The first semester was filled with unforgettable experiences, including exciting trips to Disneyland and the LA Philharmonic, as well as engaging socials and events that brought everyone closer together. To end the year, Arcadia’s orchestra, band, and choir collaborated to deliver an unforgettable winter concert, featuring classics such as The Nutcracker, and more.

Following choirs’ performance, Premier Orchestra introduced the string instruments to the stage with a selection of pieces, including Spinning Song, Care Selve, Frosty the Snowman, and Jingle All the Way. A highlight was Jingle Bells, which stood out for its jazz-inspired arrangement. Nathan Gaw, a senior bassist, describes the combination of percussion, piano, and strings as “something else,” making it the performers’ and audience’s favorite. However, Care Selve was challenging for performers due to its slurs and intonation. For Nathan, the piece was tricky but ultimately a rewarding learning experience.

After Premier Orchestra’s performance, String Orchestra took the stage with an impressive repertoire, including Il Re Pastore, Orchid, and Hava Nagila. Among these, Hava Nagila stood out as a favorite for Alexandrea Cheng, a sophomore cellist, due to its tempo changes and exciting energy, which made it especially enjoyable to play. As a traditional Jewish song often played at celebrations like Bat Mitzvahs, the section leaders danced along while performing, bringing engagement to the piece and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. 

Next, Concert orchestra had the audience on the edge of their seats with their performance of Dance of the Tumblers, Angelus, and Concerto Grosso No. 1 mvt 1. For Ethan Hung, Dance of the Tumblers stood out as a favorite, especially as a violist, because he enjoyed the opportunity to play faster, complex passages instead of a simple accompaniment. Surprisingly, Angelus, with its slow tempo, was more challenging than the faster pieces, as it required control and precision to play its tricky rhythms and musical phrasing.

To conclude the evening, Symphony Orchestra delivered a show stopping finale with Concerto Grosso No. 1, Mvt. 3, The Nutcracker – Trepak, Waltz of the Flowers, Mosaic for Earth Mvt. 8, and Joy to the World. Aiden To, a violinist, particularly enjoyed The Nutcracker, describing it as both “nostalgic and reminiscent of childhood.” The piece was especially captivating thanks to its dynamic and rich sound, enhanced by the addition of percussion, band, and a professional harpist. Waltz of the Flowers showcased romantic melodies and harmonies with a flowing pulse, producing dreamlike tones, while Trepak was exciting due to its fast rhythm. Furthermore, Mosaic for Earth, Mvt. 8 and Joy to the World featured not only band, but also choir. Mosaic celebrated the beauty of nature, using arpeggios and a repeated motif to simulate running water and bird calls. Meanwhile, the familiar Christmas classic Joy to the World brought the audience together in a festive finale.

The winter concert was more than a showcase of musical talent; it was a demonstration of dedication, teamwork, and the thrill of performing. From nostalgic classics to lively, holiday songs, the evening left the audience with unforgettable memories and appreciation for the hard work of Arcadia’s orchestras, band, and choirs. We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings!