TAYLOR BLATCHFORD

Photo by Taylor Blatchford.

When Imagine Dragons played the final notes of “It’s Time” at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Thursday, May 16, the band wasn’t just concluding a sold-out show at one of America’s most renowned concert venues. They were bringing a larger-than-life performance to a young crowd that was the culmination of a breakthrough into mainstream success after years of hard work.

After opening bands Paper Route and Nico Vega warmed up the crowd, the hour-and-a-half-long set opened with an energetic version of “Round and Round” (off the deluxe version of “Night Visions,” the band’s first and only album), followed by lead singer Dan Reynolds proclaiming on behalf of the whole band that this was “the greatest night of our lives so far.” He seemed to be in awe of his surroundings throughout the show, later telling the audience to look at the beautiful moon glowing above Ship Rock, and that it was the first show he’d ever played where he could see the moon.

A broken right hand didn’t stop Reynolds from playing four different drums and a drum kit with his left hand while holding a microphone with his right. During “Radioactive,” “On Top of the World” and “Nothing Left to Say” he flew above the band in a harness, playing a drum mounted on the stage roof. Other parts of the show also had a theatrical air, such as the elaborate stage set of trees with lights as leaves and the video screen that played different videos based on the song.

“Radioactive” itself was the highlight of the night, with ear-splittingly loud beats and a level of energy from the band that was matched by the crowd. Another crowd favorite was “On Top of the World,” an upbeat anthem that fit perfectly with Reynolds’ message to the audience that the night should be a time of being free to forget about work, school and stress. It was clear that he, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bass player Ben McKee, keyboardist Ryan Walker and drummer Dan Platzman were living that message out, as they approached each song with enthusiasm and seemed that they were enjoying every moment.

A contrastingly quieter moment came when Reynolds and Sermon played “Lay Me Down,” an unreleased track dedicated to cancer patient and the band’s “good friend” Tyler Robinson. After a crowd singalong of “Demons,” the band’s latest single, they partially covered The Temptations’ hit “Stand by Me” before segueing into an energetic rendition of “Underdog” which included the release of balloons filled with confetti into the crowd.

The normal set closed with a passionate and powerful performance of “It’s Time,” the band’s first mainstream breakthrough hit. After hearing the crowd, still 9,000 strong, cheer for a few minutes, the band returned for an extended version of “Nothing Left to Say,” during which Reynolds again was suspended above the stage, this time performing impressive Cirque du Soleil-esque backflips and playing the main drum kit while hanging upside down.

Imagine Dragons has come a long way in popularity since the band’s last show at Denver’s Summit Music Hall last September, and even its stop in Denver at the Fillmore Auditorium in March. If the enthusiasm of both the band and the crowd on Thursday night is any indication of their future success, we won’t be seeing the last of them anytime soon.

Joanie Lyons, co-editor in chief of the VISTAj program, was named the Youth Journalism International Student of the year on May 16, 2013.
“[Lyons] had some tough competition,” Steve Collins, board member of Youth Journalism International, YJI, said. “She looks well equipped to flourish in the new media world where you have to be able to do everything well.”

Lyons, also a winner of the Colorado High School Journalist of the year award, was ecstatic of her accomplishment. 

“This is an honor and privilege to represent such a great organization and Mountain Vista High School,” Lyons said.

Youth Journalism International is an organization that recognizes and aids student and youth journalists around the world to better their craft and present their work to larger audiences.

Mark Newton and VISTAj wish Joanie the best in her future as she pursues her journalism endeavors.

AMY HUANG, PEYTON REEVES, & ZOE BLANDON

Mens volleyball had a shaky start but throughout the season, the Golden Eagles overcame the obstacles with the help of each other.

“We have some very talented players with a ton of potential. We will be polished up for the post season.” Head Coach Kevin Cary says of his team.

The two teams of boys, Varsity Gold, (mainly seniors and juniors) and Varsity Green, (mainly sophomores and freshmen) had a tremendous amount of talent and the program thrived, with Gold making it to the state tournament. The teams have become a family.

