Daniel Marlow



Projects by Daniel Marlow

Ladies First A Cappella Takes The Stage To Prepare For Their Newest Album

By Daniel Marlow, Jennie Scala

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA (April 11, 2025)

This year’s Ladies First A cappella group comes to a close as the seniors say goodbye in their spring show at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in downtown Bloomington. At the same time, the underclassmen look for new members and upcoming songs to play for performances to come.

In their most recent show, they took the stage to loud cheers and applause from the fans in the stands who had flowers and other gifts in hand, prepared to see their loved ones and congratulate them on a job well done.

Seniors Katie Gits, Leah Mani, and Katy Reilly are about to take stage for their last show in their college careers with Indiana University’s ladies only a capella group. They told me they weren’t nervous since they had done this so many times throughout their careers.

Ladies First has been around for 26 years, dating back to the 1990s. They have been performing at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater since then and even made a trip to the 2012 Super Bowl with Madonna and CeeLo Green. “In the past four years, Ladies First has really grown and evolved musically,” said Business Director Leah Mani. “There is so much growth in the technicality of their arrangements, Ladies First has hit their peak right now.”

Senior Katie Gits sings in her senior solo for her final show
Senior Katie Gits sings in her senior solo for her final show

 

 

 

 

 

 

The growth she mentions is huge for her success in the upcoming release of their newest album: “This new album is different sonically from our previous albums and have grown so much from In Full Bloom.”

An acapella group is more than just about singing; there is so much more that goes into making it work to perfection, like time management, working in a group, and finding out how to blend with each other.

“It has defined our college experience, my friendships, and my roommates, and a sisterhood,” said Leah Mani. This community for Leah and other girls within this group has found their community and lifelong friendships that will last a lifetime.

For Leah Mani, the a capella group was also another way for her to advance her career. As the business director, she learned how to manage money, book venues, and budget to help with her advancements in Indiana University Kelley School of Business and the real world.

Leah sings her senior solo "Erase Me" after listening to Katie Gits and Katy Reilly
Leah sings her senior solo “Erase Me” after listening to Katie Gits and Katy Reilly

 

 

 

For her senior solo, she chose the song “Erase Me” by Lizzy McAlpine and has had this song chosen since her sophomore year when she started thinking about it

Ladies First rehearses 3 times a week, equaling about 10-11 hours of rehearsal time to prepare for their next show. Katie Gits was chosen to be the music director by the last music director instead of being elected so it meant something a little different to her and she couldn’t say no.

Katie and Leah both mentioned how much the group has transformed from their origins in the 1990s, and this year especially, “Their arrangements have gotten harder because of the type of group they are, and they have a member that is in Indiana University Jacobs School of Music who can put the arrangements together.”

Katie tries to partner newer members with older members to create a mentorship within the program and lead them through the breakout rehearsals.

Katie Gits and Katy Reilly share their senior speeches before Leah Mani performs her senior solo.
Katie Gits and Katy Reilly share their senior speeches before Leah Mani performs her senior solo.

 

 

 

 

Katie Gits joined the group as a quiet person with more of her focus on school and trying to do a much as she could and then realized how much of a future she has within the program and how it can also help her in her career by showing what she can be as a leader.

Katie Gits when talking about the group mentions “Because it’s a small group you automatically become best friends.” She also mentions, “It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to them because we spend so much time and do so many things together, and I’m going to miss the little moments.”

Katie Gits talked about “how she is going to miss the little things they did like their food trips and study sessions because that’s when they had the most fun with no responsibilities to worry about.”

 


Seniors Katie Gits and Leah Mani share their experiences from the last four years of being with Ladies First

Apple Watch Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed Apple’s newest innovation, The Apple Watch, on September 9th, in Cupertino, California at the Flint Center at De Anza College.

Media Contacts:
Emma Silverman
Jola Wright
Daniel Marlow

Today, Apple introduced the Apple Watch; the company’s first form of wearable technology. This technological invention pairs cutting-edge technology with a versatile design. Coming in two different sizes; 38mm and 42mm, buyers have different options regarding their preferred watch size. The watches are split into three different collections: the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition, providing a plethora of options to choose from. Aside from the aesthetic of this watch, the Apple Watch promotes physical health and mental well-being, as it has a built-in heart monitor, an app to track your steps, and sends notifications to users, urging them to move their bodies and make healthier choices. The touch-screen feature paired with a digital crown that can be found on the side of this device makes it functional and easy to use at any time. The modern aesthetic of this watch offers a balance of functionality as well as style to users. 

The Apple Watch is available in two different sizes, 38mm and 42mm, allowing buyers to select their preferred watch size based on personal preference as well as comfort. This customization ensures that the device caters to a wide range of users, accommodating different needs and style preferences. “It’s so simple and elegant, it’s something only Apple can do,” said Tim Cook. Apple has launched three different collections: the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Each collection offers unique features, giving consumers a plethora of options to suit their needs. 

Beyond aesthetics, the Apple Watch promotes both physical health and mental well-being. With a built-in heart monitor, users are able to track their heart rate in real time, helping them stay on top of their health. Additionally, a fitness app tracks daily activity, including steps taken and calories burned. In an effort to encourage healthier habits, the watch sends notifications periodically, reminding users to take a deep breath, move their bodies, and take time to practice mindfulness. These features make the Apple Watch extremely helpful for those dedicated to maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Media expert Brian Andrews converses with students. He can be seen wearing the Apple Watch, a modern accessory, on his wrist.

The Apple Watch has a touch-screen display, ensuring that it is easy to use. It also features a digital crown on the side, which allows for easy scrolling and navigation without messing up the screen. The prioritization of physical controls makes the Apple Watch easy to use. Additionally, the device allows users to send messages, receive notifications, and make phone calls from their wrists. The Apple watch has a similar purpose to the iPhone; however, the design of the watch makes performing these tasks easier and more convenient for individuals.

Aesthetically speaking, the Apple Watch offers much room for customization and personalization. Users are able to switch out their watch bands, personalize their home screen, and choose from a variety of different watch colors. Because of the large amount of variety, the Apple Watch is extremely versatile, as you can customize it however you want for any occasion. 

Max William, student at Indiana University, texts a friend using his Apple Watch. Max finds that his ability to communicate with others is very convenient, as he is able to wear this technological innovation on his wrist.

Aside from releasing the Apple Watch, Kevin Lynch, vice president of technology at Apple, Inc. discussed additional innovations such as working with third-party developers to extend their apps to the Apple Watch. By doing this, individuals will get the best of both worlds, as they will be able to access apps from their phones on their Apple Watches. Aside from this, Lynch discussed WatchKit, which is a framework provided by Apple that assists in developing applications for the Apple Watch. 

The Apple Watch encourages wellness, helps individuals be more productive, and makes everyday activities more convenient. Pairing technology with functionality, the Apple Watch has started a technological revolution of wearable devices. Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted the significance of this launch, stating, “it empowers people and enriches their lives, Apple Watch is the most personal device that Apple has ever created.”  Cook’s sentimental words portray Apple’s dedication to delivering innovative products that seamlessly integrate into users’ lives.

https://iu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/t/1_grbvgwdp

In this clip, Cook places an emphasis on the importance of personalization regarding the Apple Watch. Additionally, Cook discusses Apple’s commitment to creating sophisticated pieces. 

https://iu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/t/1_aij34ero

In this clip, Cook shares the three different types of Apple Watches, which include the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition.  Additionally, he discusses how the Apple Watch pairs with the iPhone.