THE PONY EXPRESS
Pioneer High School's Student Run Newspaper
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Entertainment


December 


​Starring Sars
By: Natalie Sarsfield
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“Rainy Days” is my current pride and joy filled with a collection of songs spread across different genres and organized by increasing tempo and happiness. ​
FULL ARTICLE
The Glue Factory Adopts a Historic Cast of 76 Orphans
The advanced drama class performed a momentous show with the Glue Factory to produce “Annie”
By: Anvi Damani
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For the first time ever, advanced drama students and the Pioneer community members join forces to create a musical following the story of an orphan.
FULL ARTICLE
Band Brings Back Old Beats Back In "A Brief Inquiry"
The 1975 integrates modern issues in their new album, influencing new conversations in the media
By: Emily Nguyen
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As the world continues to revolve around controversial topics, many artists are bringing more serious conversations in their music.
FULL ARTICLE
The Band is Ringing and the Orchestra is Stringing
The music department successfully performed the annual Winter Concert, kicking off the holiday season
By: Emily Guerra
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On Dec. 12 and 13, the band and orchestra programs performed the Winter Concert in the PAC, where they showcased their hard work and spread cheer through their love of instruments.
FULL ARTICLE
New Pokémon Aims to Catch Old Fans
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Game developers change the formula for the latest entry for the Nintendo Switch
By: Riley Fink
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After the staggering success the Pokémon Company had with “Pokémon Go” in 2016, it makes sense that influence from the mobile hit would carry over to the next entry in the series.
FULL ARTICLE
The Ultimate Smash Battle for Everyone
The fifth “Super Smash Bros” installment adds new characters, stages and modes
By: Will Majors
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Masahiro Sakurai is at it again with his biggest, most substantial and best entry in his world-renowned fighting game franchise “Super Smash Bros.” ​
FULL ARTICLE

November


​Starring Sars
By: Natalie Sarsfield
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​Music today has seen quite drastic changes from the classic, or old school, stylings of a simpler time, where the all of greats have been preserved in. ​
FULL ARTICLE
Band Comes Back From the Trenches
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Twenty One Pilots comes back after a year break with their brand-new album
By: Natalie Sarsfield
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On Oct. 5, the highly anticipated new album “Trench” was released by the popular alternative band Twenty One Pilots after the long awaited break from a yearlong hiatus.
FULL ARTICLE
"Bohemian Rhapsody:" Unique Man, Mediocre Film
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Hollywood’s attempt at trying to capture the magic of Queen falls short due to uninspired direction
By: Colin Smith
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There is a scene in “Bohemian Rhapsody” where Queen tells their manager that they don’t want to be formulaic like other rock bands.
FULL ARTICLE
Mega Man's Eleventh Adventure is Switching Gears 
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The “Mega Man” video game series has returned for it’s latest installment after an eight-year hiatus
By: Will Majors
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In the year 1987, a game company named Capcom released a video game about a peacekeeping blue robot named Mega Man that jumps and shoots at other antagonistic robots on the Nintendo Entertainment System.
FULL ARTICLE
New Aliens, Ships Enrich "Star Wars: Resistance."
Supporting characters outshine the leads and the plot in the latest Lucasfilm animated offering
By: Jason Goldman-Hall
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Now that the future of the “Star Wars” spinoff films is as uncertain as Rey’s parentage, fans of the saga have a long wait until December of 2019, but that wait won’t be an entire drought.
FULL ARTICLE
The Sky Looks Bright for "A Star is Born"
The new release features a stunning cast, including Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
By: Emily Guerra
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“A Star is Born” is a work of art that succeeds in illustrating love in its rawest form.
FULL ARTICLE

September


Starring Sars
By: Natalie Sarsfield
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With the recent passing of Malcolm McCormick, more commonly known rapper Mac Miller, patterns of how and why many young artists in the music industry ​lose their lives have drawn many similarities.
FULL ARTICLE
Teacherless Choir Program Silenced
Due to a lack of students and no teacher, the course is no longer being offered
By: Natalie Sarsfield
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Last year there were seven music classes taught by three teachers on campus. ​
FULL ARTICLE
The Lack of Asian Representation in the Media
There is the raised question of whether or not there is enough diversity found in American media
By: Sara Stamos
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Following the popular release of the box office success “Crazy Rich Asians” grossing nearly $150 million and Netflix original “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”, the topic of whether or not minorities are accurately represented in American media has become a largely discussed issue.
FULL ARTICLE
"Twelve Angry Jurors" Begin Careful Deliberation
26 students are capturing the modern and current American justice system in an upcoming school play
By: Emily Guerra and Will Majors
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From Oct. 24 through 27, Pioneer students will be performing “Twelve Angry Jurors.”
FULL ARTICLE

