In 1994, the first-ever Orchestra Benefit Dinner was held and, in celebration, the high school orchestras celebrated the silver 25th anniversary on Feb. 23. The fundraiser event was held in the Arcadia Masonic Center, bringing parents and family members to experience many beautiful pieces performed by the talented duos, trios, quartets, and orchestra. With the delicious catered dinner and string ensembles, here is what performing members had to say.

“It took about 10 hours to set everything up, from table decorations to help set the stage and the walls. I was a little confused about how they would represent [orchestra’s] 25th anniversary, but it turned out pretty nice. After we finished setting up, Orchestra Council only had [about] an hour to go home and change and eat before [coming] back for waitressing. There were so many tables…I got stuck between them a few times trying to hand out hors d’oeuvres and desserts,” described junior Manon Diaz, a performer of Orchestra 2.

Manon added, “The benefit of the dinner for me was getting to take some desserts home. After waitressing, the other students came and everyone broke out their instruments. Mr. Forbes made us leave the cases at home for spatial efficiency. [P]laying was pretty fun because there was this one movement we got to hand our bow to an audience member, which is scary because bows are expensive, but, surprisingly, the dad I gave my bow to end up playing along with us! Actually, he was one of the dads volunteering earlier with everyone! It’s one of those things you’ll remember whenever you think back on the benefit dinner for both me and hopefully the dad, too.”

Orchestra 2 member junior Leilani Lemus stated, “The Orchestra benefit dinner was interesting. Volunteers and group performers spent the entire day preparing for the event. The remaining students came later on in the night. This arrangement was ideal for me, as I did not want to come earlier in the day. Overall, the Orchestra benefit dinner was enjoyable for the patrons who helped support our school. They seemed to be having fun, especially the dad who was sitting in front of me during the finale.”

Playing various tunes the audience members experienced varying genres of music. The Mozart piece, “Symphony 25,” brought a “classical music style.” Another piece called “Jewels Dances” with the movements “Silver”, “Sapphire”, and “Diamond” brought the dramatic impact and compositional skills of Tchaikovsky with variations from ballet shows. Finally, the night ended with the song “Bluegrass Country,” bringing fun, country style music for the audience. After several months of rehearsals, the orchestras performed amazingly well. Keep up the hard work, orchestra members!

Photo courtesy of AUSD DCI Intern Christina Yao