On December 9th, the West Boca Raton High School Vanguard performed another outstanding concert, proving that their Superior rating isn’t just for show. For the whole performance, around an hour and a half, most of the seats in the auditorium were filled with students, families, parents, and staff. The concert was full of festive, seasonal music and powerful, contemporary songs, helping kick off this holiday season.
The performing groups were West Boca’s Percussion Ensemble, directed by James Davis, (playing Troika and Carol of the Bells), West Boca’s Symphonic Band, directed by Larry Shane, (playing Air from County Derry, Hanukkah Highlights, Chand a Jubilo, and Deck the Halls with Old Composers), and West Boca’s Wind Ensemble, also directed by Larry Shane, (playing Carmina Burana, A Chanukah Celebration, Chester Overture, and A Christmas Festival).
One of the most remarkable songs was the Wind Ensemble’s finale, A Christmas Festival. This recognizable song was composed by Leroy Anderson and can be seen in countless Christmas themed movies and performances. This song serves as a symbol for the coming of the holiday season, and, as director Larry Shane said, “You know it’s good because it’s played in Publix.”
Tag: west boca high
Wild House Party: West Boca High's Nick DeSalvo Arrested
Update: The Sun-Sentinel has more details on this story.
“Desalvo … told deputies he was lonely with his parents out of town and people came over for a party.” A neighbor complained about a fight, dozens of cars parked on the street and yelling. Youths dropped bottles and cups. More bottles and spilled booze were found at the house. Deputies found two people with injuries.
West Boca News notes that the injuries as reported by police may not be sufficient to support the higher level charge mentioned in the original article.
West Boca High grad Nick DeSalvo (19) was arrested early Saturday morning after what must have been one heck of a house party. DeSalvo’s reported address is in the Boca Winds development.
We previously reported on DeSalvo’s arrest a year ago for numerous counts of arson for setting cars on fire. Court records show that was resolved with probation, which has now been reopened due to the new charge.
The new house party charge involves minors with alcohol and is filed as a misdemeanor. Ordinarily it would not be that serious, but having an incident like this can create substantial problems for someone on probation. There is some indication of a serious injury as a result of the house party or caused by a minor who became intoxicated at the house party, but it’s not clear from the available records.
Court records show that DeSalvo was “released on recognizance” on the new charge. However the Sheriff’s blotter shows he remains in custody, and he is probably being held due to the violation of probation.
Almost Maine at West Boca High
Students and faculty alike are all talking about how West Boca High School’s production of Almost, Maine is the perfect romantic play to help welcome in the holiday season. The play is directed by Lance Blank and by two students, Noelle Hoffman and Marisa Cioffi. Every cast and stage member is a student at West Boca High School, making this professional-level performance even more stunning.
The story takes place in Almost, Maine, a small town that doesn’t even exist on the map. The plot follows the lives of several characters as they fall in and out of love on one winter Friday night. It is divided into two acts with 10 hysterical, heart-warming, and sometimes even heart-breaking scenes. Also, this comedy is full of ironies and hidden truths that slowly get revealed to the audience as the play progresses, leaving many scenes with shocking endings.
One of this author’s favorite scenes was ‘Seeing the Thing,’ the ninth scene. It is about two very different people, a ‘tough’ girl, Rhonda, and a ‘not-so-tough’ guy, Dave. In this scene, Dave tries to confess his feelings to Rhonda through a painting he painted. However, Rhonda can’t see ‘the thing’ in the painting he is trying to show her. With a few over-dramatized reactions and sexual references, this stood out among the rest of the amazing scenes.
If you weren’t able to see the West Boca High’s performance of Almost, Maine, the same drama department will also be performing the Addams Family starting on March 6 until March 18th at select times.
Tickets for the Addams Family can be purchased for only $15 (pdf order form) and you can reach their box office at (561)-672-2066.
Obituary: Debra Corona of West Boca High
We sadly report the passing of the well-liked Debra “Debbie” Corona, a teacher at West Boca High School. Ms. Corona was 47 years old. She helped develop one of the school’s choice programs, the Information Technology Academy. She also helped out with the school store.
One person associated with the school says she ran an “on the job” training program at the school and the kids loved her.
Ms. Corona is survived by three childen, Sam, Annie and Kyle, all of whom attended Boca High.
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More details:
Age 47, she passed away suddenly on Sunday. Born Butler PA in October of 1967. Also survived by brother Vince and sister Rene of Milwaukee, sister Joyce of New York, sister Jenny and their mother Agnes both of Butler PA. Mass and memorial Saturday, December 6, 2014 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 11 AM. It’s at 370 SW 3rd in East Boca, south of Palmetto Park Road. Rather than sending flowers, the family asks donations be made in Debra’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, perhaps because her son Sam is in the Marines.
Review: Carrie by Slow Burn Theatre
Slow Burn Theatre’s Carrie production is one that threatens to outdo both the movie and novel versions. This showing combines comical elements into a horrifying plot, providing something rarely seen in the world of theatre.
The story revolves around a high school misfit named Carrie White, a.k.a. Scary White, who struggles with being bullied at school, with her overly religious mother, and with her inner, deadly power. Despite warnings, Carrie gets invited to prom where, thanks to her power, she is to be bullied for the very last time.
This classic is further brought to life with over twenty songs, suggestive humor, and stunning acting. Behind each song is a powerful band and extremely talented lighting and set design that brings you in to the story.
One thing this author particularly enjoyed was character development of the supporting cast in the background, even when they aren’t the main stars on stage. When watching the show, make sure you look at what everyone else is doing, besides the main characters. For example, during a dance at prom, one person in the background is slow dancing with someone while typing on a phone over their partner’s shoulder. The musical is full of scenes like these that add comedy and make it even more enjoyable.
The recurring theme behind Carrie is a night we’ll never forget, something that comes true as prom night draws in closer in the story.
Shows are Thursday through Sunday until November 2nd, at the West Boca High School auditorium.
