On October 29th, 2025 the performing arts center was filled with energy, excitement, and spookyness as everyone prepared. To raise the audience spirits, our very own Symphony Orchestra led by director Andrew Ching played 5 chilling, classical arrangements.
The program included “Witch’s Fiddle” by Robert Buckley, “Theme from Schindler’s List” by John Williams (arranged by Robert Longfield and Amy Barlowe), performed by a string quartet featuring Alexis Phansaithong and Arah Lee on violin, Tyler Mamuad on viola, and Jayden Hashizume on cello. The orchestra also performed “October” by Eric Whitacre, “American Folk Song Suite”, a traditional arrangement by Jack Jarret, and ended the night with their final composition “Fright Night” arranged by Larry Moore.
This concert was unique because instead of being planned by the directors, it was organized by the Symphony Orchestra officers themselves. The team of eight included President Simon Belza (12), Vice President Emeri Funai (12), Secretary Kendis Funai (12), Concertmaster Alexis Phansaithong (12), Librarians Shayna Ohta (12) and Mahea Takenishi (11), and Equipment Managers Sharleen Negre (12) and Daniel Mizerani (11).
As Librarian Shayna Ohta explained, “Mr. Ching came up with the title, ‘It’s Fall, Y’all’ which was inspired by this year’s homecoming theme. Originally, we had three different options for the mood of this concert: the standard classical, halloween themed, or western themed.”
“We believed that the students could handle and put together an amazing concert. Since this is also marching band season, and all the focus is on that, we wanted to showcase and spotlight symphony and let people know about the amazing students we have in this orchestra.” Takenishi added.
Throughout the preparation process whether it was going to rehearsals or even fixing up the Performing Arts Center (PAC). On one hand there were times of excitement, but on the other hand there struggles during the process.
Senior Sharleen Star Negre expressed that it was her “first time having to put together a concert with just the symphony. It was a learning process for all the officers.”
Although there were struggles that the officers went through organizing this musical performance, there is always that one piece that each musician adored that sets the entire theme. This gave them strength to finish off their performance for the night.
“‘October’ is one of the pieces that stuck out for us. The feelings of the piece are complex and deep. You can’t really give a name to those feelings but I would say it’s reflective and thoughtful, like the spirit of fall” Senior president Belza stated, in agreement with the other officers.
As the night fell it wasn’t just a celebration of music; it was a showcase of teamwork, passion, and the spooky charm of fall. From haunting melodies to heartfelt harmonies, the Symphony Orchestra truly brought the Halloween spirit to life. With such talent and dedication, one thing’s for sure this won’t be the last time they leave the crowd spellbound!
