{"id":25,"date":"2024-10-21T05:34:39","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T05:34:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/?page_id=25"},"modified":"2025-06-07T04:42:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T04:42:27","slug":"explorations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/explorations\/","title":{"rendered":"Explorations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the explorations project, we had the opportunity to get school credit for learning a skill of our choice. I decided to focus on lighting in Film, but with a twist &#8211; at night, in a car. Lighting at night is difficult enough, but the factor of filming in a car makes it 10 times more difficult and interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"24 25 p4 Explorations Celebration StephenM\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jjM4V83FFyE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This entire process was a lot of fun, as I got to do my own research in a limitted amount of time, write my own mini-script, and be the director of a short film where I experiment with lighting on the fly. You can check out the film below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"StephenM Jr Explorations\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/D8czZLjgeBU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There were some challenging aspect of filming, like finding the right angle and distance I wanted the lighting to be at, as well as changing my camera settings to get the shot that I wanted. On the other hand, I used everything else I learned this year in Film to make the Film I wanted, and I&#8217;m very proud of my Explorations film. Seeing it on the big screen during my presentation felt surreal, and I was a little emotional. I can&#8217;t really explain why, other than this is something I worked so hard on, and the lighting aspect of Film feels like the last piece of the Junior Film fundamentals I needed to get ready for Senior year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poetry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the final unit in English, we had a wonderful poet come in for a week, and teach us about poetry and it&#8217;s uniqueness. After multiple exercises, we got to write our own poem. Here&#8217;s mine: Perfect Triangle<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coach calls my name, and I jog out calmly,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But inside, a storm is growing strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The crowd fades, the world narrows,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tunnel vision. It\u2019s just me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Butterflies are hyper, but I breathe them down<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inhale confidence, exhale fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three points await me,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So simple, but so complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every step back, rehearsed, precise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Left, then right, then left again<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aim down sights, perfect triangle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pressure is on, but I\u2019m so eager<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Muscle memory steadies my body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I trust the snap. I trust the hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even when doubt whispers,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should shake me, but it doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preparation keeps me still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eighty percent in my mind,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where anxiety and calm clash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I feel the weight of 4 years of hard work, but I\u2019m ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One swing. One shot. EYES.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before this unit, I wasn&#8217;t a big fan of poetry &#8211; I always thought it was a little corny. however, I have completely gotten rid of that mindset, and I actually had a lot of fun writing this poem. I didn&#8217;t want to present if I&#8217;m being transparent, but I felt very happy when I did, and I felt a little more complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Music Recording<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Digital Media, I partnered with Christopher Green to sing Tequila, by The Champs. Don\u2019t worry, we didn\u2019t just say Tequila and call it a day &#8211; we brought in my friend, Santi, to help us with bass and electric guitar. This was Santi\u2019s first time recording for a production or project, so he was very nervous, but he had a huge smile on his face the whole time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Behind the scenes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-06-03-StephenM-ChristopherG-02-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-06-03-StephenM-ChristopherG-02-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-06-03-StephenM-ChristopherG-02-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-06-03-StephenM-ChristopherG-02-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-06-03-StephenM-ChristopherG-02.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-06-03-StephenM-ChristopherG-06-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-06-03-StephenM-ChristopherG-06-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-06-03-StephenM-ChristopherG-06-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-06-03-StephenM-ChristopherG-06-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025-06-03-StephenM-ChristopherG-06.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Santi Castillo, our guest artist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1067\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4A8646A1-2AB0-49E7-8955-359ACD69DB01-edited.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4A8646A1-2AB0-49E7-8955-359ACD69DB01-edited.jpeg 1067w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4A8646A1-2AB0-49E7-8955-359ACD69DB01-edited-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4A8646A1-2AB0-49E7-8955-359ACD69DB01-edited-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4A8646A1-2AB0-49E7-8955-359ACD69DB01-edited-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1067px) 100vw, 1067px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/6F0C7862-4482-40A1-9AAD-362E26F56B29.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/6F0C7862-4482-40A1-9AAD-362E26F56B29.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/6F0C7862-4482-40A1-9AAD-362E26F56B29-169x300.jpeg 169w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">The editing process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-06-at-10.20.36\u202fAM-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-06-at-10.20.36\u202fAM-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-06-at-10.20.36\u202fAM-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-06-at-10.20.36\u202fAM-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-06-at-10.20.36\u202fAM.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We made sure to add a little distortion on the electric guitars, and mix the higher and lower octaves together for the verses, then let Santi rock and roll with a guitar solo the rest of the way. Feel free to give our song a listen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Collaborative Artist Statement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this assignment in Digital Media, Stephen Messner and Christopher Green collaborated to do a cover of The Champs\u2019 Tequila and Stephen brought in his musically talented friend Santi to play the guitar and bass. We were able to use the recording studio to practice being in the booth and producing music. The inspiration behind doing Tequila was a reel that Stephen saw of someone playing electric guitar over simple songs, like the Barney theme song. Stephen knows someone who plays electric guitar (and can improvise bass), and figured he\u2019d be a good fit. The result? A silly and fun cover of Tequila, starring Santiago Tejada Castillo on electric guitar and bass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This project is different from other projects we\u2019ve done because we needed to reach out to other artists and have them come into Freestyle to record &#8211; our guests would come to us. At first, it was tough to schedule everyone to come in at the same time, but with enough patience, we were able to get things figured out and get all of the recording done in about an hour and a half.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SANTI-rc.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, this project was very fun and taught us a lot of new skills in audio editing and using the recording studio that will be extremely useful in the future, especially as seniors. Santi loved helping us out, and there&#8217;s no doubt that he&#8217;ll be back for future projects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the explorations project, we had the opportunity to get school credit for learning a skill of our choice. I decided to focus on lighting in Film, but with a twist &#8211; at night, in a car. Lighting at night is difficult enough, but the factor of filming in a car makes it 10 times [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":324,"href":"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25\/revisions\/324"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/freestyleacademy.rocks\/~StephenM\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}