There is an up and coming band  in Hattiesburg. Some of us know them from last year’s Battle of the Bands competition, while others know them from their appearances at Shuckers or from their new CD. But to students at OGHS, they go by Adam, Haley, and Chase.

Their band’s name is currently undecided. “The CD is titled Monokrome, but we aren’t positive on a band name  yet.  We’re either changing the name back to What Willis Was Talking About, or possibly changing it to Derelict,” Adam McPhail said.  McPhail said they are open to any suggestions though. “We really want some feedback from people.” McPhail stated.

The band consists of Adam Mcphail, Chase Harrod, and Haley Line. The members wanted to enter a band in the Battle of the Bands competition, and the group just developed from there.  “We just wanted to start a band, and I knew Haley could sing,” McPhail said.  Hundreds of students and parents watched as the group dominated songs like Paramour’s “Misery Business” and Flyleaf’s “Fully Alive.” The next stop for the group was Shuckers, an oyster house in Hattiesburg. “They were amazing,” John Lloyd Martin, senior at Oak Grove, said.  “They really don’t seem like a high school band.”  At this performance the band was joined by Logan Little, senior. “Playing with Adam and Haley was a great experience. They are very talented and educated musicians,” Little said. He accompanied Adam and Haley with percussion and some guitar playing.

This band is no ordinary garage band; McPhail and Line attended Delta Music Institute Music Camp last year, and Harrod plans to attend with them this summer.  All three plan to study audio engineering techniques. They also won Battle of the Bands last year.  Most exciting of all, the band recently recorded a full-length CD at Delta State, which can be bought from Adam for $5.00. They also plan to record another CD in the future, this time with all original material.  For those who missed them at Shuckers or Battle of the Bands, there’s still a chance to see them perform.  The band is scheduled for an appearance during the morning portion of this year’s HubFest, and plans to compete in Battle of the Bands later the same day.

Recording Monokrome was no easy task. “It was an all day event,” McPhail said. Their CD consists of covers of many songs and also a few interesting drum and guitar solos. For the band, this is more than just a hobby. “Everything revolves around music for me,” McPhail, who wants to be a musician and a producer when he gets older, said. Their band is planning on playing together for many recording sessions in the future. Whether you know them by name or by their new CD, be sure to check them out.

After winning American Idol’s fourth season in 2005, Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood released her debut single “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to country radio. The song shot up the charts, spent six weeks at number one, won countless awards, and the rest is history. Ten million albums and eleven consecutive number ones later, Underwood has successfully made a place for herself in the music world. The respect she’s earned over the past four years has allowed her to have a little bit more fun and take a few risks on her third studio album, Play On. The result is Underwood’s most diverse and innovative album yet, a winning combination that will surely allow her to continue her streak of number ones and add numerous awards to her already long resume.

The magic behind Play On is in the variety of material Underwood chose for the album. It’s nearly impossible to assign one genre to any of the songs on Play On, much less the entire CD. To achieve the diversity found on Play On, Underwood worked with writers from nearly every genre. “Cowboy Casanova,” the lead-off single, was written by Underwood and well-known rap and hip/hop writer Mike Elizondo. The hip/hop influence Elizondo brought to the table is evident in the fast-pace chorus and energetic verses. The result of this collaboration is arguably Underwood’s catchiest song to date.

Following “Cowboy Casanova” is the radio-ready Max Martin song “Quitter,” which shows a new side of Carrie with its Caribbean-like backing track and relaxed vocals. One of the major draws on Play On is the catchiness of nearly every song on the CD, and “Quitter” is no exception. “Quitter” is followed by the slow but sweet “Mama’s Song.” With lines like “Mama you’ve taught me to do the right things/But now it’s time to let your baby fly,” this track is sure to be a tear-jerker among mothers and daughters who will soon be leaving the nest.

