Projects by liujen

Connecting communities: Opal the Band members unite from every corner of campus

By Macy Pugh, Jennifer Liu, and Dian Zhong

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Apr. 3, 2025) — Opal the Band members practice for two upcoming gigs at the Bluebird.

Opal the Band members Claire, Fran, Ahnay, Philip, Kenneth and Emmet prepare to take the stage at the Bluebird, one of Bloomington’s biggest music venues. Some of the band members have had time to practice before their gig, while others are going straight from campus to the stage. Either way, the musicians are excited to take the stage with their fellow band members.

Opal members perform at Riley Dance Marathon to get the event started. Their performance took place on November 15, 2024. Courtesy of Macy Pugh.

 

Opal the Band formed about a year ago and has become immensely successful on Indiana University’s campus. With consistent weekly gigs at the Bluebird, the band members are kept busy. They have to work hard to manage their time. These musicians have to balance the band with their academic and social lives, as well as other activities that they are involved in on campus.

The band meets for weekly practices, usually lasting about two hours, and the timing of each session depends on each of their schedules for the week. Each band member is also involved with other organizations on campus, so it can be a bit challenging to manage all of their schedules. Fran, Opal’s bass player, is also in a sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Claire, their singer, is heavily involved with the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center. Philip, their drummer, is also involved in a business fraternity and the Filipino American Association. These are just a few of the many activities each member is involved in. Practicing with their busy lives was a challenge at first, but now it is starting to get easier as the band performs more. 

Fran and Ahnay discuss the components of a new song they are working on. The band has multiple original songs in the works currently.

Opal members have all had to accept that sometimes there will be bumps in the road. At one specific practice, there were some obstacles. Claire had been sick for over a week, so she had to miss this Saturday’s practice. At the same time, three members of Opal who are in another band, Horizon, had to get ready for their gig later that night. The band members still managed to get together, though, and they sounded great while they rehearsed their songs. 

Philip, the newest member of the band, was nervous to join Opal at first. He said that the band had already been together for about seven months when he joined. They had to look for a new drummer, and after playing with Philip a couple of times, they asked him to join. The other members include the guitarists, Ahnay and Kenneth, and Emmet on piano. Throughout the band’s time playing together, they have begun to work on creating some original songs. They started with covers in the beginning, as many bands on campus do. Philip mentioned that they have been playing the same songs for a while, so they do not need to practice those as much anymore. “I probably should practice more,” Philip said. Other members also agree that they could practice more, but are often too busy.

Philip plays the drums at the band’s Saturday rehearsal. He had to prepare for a performance for his other band, Horizon, the same night.

Being in a band can be both mentally and physically taxing, especially for busy college students. “When we have Bluebird shows back to back, even sometimes multiple times a week,” Claire said, “my voice was so tired and it was very stressful for me to keep up with that.” Claire also mentioned that the band has started to practice less over time because the band is more experienced and comfortable playing together. “Since we’ve been getting more Bluebird gigs,” Claire said, “we either don’t rehearse at all or we do once a weekend.” Claire also mentioned being tired the day after gigs, which can often make it hard to focus on schoolwork. While being in a band has its struggles, Claire also mentioned that their band members get along very well. 

Opal Members Claire and Philip speak about the challenges of time management with being in a band. They also talk about their experience as a band member and some of their favorite parts of Opal.

Philip says that managing his time with the band has begun to get easier. “I’m a senior now,” he said, “there’s a lot more time in the day now so I can put it toward things I really enjoy.” He said academics have become easier to balance because he was very focused on grades and internships throughout his first few years of college. When asked about having a social life while also focusing on the band, he said that his social life and the band have started to combine. “All of my friends are in my band or come to see me at my shows,” he said. He and Claire both mentioned how their social lives have combined with their band, which has had a positive impact on both of them. “You’re surrounded by people who are all thinking the same things,” Philip said, “it gets really draining, but it’s great to have a third space.” He also mentioned that he enjoys spending time with his fellow band members, and they are now some of his close friends. He also mentioned that coming together and being able to create music for others to enjoy is the most rewarding part. “I love these people, these are my best friends,” Claire said, “I think it’s that and seeing people enjoy it.”

