2025.04.22 | Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra: String Showcase Program

Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra: String Showcase

Featuring student musicians from Aliso Niguel High, Don Juan Avila Middle & Aliso Viejo Middle Schools

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 7 PM Soka Performing Arts Center at Soka University of America

Aliso Niguel High School: String Showcase

ROSTER Aliso Niguel High School String Orchestra Violin Kenshin Alcaraz Emma Auth Diba Behbudi Arianna Calilly Rica Angelina Gan Andre Huynh Katti Li Lisa Liang Zeke Lucas Rohit Madhusudhanan Sudhanva Mannoni Amir Moin Rowan Mroczynski AJ Petersen Lana Pholkosol Emmy Roy Waylon Schwind Jairah Torres Viola Jasmine Alavi Namrataa Bhavani Devika Anchana Karthik Gabby Leung Devesh Swarnachandrabalaji Cello Jonathan Kim Alex Morales Aidan Pitts Matteo Renella Kai Thomas Gunnar Wade Nathan Wood

Bass

Bass

Jaden Llanes

Rama Ketabchi

Peter Ma

Sophie Padilla

Juan Torres Brian Tran Aliso Niguel High School Advanced Orchestra Violin

Aliso Niguel High School Chamber Orchestra Violin KariAnne Chien Sonya Del Real

Katelyn Besmonte

Liliana Flores

Aiden Chan

Shana Hu

Evan Gideon

Maya Jackson

Nishka Harish

Daphne Karr

Elliot Hong

John Kim

Kyle Iwohara

Olive Kim

Yena Kang

Ananya Kota

Ava Menhaji

Cameron Matloubi

Faris Radieddine

Saoirse Murray

Jenna Radieddine

Emily Salisbury

Jacob Schmidt

Liam Scherer

Ansh Sharma

Vikram Venkateswaran

Atrisa Taghizadeh

Viola

Madelynne Tetley

Darian Alavi

Michael Yap

Celina Huo

Sarina Zafra

Zoe Lee

Viola

Cello

Lucy Contino

Rishikesh Bhushan

Rachel James

Ashley Chang

Cello

Evelyn Clasquin

Roy Bronola

Ayan Gursahani

Anika Chandran

Abigail Lee

Michael Che

Hannah Oh

Mariam Georgy

Bass

William Hur

Jeremiah Clasen

Whitney Luu

Ryan Iwohara

Isabel Morales

Luke Kesoglou

Kaden Reed

Seth Martin

ARTIST ROSTER

ROSTER Aliso Niguel High School String Buddies Violin Almila Baktir Katelyn Besmonte Liliana Flores Nishka Harish Olivia Hong Shana Hu Zeke Lucas Saoirse Murray Lana Pholkosol Makena Reidy Hunter Smith Jackson Smith Viola Jacob Allen Zoe Lee Cello Evan Farivar Slate Johnson Hannah Oh Bass Luke Kesoglou

Aliso Niguel High School: String Showcase

PROGRAM Aliso Niguel High School String Buddies Sleepers Wake J.S. Bach

Arranged by Soon Hee Newbold

El Toro

Don Brubaker

Don Juan Avila Middle School Advanced Orchestra Symphony No. 25 in C Major Haydn Arranged by Dackow

Fantasia 2000

Arranged by Blake Neely

Don Juan Avila Middle School Advanced Orchestra + Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Molly on the Shore Irish Reel

Arranged by Sandra Dackow

Game of Thrones Ramin Djawadi

Arranged by Larry Moore

Aliso Viejo Middle School Advanced Orchestra Legend

David O’Fallon

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring J.S. Bach

Arranged by Elliot Del Borgo

PROGRAM

Aliso Viejo Middle + Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Pioneer Sky Doug Spata

And So It Goes Billy Joel

Arranged by Larry Moore

- INTERMISSION -

Aliso Niguel High School String Orchestra Fantasia On a Theme From Thailand Richard Meyer

Lullaby

William Hofeldt

Furiant

Elliot A. Del Borgo

Aliso Niguel High School Chamber Orchestra + Advanced Orchestra North Star to Freedom Soon Hee Newbold

Hebrides Overture Felix Mendelssohn

Arranged by Jason Librande

Peer Gynt Suite: The Death of Ase Edvard Grieg

Forest Incantation Alan Lee Silva

Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Program

ALISO NIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL : STRINGSHOWCASE Welcome to the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Program!

Established with a commitment to excellence, community, and personal growth through music, our program stands as a beacon of musical education and camaraderie.

Our Mission: At the heart of our program lies a dedication to promoting the growth of individual students through the transformative power of music.

