Xanadu

Xanadu 2020

Year of Production: 2020

Duration: 3:05

Filmer/Editor: Lauren Gotard

Thank you to all the artists who made the night possible. May we always hold moments like this close and keep the spirit of such performances alive. We are always open to inviting new musicians to the stage- contact us if you are interested in contributing to our spring show, our Mercy Benefit Concert.

All I Want Cover

Year of Production: 2020

Duration: 3:07

Filmer/Editor: Lauren Gotard

Seniors Kate Jenkins (vocalist) and Logan Slansky (pianist) truly showcased their musical talents in this rendition of "All I Want" by Olivia Rodrigo. Written by this teenage artist, it is always wonderful to see young people find solace in each other's musical endeavors.

Christmas Caroling 2019

Year of Production: 2019

Duration: 5:03

Filmer/Editor: Lauren Gotard

Thank you to all the wind ensemble players who joined us this day to celebrate the end of a circuitous year. In darkest of times, we can find sanctuary in music and laughter. Artistic expression and reciprocation. What a collaborative way to start off the new year.

Nyara's Poetry Reading

Year of Production: 2019

Duration: 1:35

Filmer/Editor: Lauren Gotard

A special thank you to Nyara Choudhury for giving us a glimpse into her writing with her poems "The Ball Doesn't End at Midnight" and "I Wish He'd Call Me Back." We are so appreciative to be able to highlight such gifted artists on our platform and share their talent with our community.

Hide Your Love Away

Year of Production: 2019

Duration: 2:19

Filmer/Editor: Lauren Gotard

This rendition of "Hide Your Love Away," performed by Billy Collins and Sara Crapanzano, was a beautiful take on a Beatles' classic. Sara's airy yet earnest vocals and Billy's bright strumming signal the start of a school year brimming with talent.

Mercy Benefit Concert 2019

Year of Production: 2019

Duration: 4:05

Filmer/Editor: Lauren Gotard

Thank you to all the talented artists that made our annual Mercy Benefit Concert a night to remember. Their passion for and commitment to music will always be appreciated and celebrated through nights like these.

Over My Head

Year of Production: 2019

Duration: 3:09

Filmer/Editor: Lauren Gotard

Jillian Jobson (left) and Corinne DeRosa's (right) lively cover of "Over My Head" by The Fray is an innovative and rhythmic take on this 2005 hit. With Corinne's driving percussion and Jillian's passionate vocals, these two artists meld together beautifully to deliver this song's message on the fickleness of human nature.

Benefit Concert 2019

Year of Production: 2019

Duration: 4:10

Filmers: Lauren Gotard, Matt Tricomi /Editor:Lauren Gotard

This year's annual Benefit Concert was a night of movement and musical expression. Animated performances by individual artists and bands procured an atmosphere of excitement and admiration for artistic originality. Thank you to the artists who volunteered and contributed to a culture of prolific creativity.

Make Up Your Mind Cover

Year of Production: 2019

Duration: 3:08

Filmers/Editors: Lauren and Katherine Gotard

Sara Crapanzano creates an intricate duality between airness, with ethereal vocals, and earnest conviction in her cover of "Make Up Your Mind," by Florence + the Machine.

Annual Wind Ensemble Christmas Caroling

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 6:15

Filmers/ Editors: Katherine Gotard, Kayla Andrews/Lauren Gotard

Truly in tune with the holiday spirit, the Whitman Wind Ensemble serenades us with an energetic Christmas medley of holiday classics including "Jingle Bells," "Carol of the Bells," "Feliz Navidad," and Jaycee Cardoso's cover of "White Christmas."

White Christmas Cover

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 3:31

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard

Jaycee Cardoso (violin) and Greg DeRosa's (piano) gorgeous instrumental rendition of "White Christmas" is an innovative take on a holiday classic. Their performance is an unforgettable cover of Bing Crosby's timeless piece.

Summertime Jazz Clarinet Duet

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 2:39

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard

This clarinet duet performed by Abby Dinstell and Aidan Garemani features gorgeously intertwined runs, growing, falling, and working together to create a

unique accompaniment. With jazzy, and at times swing-like measures, this duet is everchanging, allowing for an excitingly unpredictable arrangement.

Katherine and Kayla's Poetry Reading

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 2:37

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard

Katherine Gotard's two poems, "Seeking Essence" and "Charmer," and Kayla Andrews' "Curfew" and "Attention's Best Friend" are a true testament of their unique poetic styles and truly captivating work.

Valerie Cover

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 2:22

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard

This modern rendition of "Valerie," by Amy Winehouse, blends Pamela Carey's rich vocals with Max Peretson's upbeat strumming, Cal Eidinoff's grounding bass runs, and Logan Slansky's synthy licks on keyboard, acting as a look back to 80s pop music. Truly an inventive take on a classic hit.

Take Me to Church Cover

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 3:28

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard and Katherine Gotard

Jacob Goldstein's unique take on Andrew Hozier-Byrne's "Take Me to Church" supported by Erin Collin's cajon drum beat along with Max Eidinoff's strong piano accompaniment and Josh Joseph's bass part add a strong rhythmic current to this cover.

