SDJA HomeTalks: Recent Episodes
SDJA Podcast
Hello! Welcome to our podcast "SDJA HOME TALKS" . . . . because we are all at home obviously. And that makes you a most captive audience, you lucky people. Every week we will bring you segments created and performed by SDJA students. We will share music, opinions, news and more for your listening pleasure. That's right - no video, just audio! So push away from that screen and listen in.
Welcome to our first HomeTalks Podcast of the 2021-22 school year ! My name is Spencer Foss and I am delighted to be be with you as your HostI know I have big shoes to fill as Nathaniel was truly an amazing host-
Hold it- Hold it right there! What do you mean YOU are the host?
Ah! Ladies and Gentlemen, we seem to have a surprise guest today!
How very nice to celebrate my first podcast as host with such an amazing student we all know and adore- please join me as I welcome- Ms. Kate Aizin!
Welcome to our final HomeTalks Podcast of the 20-21school year. This is in fact a double episode as we leave you with lingering thoughts, talks, and songs to keep you company throughout the summer.
I know you have all been dreading this -but this is the last time you will hear this velvet voice on your podcast. I know, its very sad- please grab a tissue to catch those tears. Honestly, this has been a lot of fun for me and I have enjoyed bringing all of the talent SDJA has to offer to you in this podcast. I am told that next year there will be several Hosts and some co-hosts filling the air-waves. Actually it’s because you know it will take more than one to fill my shoes, am I right? And maybe I will even be back to guest host. Wait- what? I did not agree to that! That is not in my contract!!
What did you way? By popular demand? Oh, well then…. Until next time SDJA….farewell.
Hello SDJA! Welcome once again to our Podcast- HomeTalks. February already...my, how time flies when you are spending an inordinate amount of time stuck at home due to a pandemic. SAID. NO. ONE. EVER! Seriously, though- we are well into the second semester of the 20/21 school year and although we may not all get to interact as we normally might full face to full face, I am certainly happy you all still get to hear The Voice of SDJA -yours truly.
Hello! Welcome to our podcast "SDJA HOME TALKS" . . . . because we are all at home obviously. And that makes you a most captive audience, you lucky people.
Each episode we will bring you segments created and performed by SDJA students and staff. We will share music, opinions, news and more for your listening pleasure. That's right - no video, just audio! So push away from that screen and listen in.
We’re baaa-aaack! Hello SDJA! It’s finally here -the 1st episode of the 20-21 school year of our premier Podcast HomeTalks. Now you know you have missed me-I mean us-admit it. We know it’s been an unusual year so far, and everyone has worked really hard adapting to our new normal….Really? ‘New Normal’ - gosh there’s a phrase we haven’t heard for a whole hour. It’s almost Thanksgiving break- and we have worked hard, so close your eyes and listen in- relax as we entertain you with words and song, and of course- my voice.
Here it is- our final episode for the 2019/20 school year
To conclude season 1 of the SDJA HomeTalks podcast, we have an extra long episode for you today including lots of music, conversation, an interview with Andy Schwartz who is a professional television screenwriter and producer
And . . . an interview with Mr. Chaim Heller, SDJA’s departing Head of School!
Hello all you lucky listeners out there in podcast land! Welcome to Hometalks Episode #7 And your host- The Voice of SDJA…yes, I now have a subtitle. We decided we loved having Mrs. Wu start us off every week, so here she is with “Wade in the Water”.
Thank you Mrs. Wu-so good to hear your smiling face and -your young back up singers! Remember last week when we introduced a new segment to our podcasts called ‘Conversations’ where our roving reporters conduct zoom interviews? This week we have TWO interviews for you! Let’s start with the first one today Noa and Max will be speaking with musician , a multi-talented performer and songwriter who specializes in children’s music.
Thank you Stages Class . You can find more great songs on Jason mensches YouTube channel Jason Mensches Music with new premiers each week. Next we have a little news about music in a premiere news segment from Mr. Collin’s Music class called “ Music Central’ Agam Hammond and Rayna Williams will discuss the effects of Covid-19 on the music world.
Also! Don’t forget to look at your email Sunday morning and read HAPPENINGS, with great articles and photos from all of our students.Here’s The Associate Director of Advancement to tell you all about it.
In our second interview today, Max and Noa talk to Dynamite Dave- watch out-this could be explosive!
Finally let’s end with another song, taking us back to a selection from SDJA alumni Toren Rosenzweig from his album “Beta” available on iTunes and Spotify, his song” Raise Up”
See what happens when you get music instruction at SDJA? Amazing…. Before we close today we want to reach out to our Class of 2020 who will graduate this Sunday- Mazel Tov to all, you have already proven your strength in the hurdles you have overcome-go well, we will always be here with support and admiration. That’s all for now…. tune in next week for our final Podcast broadcast of the 2019/20 school year!
EPISODE 6
Welcome to Episode 6 of Hometalks, SDJA’s Premiere Podcast. Oh you lucky people, sitting there waiting each week as we enter your home and bring you news of the school, music , theatre…. and me, your wonderful host. I know, I know it’s my voice- you don’t have to say anything, I have been told. What can I say-it’s a gift. (speak next like very rapidly-like its the fine print on a contract) Available for voiceovers, DJ services and books on tape-contact me we’ll talk money.