We believe in nurturing not only musicianship but also character, leadership, and collaboration.

Program Structure: Our orchestra program offers three distinct levels tailored to students’ skill, maturity, and leadership abilities: String Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra. Through auditions, students are placed into the orchestra that best suits their abilities, ensuring a conducive environment for their musical development.

Core Values: Community is at the forefront of our ethos. We foster a strong sense of belonging through open communication, collaboration, and teamwork.

Every member is valued for their unique contribution, and student feedback guides our continuous improvement.

Beyond the Concert Hall: While our primary focus is musical excellence, we believe in holistic growth. Our program

extends beyond rehearsals and performances to include enriching activities such as visits to renowned amusement parks like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Studios. These outings not only offer memorable experiences but also strengthen bonds among our members.

Students and families also have the opportunity to bond with one another through orchestra socials throughout the year such as our Ice-skating night at the Aliso Ice Palace, and our picnic at the park and field day during the first semester. We strive to provide opportunities for students to make lasting memories and really get to know each other.

Collaborative Outreach: We are deeply committed to fostering connections within our community. Through collaborations with Don Juan Avila Middle School and Aliso Viejo Middle School orchestras, we aim to inspire the next generation of musicians and forge lasting relationships across age groups.

Passion for Impact: Driven by a passion for music and a desire to make a difference in students’ lives, our dedicated instructors and mentors guide students on a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. We believe in the power of music to transcend boundaries and shape futures.

Thank you for joining us on this musical adventure. Together, let us strive for excellence, embrace the joy of music, and create lasting memories that resonate far beyond the concert hall.

ALISO NIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA

strengthening its impact within and beyond the school.

The Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra program is a distinguished and dynamic ensemble committed to musical excellence, artistic expression, and community engagement.

Under the dedicated leadership of Director Jonathan Chen, the program has flourished, providing students with exceptional opportunities to develop their musicianship, leadership, and collaborative skills. With over 90 students, the program features four ensembles—two string orchestras, one advanced orchestra, and a chamber orchestra—each designed to challenge and inspire young musicians at varying levels of proficiency.

A hallmark of the program is its strong sense of community, where students find a second family among their fellow musicians.

The orchestra cultivates an environment that emphasizes camaraderie, discipline, and mutual respect, encouraging students to grow not only as musicians but also as individuals.

Through mentorship, section leadership, and collaborative rehearsals, students develop essential life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and professionalism.

Renowned for its high-caliber performances, the Aliso Niguel Orchestra has had the privilege of showcasing its talents in prestigious venues, including the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Soka University Performing Arts Center. These opportunities allow students to perform in professional settings, fostering confidence, artistry, and a deep appreciation for orchestral music.

Beyond concerts, the orchestra actively participates in festivals, adjudicated performances, and community outreach events, further

This year, the orchestra is honored to participate in the 12th Annual Philharmonic Invitational High School Orchestra Festival at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, a prestigious event that highlights the extraordinary talents of young musicians across Orange County. This festival serves as a testament to the program’s ongoing dedication to musical excellence and education.

The continued success of the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra is made possible through the unwavering support of the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Boosters (ANHSOB). Established in the 2022-2023 school year, the Boosters play a crucial role in fundraising, organizing events,

ORCHESTRA BIO and providing resources that enrich the student experience. Their commitment ensures that students have access to masterclasses, field trips, competitions, and collaborative performances, enhancing their artistic journey.

With a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and artistic integrity, the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra continues to inspire the next generation of musicians. Through their shared passion for music, students create unforgettable experiences, form lasting friendships, and contribute to the vibrant performing arts landscape of their community.

ANHS ORCHESTRA BOOSTER: HARMONY IN ACTION The Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Booster (ANHSOB) stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit of the parents affiliated with the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra program.

Founded in the 2022-2023 school year by a passionate group of founding members despite welcoming a new director, our organization embodies the ethos of parental involvement and community support.

At the core of our mission is the steadfast commitment to supporting our students, the program as a whole, and our esteemed orchestra director, Jonathan Chen. Through tireless

fundraising efforts, we ensure that our students have the opportunity to embark on enriching field trips that complement their musical journey. These experiences not only enhance their musical prowess but also foster camaraderie and lifelong memories.

One of our recent triumphs was the successful completion of the Orchestra Camp field trip to Camp Cedar Lake in Big Bear. This immersive experience provided our students with the opportunity to refine their musical techniques amidst the picturesque backdrop of nature, all while bonding with their peers through exhilarating activities and snowy adventures.

The ANHSOB operates as a dynamic force, actively engaging in various activities to bolster the orchestra program. From organizing events to promoting the music program within our community, our volunteers are integral to the program’s success.

