Aliso Niguel High School had its second annual String Showcase with Don Juan Avila and Aliso Viejo Middle School at Soka University’s Concert Hall on Friday, April 19, 2024.
The program started with the DJAMS Advanced Orchestra performing “Concerto No. 3 in D major, BWV 1054,” arranged by Merle J. Isaac and composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The second piece was “Theme from Schindler’s List,” arranged by Robert Longfield and composed by John Williams.
The Orchestra conductor for DJAMS, Ms. Elena Rodriguez, expressed her excitement by saying, “I am very proud of what the students have accomplished and put together to bring this concert together.”
Some of Aliso Niguel’s orchestra members volunteered to play in two combined pieces with the DJAMS and AVMS orchestra. The two combined pieces with the DJAMS Orchestra were “Hungarian Dance No. 5,” arranged by Merle J. Isaac and composed by Johannes Brahms, and “The Incredibles,” arranged by John Moss and composed by Michael Giacchino.
The two combined pieces performed with AVMS orchestra were “Dragonfly,” composed by Doug Spata and “Sadness and Sorrow,” arranged by Larry Moore and composed by Purojekuto Musahi.
Aliso’s orchestra conductor, Mr. Jonathan Chen, expressed his gratitude by saying, “It was a wonderful experience for our students to collaborate with the talented musicians from DJAMS and AVMS. The dedication and hard work put in by all the students and teachers involved truly paid off in this incredible performance. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.”
After the 20-minute intermission, The ANHS Orchestra’s String, Advanced, Chamber Orchestras performed. The String Orchestra performed “Take 5,” arranged by Bob Cerulli and composed by Paul Desmond. The group’s second piece was “Maharaja,” composed by Doug Spata.
After the String Orchestra performance, the Advanced Orchestra played “Symphony No. 8, D.759,” arranged by Robert D. McCashin and composed by Franz Schubert, as well as “Perseus,” composed by Soon Hee Newbold.
Mr. Jeff McGinnis, the orchestra’s conductor at AVMS, said, “I am incredibly proud of our AVMS orchestra students for their hard work and dedication towards this showcase.”
He went on to explain, “It was a wonderful opportunity for them to collaborate with the talented musicians from ANHS and DJAMS. The students showcased their skills and passion for music, and I am honored to be their conductor.”
The last Orchestra to perform was the Chamber Orchestra from ANHS. They played “Symphony No. 9 in E minor, “From the New World,” Op. 95 arranged by Brian Holmes and composed by Antonín Dvořák, along with “The Fire Within,” composed by Brian Balmages.
The Aliso Niguel High School Orchestras’ String Showcase was a resounding success. Featuring incredible performances by the school’s string, advanced, and chamber orchestras, as well as collaborations with the talented musicians from Don Juan Avila and Aliso Viejo Middle School.
The dedication and hard work put in by all the students and teachers involved truly paid off in this unforgettable performance, and everyone involved can be proud of what they accomplished.