“They are coming together as a team and realizing that they need to work together to be successful,” Cary said.

Throughout the season “the boys had some tough losses, incredible wins and really learned what it means to be a team,” Cary said.

During the season, many of the boys had the opportunity to play the sport with new people.

Junior Sam Ramsey said getting to know a lot of different people was the best part of the season for him.

“It’s fun to play,” he said, “It’s an unexpected sort of fun.”

“Whenever we got a good kill and hearing everyone yell and get the team all excited,” was what made playing worth it for Chandler Brown, junior.

 Both teams have learned about the sport and the skills needed to play it.

“We have worked as a team and gotten better each time we play,” Ross Bain, freshman, said.

“They haven’t only learned how to play the game, but the teams have both discovered a real passion for the sport,” Cary said.

On the Green team, each boy has a different reason for playing volleyball.

“I wanted to try something new,” Bain said.

Kris Knigge, junior, said (girls coach Lindsey) Jaffe said he should try it because it is a really fun sport.

None of the players on Green team have had experience playing this sport before. “It’s been a learning experience and I’ve met a bunch of new guys,” Dillon Stevens, junior, said.

The team really came together and applied what they learned in practice to the games. “It’s basic stuff that has brought progress,” Knigge said.

“The game is really fun and I’m glad I joined,” Craig Carlson, senior said.

On Green team, each boy has a different reason for playing volleyball. “I wanted to try something new,” Bain said. Another reason is,  “Mrs. Jaffe said that I should try it because it’s a really fun sport,” Kris Knigge, junior, said.

None of the players on Green team have had experience playing this sport before. “It’s been a learning experience and I’ve met a bunch of new guys,” Dillon Stevens, junior, said.

The team really came together cohesively and applied what they learned in practice to the games, “It’s basic stuff that has brought progress,” Knigge said.

There’s no doubt about it that there’s a lot that goes into playing a sport, especially a new one for the entire team.

“The game is really fun and I’m glad I joined.” Craig Carlson, senior said.

With the season now over, the boys will have a whole year to continue to develop their love of the sport.

Hopefully, Vista will see this team next year, ready to engage in this fast-paced sport they all enjoy.

On the Gold team, most of the boys have played before and used their prior experiences to better the team.

“A lot of people this season have played volleyball before, so we have improved a lot from last season,” captain Nate Bean, senior, said.

Being one of the youngest ones on the team. “You have a lot of people to look up to,” Cutler Patierno, sophomore said.

“We seem to be communicating a lot more, and are able to work better as a team, at every practice and every game, there is improvement,” Bean said.

The boys said they have really become great friends and not only played to win, but played for the enjoyment of the sport. “They enjoy each other’s company and want to win for each other,” Cary said.

The rush of the game makes it enjoyable for the boys and helps them get into the spirit. This enthusiastic team qualified all the way to state with hard work and dedication. In the state tournament the boys had a tough loss to Ponderosa but they finished fifth in the state.

With iPhone and iPad usage growing a huge amount recently, Apple has had an astonishing amount of apps being bought; 40 billion to be exact. This number definitely surged in December 2012 when 2 billion apps were downloaded because this is when people receive their new iPhone’s, iPad’s and iPod’s. Our generation has been a big factor in this jump, because we have become more tech savvy and are coming up with new inventions and ideas.

“I use apps on a daily basis. Twitter and Instagram are the ones I use the most, because it is fun to see what other people are doing on the App,” Emma Krajewski, freshman, said.

Apps can last for months or only a couple days it depends on how much they change our lives or how popular they become. They are what all teenagers spend their time on. Social networking, games and school related apps, are the most popular on most of the phones of teenagers.

“ Words with friends is so last semester, FML (F*** My Life) is so this semester, “Eric Lopez, junior, said from the survey,

Mountain Vista STUDENTS HAVE a different top 20 than iTunes because the student body revolves around fun games and social networking.

“Twitter or Tumblr are my favorite apps because it’s all social networking,” said Allison Raschke, sophomore.