May


​Melody's Mind
By: Melody Beam
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As an editor of the entertainment section of our newspaper, researching things like tv shows, movies, music, and pop culture trends was an interesting eye-opener to find out what students find entertaining.
FULL ARTICLE
​Future Plans for Musical Electives
Visual Performing Arts teachers wrap up their first year on a high note
By: Emily Guerra
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The three new Visual Performing Arts teachers, Chamber Orchestra director Scott Krijnen, Band and Intermezzo Orchestra director Lara Levy, and Choir Director Corey Miller made many strides for their first year, and have big plans for the future.
FULL ARTICLE
With A Single Snap
"Avengers: Infinity War" rolls in its success
By: Melody Beam 
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​The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s decade long build up finally was released on April 28, the ending impacting masses of movie-goers including myself.
FULL ARTICLE
Arctic Monkeys Revival
After a five year hiatus, the band releases a new album
By: Isabel Epstein 

A hipster kid in middle schools’ starter pack consisted of Tumblr, tattoo chokers, John Green, and the infamous Arctic Monkeys.
FULL ARTICLE

April


​Melody's Mind
By: Melody Beam
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​When I was little, there was a place that easily made a day become special. 
FULL ARTICLE
Musicians From Famous Bands Unite
Band members from established bands come together for a new project
By: Melody Beam 
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Both coming from famous bands, ex-bassist from Panic! At The Disco, Dallon Weekes, and ex-drummer Ryan Seaman from Falling in Reverse have made their mark in music with only three songs released. ​
FULL ARTICLE
​Skywalker is Music to Mustangs' Ears
Chamber Orchestra is given an opportunity to play at George Lucas' studio
By: Emily Guerra
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​The Chamber Orchestra travelled to “Star Wars” director George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch, where they professionally recorded music and were welcomed into the Lucas home theatre.
FULL ARTICLE
Pirates of the Caribbean Ride in Debate
Disney replaces sexist auction scene causing controversy about the attraction
By: Isabel Epstein 


Whenever Disneyland decides to make changes to beloved attractions, an uproar of opposing thoughts and opinions rise from the masses. ​
FULL ARTICLE

March 


Melody's Mind
By: Melody Beam
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Where do we draw the line between inspiration and plagiarism? 
FULL ARTICLE
Angels Live in Concert
The shining star cast jumps into the spotlight for "Aladdin Jr." show
By: Matthew Andrejka
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It’s a whole new world for kids with special needs as students volunteer to help put together the production of “Aladdin Jr.” 
FULL ARTICLE
Greatest Singers and Greatest Artists 
All dance levels will come together to pay tribute to the greatest singers of all time
By: Emily Guerra
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 The Performance Dance Team, along with beginning and advanced dance, will be taking the stage as they invite the Pioneer community to join them in celebrating the “Greatest Artists of All Time.” 
FULL ARTICLE
Rolling the Dice and Taking the Stage
The drama department presents Guys and Dolls as the 2018 musical
By: Will Majors
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Follow the fold and come to Pioneer’s annual spring production, Guys and Dolls. 
FULL ARTICLE
Bringing Some Joy to a Dying Genre
Vance Joy's new album, Nation of Two, brings back indie like never before
By: Raya Carrillo
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From the first to last track, Vance Joy’s new indie album “Nation of Two” is sure to pull at heartstrings and memories of happy times, every note just as good as Joy’s fist hit, “Riptide.” 
FULL ARTICLE
Fortnite Becomes Last Game Standing
"Battle Royale" concept is gaining popularity within gaming community
By: Jesse Soto
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Online gaming is growing day-by-day with many new and unique genres to choose from. 
FULL ARTICLE

February 


Melody's Mind
By: Melody Beam
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It is apparent that San Jose is becoming a larger city day by day, seems like it will become another San Diego at this rate. But what are we getting out of all this expansion?
FULL ARTICLE
Marvel Making Cinematic History
Heightened anticipation for Black Panther breaks records for its release
By: Melody Beam and Will Majors
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe has made history with its latest release, “Black Panther” on Feb. 16.
FULL ARTICLE
Movie Fails to Capture its Audience
Students dissatisfied with the thriller film on the Winchester Mystery House
By: Isabel Epstein and Brianna Hamilton 

The famous and antiqued Winchester Mystery House finally revealed its so called mysteries to be nothing short of disappointment.
FULL ARTICLE