No album is complete without the inspirational ballad, and Play On definitely delivers in that department. While “Change” recycles the old message that “the smallest things can make all the difference,” it does so without being overly preachy. Underwood delivers a haunting vocal on “Change,” allowing her powerful voice to belt in full force as the song builds up to the final lines. Perhaps the highlight of Play On, and possibly Underwood’s entire career, is another inspirational ballad by the name of “Temporary Home.” “Temporary Home” tells the story of three different individuals who are suffering in some way, yet realize that their present lives are only temporary, or just a stop on the way to something greater. If this one doesn’t move you in some way, you may want to check your pulse and make sure you’re still functioning.

For those who enjoy more pure country, Play On presents “Someday When I Stop Loving You” and Alan Jackson cover “Look at Me.” The first features one of Underwood’s most restrained vocal performances to-date and the second is a soaring ballad that will have traditional country music fans recollecting country songs of years gone by.

But don’t think Play On is an album full of only tear-jerkers and thought-provokers. For every reflective song on the album, there is at least one fun and upbeat track that’ll surely have you singing along. Besides “Cowboy Casanova,” Play On features the contagious “Undo It,” a song about a relationship that’s so bad you wish it never happened. “Undo It” draws influences from many genres, including country, pop, rock, and a little R&B. The insanely catchy chorus could take this song to great heights on radio, and possibly rival the success of her signature hit, “Before He Cheats.” The country/rock track “Songs Like This” is short and to the point, but it will surely be a crowd favorite at concerts with its high-energy delivery and fun nature. Though many songs on Play On borrow from pop and rock genres, no song comes as close to leaving country behind as “Unapologize,” co-written by Underwood. “Unapologize” shows that, while Underwood is a country artist at her core, she’s certainly capable of branching out into other genres successfully.

Also included in Play On is Carrie’s first on-ablum duet, “What Can I Say,” which features America’s Next Great Band winners, Sons of Sylvia, and shows off a new dimension of Underwood’s voice. Play On appropriately comes to a close with the title track, a nice mid-tempo song about never giving up. Underwood’s amazing range shines on this track, especially in the last minute, where she shows off those powerful glory notes she’s become known for since her time on Idol.

Play On is Underwood’s strongest body of work yet, and shows off new aspects of her personal life and voice like we’ve never seen before. Each track brings something unique to the album, giving the material diversity unmatched by anyone currently in country music and proves that Underwood truly is one of the most versatile artists in music history. As she continues to grow as an artist, her successes will surely ‘play on.’

5 out of 5 stars

Students find that many areas of life revolve around music. There is constantly something new and  different to listen to. Students consider the music they enjoy to be theirs, because the older generations don’t listen to what they do. Or do they? What adults listen to is a mystery to many students.

One teacher who has a definite opinion of music is Mrs. Haik. She grew up surrounded by music, fell in love with it, and she loves going to concerts and checking out new music. When asked about how music affects her daily life she replied, “Music is a very large part of my life. I listen to it when I run, in my car, and at home.” Though Haik has many favorites, one song stands out, “If I had to choose, it would probably be “Closer” by Kings of Leon,” said Haik.

Another faculty member with a surprising amount of musical knowledge is Principal Wayne Folkes. He keeps his updated iPod by his computer at all times and can even be spotted checking out new songs on iTunes. “Music speaks to all individuals, races, and genders. It brings us all together, no matter what kind of music you like,” said Folkes.  Although many genres interest him, Mr. Folkes has his favorites. “I like vintage rock. My favorite though would probably be Lynard Skynard.  There’s nothing wrong with a little ‘Sweet home Alabama,’ is there?”

Mr. Mcneil, another math teacher at Oak Grove, is also very interested in music. “I do like the oldies and some classic rock, while most people just assume that, as a preacher, I would only listen to gospel music. Now don’t get me wrong, I do love Christian music, but there is other good music too.” He also loves to listen to XM radio and has many favorite channels. “Channel fifteen, Classic Rewind, plays the good music I like to listen to.”

