasts had to maneuver around to not get hit.  Asides from the fun activities, pizza from Mountain Mikes of all different types were also offered to those who attended.

Charlie Hess who was in attendance with his friends was a big fan of the inflatables, especially the ‘Wrecking Ball’.  Hess said “It was silly and I didn’t feel too scared for my life” as well as saying that it was “good bonding time with the boys.” Hess, who actually isn’t a Sonoma State student, works part-time as a gymnastics coach and he noted how he felt very comfortable with anything remotely acrobatic. He and his friends had just come from the dining hall and they explained that they heard about the event from seeing a last-minute advertisement from something in the cafeteria.

James Platero and his friend Akela Cannon actually were previously at the gym before coming over. Platero explained how he noticed the activities and said “There’s an event happening, say less!” He talked about how he took some “W’s” in connect four as well.  They both liked the side games that were there and Cannon said “I felt like it was a good choice of games, especially the Connect Four.” The two of them and the group they were with all seemed to have had a great time as they were leaving sweaty and satisfied.

While at the event the STAR sat down with Libby Sarto who was working the event.  She is a third-year student who works for Student Involvement. Sarto explained that at each event there is usually one worker from Student Involvement and then two RA’s that help work the event.  She said that Student Involvement “tries doing different things for students to see what they’re interested in.”  Information about events like these can be found on www.seawolfliving.com or in any of the many advertisements around campus.

Jazz Forum with special guest Paul Hanson

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, Jazz bassoonist Paul Hanson joined Sonoma State’s Jazz forum to engage in conversation and a shared love of music. There is a special guest most weeks that gets to share their wisdom and have a “jam session” with some of SSU’s Jazz players. The jazz forum goes from about 1 to 2:30 p.m. and is a space where students come together and share opinions and experiences with music.There were more people in the crowd than usual—probably around 20. Doug Leibinger began by defining jazz forum and outlining that it is a course for all jazz majors. Jazz education is a four-year requirement.

Hanson began the forum by playing a song on the bassoon. When finished, there was a small discussion involving the kind of music he was playing. He explained that you have to have the fundamentals down to do anything signature or out of the box. “You have to have a passion and a love for it,” said Hanson, “if it’s truly something you want to do.”

Throughout the forum, Hanson played about seven songs, many of which were very fast-paced. The audience was impressed by the speed he was able to go when playing, and they were very responsive to the music, moving their bodies and tapping their feet. Hanson talked about the technology he uses to help him with the fast parts. He explained how sometimes there are limitations you just have to find a way to work around them.

Jomei Greer, a junior at Sonoma State with a Jazz studies major, joined in the discussion by asking Hanson “Who are your heroes?” Hanson replied with five plus names, the first one being Jimmy Hendrix. He was also asked how it is carrying the bassoon around everywhere. He explained his experience of when he was in his 20s carrying it around and no one knowing what it was, how no one was playing it at the time. Hanson brought his old bassoon to the forum, one that is over 20 years old, and explained how his new one produces a bigger, deeper sound.

Greer, who has attended Jazz Forum many times, said, “Just meeting the only jazz bassoonist I’ve ever heard of was amazing.” Greer touched on how good Hanson was and how that is going to be memorable. Greer has been playing the piano since he was a kid. “When I learned that I could pursue performance in college I thought it sounded amazing, and being here has proven even more than I imagined,” said Greer.

Leif Dering, a lower division transfer in his first semester at SSU who majors in classical double-bass performance said, “My main takeaway was that the guest was a classically trained bassoonist but still relished in the creative use of technology to create unique contemporary, solo performances on an instrument that rarely gets the spotlight and is hardly seen outside a classical setting.”

Dering is a music major because “I hate money,” he said. “In all seriousness, because I love the foundational role the bass plays in the ensemble.” He is interested in playing grand orchestral works but also studies jazz and has previously toured with metal bands while in high school.“You’re not there to be the hero,” said Dering, “you’re there to support.”

Public viewing night at the SSU Observatory

COURTESY // phys-astro.sonoma.edu

Seawolves at the pubic viewing night in Nov. of 2022.

Just after the sunset seawolves began to gather near the campus observatory for an interesting look at the night sky. The Astronomy and Physics Department hosted a public viewing night which was open to all who wished to attend. At 9 p.m. there was already a line that stretched along the track fence which the observatory is next to. The line was to get into the observatory which had two telescopes as well as three other low-light telescopes outside. The line was orderly and filled with students who were excited to see some stars and planets.

There was also a photo station just before the observatory entrance where you could have your picture taken with the illuminated star in the night sky as the backdrop. Thankfully the wait for the telescopes passed by like a shooting star thanks to the entertaining professors who used laser pointers to point out planets like Mars and Venus.

The laser pointer was also used to mimic the path of the sun and trace constellations like Orion’s belt and the big dipper. There were also free cookies for those who got there early.

The reason for the big crowd was partially due to the fact that some professors made attending an extra credit assignment. Madison Schmidt, a second-year English major who was there with a friend said, “I came here because my friend said she needed the extra credit points but it was really interesting seeing all the constellations being pointed out.” Other than extra credit students also attended for their love of space. Brendan Jackson, a third-year psychology major said, “Looking at the night sky and seeing the stars has always been interesting to me even though astronomy isn’t my major. It’s fun learning from people who know it.”

The event was insightful and fun for the students who were able to see everything. Students like Eric Martinez, a third-year business major, expressed his thoughts on the event by commenting on how “professional and nice looking” the equipment that was being used looked. Students who were not astronomy majors had a fun time learning about where the locations of the planets and constellations were. There were also students who were helping with the telescopes and explaining what was being seen through them.

The weather at the start of the night was perfect for the event with no clouds in sight. However a little later on in the night the clouds did start to roll in and obscure some of the constellations. After the first major group of students and community members had their turn at the telescopes there was another small group who got in line.

The schedule for these viewing nights is subject to change depending on the weather. Clouds and fog can have a major impact on what is visible.