First up today we have some music, in fact we have a lot of music for you today. Let’s start with Mrs. Susan Wu singing “ Go Down Moses”.
Thank you Mrs. Wu-we always love hearing you sing, whether here , at a Kab Shab or even as we walk into your class on a random day. What a treat we have this week.
We are happy to add a new segment to our podcasts called ‘Conversations’ where our roving reporters conduct zoom interviews. So if there’s anyone you want to know more about, or if you’d like to interview someone yourself-let us know. Now let’s have a conversation with… Chef Giselle !
Thank you Chef Giselle, for letting us get to know you better.
Next we have the musical talent of Evan Kohn and his arrangement od Tyler the Creator’s ‘Boredom” Here’s Evan with guitar accompaniment singing with Ben Newfield. We should all be that bored- such talent!
Next let’s hear what’s on the calendar.
Also! Don’t forget to look at your email Sunday morning and read HAPPENINGS, with great articles and photos from all of our students.Here’s The Associate Director of Advancement to tell you all about it.
Finally let’s round out today with an original song from our esteemed Music teacher, Mr. Collins, playing with his band to a tune he calls “ Toddler’s Revenge”
Wow- no wonder our students have such mad music skills- look who they learned from! But I bet there’s a story behind that title- careful you might be our next interview. That’s all for now…. I’ll be right here where you left me -tune in next week!
Hello SDJA! You have tuned in to Episode 5 of Hometalks and I am here to guide you through music, information and a little bit of fun. No screens please! Push away from that laptop and put down your phone, close your eyes and listen.
We are starting today with another wonderful selection from the Mayer family. Here’s Sebastian on guitar and vocals,Heidi on vocals,Gabe on Viola and Andy on piano performing “ L’dor VDor” from Generation to Generation by Josh Nelson
Its time to plug our vocal contest!
That’s right Za Et Ha Kul- SDJA’s very own version of The Voice!.We have decided to extend the deadline to enter to May 22…that’s Next Friday! It’s free money people….who doesn’t like money? All you have to do is enter….sing ANY song, record on your phone and send to PK or Mr. Collins. It’s anonymous-we’ll only announce your name if you win a prize. And then your friends will be like- OMG was that you, you were amazing. Then someone will send it to a big recording star and you’ll become famous and we can all say we knew you when. And you can say you knew ME when- when that fabulous podcast host announced your name on the air. Now won’t that be fun. $50 first prize, $30 second prize and $20 third prize-BUT-You can’t win it if you’re not in it!
Now- let’s hear a little news…
Speaking of news-Have you heard of Happenings? What? You don’t know what that is, it’s a weekly….well, let’s let our Advancement Department tell you .
Next we have our 3rd and final installment of the original radio play called “ Our Quarantine Nightmare” performed by the middle school theatre Class STAGES featuring the amazing recording skills of Max Pollak , Noa Cohen AND our own Chef Giselle….
Well- I bet you didn’t see that coming, now did you? Thanks Stages class- great work!
We are going to end today with a blast from the past. We wanted to acknowledge our class of 2020 once again and the news we have all heard that the remainder of the 19/20 school year will be virtual, so their much awaited end of the year events and ceremonies, including graduation, will not be in person at this time. We know this isn’t how you saw your career at SDJA coming to a close, , but is a part of your journey nevertheless- we hope you all can feel the love and support from your extended family here and to always remember we are here cheering you on from up on the SDJA hill -always. Remember where you came from.
That’s all for this week……tune in next week, same time-same place!
Check out our current contest running with Amazon Gift Cards to the winner! That’s right Za Et Ha Kul SDJA’s very own version of The Voice!
We will be collecting audio audition recordings from anyone - student, staff, faculty that would like to enter this talent search. The rules and criteria are:
- To enter the karaoke competition you must send in audio of you singing to both Paula Brannon and Mr. Collins, include your name, and the name of the song, and the recording artist in your email- your identity will not be revealed when we air your song on our podcast.
- There will be three rounds of this competition
- For each of the 3 rounds, you must send in an audio of you singing in the given genre of music as follows: FOR THE FIRST ROUND pop/contemporary (that’s anything on the radio today) OR country (you know, the twangy ones OR classic rock (Beatles, Queen, Rolling Stones)
- In each round people will get eliminated until there is one winner
- The first-place winner will receive a $50 amazon gift card, Second place will receive a $30 amazon gift card and Third place will receive a $20 amazon gift card
So if you have ever wanted to do karaoke but didn’t want to be seen - C’mon, now’s your chance, I know there is hidden talent out there…singing to the radio in your car, in the shower, at the top of your lungs when you have the house to yourself-don’t deny it. So record that, send it in- NO ONE WILL KNOW ITS YOU-and you might win some bucks. You have a week left to enter, it will take just a few minutes.
If you have any questions- contact Pk or Mr. Collins!
