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The Student Newspaper of Oxford Academy

The Gamut

The Gamut

The Gamut

Nathan Perera

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Passionate, bold, and driven by his interests, Nathan Perera is this year’s A&E editor. His favorite type of article to write for his section is reviews of music; his favorite artist is Lana del Rey, but he also enjoys Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, and Rosalía. Of course, as a staffer on the Gamut, he’s a seasoned lover of reading and writing—some of his favorite books are A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Sadie, and The Silent Patient, and they’ve inspired him to write with creative freedom in the paper. Even though he appreciates well-written books, Nathan’s taste also runs to the “so bad it’s good” side of things, such as reality shows and Twilight.  Outside of the Gamut, he’s the president of Film Club and is a member of Fashion Club and FBLA. In his spare time, he’s also interested in researching linguistics, specifically niche languages. Nathan is undecided on a career path, but right now, his main focus is balancing doing well in school and dedicating a lot of time to the Gamut.

All content by Nathan Perera
ALL STYLE, NO SUBSTANCE: A show bloated with gratuitous scenes and speculation, “Monsters” failed to craft a narrative that would bring the Mendendez brothers justice.

Speculation runs wild in Netflix’s “Monsters”

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor October 30, 2024

In 1989, brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez shot and killed their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, after enduring years of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse by their father. More than 30 years later, their story — and trauma — has become source material for Netflix's latest true crime docuseries,...

A HALF-BAKED EXPOSE: "The Apprentice" biopic captures a nuanced look at the former president's involvement with corrupt capitalism yet fails to explore his inner psyche.

“The Apprentice” unmasks Trump’s complex rise to power

Jasmine Nguyen and Nathan Perera October 30, 2024

In the current landscape of U.S. politics, Donald Trump stands as a figure of immense influence, infamy, and everything in between, from conservatism to far-right conspiracies. With the 2024 presidential election approaching in November, Trump’s presence in the American zeitgeist looms larger than...

By offering housing to unhoused students, LAUSD addresses the educational disparities exacerbated by homelessness with a strong student support system all districts should adopt.

LAUSD charters new path for unhoused students

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 26, 2024

An estimated 15,000 students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) are homeless, deprived of the necessities every human should bear — food, clothes, and shelter — and many can’t access the education vital to their success. On March 25, LAUSD opened the Sun King apartments complex...

Redefining pop with summer 2024’s most refreshing hits

Nathan Perera and Haley Nguyen September 25, 2024

Characterized by shimmering synth-driven production punctuated with distinct drum beats and self-indulgent lyricism, the summer of 2024 spurred an era of paradoxical contrast: apathetic nonchalance, explosive emotion, and club-ready confidence, all at the same time.   BRAT – Charli XCX  Serrated,...

Maps reveal Oxford’s plan to accommodate parking at the Cypress Civic Center. (Image courtesy of Principal Amber Houston)

Oxford parking lot closed through November for solar panel installation

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor August 1, 2024

The Oxford Academy parking lot will temporarily close Aug. 5 ahead of a new solar panel installation project, anticipated for completion by Nov. 29. Principal Amber Houston detailed the school’s plan to maintain student drop off/pick up and utilize local facilities for further accommodation in a July...

ALL RIFS RESCINDED

ALL RIFS RESCINDED

Nathan Perera and Celine Park May 10, 2024

The Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees has rescinded all Reduction in Force notifications. This was announced via a joint statement from Superintendent Michael Matsuda and Anaheim Secondary Teachers Association President Geoff Morgenstern at the end of the school day on Friday, May...

How you can best help your school during layoffs

Zoharys Jaen and Nathan Perera May 7, 2024

Following a vote to layoff 119 teachers from the Anaheim Unified High School District (AUHSD), the district’s Board of Trustees, including superintendent Michael Matsuda, responded to public outcry by rescinding 45 of the Reduction In Force (RIF) notices. In light of the beneficial outcomes the protests...

Ditching the basic Prom tuxedo for dynamic suiting

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor March 18, 2024

Out are the days of showing up to Prom in a boring, traditional tuxedo. Despite being a staple outfit choice at the dance, the typical black blazer, white dress shirt, and tie combination plagues every Prom night with its unoriginality. As prom night approaches, deciding what to wear can be stressful,...

Glaring double standards strain Women of color in Hollywood

Glaring double standards strain Women of color in Hollywood

Justin Le and Nathan Perera March 18, 2024

As Hollywood attempts to spotlight its female actresses during Women’s History Month, the double standards are strikingly obvious for women of color in comparison to their white counterparts. Women of color are continuously overshadowed by white women and are forced to put in increased effort for the...

Oxford Academy senior Luqman Muhammad garners reaction from the public audience following his speech at March 7 AUHSD Board of Trustees meeting.

Students respond to AUHSD decision to lay off teachers

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor March 15, 2024

In response to a district-wide decline in student enrollment, the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) employed mass Reductions in Force (RIF), notifying 253 of its permanent and probationary middle and high school teachers on March 8 and 11 that they were at risk of being laid off. The announcement...

Grammys 2024: Predicting music’s most anticipated night

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor February 1, 2024

Unpredictability and music’s most coveted night, the Grammy Awards, are synonymous. From the glamorous red carpet couture to its unprecedented performances, the Grammys unfold erratically, overcharged with pop culture delirium and frenzied internet speculation despite its prestige within music.  The...

Spilling the Frijoles: Author Yolanda Nava shares personal insight from her bestselling novel, “It’s All in the Frijoles,” to Oxford Academy students during guest talk. (Photo By Christina Choi-Siems)

Yolanda Nava spills the “Frijoles” in heartfelt guest talk

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor December 21, 2023

Frijoles de la olla is more than beans simmered in traditional Mexican flavor — it’s an symbol of character, a keepsake of her mother’s wisdom and the driving inspiration of Emmy award-winning Yolanda Nava’s novel of folktales, poetry and sayings, “It’s All in the Frijoles.” On Dec. 6,...

Photo By fortherock/Creative Commons

Festive Orange County destinations light up the holiday season

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor December 14, 2023

With two weeks of break from school and time to spend with family and friends, traveling to Orange County’s most festive winter destinations is a must — and perfect for capturing the joyous fervor of the holiday season. Whether your heart calls for delicious seasonal treats, last-minute shopping...

Oxford admissions inflicts barriers on underprivileged applicants

Oxford admissions inflicts barriers on underprivileged applicants

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor November 16, 2023

Distinguishing it from other public high schools in California, Oxford Academy’s infamous entrance exam is arguably its most defining aspect.  Every year, hundreds of sixth grade students from across Orange County take a challenging, three-hour exam in hopes of making their way into the #1 public...

Fashion Week 2023 shapes new era of brand identity

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor October 30, 2023

Seized in a haze of glamorous runways and otherworldly clothes, designers debuted their ready-to-wear collections ahead of the Spring/Summer 2024 season. Household names in luxury weren’t the only ones garnering attention, though, as this season saw many up-and-coming brands reaching public acclaim...

Olivia Rodrigo spills her "GUTS" in sophomore album

Olivia Rodrigo spills her “GUTS” in sophomore album

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 28, 2023

A gritty, heartfelt confessional, “GUTS” by Olivia Rodrigo captures the poison of newfound fame and failed relationships, locking it in an angsty, abrasive pop-punk album. Released Sept. 8, her latest record is a follow up to “SOUR” (2021), a profound debut that transformed the Disney star into...

Exploring New Depths In “Ocean Blvd”

Exploring New Depths In “Ocean Blvd”

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor May 4, 2023

Recognized as the reigning queen of alternative music, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey released her ninth studio album “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” on March 24, garnering widespread appraisal from fans for its self-searching pensiveness.   Arguably...

Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Bigotry

Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Bigotry

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor May 4, 2023

The most illustrious event in fashion, the Met Gala entails a glamorous night of flamboyant couture, sparkling suits, and flashy photoshoots exclusive to its high-profile attendees. Located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (recognized as The Met) in New York, the annual charity gala is set to host renowned...

Celebrate Black Creativity With This Stellar Playlist

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor March 10, 2023

With February being Black History Month, it’s important to honor Black musicians and their contributions to innovating music, but the celebration of Black creativity should not end here. From the contagious rhythms of Afrobeats to the atmospheric sounds of experimental rock, here are six exceptional...

Vivienne Westwood Leaves a Lasting Legacy Behind

Vivienne Westwood Leaves a Lasting Legacy Behind

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor February 9, 2023

Following a generation-defining career in the global fashion scene, Dame Vivienne Westwood, known as the mother of punk and British fashion, died Dec. 29, 2022 at the age of 81. The fashion designer was pivotal in the direction of London’s punk movement and British high fashion, using innovative runway...

SZA Seeks Bittersweet Revenge in “Kill Bill”

SZA Seeks Bittersweet Revenge in “Kill Bill”

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor February 9, 2023

Following the Dec. 9 release of her sophomore album “SOS,” R&B sensation SZA seized global charts and broken hearts with standout track “Kill Bill.” Laced with gorgeous, dream-like vocals and backed by a mid-tempo beat, the song alludes to Quentin Tarantino’s film, “Kill Bill Volume 1,”...

Rising Star: Carol Kim performing her rhythmic gymnastic routine at nationals.

Freshmen Carol Kim Rising to Gymnastic Nationals

Nandita Bussa and Nathan Perera February 6, 2023

Currently on the ninth level of Junior National Rhythmic and Aesthetic Gymnastics and in her  ninth year of school, Oxford’s Carol Kim has set her sights to return to nationals along with qualifying for the final level of junior gymnastics at her next in-state competition next year. USAG Junior...

A Delicious Delight: This Yule Log cake is perfect for Christmas, one of many cultural desserts enjoyed during the holiday season!

Cultural Desserts To Sweeten Your Holidays

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor December 16, 2022

With the holidays just around the corner, expand your taste buds with some of the most scrumptious desserts from around the world. Whether you're a chocolate fanatic or a jelly enthusiast, these recipes are perfect for your winter cravings!    Find links to the full recipes on oagamut.com.    Champurrado...

Hot Cocoa Hype: Gamut staffers freshmen Miriam Santos, Nandita Bussa, Mikaela Woo, and sophomore Haley Nguyen sample homemade champurrado.

The Gamut staff ranks the hottest hot chocolates

Haley Nguyen, Editor in Chief December 16, 2022

Hot Cocoa Hype: Gamut staffers freshmen Miriam Santos, Nandita Bussa, Mikaela Woo, and sophomore Haley Nguyen sample homemade champurrado.

Oxford pathways stifle creative potential

Oxford pathways stifle creative potential

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor November 17, 2022

As one of the top-ranked public high schools in California, Oxford Academy is recognized for its college-and-career focus, yet lacks support for students pursuing the arts and humanities. Four Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways are offered — biotechnology, engineering, entrepreneurship, and...

The Little Mermaid: Representation over racism

The Little Mermaid: Representation over racism

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor October 28, 2022

The release of Disney’s teaser for the live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” submerged the film in racist controversy following the decision to cast Halle Bailey, a Black woman, as Ariel. Although the film does not come out until May 26, waves of backlash over casting Bailey flooded the internet,...

Ethnic Studies In Action: Ethnic studies students dive deep into exploring their identities in Mrs. Ho’s class.

Ethnic Studies Breaks New Ground

Nathan Perera, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 29, 2022

In the 2022-2023 school year, Oxford Academy introduced its first ethnic studies course, centered around the interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and other markings of identity. The class, led by Mrs. Ho, is available to juniors and seniors interested in learning about marginalized communities...

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Nathan Perera