It turns out teachers know more about music than most expect. They love music just as teens do. Music is not something that is new or old, but timeless and affects not only this generation and the one before, but all of them. So next time you wonder what is on your teachers iPod,if they have one, watch out. It might be what’s on your iPod too.

Teacher Playlist

• Mr. Folkes – Lynard Skynard, “Sweet Home Alabama”
• Mr. Sutton – The Allmon Brothers Band, “Whipping Post”
• Mrs. Slusher – Kings Of Leon, “Use Somebody”
• Mrs. Clark - Lilly Allen, “L.D.M.”
• Mr. Breland – Frank Sinatra, “Fly Me to The Moon”
• Mrs. Haik – Phoenix, ”1901”
• Mrs. Joy Davis – Ben Harper, “Steal My Kisses”

Nan Kelley is an Oak Grove alumnus and has had a successful career since her days in Hattiesburg. She was scheduled to sing at our first football game but was unable to due to weather. I had the opportunity to get an update on her life and ask some questions.

Q: When did you graduate?
A: It hurts me to say this…..1983. Feels like just yesterday, but it wasn’t!

Q: After finishing at Oak Grove where did you go to college and what was your major?
A: University of Southern Mississippi and I majored in Communications with emphasis in Radio, TV, and Film.

Q: How about a favorite memory of your Oak Grove days?
A: So many happy, fun memories at the Grove: pep rallies, poster parties, break time in the courtyard with my friends and dressing up for theme days during Homecoming week. Oh, I must admit (not something I’m proud of!),I was always tardy (ask Carolyn Lott!) and I think I held a record (and I don’t encourage this! ). One year, I had Mr. Lynus Lott for 1st period. He would give you until he got to your name on the roll before you were late. Many a days, I was running down the hall of C building hollering “Heeerrree” as I heard him get to me. Thank goodness my last name started with an “S.”

Q: What about other special experiences from that time in your life?
A: I loved everything about high school life at Oak Grove! There’s a part of me that would go back and do it all again. Those friends I made during high school will stick in my heart the rest of my life. There are so many things you learn and forget as you get older. But you never forget the friends you grew up with. My best friend is Sharon Thomas (now Sharon Woosley). We grew up three houses apart and we graduated the same year. She now lives in Nashville. How many people can say they’ve been friends since they were 13 years old! My first trip overseas was with the French club from OG— I will never forget that! I still have all of my pictures and remember fondly the teachers who took us.

Q: Tell us about being crowned Miss Mississippi.
A: Being Miss Mississippi was a wonderful honor! There were so many positive things that came into my life from that experience. First of all, my college education was basically paid for—the scholarship money was such a help to me and my parents. I was able to travel the state and visit a lot of people. I spoke and performed at many events and that really helped me with my communication skills and helped me think on my feet—an invaluable tool in any occupation.
Q: Where was your first job?
A: Ward’s on Hardy Street. You can’t beat the rootbeer freezes!

Q: Can you share your career journey with us?
A: I moved to Nashville right after I graduated from Southern to sing at Opryland theme park. After that, I made my living as a performer/singer, until I started working on Music Row. That time taught me a lot about country music and the industry in general. I then landed my first TV job working for the Dick Clark Company on a show called “Prime Time Country.” I was the sidekick to the host of the show—an Ed McMahon character. Great experience! I was completely bitten by the TV bug! I moved to LA for a short period to study acting, but moved back to Tennessee after six months. That life out there is tough with so much competition. You had got to love and want it badly to stay with it and I knew that I wanted to get back into TV. I came back and got a job on camera at a shopping network. What a wonderful learning ground! I worked on air in 2-4 hour blocks of time selling products and ad libbing the entire time. Talk about needing to think fast on your feet! It was live TV and it was tough. But I loved it! And it really set the stage for my next career move, the live TV portion of the Grand Ole Opry. I got that job and enjoyed it so very much! Truly my dream job—talking with great country stars on country’s most famous stage! I now host the Top 20 Country Countdown on Great American Country, as well as several of their specials throughout the year. Just got home from work today where I interviewed Miranda Lambert about her new record. Tough day at the office, huh? I’m a lucky girl!

