In a community celebration of performing arts at Los Altos High School, Fall Festival featured student ensembles and groups performing pieces from the year so far. The annual event was held in the quad Saturday, November 1, from 3 to 6 p.m.
“It brings the community together and gets people to celebrate all of our performing arts programs,” choir teacher Lauren Diez said.
The event opened with a combined performance — involving choirs, bands, orchestras, dancers and drama — centered around “The Wizard of Oz.” The theme honored Broken Box’s upcoming production of the play Thursday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15. Choir, orchestra and band performed “Ease On Down the Road” from the Broadway musical “The Wiz”, an interpretation of “The Wizard of Oz.” Broken Box shared opening scenes from the play by the same name.
“‘Ease on Down the Road’ is upbeat, rhythmic and a fun way to open the day,” Diez said.
Outside of combined presentations, each performing art class prepared its individual pieces.
For choir, Diez said they sought to keep a casual atmosphere by sharing familiar melodies. Collectively, they sang a classic rock medley featuring “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi and “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey — a high-energy set many parents in the audience clapped to. Individual choirs also showcased separate pieces ranging from Japanese songs to jazz tunes.
“It’s really fun to get to know the people in your section, but also see all the different sections perform together,” concert choir singer sophomore Jungsoo Han said.
For dance, the afternoon showcased their work from the quarter, from choreography to technique. Dance II students performed short self-choreographed routines, while Dance I students performed choreography learned in class.
Next, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble played selections from their previous fall concert, including “Eine Kleine Yiddishe Ragmusik” by Adam Gorb — a contemporary reimagining of W.A. Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” — and “J.S. Jig” by Brant Karrick, a playful Irish jig.
“They’re all entertaining pieces,” said senior Jayalakshmi Raffill, who leads the Marching Band percussion section. “It’s nice that we had time to refine them since our previous performance.”
For students in Marching Band, Fall Festival served as a refreshing break from their busy competition season.
“It’s exciting that the first time we perform, it’s in front of a supportive audience instead of at a competition,” Jaya said.
String Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra also performed “Dark Illumination” by Sean O’Loughlin and “Night on Bald Mountain” by Modest Mussorgsky, specifically selected for Halloween.
“It’s just a different vibe when it’s Halloween weekend,” orchestra teacher Johanna Nilsson said.
After an event full of proud parents and supporters videoing their children and friends, the next show from the performing arts department will be Broken Box’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Tickets for Broken Box’s performances Nov. 13 to 15 can be purchased at the door or online for $5 for students and $10 for adults, available online and at the door.
