Graffiti 2009-10

CONNIE ZHANG

On Friday, September 18, more then half of NT’s student body gathered in the auditorium for the annual fashion show organizational meeting. Stage crew had pump-up music blasting. At the front, an executive team was assembling. Prospective designers, models, and dancers were filling seat after seat. But as the crowd settled in, the words: “You can’t be in Fashion Show if you’re going on the Spain-France trip” broke the bubbling audience.

It was harsh, and the whispers began. “Limitations” is a rare word at NT, we’re known to foster participation in extracurriculars and splashes of variety and color into your experiences. There was a minute of silence in the auditorium when the fashion show directors announced it; a slight gasp, eyebrow-raise, and curious gaze upon the person beside you. The dilemma: You can’t model for fashion show and go on the Spain-France Trip at the same time.

Fashion Show has been a continuing  tradition at North Toronto, and many students have been long-awaiting NT’s 2010 show, Phenomena, student-directed by Rachel Davies, Lindsay Hepburn, and Alex Nicholson. The cross-departmental trip, meanwhile, involving both Spanish and French departments, along with Music and Visual Arts students, is a new program this year planned for February 2010. They’re both great options, and many of the students enrolled in the Spain-France programs are also involved in Fashion Show. But choose between the two? How?

“When it was announced that you had to pick one or the other I felt it was a little unfair,” says Olivia Cummings, a grade ten student who is singing in Phenomena. “Only because Fashion Show is, yes a fabulous school event, but only one night. Versus 11 days soaking up the European culture in Spain and Paris – and a once in a life time trip in high school.”

It’s time to clear the rumours and settle the bewilderment; what the directors said that day in the auditorium is false. “No student group has the right to tell another student they aren’t allowed to participate in an extracurricular,” says Ms.Marquis, a visual arts teacher who is chaperoning the Europe trip. But before you leap into every opportunity, she emphasizes, consider what you are passionate about and make sure your able maintain and balance your commitments. Fashion show and abroad trips are exciting opportunities that will no doubt enhance your knowledge, stretch your capabilities, and lead to an exploration of identity, but they are also very large commitments over an extended duration of time.

For those of us who have witnessed the whimsical transformations of NT’s fashion show from endless afterschool practices in the foyer to creative, evocative performances, it’s evident how monumental the event is each year, the thousands of dollars raised for charity, and the vast amounts of work behind an entirely student-made production each year. Becoming a model for fashion show involves tremendous dedication and effort from students, and acquiring a unique balance between your commitments.

The Spain-France trip is a guaranteed a week of mesmerizing sights, smells, music, scrumptious food, and an escape into a new culture embossed with history and action. As with all abroad trips, there will be long-lasting friendships, a peek beyond our rusty old building, and tons of nifty souvenirs and show-offy facebook albums. But the painful truth is, besides the carefree week of good weather, good food, and 24/7 bonding, there will be tests, homework, and extra-cirriculars you’ve left at home waiting for Pearson Airport landing.

Many grade twelves have chosen fashion show. “You can go to Europe anytime,” says Alex McRobert, a senior in Vocal Music. She says that her music teacher has been promoting a tour for ages, and she was definitely interested in going, until she learnt the timing of the trip. “I’ve been involved in Fashion Show for too long to miss my last one, Phenomena. Even if it weren’t a limitation, I know I couldn’t keep up with Fashion Show rehersals, executive team meetings, and all the other things I have going on from the other side of the world.”

For other grade twelves in the music program, the reasons vary for opting out of the tour. Caroline Bloss, another grade twelve Vocalist, has similar motivations, including her participation in fashion show. “I’m applying for Music programs at many Canadian Universities – and my audition is likely to be very close, if not during, the dates of the Europe trip. Not to mention, for all grade twelves, our major February report card which contains the marks sent to Universities is being distributed smack in the middle of the trip.”Also, she says, “I went to Benin with Global Ed in August, and after the cost rose $1500 for the original projected price, I knew Europe was no longer an option.”  Some are annoyed that their friend’s commitment in the fashion show leaves them with “random unknown roommate and no one to traverse the cities with”, rendering the trip pointless if none of their best buds are going.

In the midst of the confusion and indecisiveness, the teacher organizers of the Spain-Paris tour want to clear things up: “It’s not even an issue,” Says Mrs. Marquis. “The Spain-France trip is 2 weeks before the art exhibition, a major component of grade twelve final marks. I’m not telling my grade 12s they can’t go on the trip. I might be concerned if they were leaping into too many activities that it may overwhelm them, but there is no mandate for any student group to prohibit participation.” Other music teachers, Ms.Monteith and Mrs.Ratzlaff emphasize the importance of your freedom to select what interests you the most, and ensuring you can fulfill the demands of what you sign up for.

The directors, having recognized the conflict, along with teacher advisor Mr.Stamp, have compromised with the Music, Moderns & Art departments and come together to agreement that “it is unfair to detract from students’ experiences in either the NT community or NT abroad” and they have faith in all members in the production to make up for their absence.

It’s not hard to see where the fashion show directors are coming from when they dropped the “can’t” word. NT thrives on the motivation, innovation, and dedication of students. Freedom to enlist as a member of different clubs also means serious involvement, demanding rehearsals, making up for missed schoolwork, and most importantly, preserving your sanity.

Although your rights have been cleared up, there will always remain a genuine concern for your wellbeing, a “this-is-not-a-joke” precaution, and a firm grasp at the talent and creativity you have to offer as well as determination for an astounding show and trip.