Tiger Talk

By Connor Brehm

On Wednesday, January 29th, 7 Central students competed in the Consortium General Knowledge competition. This competitive event had three rounds each with 25 questions. 7 schools participated in this, including Central, which hosted, Delbarton, Frelinghuysen, Morris Plains Borough, Oak Knoll, Oratory, and Ridgedale.

The participants from Central's VJ team were Connor Brehm, Jacob Kucher, Cole Wetherell, and Selim Yilanlioglu. On Central's varsity team, we had Shelby Lipman, Ilia Pankratov, and Niya Raghu. Four out of the seven schools made it to the final round, including Central. Some teams struggled, and some questions were more difficult than others but Central students pulled through. Both of Central’s JV and varsity teams finished in second place. Congratulations to all the winners, and great job Central! See photo below of the team with their ribbons and trophies.

By Jeremy Michelson

On Wednesday, February 19th, Mrs. Felix accompanied six Central School students to Ridgedale Middle School to compete in the Consortium Volleyball Tournament. Central's volleyball players were Ava Clark, Lily Dodd, Ryan Fortino, Alejandro Henao, Jeremy Michelson, and Nicole Ordonez. Central competed against Delbarton, Morris Plains Boro, Oratory Prep, Our Lady of Peace, and Ridgedale. Our players were divided up into 6 different teams with players from other schools. They played 6 regular matches. Their won-loss record then determined their seed in the playoffs, which was single elimination. Nicole Ordonez was on the first place team. Ryan Fortino was on the second place team, and Jeremy's team finished 3rd. The volleyball players received ribbons for first, second, and third place. "It was nerve-wracking at first, because there were a lot of people there, but it was fun," said Jeremy, who said that he scored a lot of points for his team.

By Ilia Pankratov

Imagine turning your guide into a symphony of possibilities, rather than a cacophony of

chatter or distractions. Just like last year, Central Middle School is offering the opportunity for

seventh and eighth grade students to come down to the band room during their guide, lunch, or

both periods. This opportunity is offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Remember to

let your guide teacher know before heading to the Band Room to avoid confusion. There, you

can practice and hone your skills by playing their instruments. Practicing during your

free time in the school day helps you save time after school for extracurriculars. You’ll stay sharp

for performances, like the upcoming concert, and need less additional practice. This time could

also be your chance to try a new instrument. For example, I’ve recently started learning the

baritone saxophone, and Guide Band has been crucial in my growth as a musician! If you aren’t

quite sure whether you want to spend your guide period on practicing an instrument, you can still

come for a day or two, and then make your decision, as there is no mandatory attendance. Take

advantage of this unique chance to sharpen your skills, explore new instruments, or simply enjoy

your passion for music during the school day! Thank you to Mrs. Shipon for dedicating her time

to Guide Band, even while managing her already busy schedule, including taking on the

sixth-grade band. Don’t let this opportunity slip by; head to the Band Room during guide or

lunch and see where your music takes you!

By Ilia Pankratov

The Central Middle School band ensembles all performed at their Winter concert at Central Middle School on Wednesday, January 15th, from 7 to 9 pm. It included the 6th grade band, the 7th and 8th symphonic band, the chorus, and jazz ensemble. The 6th graders, who performed at such a concert for the first time, took on three challenging pieces. The compositions include “Creepy Crawlies”, the “Tenth Planet”, and “G-Force Five!” Michael Story arranged the first two compositions listed, and “G-Force Five” was arranged by Ralph Ford. The 7th and 8th grade symphonic band also performed difficult pieces, including the medley, “Highlights from the Wizard of Oz”, “Korobushka”, and “T.W.A”, also referred to as “Trumpets With Attitude”. The medley performed was arranged by three people, Harburg, Arlen, and Story, “Korobushka” was arranged by Michael Story, and “T.W.A” was created by Michael Sweeney. The jazz band, performing at our school’s Winter Concert for the first time in years played three pieces, just like the rest of the ensembles. The group played “Bluestart”, by Paul Jennings, “Moondance”, by Van Morrison and arranged by Victor López, and “Let it Snow!” arranged by Rick Stitzel. The entire performance was held in the auditorium, also referred to as our school’s all-purpose room. None of the aforementioned could have been possible without our school staff who helped set the room up, Ms. Backer, who oversaw the whole procedure, and of course, Mrs. Shipon, who has practiced with the young musicians all throughout the year on her own time. You can all look forward to our next concert, the Spring Concert, happening on April 30th. We hope you all come and enjoy the show!

By Mrs. Shipon

On Tuesday, January 28th, 18 CMS students performed at the annual WHRHS Sending Districts Honor Band concert. The group is composed of the top 7th and 8th grade musicians from all four middle schools (Long Hill, Greenbrook, Watchung and Warren). These students powered through four evening rehearsals, as well as a dress rehearsal, and spent many hours rehearsing during their free periods at school with their respective directors.

During the concert, four challenging pieces were performed, each prepared and conducted by one of the four directors. The concert concluded with a performance by the WHRHS Honors Wind Ensemble, led by Mr. Allan Daleus. It was a wonderful evening filled with music and camaraderie. The middle school students enjoyed meeting their future classmates, and Mr. Daleus did an excellent job presenting all that will be available to them once they enter high school.

Below is a photo of the 18 Long Hill students who proudly represented Central Middle School. Pictured are: Niya Raghu, Sree Shylesh, Arsh Bharadwaj, Sage Dubovsky, Emma Kim, Eloise Guarin, Priya Shylesh, Lennin Rodriguez, Ilia Pankratov, Logan Suarez, Franklin Clark, Angel Vivar, Carter Blaszka, Chloe Jbeily, Amos Chang, Matthew Butler, Seth Libeskind and Kiran D'Sa.

It was a pleasure taking part in this annual tradition!

On Monday, February 3rd, a few Central students volunteered and were selected from the audience, including 7th grader Noah Puchalski, to show their skills with one of the Harlem Wizards. This was designed to get students ready for a high-flying, slam-dunking, rim-rattling basketball show featuring the world-famous Harlem Wizards against the Long Hill Masterminds – our teachers, staff and administrators - hosted by the Long Hill Township PTO. This evening of great fun will be held on Wednesday, March 5th at Watchung Hills Regional High School. Doors open at 6 pm, and the game starts at 7 pm. It is guaranteed to be a night of fantastic entertainment for all ages.