The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque
The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque
The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque
Black cultural expression has fostered a unique kaleidoscope of substyles within arts and media. Photo Illustration | Isabelle Kok

Beyond the surface

The influence of Black history and culture on modern arts and entertainment
Samika Bhatkar, Ananya Chaudhary, Niveda Hari, Jillian Ju, Vaishnavi Katukam, Isabelle Kok, and Eshika Tiwari
March 13, 2025
Even in an era where music by Black artists is popular, many Black artists are overlooked or dismissed in the industry. Photo Illustration | Isabelle Kok

The sound of Black history

How Black culture has shaped music
Jillian Ju and Niveda Hari
March 9, 2025
Choir department lead Lofn Young plays a video that introduces the different choir course offerings at MVHS. Photo | Ethan Eisler

MVHS hosts its annual Elective Night

Students and parents attend presentations held by elective teachers and their students for the upcoming course selection
Samuel Teo
February 12, 2025
Choir teacher Lofn Young speaks at last year's spring concert. Photo | Sophia D'Sa

The influences of music on the mind

How musical pursuits have affected MVHS students and staff
Sophia D’Sa and Katrina Lin
December 21, 2024
For MVHS musicians, holiday music brings cherished memories, festive traditions, and a sense of connection both on and off stage.

Unpacking holiday music traditions

MVHS musicians reflect on the impact of holiday music
Samuel Teo and Kaia Yuan
December 8, 2024
El Estoque reviews most viral(and significant!) moments in 2024 pop culture | Graphic by Owen Liu

2024 Year in Review

El Estoque’s Arts & Entertainment section revisits significant pop culture media from 2024
Owen Liu
December 5, 2024
Senior Kathryn Foo listens to her favorite international music tunes. | Photo illustration by Giljoon Lee

A musical connection

How listening to and enjoying international music has impacted students and their connection with their culture
Kate Yang
November 27, 2024
Some students feel as though indie music better encapsulates their emotional states and resonates with them more strongly. Illustration by Lillian Wang and Isabelle Kok

The indie in-between

Students and staff share what indie music means to them
Jillian Ju
May 24, 2024
PE Teacher Jeff Thomas works out with earbuds on.

Playing to win

The role music plays in athletics across sports and activities
Ethan Kellogg and Kaia Yuan
April 12, 2024
Pop sensation Taylor Swift debuted as a country artist in 2005, and has grown astronomically since then. Photos courtesy of Kiana Mark.

Taylor takeover

Various colleges newly establish Taylor Swift-focused courses
Ananya Chaudhary and Jason Chu
April 8, 2024
Senior William Zhang is a composer who has written two pieces for the MV Chamber Orchestra at concerts.

The will for music

Senior William Zhang discusses his passion for music composition
Giljoon Lee and Lillian Wang
March 6, 2024
Silent sounds

Silent sounds

Students and alumni discuss the underrepresentation of Asian American artists in the mainstream music scene
Niveda Hari and Aaryan Sharma
January 26, 2024
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