 

Apple Watch:Not Just a Watch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Apple Watch: Not Just a Watch

Media Contacts:
Jennifer Liu
Jenna Nolot
Ava Thompson

 

On September 9, 2014, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook unveiled the first Apple smartwatch at Apple’s event in Cupertino, California. More than just a timekeeper, the Apple Watch transforms how users manage their daily lives by integrating time management, health tracking, and smart connectivity into one device.

“We have been working incredibly hard for a long time on an entirely new product,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said during the keynote. “We believe this product will redefine what people expect from its category.”

Olivia Allen using her apple watch for work
Olivia Allen, 29, property manager at The Dillon, stays on top of tenant requests while managing her busy schedule. Her Apple Watch’s real-time notifications and calendar reminders help her stay organized and efficiently handle daily tasks.

The Apple Watch features a sleek, modern design and is available in three versions: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Each version is made with different materials and bands to suit a variety of users. As CEO Tim Cook said, the device has a Retina display and supports Force Touch technology, which distinguishes between light and heavy presses, allowing for a smarter interaction experience. The Digital Crown is an innovative interaction method on the Apple Watch, that supports scrolling, zooming and returning to the home screen, preventing the user’s fingers from blocking the screen and improving the smoothness of the operation.

Tim Cook also mentioned the Apple Watch’s ability to keep users connected in a more convenient way. Users can receive and respond to phone calls, text messages, and emails directly from the watch. Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, is integrated into the device, allowing for hands-free commands. The “Glances” feature provides quick access to essential information like schedules, weather, maps, and navigation with a simple raise of the wrist, reducing the need to check a phone frequently.

College student enjoys her apple watch
Ava Kaiser, 19, an IU student, focuses on her workout while training at the gym. The Apple Watch tracks her heart rate, monitors calories burned, and keeps her motivated with personalized fitness goals, helping her balance academics and an active lifestyle.

The Apple Watch also introduces a new way to create human connections. The “Digital Touch” feature allows users to send hand-drawn sketches, taps, and even share their heartbeat through haptic feedback. This interactive function enhances personal communication and provides a more intimate way for users to engage with one another.

Apple Watch also comes with powerful health and fitness features, including a built-in accelerometer, heart rate sensor, and GPS, so you can record your steps, heart rate, exercise track, and more activities. Apple Watch can visually display the client’s exercise status. For example, the Apple Watch reminds people to stand up after sitting for a long time, move around, take deep breaths, etc. The Fitness App tracks the user’s daily exercise and the Workout App provides personalized data monitoring for different exercise modes (e.g., running, biking, etc.) to help the user develop a more scientific fitness plan.

In the field of payment, Apple Watch also brings disruptive changes. Apple Watch has built-in NFC chips, Apple Watch can be directly connected to Apple Pay, users only need to raise their wrists close to the payment system to complete the payment. Apple Watch changed the traditional payment methods. They let the transaction become more secure, fast, and convenient.

The launch of the Apple Watch coincides with the introduction of the new iPhone 6 which features larger screens, and improved performance. That’s the first time that the iPhone supports Apple Pay. iPhone’s deep connectivity with the Apple Watch allows users to switch between multiple devices. It’s more efficient for users.

Apple Watch is expected to be available in early 2015, with a starting price of $349, and is compatible with iPhone 5 to iPhone 6. The watch uses inductive magnetic charging, which makes the charging process simple and efficient.

In short, the Apple Watch is more than just a smartwatch, it represents the perfect fusion of technology, fashion, and personalized experience. It not only changes the way of time management but also brings people closer together and helps them develop a healthy lifestyle.

Apple continues to push innovation forward, shaping the future of wearable technology. As it evolves, the Apple Watch remains at the forefront, offering a perfect balance of style, function, and advanced features that enhance everyday life

Tim Cook introduces a video showcasing the Apple Watch, offering a first look at its design and features. The video shows how the device opens a new chapter for Apple, redefining wearable technology.

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