By: Sahil Muthukrishnan and Fuyu Banno

Culture and Graphics Editors

The LGHS Music Department hosted its annual music cookout on May 16. The event featured each ensemble’s final concerts, dinner, and heartfelt farewells. It was an emotional occasion, as members said goodbye to seniors and showed their hard work off to friends and family. Additionally, the departure of Band Director Ken Nakamoto added to the day’s impact. The ensembles performed a combined piece at the beginning of the night, followed by individual performances.

Before the concerts, the department hosted a community cookout. Students filled up on burgers, hot dogs, and snacks while enjoying each other’s company for the last time of the year. Brianna Kopman, a junior in the Mixed Choir, shared, “Community has always been a big aspect of music, so it’s nice to branch out and see members of the whole music department, not just choir.”

One special aspect of the event was the combined first piece of the night, Adventures of Coomoo and Jomoo. The Music Department partnered with composer George Shaw and the Sing Me a Sony Foundation for this piece. The song is based on the story of Coomoo and Jomoo, written by siblings Lily and Charlie, the latter of whom tragically deals with childhood cancer. Reflecting on the value of the performance, sophomore cellist Alvin Wu stated, “I think the final product was amazing, after all, it was for these two kids, and I think it’s very inspirational.”

On the front lawn, the orchestra launched into its final performance of the year. Chamber Orchestra started the night with Hoe Down, followed by the Philharmonic’s arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue. All ensembles joined to play a version of Die with a Smile by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, with director Armeen Ghafourpour on the drum kit. Finally, the ensemble ended the evening with Chamber performing the main Star Wars theme.

The band performed in the large gym, with standouts from their set including Lord of the Hammer, arranged by junior Toby Horton, and Deep River by Benjamin Thorne. Junior Anya Agarwal, a member of Wind Ensemble, commented, “Mr. Nakamoto has been a really good teacher, and we are definitely gonna feel his absence next year.” While his students and fellow faculty members will undoubtedly miss Nakamoto, they are also excited for his future at Baylor University, where he will pursue his master’s degree.

The Choir department shared various pieces with their audience, with some notable ones including: Both Sides by Joni Mitchell, chorally arranged by Kirby Shaw and performed by the Mixed Ensemble; the tenor-bass choir’s Brothers Sing On, an enthusiastic romantic era arrangement; and Power, composed by senior treble choir member Evangeline Ishak. All members combined to finish with Tomorrow, from the musical Annie, bringing a night of fun and excitement to a close. 

The year’s final performance was a success, through an evening of meaningful music and fun arrangements. The LGHS music program continues to evolve, becoming a place for great memories and community growth.