The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon

The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon

The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon

Arts

Thanking his co-workers, Head Band Director Thomas Turpin expresses his gratitude to the Warrior Band. 2024 would mark his 15th and final year teaching at Westwood before he departs. “Working with this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The students and staff are world-class, and they have pushed me to be a better teacher and version of myself every day,” Mr. Turpin said.  “I have grown as a person, musician, and academic, and I am so grateful that Ive been able to call Westwood my musical home for 15 years.”

The Final Cutoff: Band Director Thomas Turpin Takes New Step in Career

Sabareesh Dinakaran and Jacob Chow June 3, 2024

After 15 years of laughter, hardships, and learning, Head Band Director Thomas Turpin cut off the Alma Mater one last time, marking the end of his career with the Westwood Warrior Band. His time teaching...

At the Germania Amphitheatre, blue lights illuminate the stage where 21 Savage performed. Through his energetic rap style and electrifying stage presence, 21 Savage brought a lively and fun performance to Austin.

21 Savage Brings His ‘American Dream’ to Austin

Mallory Milner, Reporter May 23, 2024

As the stage lights suddenly went dark, an ominous bass tone echoed throughout the amphitheater. The audience, who had previously been dancing to various rap hits, stood anxiously on their toes, eager...

Violinist Darren Liu 24 stands in front of a row of violins on display at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) convention. Westwoods Symphony Orchestra was invited to TMEA for an honors recital because they were recognized as the best orchestra in Texas.

“There’s no way it ends here”: Violinist Darren Liu ‘24 Shares Special Bond With Music

Serena Liu, Reporter May 20, 2024

Somewhere in Austin, TX, a nine-year-old boy started learning an instrument that would take him all the way through his childhood. Before, he played the piano, but there was just something not quite...

Framed in dramatic lighting director, writer, and star Kristos Puliadi poses for the poster of his debut feature film Thespian.

Student Showbiz: Kristos Puliadi Presents Debut Feature Film

Mayla Montgomery, A&E Editor May 17, 2024

The glitz and glamor of the movie industry are the stuff of dreams for countless people. To be one of the esteemed creators of the films and series that so many hold dear remains just out of reach for...

Waving his baton, Head Band Director Thomas Turpin leads the concert band for their spring concert. The concert would mark his last show before his departure from Westwood. This concert was really special since we got to send off someone who had such a positive impact on us, Adaline Boyd 26 said.

Last Time, Best Time: Band Performs Final Spring Concert Under Head Band Director Thomas Turpin

Jacob Chow, Heritage Staff May 13, 2024

The final notes of music fill the room, quickly replaced with the sounds of claps and cheers as the band concludes their final piece. Knowing that tonight would be the final spring concert under Head Band...

Seated for supper, the cast of Cafe Murder poses for a picture. Half of the show was based on improvised answers to audience questions, meaning the show changed every night.

Theater Seniors Flip Script For Senior Directed Play Series

Sabrina Kim, Heritage Co-Chief May 6, 2024

Three entirely student-led senior-directed shows marked the final productions of the 2024 theater season on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3 in the Big Black Box. The three plays - Café Murder, Greek...

On the red carpet outside the Long Center, 44 members of the Mean Girls production cast and crew pose before the Heller Award ceremony. In addition to a red carpet event and photo session, the ceremony included 18 award categories and multiple musical performances to honor high school musical theater in the Austin area.

Applause and Accolades: Westwood Theater Brings Home First-Ever Heller Award

Sabrina Kim, Heritage Co-Chief April 23, 2024

At the red carpet ceremony at the Long Center on Thursday, April 17, Westwood Musical Theater was honored for seven nominations and received one award from the Heller Awards for Young Artists.  The...

On the PAC stage, Kalia Wang 26 performs a verse from her duet with Ryan Gu 26. The duo performed Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell, and the Playlist performance marked their third year in a row performing duets at end-of-year concerts.

Westwood Choirs Bring ‘Girl Talk’ to Stage for Playlist Concert

Sabrina Kim, Heritage Co-Chief April 23, 2024

All Westwood Choirs took to the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Saturday, April 21 to perform their end-of-year pop showcase Playlist. Each individual class choir, in addition...

The Westwood Jazz Orchestra showcased their talent at the University of Texas Jazz Festival on April 6.

Jazz Orchestra Takes Stage at UT Jazz Festival

Jacob Chow, Heritage Staff April 16, 2024

The moody swing of jazz reverberates throughout the Bates Concert Hall on the University of Texas campus. The acoustics only accentuate the blend of the different instruments coming together to compose...

On April 8, the Westwood Symphony Orchestra was featured on From the Top, a podcast that highlights young classical musicians.

Symphony Orchestra Takes it ‘From the Top’

Sabareesh Dinakaran, Reporter April 12, 2024

A tremendous honor, the Westwood Symphony Orchestra has been selected to be featured on From the Top, an online non-profit platform showcasing young classical musicians' talent. Available April 8, the...

Arising from the group, the SunDancers lift Emma Lin 24 into the air. Lin is a proficient dancer and is the Co-President of the social board.

Dance Department Lives Life to Full at Escapade

Rifah Mirza and Bella Yi April 2, 2024

The annual SunDancer spring show, Escapade, took place Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 at the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center (PAC). This year’s theme was “Life to the Full,”...

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