Students, families, and supporters gathered on Sunday, Feb. 22, for Orchestra’s annual benefit dinner at the Hilton Arcadia Los Angeles. The event ran from 5-9 p.m. and welcomed students, families, and community members for dinner, performances, and a silent auction.
The dinner welcomed several community leaders, including Mayor Eileen Wang; Mayor Pro Tem Paul Cheng; Fire Chief Suen Chen, an Orchestra alumnus; Superintendent Dr. David Vannasdall; and Arcadia High School (AHS) Principal Dr. Jorge Munoz.
Throughout the evening, student chamber groups performed while guests ate, creating a relaxed environment and providing an introduction to the work Orchestra had prepared.
After dinner finished, additional groups from within Orchestra performed during a featured chamber showcase, where musicians had the opportunity to present their pieces to a more focused audience. The showcase allowed audience members to hear smaller ensembles and recognize the dedication students have put into their music.
The night concluded with a grand finale performance featuring all four Orchestra groups combined—Premier, String, Concert, and Symphony Orchestra. Following this year’s Broadway theme, students surrounded the audience and performed selections from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Wicked. The combined performance created a dramatic and memorable ending to the event.
“Performing in the finale was thrilling and exciting. Being able to play along and blend in with all four orchestras was such an amazing experience,” said freshman Jacklyn Cheng. “The energy was completely different since everyone was dressed up, and we had an audience.”
In addition to celebrating the Orchestra program, the Benefit Dinner helped raise funds that will go to supporting activities, music, and other opportunities for students throughout the year. Events such as the annual Benefit Dinner also bring together families, teachers, and community members who want to support the performing arts.
“The main purpose was to raise money for the Orchestra program,” Orchestra Director Ms. Pin Chen said. “While the school is supportive, it is not enough to fully run the program. The funds help provide additional coaches, purchase equipment and instruments, and replace broken strings at no cost to students. It also covers bus fees for trips and tours. At the same time, this event gives us the opportunity to celebrate community support and showcase all four orchestras together.”
At the end of the evening, Orchestra Directors Ms. Chen and Ms. Connie Tu revealed the theme for next year’s benefit dinner: “I Love the 90’s.” The announcement closed the event on a fun note and gave students and families something to look forward to in the year to come.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DCI