January


Melody's Mind
By: Melody Beam
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Movies in 2017 have certainly exceeded my expectations, but they have also made me question the future of movies in general.
FULL ARTICLE
Students Perform with YouTube Star
Lindsey Stirling invites Mustangs to her Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour
By: Melody Beam and Will Majors
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Nine students from the Music department chosen by hand joined famous YouTube Musician Lindsey Stirling.
FULL ARTICLE
Golden Globes Advocates for Women
Time's Up Movement empowers students to speak up about injustice 
By: Jesse Soto
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Oprah Winfrey’s speech at the Golden Globes encouraged people to empower others to speak out against injustice and inequalities by sharing their stories.
FULL ARTICLE
Wholesome Memes Promote Positivity 
New internet subculture is helping teenagers stay positive and stick together
By: Emily Guerra
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Memes have reached the peak of their popularity and influence on campus, and wholesome memes, pictures with captions that encourage love and self-care, are stirring up controversy regarding the subculture’s true intentions.
FULL ARTICLE

December


Melody's Mind
By: Melody Beam
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My brother and I have been playing video games ever since we were young, from “Banjo-Kazooie” on the Nintendo 64 to “Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft” on the Playstation 2.
FULL ARTICLE
Pixar Finds Home in Paradise Pier
Disney recently announced a new attraction to replace an iconic Disney Classic
By: Emily Guerra

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Disney recently announced that California Adventure’s Paradise Pier will be remodelled into Pixar Pier.
FULL ARTICLE
New Pokémon Eclipses the Original
The latest installments in the franchise were anticipated by many students
By: Will Majors

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The popularity of the original “Pokémon Sun and Moon” led to the anticipation of “Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon” for the Nintendo 3DS.
FULL ARTICLE
Performing in Harmony
Winter show brings Choir and Orchestra together on the stage
By: Isabel Epstein


Students worked for weeks to perfect their notes before their biggest performance of the year when Band, Orchestra, and Choir performed together.
FULL ARTICLE
A Concert Full of Color
Drama performs a musical vivid in song and humor
By: Brianna Hamilton

From an array of colors to an array of songs, the Drama department’s production brought the biblical story of Joseph to life with a fresh perspective on themes like redemption and other family values as Joseph experiences changes in his luck and fortunes.
FULL ARTICLE

November


Once Upon a What?
By: Melody Beam
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Once again, TV stations feel the need to continue a show despite all the circumstances that would naturally cancel it.
FULL ARTICLE
Coleman's First Play a True Success
Drama's first successful play of the year brought packed houses each night
By: Siya Bedi and Emily Dao

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Rumor has it that new drama teacher and director Ashley Coleman’s first play was a success.
FULL ARTICLE
Archie Comics get a New Makeover
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa rewrote the Archie Comics to make it more appealing
By: Isabel Epstein

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“Riverdale,” the new hit TV show, reimagines the popular light-hearted “Archie” comics from the ‘40s as a darker teen melodrama.
FULL ARTICLE
Students Dyeing to Join New Club
Tie-Dye club attracted over 70 students to relieve the pressures of school
By: Melody Beam and Will Majors

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With the pressures of high school, Tie-Dye club has been brought to campus in hopes of bringing people together and relieving stress.
FULL ARTICLE

October


Bands in Broadway
By: Melody Beam
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It seems as if different branches of entertainment are beginning to meet in the middle.
FULL ARTICLE
New Band is Out of This World
Robotics students come together to create the band called "NASA Friday"
By: Isabel Epstein

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NASA Friday is a high-energy punk band made up of robotics students who have shared their love of music and were inspired by the local high school band scene to express themselves musically.
FULL ARTICLE
One Jump, Into the Spotlight
Pioneer Drama department is presenting Aladdin as a traveling musical
By: Brianna Hamilton

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The Pioneer Drama department is presenting a musical solely done by the new drama director Ashley Coleman for the first time after the retirement of Steve Dini.
FULL ARTICLE
Johnson, Coming to You Live
Pioneer's broadcaster pushes for a successful future in sports journalism
By: Melody Beam

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From announcing his own plays-by-plays to commentating video games, Jack Johnson, 12, has prepared his whole life for a spot in the world of sports broadcasting.
FULL ARTICLE

April


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Education in the Spotlight 
Teacher Karen Fahrner brings her love of theater into the classroom 
By: Matthew Andrejka and Everret Bang
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English teacher Karen Fahrner has brought her passion for acting throughout her career at Pioneer. After teaching for 22 years, Fahrner will be retiring from the educational field.
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FULL ARTICLE
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Switching To New Gaming Era 
Nintendo Switch designed for home and on the go gaming experience 
By: WIll Majors 

