by: Fuyu Banno

Graphics Editor

On Oct. 16, the Los Gatos High School hosted the first orchestra concert of the semester. Following the program’s significant expansion this year, the concert showcased the musicians’ improved skills and also served as an important benchmark for new members as the first concert of their high school careers.  

The concert began with the String Orchestra, welcoming those who are interested in the music program. They started the night with a composition entitled Flare, which displayed an intricate connection between the cello section and the upper strings. 

The Philharmonic Orchestra followed right after, playing excerpts from the Moldau, Flowing in the Wind, and Gravitas. The fast-paced and dynamic music highlighted the Orchestra’s accumulating skill during the first two months of the school year. Freshman Rohan Thacker, who has played the viola for four years, looked back on the performance, reflecting, “I thought the dynamics for Flowing in the Wind [were] pretty solid.”  

The night ended with a performance by the most advanced group, the Chamber Orchestra, packed with big-name classics. The group’s performance began with an arrangement of the first movement from Haydn’s Symphony No. 9, entirely led by concertmaster, Alexander Rollins. Symphony No. 9 was followed by a slow variation of Prelude. The night ended with an upbeat, energetic rendition of, A Su Merced, Don Jose.  Junior violinist Catie Chen commented on the success of the performance: “I feel like we cooperate as a group…and the transitions went very smoothly.” 

Inspiration travels along the different groups as well, displaying how the concerts aren’t just three groups performing, but all connected. Thacker pointed out, “I think a bunch of us were inspired by the Chamber concert, and we could definitely be really good like that.”

For some players, Oct. 16 marked their very first orchestra performance. Freshman Naomi Gilliam, part of the String Ensemble, described her introduction into the musical program:  “I went to the mega concert last year, and I saw everyone playing, and the music was so cool….so I decided then that I wanted to play the bass.” With only a couple of months playing her instrument, Gilliam has shown an impressive commitment to music and hopes to improve as she spends more time playing double bass. Many in the String Orchestra shared experiences similar to hers. 

With much in store for the rest of the 2025-2026 school year, including future concerts, events, and other activities, the Fall Concert was only the start of a remarkable year. Regardless of level, grade, another significant chapter is sure to open for every member of the LGHS Orchestra.

(RWOL: Claire Hsia – friend)