Top 20 Apps for Teenagers at Mountain Vista

1. Twitter

2. Tumblr

3. Pinterest

4. Instagram

5. Vine

6. Temple Run 2

7. FML

8. Wanelo

9. Snapchat

10. YouTube

11. 4 pictures 1 word

12. Doodle Jump

13. Fruit Ninja

14. Spotify

15. Pandora Internet Radio

16. Flashlight

17. Facebook

18. iFunny

19. Draw Something

20. Angry Birds Star Wars Edition

Source: Survey of three juniors and two sophomores.

The apps most high schoolers use are mostly social media because this is a way for students to stay connected. Sophomore, Kendall Lemere, said Instagram is my favorite and the most productive app I think because I use it all the time.

The Top 20 free apps according to iTunes are:

1. FallDown!2

2. Hardest Game Ever 2

3. Dots: A Game About Connecting

4. Vine

5. Candy Crush Saga

6. Path

7. Draw Something 2 Free

8. Sniper Shooter by Fun Games for Free

9. Robot Unicorn Attack 2

10. Iron Man 3-The Official Game

11. Snapchat

12. Angry Birds Friends

13. Google Maps

14. Face Swap!

15. Instagram

16. Moldiv-Collage Photo Editor

17. YouTube

18. Sonic Dash

19. Dentist Office

20. Flashlight

“Facebook and Gifboom are my favorite apps because I use Facebook all the time and (on) Gifboom I have a lot of followers,” Sean Harris, sophomore said.

Most of these apps will soon lose their standing on iTunes within the week in the Top 20, but at this point these are the most popular apps on iTunes.

Apps have changed all generation and have made every person move and think much faster.

“Apps have changed our generation because we spend more time on the App gaming than doing our homework or something else that might be more productive,” Esmeralda Rodriguez, senior, said.

TAYLOR BLATCHFORD

If you’re in the audience of her show and Sara Bareilles tells you to clap, you clap. If she tells you to sing, you sing. And if she tells you to whistle along with her, you’d better try your hardest.

The soulful singer-songwriter from California had Denver’s Gothic Theatre in the palm of her hand Monday, May 6 at her sold-out solo acoustic show. The intimate venue, though nearly full, provided excellent acoustics and many opportunities for Bareilles to interact with the crowd.

And that interaction was what made the night so special. She was in no rush to move from song to song, talking to the audience like she’d known them for years. Bareilles cracked jokes, asked how they liked her black and white oxford shoes and gently teased one fan for taking so many pictures of her.

The song that earned her public recognition, “Love Song,” was played early on, but her latest single, “Brave,” was the centerpiece of the night, showcasing her piercingly clear vocals and skill on the piano. It’s also the namesake for the “Brave Enough Tour,” Bareilles’ 18-city solo journey from late April to late May. No opening acts, no band, no backup singers: just her and a hodgepodge of instruments.

She played the harmonium to accompany an almost haunting version of “Once Upon Another Time” off her 2012 EP album of the same name. “Let the Rain” showcased her skill on acoustic guitar and the audience’s ability to clap along with the chorus, and the unreleased “I Just Want You” had her strumming an ukelele.

But she shone the most was the gentler piano ballads, specifically “Bright Lights and Cityscapes,” which she said had never played live before, and “Gravity,” which closed the set.

Bareilles returned to the stage for an encore of “King of Anything,” which included her dividing the audience and assigning them harmonizing parts to sing, and ended with a cover of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”

The three-time Grammy nominee (two for “Love Song,” one for “King of Anything”) will release her third album, The Blessed Unrest, on July 16. Look for her return to Denver in a fall tour following the album’s release, but this time with a full band and likely in a larger venue.

MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN

The memory of the Royal wedding and its surrounding hype can be recalled by almost anyone in the United States, let alone Great Britain.  However, a far less publicized event is taking place just across the channel that will have consequences far greater than those that happened in England.