Q: Can you tell us about your family?
A: I’m married to Charlie Kelley. He’s from Maryland, but has lived in Nashville almost as long as I. He’s a wonderful musician and a four-time Grammy nominee. I’ve gotta share that because I’m so proud of him! We have the 4-legged canine variety for children; Molly (a boxer) and Chiefy (a sweet old stray, part dalmation/party pointer, I think?).

Q: We understand that you have faced some health challenges in your family. Can you share that with our readers?
A: Last year, I was diagnosed and successfully treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Thankfully, I am well! Three weeks after I finished my treatments, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had a successful surgery to remove that section of his colon and he is well too!! We’ve had so much support and care from many people in South Mississippi and I can’t thank you all enough for keeping us in your thoughts!

Q: Any advice for current OGHS students?
A: Be confident knowing you are getting a first class education from a school system that cares about you. I always knew that and I hope that you take advantage of all the opportunities that OG provides. Don’t sweat the small stuff, enjoy this time in your life and listen to the caring teachers and parents around you. They have your best interest in mind.

On August 15 the New Orleans Arena was surrounded by crazed Jonas Brothers fans. Parents with their children and groups of teenage girls were ecstatic about seeing their favorite Jonas Brother. Everyone was anxious for the doors to open when they could rush to their seats, whether they be front row or nose bleeds. Anyone with Verizon Wireless phones could send in a text message to the giant screen suspended above center stage. Bursts of screams came from the audience as people sent variations of the message “SCREAM IF YOU LOVE THE JONAS BROTHERS” to the screen.

The lights dimmed and fans went wild as the first opening act, Honor Society, took the stage. However, as the band began to play, the crowd died down. This pop boy band’s sound was much too cheesy, even for a Jonas fan.

Originally, Jordin Sparks was the second opening act. Her doctor put her on vocal rest so she was unable to perform. The Wonder Girls took her place as the second opening act. This group of five girls is a pop sensation in South Korea. As for New Orleans, Louisiana, they’re lacking in the fan department. The girls tried to get the crowd involved by teaching the audience dance moves to their song “Nobody But You,” but nobody but they were doing the dance.

Finally, the lights dimmed for the third time and the only light came from the fan’s glow sticks. As the center stage rose and three shadows appeared, the beginning of their latest single, “Paranoid,” began to play. The song was barely audible because of the crowd’s piercing screams. The boys’ energy levels were high as they ran from one end of the stage to the other. The opening number showed this would not be an ordinary concert, but a show full of entertainment.

From trampolines to song lyrics falling in rain, the night was filled with surprising special effects. After Nick’s heartfelt performance on the piano, center stage was replaced with a trampoline. Joe ran from one end of the stage and Nick from the other; they met in the middle jumping on the trampoline and switching sides. Next, Joe proceeded to jump over various objects, including his brother Nick and his microphone stand. After that came Kevin’s moment to shine. While playing “Much Better” on his guitar, he did a flip off of the trampoline and onto the stage. Though all the special effects were very entertaining, one effect couldn’t have been less enjoyable to a certain section of fans. Kevin and Joe sprayed water from a water hose similar to the ones firemen use on one section of fans. When Kevin came out in a white raincoat carrying an umbrella, the crowd was puzzled. He walked to end of the runway, made a gesture, and fans roared as rain began to fall in a circle over the stage. The band began to play “Love Bug” and at the height of the song, hearts, lyrics, and silhouettes of the three brothers began to fall in rain. Needless to say, the audience was impressed.

As the encore came to a close, the crowd was sad to see them go. The opening number, song choice, and the special effects made this show a huge success for the Jonas Brothers and unforgettable for the fans.