The History Club
By: Tim Rivera, Staff Writer

        The History Club is one of the newest clubs at Reading High. Started earlier this year, the club advisor is History teacher Mr.Knore. Although the club is new, it has still attracted several students and in the future will definitely continue to draw more. The club, which operates every Thursday after school, starts at 3:15 in Mr.Knorr's room. The club talks about current events and past historic issues and events.
       So if you have a knack for history and discussing political issues, stop by the History Club meeting to see what its about.

Castleaires
By: Jamie Raver Op/Ed Edotpr

        "Jazz band is THE group in the music department, and if you're not in it, you're missing out.  We get to go to great places like Philadelphia and New York.  We get to wear cool red shirts and black ties.  We get to meet new people from other schools.  Chicks dig jazz band people," says Marlow Fernandez, senior and tenor saxophone player.
        Marlow isn't lying; Reading High's jazz band, the Castleaires, is one hot musical group.  Organized by students in the 1940's, the ensemble has come a long way to get where it is today.  Mr. Timothy Gross, the RHS band director, conducts the Castleaires, a jazz ensemble in the style of Big Band, including saxophones, trombones, trumpets, and an awesome rhythm section.
          Jazz season runs from late February through early April, and it is intense.  Ensembles from all around the county dress up and spend their Saturday nights congregated at a host school to play the swinging, soulful music they all love.  The competitions are fierce, because only the best of the best will bring home the title of "Superior."  This year, the Castleaires are playing "Fan It, Janet" by Don Sebesky, "Since I Fell for You" by Buddy Johnson, and "Rockin' In Rhythm" by the great Duke Ellington.  Reading High's "Knight of Jazz" is hosted on March 11^th this year, but other dates to remember include the Brandywine competition on March 10^th, the Boyertown show on March 18^th, and the final battle of the bands on April 1^st at Wilson High School.
          To be a Castleaire, you have to be extremely passionate about music.  It takes a special musician to relay the fire of jazz through the instrument and to the ears of the audience, and you also have to be willing to give up your Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for rehearsal.
           "It's a really hard-working group," says Mr. Gross about the performers, "and we have a lot of fun."

Shall We Dance?
By: Quaneka Harrison, Staff Writer

Rashawn Schmidt, who is a part of the Reading High School Dance Team, and I discussed many things about the Dance Team during this interview. I learned there are many things you have to know and posses when dancing. Schmidt helped me realize what the team is all about.

QH: What is the Dance Team about?
RS:  It's about passion, putting your heart into something you like or love.

QH: Why did you join the Dance Team?
RS: My aunt suggested that I go. So, I went to some practices. I liked it so I kept going back.

QH: How many times do you practice?
RS: I practice four times a week.

QH: Were you in any competitions?
RS: No, but I went to the performances to support my team.

QH: Do you perform?
RS: In fact, I do.

QH: How do you feel when you perform?
RS: An energetic rush.

QH: What goes through your mind when you perform?
RS: Hoping I don't mess up and when people look at me, that I do well.

QH: If you were a leader of the Dance Team, what would it take to be on the Dance Team?
RS: Time, commitment, hard work, and effort. It's not just
something you do, it's something you feel when you do it.

French Club
By Gina Barreau, Feature editor

                The French club is only for students who take French as one of their electives. The French teachers here at RHS are Mrs. Shollenberger (French department chair) and Ms.Goodwin. The members and others in the French club do different kinds of activities and projects over the year.
               In the beginning of the year, the French club does fundraising to raise money for trips, etc. They  try to celebrate National French week, which is on November in the beginning of the month.
               In December they have a Christmas party and go caroling. In January or February the French club will get the chance in going skiing and skating.
               This March the French club will be going to the Mardi Gras Celebration mask making. They will also possibly be taking a trip to Philadelphia, Washington DC, Boston, or Quebec. If none of these trips work out, they will try to travel somewhere in April.
               Many of the members enjoy being part of the French club. One-member replies, "its nice to be part of the French club. We get to learn new things and do fun activities. I also enjoy going on trips."  At the end of the school year during May, the French club will be having an end of the year party or a dinner with member recognition.
              If you are interested in finding more information about the French club, you may try to contact any of the French teachers.