The Aliso Niguel Gym buzzed with excitement as the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra and Concert Band came together for their annual fall concert on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
The eager Audience filled the seats, ready to experience an enchanting night of music performed by dedicated student musicians under the direction of Mr. Chen, the orchestra conductor.
This is the first year that Mr. Chen has conducted both the Orchestra and the Concert Band, marking a significant milestone, as this performance was also the first time the two groups played together.
Mr.Chen says, “The concert went really well, considering this was our first concert combined. They did really well under the hot atmosphere of the gym, but overall, they did exceptionally well, and I am really proud of them.”
The concert began with the String Orchestra; they set a whimsical tone for the evening with “This is Halloween,” arranged by James Kazik, perfectly capturing the spirit of Halloween. The orchestra then transitioned seamlessly into “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” arranged by Robert Longfield. The strings brought a heartfelt energy to the performance, producing feelings of nostalgia that resonated deeply with the audience.
As the evening unfolded, the spotlight shifted to the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Under Mr. Chen’s skilled direction and led by student conductor Noah Kim, the ensemble launched into “Regenesis (Song of the Planet)” by John Higgins. This piece captivated the crowd with its vibrant melodies celebrating nature and the interconnectedness of our world.
Following the student conductor position, Mr. Chen comments, “Landon and Noah are both my student conductors for this concert. Both of them showed interest in learning how to conduct, while getting the experience of what it will be like, because they are both interested in applying for the captain position for the marching band next year, and that is a position that’s basically only conducting.”
The band’s performance showcased their precision and passion before transitioning to Paul Jennings’ enchanting arrangement of music from Disney’s “Aladdin,” delighting audience members of all ages.
The Advanced Orchestra took the stage next with “Autumn Harvest” by Chris Thomas, a piece that captured the feelings of fall through its rich harmonies. The orchestra continued with a medley of iconic tunes from the film “La La Land,” arranged by Robert Longfield. A highlight of the performance occurred when violinist Angela Kim took center stage for a stunning solo, captivating the audience with her exceptional skill and artistry.
The Chamber Orchestra, consisting of 26 talented musicians, followed with an impressive rendition of Felix Mendelssohn’s “Sinfonia X in B minor.” They then transitioned to the dramatic “Egmont Overture,” arranged by Robert D. McCashin. This piece showcased the students’ musicality and the depth of their interpretation, drawing the audience into the lush soundscapes created by the interplay of instruments and dynamics.
The concert topped in a powerful finale featuring 30 band students and 40 orchestra students—an impressive total of 70 young musicians. Conducted by student conductor Landon Benner, “Rites of Tamburo” by Robert W. Smith brought the evening to a thrilling close. The energy in the gym was palpable as the combined forces of the ensembles delivered a rousing performance, leaving the audience cheering for more.
Chamber Orchestra musician Evelyn Clasquin (12) says, “I think the concert went really well! Everyone performed beautifully, and the energy from the audience was amazing.”
The night was a celebration not only of music but also of community and collaboration, showcasing the talent of ANHS students and their hard work throughout the semester. With Mr. Chen’s dual role as conductor for both groups, this concert marked a significant step forward for these talented musicians.
As the final notes played through the gym, it was clear that this concert was a memorable highlight of the fall season, leaving everyone eager for the Winter concert ahead.