Zack Slansky's Poetry Reading

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 1:43

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard and Katherine Gotard

Zack Slansky's two original poems, "Tilt" and "Under Construction Behind the Stadium after the Game," are a true testament to the creative and allegorical nature of his works.

Cayleigh Delgado's Poetry Reading:

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 1:36

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard and Katherine Gotard

Cayleigh Delgado's two beautifully composed poems, "It had to be done" and "Stereo" are an accurate tribute to her literary talent. The listener can clearly sense the pain and yearning she feels, as these two prospects embody her work.

Miles Lewis and Julio Taku's Poetry Reading

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 1:27

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard and Katherine Gotard

Miles Lewis' (left) beautifully composed poem, "Artificially Conscious," read by Julio Taku (right) and accompanied by Miles' somber trumpet solo is an innovative combination that truly commanded the room. This metaphorical poem is an excellent paring to the legato runs of the trumpet.

Party Favor Cover

Year of Production: 2017

Duration: 3:04

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard and Katherine Gotard

Sara Crapanzano's stripped, acoustic rendition of Billie Eilish's "Party Favor," is a gorgeous display of Sara's amazing musical ability. The light strumming of her ukulele combined with her rich voice creates a beautiful blend of the original song.

Lego House Cover

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 3:14

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard and Katherine Gotard

In this innovative, stripped cover of Ed Sheeran's Lego House, Jillian Jobson (left) and Corrine Derosa (right) create a balanced blend between the acoustic guitar's airiness and the percussive beat's momentum.

Don't Dream it's Over Cover

Year of Production: 2017

Duration: 3:00

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard and Katherine Gotard

Kate Jenkins' beautiful singing and the melodious ringing of her guitar combine to create an interesting cover of the song "Don't Dream it's Over" by the band the Crowed House. This gorgeous rendition creates a fascinating appreciation of the song and Kate's many musical talents.

Dust-Filled Mind

Year of Production: 2018

Duration: 3:46

Lauren Gotard and Katherine Gotard

"Dust-Filled Mind", an original song by Max Eidinoff, is truly a fitting tribute in light of recent events. His song emanates a certain rebellious spirit yearning for change in an otherwise rigged society

Tim Jobson's Spoken Word

Year of Production: 2017

Duration: 1:17

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard and Katherine Gotard

Tim Jobson's original poems, "Inside" and "Speakers," inspire us with his raw, passionate reading. These gorgeously written pieces demonstrate us with Tim's ability to evoke such passion with words.

Peace of Mind

Year of Production: 2017

Duration: 2:40

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard

Jacob Goldstein (vocals), Josh Joseph (bass), and Chris Feutsel's (guitar) performance of Peace of Mind, an original song, excites us with an upbeat drive and rhythm. This fast- moving piece surprises us with rapid vocals broken up by precise guitar licks, and a feeling of stability from the bass's steady rhythm.

Hallejuah Cover

Year of Production: 2017

Duration: 4:15

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard

Inspired by the warm seasons approaching, these two talented musicians bring us joy in rendering this melodious cover of Leonard Cohen's beautiful anthem of love, Hallelujah, reviving this classic with a raw, acoustic twist. On guitar are Kate Jenkins (left) and Jillian Jobson (right.)

Riptide Cover

Year of Production: 2017

Duration: 3:17

Filmed and Edited: Lauren Gotard

Spring is on its way, and here to remnd us of that are these three talented individuals. Their harmonies and solos perhaps handing us a preview of the warm spring coming our way. Singers: Laura Altieri (right) and Danielle Halevi-Wechsler (left) Quinn Cortese is on Ukulele.

Scarlet Carnations

Year of Production: 2017

Duration: 2:51

Filmed and Edited: The Gotards and James Reilly

As the frost covers our lawns and souls, these two begin to melt it.  Their musical talents combine to make a beautiful ballad of warmth.  We hope it leaves you speechless.

Can't Help Falling in Love

Year of Production: 2017

Duration: 3:17

Filmed and Edited: James Reilly and The Gotards

In the dreary days of winter, some talented Whitman students fill our ears and hearts with sweet harmonies.  Enjoy their rendition of Elvis Presley's timeless ballad, "Can't Help Falling in Love."  

Lila Amin

Year of Production: 2017

Duration : 3:56

Filmed and Edited: Isaac Renderos and James Reilly

Our very own Lila Amin gives a beautiful serenade in the crisp fall air to ring in the new year with the Xanadu Music page.

Nick DeBlasio

Year of Production: 2016

Duration: 3:03

Filmed & Edited: Isaac Renderos and James Reilly

In this new installment in our Tiny School Desk Concert series, senior Nick DeBlasio, in the midst of his final days at Whitman, shares an intense moment with his classmates as he unveils his emotional original song.

Kaleidoscope Cover

Year of Production: 2016

Duration: 6:09

Filmed & Edited: James Reilly, David Grey, and Tyler Zeoli

A beautiful collaboration of piano, bass, drums, and sax. David Grey and part of his band LBJ create a wonderful instrumental rendition of Kaleidoscope by: Badbadnotgood. We hope you enjoy!