​​About a month ago, the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo’s newest hit product, flew off the shelves, resulting in masses of stores being sold out within hours.
The Switch is now available for $299.99 at many retailers and commercially is surpassing Nintendo’s Wii U. ​
FULL ARTICLE
Expressing Latin Culture 
Folklorico Club eager to educate the community through dance 
By: Jasmine Airem

​Cultural acceptance does not always occur naturally to everyone. The Folklorico Dance Club at Pioneer is hoping to promote inclusion through their unique dance style and culture.  ​
FULL ARTICLE

March


​Twist on A Tale as Old as Time 
Disney remakes the classic animated film, “Beauty and the Beast” 
​By Brianna Hamilton

“A tale as old as time” takes a new route as Disney Pictures creates a modern live action remake of “Beauty and the Beast.” 
FULL ARTICLE
​Everybody Cut Footloose 
Drama Department takes on four time Tony nominated musical 
By Isabel Epstein
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The drama department’s spring show is about to kick off as they get ready to perform “Footloose” for Director Steve Dini’s last musical at Pioneer. 
FULL ARTICLE
​Dance Team’s Disney California Adventure 
The dance team gains experience confidence for their upcoming spring show from a trip to Disneyland 
By Maddi Kidder and Will Majors

Pioneer’s dance team is planning on taking the audience on a journey all around the world through the power of diverse dances. 
FULL ARTICLE

February


​Capturing Memories 
YouTuber loves to bring a camera for everyday adventures 
By Brianna Hamilton

From capturing exciting camera footage to editing and uploading on YouTube, Zoe Martin, 10, spends her free time creating videos. Martin first started her channel in middle school, but her love for film and creating videos started at a young
FULL ARTICLE
​Broadcasting Live On Air 
Students express themselves through radio station, 89.3 FM 
By Will Majors

For 17 years, Pioneer has owned an official FM radio station on 89.3. 
FULL ARTICLE
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Felly Growing More Popular at Pioneer 
Students identify with new rapper, Felly, as he performs a concert at a Bay Area venue 
By Isabel Epstein
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Millions of aspiring musical artists upload to SoundCloud and Youtube in hopes of blowing up and getting discovered. A few lucky artists like Justin Bieber and The Weeknd ended up making their dreams become realities. 
FULL ARTICLE

January


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Musical Genius Finds His Voice
Isaac Lara has recently started expanding his musical portfolio
By: Maddi Kidder

After hearing a song from J.Cole’s album, “2014 Forest Hills Drive”  towards the end of sophomore year, Isaac Lara, 12, was inspired to become more serious about his music career. 

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FULL ARTICLE
Empowering Female Roles
Kids television encouraging more strong women leads
By: Brianna Hamilton

Disney’s latest film, “Moana,” keeps many of the standards of the companies’ past movies including colorful action, catchy songs, and better messages for children, especially for young women.
FULL ARTICLE
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Reveling in the Sound of Classical Music
Ethan Lin was invited to participate in the Cambrian Symphony by his orchestra teacher
By: Isabel Epstein

In a symphony mostly made of adults, Ethan Lin, 9, holds his own as an aspiring violinist.
FULL ARTICLE

December


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A Performance of Biblical Proportions
Advanced Drama puts a new spin on the New Testament with fun, colorful "Godspell Jr."
By: Brianna Hamilton

Jesus has been spotted at Pioneer High School and he resembles senior Connor Henry.
FULL ARTICLE
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New Band Breaks the Surface
Pioneer students participate in indie rock band, BedHouse
By: Isabel Epstein

​Listening to and making music has become a huge part of many students lives. As the number of local bands has grown, Pioneer has another band of its own to support.
FULL TEXT
The Prequel Strikes Back
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" comes out in theaters on Dec. 16
By: Maddi Kidder and Will Majors

Just after last year’s release of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," fans are really looking forward to the next film in the universe with "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."
FULL ARTICLE
Discussing Pokémon’s biggest region: Earth
Gotta play em all
By: Will Majors

Pokémon GO is one of the most successful apps to hit the app store since “Candy Crush Saga” in 2012 and initially made $200 million dollars, breaking many records and multiplying their profits when released in Japan.

FULL ARTICLE

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" Review
By: Brianna Hamilton and Maddi Kidder

The movie “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” is a spinoff of the movie series “Harry Potter,” the new film will be the first to a three part series. The first installment of the series debuts on Nov. 18.

FULL ARTICLE
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