In the Netherlands, Queen Beatrix will be abdicating her throne in favor of her son, Willem-Alexander this spring.  She follows a seeming Dutch tradition of monarchs stepping down rather than remaining monarch until death.

At only 75 years of age, Beatrix is over a decade younger than Queen Elizabeth II of England.  She plans to step down not due to the pressures of the job on her age, but because she believes that the next generation needed its turn to lead.

With Willem’s coronation, he will become the first Dutch King in over a century, yet he does not plan any grand reforms of the position.  Instead, he has stated that his focus will be the maintenance of tradition while exploring the possibilities of modernizing the royal family.

While the Netherlands may not be as connected to the United States as Great Britain is, the events do offer a look at an event we may see in the near future of the island nation.

KELSEY LUKE

The Colorado Avalanche’s head coach, Joe Sacco, was fired Sunday, April 28.

Sacco coached the team for four seasons before being fired.

A replacement coach has not the hired yet. There are talks who will be hired, including Patrick Roy, former goalie for the Avalanche, to fill the position.

“Honestly, I think it was about time, because he was awful,” Kyle Kauffman, senior hockey player for Mountain Vista, said.

Joe Sacco was in the running for the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year after his first season with the Avalanche, but his last year was not as superior.

“I don’t necessarily think he’s a bad coach, it was just didn’t really work out,” Kauffman said.

The team continues to look for a coach for the following season.

TYLER KRAFT

The 2013 Colorado High School Activities Association 5A Baseball brackets were announced yesterday with Mountain Vista seeded 10th out of the 32 teams.

The seedings brought about controversy as Cherry Creek High School was seeded fifth when they are ranked eighth in the nation and had the best overall winning percentage in the state of Colorado. They were seeded behind Grandview High School who they defeated during the regular season.

Vista is in the District Six qualifier which is being hosted by Dakota Ridge High School. They will play the 23rd seed Cherokee Trail. Vista played Cherokee Trail in their first game of the season and won with a walkoff home run from sophomore Mark Mumper. Vista also beat the host and seventh seeded Dakota Ridge by a score of 7-1.

Vista will play at 12:30 p.m. at Dakota Ridge and play again at 3:00 p.m. if they win their first game. Come and support your Vista baseball team!

Seniors! You only have seven days of school left, and fifteen until you graduate. Before then, though, you have some things to get done:

1. Print out your Senior Check-Out form from Infinite Campus. This will have a checklist on it; you need to complete everything it says by May 16.
2. Pick up your yearbook. You can get your yearbook at the distribution party on May 8, 4:30-7:30 p.m. in the commons. For $5 admission, you get, in addition to your yearbook, a signing booklet, a marker pen, two coupons to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and BTO Yogurt, snacks and drinks. Alternately, you can wait until Taste of Mountain Vista on May 9 during lunch, where you can buy signing books and marker pens, $3 for each or $5 for both. Remember to bring a picture ID to pick up your yearbook.
3. Ace your AP exams, if you have any. If you’re in AP chemistry, environmental science, psychology, Spanish, or art history, you’ve already taken your exam, but for everyone else, keep studying! Make sure to read Alia Reza’s article for tips on passing AP exams.
4. See The Great Gatsby on May 10! Okay, maybe that’s just me.
5. Ace your finals. Seriously. You can have senioritis after you graduate. Now is not the time to start failing classes. Be wary of deadlines; many classes will have your final due before the actual final day–which are May 15-16, so watch out for that.
6. Get your community service in if you haven’t already; there are still about 20 seniors who need to do this. Remember you need at least 20 hours. This was due two and a half weeks ago. If you need help or ideas on where to volunteer, go to the counseling office.
7. Senior prank. Seriously. Get on it, guys. Remember that pranks cannot be dangerous, destructive, disruptive to classes, or messy.
8. Go to the Senior Sunset on May 17 at 8:00 p.m. Join your class up on the turf to celebrate memories, sign yearbooks, listen to music, and eat s’mores. Get there an hour early to support Ensemble!
9. Graduate on May 22! Woo hoo, you’re done!