Xanadu Party

Year of Production: 2015

Duration: 3:28

Filmed & Edited: Tyler Zeoli

Xanadu brings you a glimpse of the people that work behind the scences to bring you Walt Whitman High School's unique Literary Magazine. Providing us with music is the ever talented Anthony. Sam Hartig reads to us an orgianal poem and Pip, our advisor, shares a few words. 

Tiny Desk Concert: Feat. Sam Hartig

Year of Production: 2015

Duration: 4:07

Filmed: Tyler Zeoli Edited: Danielle Raynor

Sam Hartig brings us our second Tiny Desk Concert of the year, with an amazing performance.

Tiny Desk Concert: Feat. Anthony

Year of Production: 2015

Duration: 2:48

Filmed: Tyler Zeoli Edited: Danielle Raynor

Anthony joins us performing his own original song, which has yet to be titled, to kick off the 2015-2016 Xanadu Literary Magazine Tiny School Desk Concert Series.

Lizzy's Poem

Year of Production: 2015

Duration: 4:14

Directed, Filmed, and Edited by Harris Ansari

"Lizzy Cruz" is not an unknown name in Whitman. We all know the constantly-smiling girl who cracks jokes in the hallways, cheering up others. Watch this to see a rarely seen side of the girl wonder.

Tiny Desk: Kalif Jones & Mr. Yolango Preform for Pip

Year of production: 2015

Running Time: 3:35 min

Directed, Filmed, and Edited by Harris Ansari

Throughout grade school, Kalif Jones has been known as "the kid who can sing." We hope you enjoy his freestyle collaboration with Mr. Yolango, as he praises our advisor, Mr. Pipolo, a.k.a. "Pip."

Tiny Desk: Chelsea Saccente

Year of production: 2014

Running Time: 5:03 min

Directed, Filmed, and Edited by Harris Ansari

The amazing Chelsea Saccente covers Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" in this September webisode. Now a senior at WWHS, Chelsea has often affiliated herself at Xanadu events. We hope you enjoy.

Tiny Desk: Anthony Returns for TSDC

Year of production: 2014

Running Time: 4:29 min

Directed, Filmed, and Edited by Harris Ansari

A friend of Xanadu's, Anthony is no stranger to our desk concerts. While only a sophmore, Anthony's soulful preformance tells stories that are lifetime long. It won't be difficult to enjoy.

Tiny Desk: Ft. Anthony

2015

4:45

Directed, Filmed, Edited by Harris Ansari

We hope that you thoroughly enjoy our sixth TSDC entry featuring Anthony, a WWHS sophomore. Be forewarned prior to beginning the video: Anthony's soulful playing and singing may very well drive you to tears. Enjoy.

Tiny Desk: Symone Stewart

2013

2:26

Filmed, Directed by Jeremy Williams

Xanadu brings you the series "Tiny School Desk Concert," based on NPR's "Tiny Desk Concert" series. All of our recordings feature live, raw performances recorded in school and uploaded to our website. Watch our extremely talented friends and peers perform together to create beautiful music. We hope you enjoy watching as much as we enjoyed creating.

Tiny Desk: Emma & Symone

2013

8:07

Directed & Filmed by Jeremy Williams

​The first song, performed by Symone Stewart, is a cover of "Bloom" by The Paper Kites.

The second song, performed by Symone Stewart and Emma Triolo, is a cover of "Pyrite" by Frank Ocean.

Tiny Desk: Jess, Kyle, & Kevin

2013

4:40

Filmed & Edited by Shane Windt & Harris Ansari

Featuring the song "Lost in My Mind" by The Head and the Heart

Tiny Desk: Jeremy, Nick, & Greg

2013

4:28

Directed & Edited by Amelia Goodman & Recorded by Rafael Reyes, Liam Shields, Austin Thode, and Chris Forno

Vocals & Guitar.............Jeremy Williams

Bass Guitar............................Nick Zonin

Percussion.............................Greg Pettit

Featuring the song "Paul Revere" by The Beastie Boys

Tiny Desk: Kevin, Emma, & Kyle

2013

3:57

Vocals...............Emma Triolo Guitar............Kevin Shepherd Percussion.........Kyle Henson

Xanadu brings you the first ever "Tiny School Desk Concert," based off of NPR's "Tiny Desk Concert" series. Our new recordings feature live, raw performances recorded in school, and uploaded to our website. Watch the extremely talented Emma Triolo, Kevin Shepherd, and Kyle Henson perform together for our first installment. With "You Make It Real" by James Morrison, we couldn't be more excited to have this performance to launch this new series. To watch the inspiration for this idea, click this link. We'd like to thank Shane Windt and Greg Pettit for helping us capture the performance. We hope you enjoy watching as much as we enjoyed creating.

Fault

Year of Production: 2019

Duration: 1:45

Filmers/Editors: Lauren and Katherine Gotard

In her performance of "Fault," an original piece, Eleni Papaiacovou's ethereal yet impassioned voice clearly expresses her feelings. Singing of internal tumult and a disillusioned self-image, Eleni's vocals are moving and indicative of her talents in songwriting.