McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

As MCHS is winding down for spring break, The Messenger has put together our top picks for the perfect spring break playlist.

Playlist: Blooming beats

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor March 24, 2023

Spring break is finally here! The last checkpoint before the end of the year, Spring is the time to celebrate the warm weather and make new memories, while also catching a quick breather before the...

A lot of people assume that, if an artists music is on Spotify, then they must be a rockstar making a million dollars. The truth is that many artists, especially those in independent and underground music, probably arent making much money off of their music at all.

Opinion: Indie musicians deserve to be paid better

Preston Boysen, Staff Writer March 22, 2023

Musicians are some of the most impactful people in the world, with music being the only universal language. Music is a massive part of how people express themselves in their day to day lives. However,...

MTV Unplugged defines a generation with acoustic performances from the worlds biggest artists.

Unplugging a generation

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor March 17, 2023

MTV Unplugged’s concept is one that I find very interesting. Taking the biggest artists, stadium performers, and putting them in an intimate acoustic setting has led to some of the most unique performances...

Though MCHS offers creative students a  number of opportunities to express themselves, more would allow these students to earn the recognition they deserve — and would enrich MCHS in other ways.

Opinion: MCHS should showcase student talent more often

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor March 15, 2023

MCHS has a burgeoning arts program. With groups like Tri-M, band, choir, and the theater department, there are many ways to showcase talent. However: some students are more independent. Garage bands, singer...

Throwback Review: The Slim Shady LP by Eminem

Throwback Review: “The Slim Shady LP” by Eminem

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor March 3, 2023

Eminem is undoubtedly the biggest most recognizable artist in rap history, however, he wasn’t always such a powerhouse. Before 1999, he was an unknown battle rapper from Detroit. One album would rocket...

Messenger Mixtape Track 09: Blind by Korn

Messenger Mixtape Track 09: “Blind” by Korn

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor February 28, 2023

Nu-metal of the 2000’s has seen a resurgence recently and along with it, the newest addition to the Messenger Mixtape, submitted by yours truly, “Blind” by Korn has seen a resurgence. Released...

Ethan Bailey from Consequence Bronson sings and plays the drums at the 2023 Battle of the Bands

Sharing the stage

Freedom Tomasello, Opinions Editor February 24, 2023

On February 10th, MCHS held their annual battle of the bands, featuring groups such as Robot Man, Ordinary Hero, Consequence Bronson, The Sound, and 2022 champions, Standalone. The show was a resounding...

Throwback Review: “The Score” by The Fugees

Throwback Review: “The Score” by The Fugees

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor February 21, 2023

February is host to many significant album releases, but for this throwback review, we at the Messenger thought February 13th, 1996’s “The Score” by Fugees was the best pick. The final album by the...

Celebrating Mac Miller

Celebrating Mac Miller

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor February 15, 2023

On Jan. 19, 1992, Malcolm McCormick — who would come to be known as Mac Miller — was born. From a young age Malcolm took interest in music, particularly hip hop. McCormick learned piano, guitar, bass,...

Messenger Mixtape Track 08: Void by Ronen

Messenger Mixtape Track 08: “Void” by Ronen

Gabe Santos, Arts and Entertainment Editor February 10, 2023

 The newest track on the Messenger’s mind is a textbook 2010’s hip hop record that encapsulates the emphasis on emotional lyrics and dark production. This week's track is “Void” by Ronen,...

Wind Ensemble performs at the Freshman Campus main gym on Feb. 1 during the Winter Band Festival.

Gallery: Winter Band Festival

Eli Frommes, Staff Writer February 10, 2023

MCHS had its annual Winter Band Festival on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Freshman Campus main gym. At the band festival, Parkland Middle School and McHenry Middle School joined in and performed along with...

The Battle of the Bands takes place on Friday in the Freshman Campus auditorium. Not only will the event showcase student bands and solo acts, but will also offer food from two different food trucks.

MCHS to host Battle of The Bands at the Freshman Campus

Eli Frommes, Staff Writer February 9, 2023

The annual Battle of the Bands is taking place Friday, Feb. 10 at the Freshman Campus auditorium at 6 p.m. This year at Battle of the Bands, there will be six bands performing and four in between acts....

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