The final orchestra concert of the year took place at 7 p.m. last Thursday at the high school. Featured performances from both the string orchestra and concert orchestra, along with members of the band program joining in for the final songs of the night.

One highlight of the concert was the performance of “Harry’s Wondrous Worlds” from the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone soundtrack, in which band students helped provide a fuller background sound for the orchestra. Senior violinist Jason Lyn Sue also performed a featured solo during “Violin Concerto” as one of the 2026 Concerto Commotion co-winners.

During his performance, Jason played it entirely from memory, as if he’d known the song his whole life. “Orchestra has been the best part of my life for 10+ years,” Jason said. Another senior, Kailey Whipple, who was also a Concerto commotion co-winner, played an oboe solo in “Allegro Spiritoso”.

The concert included a mix of classical music, movie themes, and student-created work. The concert orchestra performed selections including “Black Sea” and “Cinema Paradiso,” while the string orchestra performed “Unbridled Spirit,” “Holst: St. Paul’s Suite,” “Nimbus 2000” and “Harry’s Wondrous Worlds.”

Purple lighting filled the auditorium throughout the performance as musicians used a variety of string techniques, including both bowing and plucking.  As a freshman violinist, Layla Ruff said, “The year has been very fun, and I have enjoyed playing at a higher level than I have before.”

Another highlight of the night was the premiere of “Confetti,” a piece handwritten and directed by student intern Ana León Kovatch. The orchestra also presented music from Universal Studios’ The Secret Life of Pets. Freshman Rachita Kanekar described the experience in one word: “FUN.”

The evening concluded with a combined performance of “Danzon #2,” featuring both orchestras and some band members playing together on stage. Sophomore Angela Dobi reflected on the end of the year, saying, “I am sad the year is going to end, but I have enjoyed the doughnuts after each concert.”