Josh Lane

Halloween: NM choirs amplify chills in 'Spooktacular'

Violins repeat the same sequence of notes while basses create dark undertones and the chorus chants eerily as the collective ensemble grows faster and louder until exploding in a clangorous climax of the percussion section. A suspenseful soundtrack typifies any great thriller, horror or Halloween film, and it is to be expected of the New Mexico Philharmonic this Halloween at their annual “Halloween Spooktacular.” The New Mexico Philharmonic will perform at Popejoy Hall on Saturday at 6 p.m. in partnership with the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus and the New Mexico Women’s Chorus.

Five and why: William Dole

William Dole, the executive director of the ASUNM Southwest Film Center and a junior majoring in theater, said people frequently ask him about his favorite movies because he selects the schedule of films to be shown at the Southwest Film Center. After great deliberation, here are his top five films and why he chose them:

Balloon Fiesta takes flight for 44th year

With the glow of sunlight creeping over the Sandias, Balloon Fiesta Park was already buzzing as tens of thousands of people watched the first balloons rise and illuminate the morning sky this past Saturday.

Nat. Geo. grants encourage research in conservation, exploration

National Geographic, one of the world’s largest science-, exploration- and storytelling-based publications, has been awarding grants since the year following the society’s founding in 1888. On Saturday, employees and grantees for the acclaimed magazine spoke on campus to students who are interested in applying for the organization’s Young Explorers Grant.

Sports Issue: Spirit Program fights stigma with peerless work ethic

The sun has yet to rise over the Sandias, but the UNM Spirit Program has already been practicing for an hour. Four days a week, essentially all year round, 73 members of the Spirit Program spend the first two hours of the day tucking, stunting and risking their lives in elaborate spins, jumps, throws and catches.

Akelli and Orion 

A New Mexico State Aggie sits at Johnson Field waiting to be burned for the annual Red Rally celebration. The rally offers students a chance to hear live music and watch the burning of the Aggie, NMSU’s mascot.

The New Mexico spirit squad practices drills at the Football Indoor Practice Facility Aug. 9, 2015.

Dawn Patrol balloon crews participate in the morning glow by firing their burners in sync Sunday morning.

The Large Co-Ed Cheerleading Team practices rewinds at the Football Indoor Practice Facility during an early morning practice. Two of the men, bottom-center, throw the top girl in a backward spin to the middle women, center, for the catch while the bases brace under the weight and spotters ensure the safety of all involved.