EPISODE 3
Hello and welcome back to HOME TALKS, SDJA’s new podcast! You are tuning in to Episode number 3. We have an exciting line up for you this week. I know you are all just staying home waiting for this as we had no broadcast during Spring break, right? So let’s get started.
First up is a musical selection from one of SDJA’s most talented families The Mayers. Sebastian and Gabriel graduated from SDJA in 2018 and mom Heidi Gantwerk is the President of our Board of Trustees. Please enjoy their performance of ‘Healer of the Broken Hearted’ Heidi and Sebastian on vocals, Andy on piano, Gabriel on viola and audio engineering.
Our second segment involves two poetry readings-the first is by 7th grade student Julia Neiberg entitled “Things to Do During a Pandemic “. The next reading is titled “Ode to My Thermometer” by Linda Rosenberg!
Next up is a musical Beatles Mash-Up; an original arrangement by 6th grader Max Pollak accompanying himself and his dad, Jeffrey Pollak
Speaking of music, we would like to announce our first podcast game show called Za Et Ha Kul- that’s right SDJA’s very own version of The Voice!. We will be collecting audio audition recordings from anyone-student, staff, faculty that would like to enter this talent search. Here are the rules:
1 To enter the karaoke competition you must send in audio of you singing to both Paula Brannon pbrannon@sdja.com and Mr.Collins tcollins@sdja.com include your name, and the name of the song, and the recording artist in your email- your identity will not be revealed when we air your song on our podcast.
There will be three rounds of this competition #3 For each of the 3 rounds, you must send in an audio of you singing in the given genre of music as follows:
-1st round: pop/contemporary or country or classic rock
-2nd round: oldie goldies or rap or alternative
-3rd round: musicals or opera or singers choice #4 In each round people will get eliminated until there is one winner #5 The first-place winner will receive a $50 amazon gift card,Second place will receive a $30 amazon gift card and theThird place will receive a $20 amazon gift card So if you have ever wanted to do karaoke but didn’t want to be seen now’s your chance! Plus you can win money! The deadline to enter is May 15 . If you have any questions, contact Pk or Mr. Collins!
Let’s visit some more Random Rants-This week we’re are looking at some conspiracy theories-no not the coronavirus, we can get enough of that on social media. You know, things like the world is flat-that kind of thing.
Time for another music selection! Here’s Hannah Gutman playing Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love”
Finally today is is an original radio play performed by the middle school theatre class ‘STAGES’ featuring Max Pollak and Noa Cohen in ‘Our Quarantine Nightmare’
Well that’s a wrap for this week. Thanks to all who have contributed to our Podcast and to those working on pieces for upcoming shows. Keep those audio recordings coming!
EPISODE 2
Hello and welcome back to HOME TALKS, SDJA’s new podcast! Coming into your home each week with news, music and fun. Have something you would like to share with our SDJA captive audience? It’s your chance to perform without leaving your house-cause, well-you can’t! Send in an idea or audio of a skit, jokes, songs, game shows, commercials and more. This podcast is for and by you-the students, teachers and staff of SDJA. Send your idea to PK or Mr. Collins through the school email.
To start off our second episode today we will be hearing a Poetry Reading by Mrs. Sara Hansen.
For our Quarentunes segment will feature a vocal selection sung by SDJA student Adam Glasser. He is doing a cover of “Break My Heart Again” by FINNEAS
Next is a segment we call The Lion’s Den as it features the work by Mr. Riley’s Journalism students. Today Kate Aizen will be reading.
Closing out or second episode is another session of Senior Segue….on their last day of school at SDJA led again by Ilan Leisorek.
Thank you class of 2020! Well that’s it for this week. We won’t be coming back to you until after our spring break, you know when we all pack our bags -walk out the front door and pile into the car. We drive around the block -maybe even 2! Then we pull into the garage and enter through the back door for a change and all visit the south side of the house together-in the same rooms for. two. weeks.- with not even online classes as distractions. Well won’t that be fun for a change? All kidding aside, we wish you all some uninterrupted family time and chag Pesach samech.
Hello! Welcome to our very first episode of SDJA's new podcast we are calling HOME TALKS....because we are all at home obviously. And that makes you a most captive audience-you lucky people. Every week we will bring you segments created and performed by SDJA students. We will share music, opinions, news and more. Our pilot episode today will contain three segments for your listening pleasure. That's right- no video, just audio, So push away from that screen and listen in.
First up today is an original musical selection from senior Andy Zhu followed by a group selection from Mr. Collin’s Advanced Music Class featuring SDJA Alumni Ori Hammond on vocals.
Thank you Andy and the advanced students! You sounded great as always. Next we have a segment called Random Rants today featuring Looney Laws that are still on the books today.
We are ending today with a segment we are calling Senior Segue...thoughts from the Class of 2020 led by Ilan Leisorek
Well, that's our show for today-we hope you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for episode 2 next week. And if you have an idea for inclusion in our podcast, either a topic you'd like to hear or even record yourself, please get in touch with Pk or Mr. Collins through school email. Thanks for listening!