Self-tracking

Deirdre Newman

After two weeks of rehearsal for the spring musical, “Bells are

Ringing,” director Pauline Maranian sat down with the cast and had a

heart-to-heart talk about how things had been going.

“What went on last night and how did your discipline or lack of it

affect the way rehearsal went?” Maranian asked.

The focus on discipline is part of the schoolwide character education

program that has teachers discussing a new positive trait every month.

Maranian’s students say the talk was valuable because they shoulder a

lot of responsibility for the show, both onstage and off. The show is so

obscure that the students and their parents will build the set because

there is nowhere to rent it from, Maranian said.

“I think that in our whole production scheme, you have tohave

self-discipline or nothing will get done,” said senior Cliff Glacy, 18.

“Because we’re given a certain amount of tasks to do and have to go

forth.”

Maranian began by discussing how important discipline is for singing.

“The most disciplinary thing you will be doing is finding the right

note when someone is singing the wrong note in your ears,” Maranian said.

She also encouraged them to practice the songs during their time off

instead of popping Britney Spears into their Walkmans.

Maranian also asked the students to look around the school and notice

who is disciplined in various areas. Many of her students agreed that

their vocal director, Craig Jensen, epitomizes the character trait.

“In the beginning, we were a sad pack of misfits,” said senior Alex

Winnett, 18. “Mr. Jensen whipped us into shape pretty well.”

Maranian also asked students how they will juggle school and

rehearsals during the month of May, when she said things can get a little

crazy.

Junior Tonya Narbaez said a dose of self-discipline will come in handy

for a lot of facets in her life next month.

“I think self-discipline has a lot to do with the show,” the

17-year-old said. “But it also filters into everyday life with school,

family and friends. We have [Advanced Placement] tests coming up and have

to focus on everything.”

Maranian congratulated the seniors who stuck with the production class

for the past three years.

“You guys have grown a lot through drama,” Maranian said. “This is the

best class for determining character. It’s totally up to you.”