Whether it’s capturing precious moments through photography and videography during concerts or providing logistical support during field trips, our volunteers exemplify dedication and passion in every endeavor.

Despite the challenges posed by the current landscape, the ANHSOB continues to thrive, meeting online once a month to strategize and support the orchestra in myriad ways. From orchestrating fundraising initiatives to chaperoning events, our volunteers remain steadfast in

Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra: Solo & Ensemble Concert their commitment to nurturing the artistic growth of our students.

We firmly believe that a parent booster organization is a cornerstone of strength for any music program, and our involvement is a testament to our unwavering support for our children’s musical education.

We welcome all parents within the program to join us in any capacity or role, knowing that together, we can create a harmonious environment where our students can flourish and thrive.

In closing, the ANHS Orchestra Booster is not just an organization; it’s a community united by a shared love for music and a dedication to empowering the next generation of musicians. Together, let us continue to orchestrate moments of harmony and inspiration for our students, ensuring that the melodies of Aliso Niguel High School resonate for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Chen Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Director Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Booster

Aliso Niguel High School: String Showcase

DON JUAN AVILA MIDDLE SCHOOL The illustrious middle school orchestra of Don Juan Avila Middle School stands as a beacon of musical excellence in its community. Comprising gifted young musicians from diverse backgrounds, the ensemble harmonizes with precision and passion under the baton of Mrs. Elena Rodriguez.

Their performances, ranging from classical symphonies to contemporary arrangements, mesmerize audiences with their depth and sophistication.

Infused with dedication and tireless practice, the orchestra consistently performs at the highest level. Don Juan Avila Middle School’s Advanced Orchestra not only nurtures individual talent but fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, making it a symbol of artistic achievement and unity within the school

ALISO VIEJO MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVANCED ORCHESTRA

The student orchestra at Aliso Viejo Middle School brings together 7th and 8th graders from diverse backgrounds who captivate audiences with their dynamic musical renditions and vibrant live performances.

With numerous awards and accolades to their name, the Aliso Viejo Middle School orchestra continues to set the standard for excellence in music education.

Under the guidance of their conductor, Jeff McGinnis, these young musicians cultivate their skills with unwavering dedication and discipline. Their repertoire showcases the breadth of their collective talent, enchanting listeners with compositions ranging from classical opuses to contemporary melodies.

For more information about supporting the ANHS booster, please click here

CONCESSIONS

Concessions A wide variety of wine, beer, soft drinks and freshly prepared snacks will be available before the concert and during intermission in the lobby

Concessions provided

by FPG Events

SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to Engage, Educate, and Elevate the Human Spirit Soka Performing Arts Center strives to elevate humanity through transcendent experiences. Come experience our exquisite acoustics. Come to expand your understanding and appreciation of music. Come to forge community and emotional connections through the shared experience of live music.

Listen.

Feel.

Transform.

About Soka Performing Arts Center

Soka Performing Arts Center is located on the beautiful hilltop campus of Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo. Our facility includes the 1,032seat Concert Hall featuring world-class acoustics designed by master acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, designer of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Suntory Hall in Tokyo, among many others. We also have an intimate 350-seat Black Box Theatre that allows for multiple seating configurations including club seating with bistro tables.

More than 750 performances have taken place since the center’s dedication on May 27, 2011. The 2023-24 season marks our twelfth season presenting first-class programming in our world-class concert hall. We are continuing to expand our programming and outreach with the addition of a Children’s Concert Series, Blues Festival, and the only Great Pianists Series on the West Coast. From classical and jazz to world and contemporary music, the Soka Performing Arts Center has become a prized space for artists and audiences alike.

We are proud to be the home of the Pacific Symphony Chamber Orchestra.

Our Sundays @ Soka Series with Pacific Symphony continues to be one of our most popular series year after year. Our presentations with other Orange County arts organizations have enabled us to reach further into our community to offer arts education and programming. Our partnership with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County includes our PSOC Series, which brings superlative artists to our stage. We also partner with PSOC for our Outreach Program, bringing over 7,000 school children to Soka Performing Arts Center to experience live performances with outstanding musicians.

With its world-class acoustics and first-class performances, Soka Performing Arts Center is quickly becoming one of the cultural jewels of Orange County.

SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER DONORS

OUR SUPPORTERS

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($75,000+) Dr. Kenneth & Sandra Tokita Sam* & Lyndie Ersan CONCERTMASTER ($10,000+) Ms. Emi Maeda STAGE CHAMPION ($5000+) Yoshitomo & Takemi Daido STAGE BENEFACTOR ($1000+) Anonymous OC Chinese Cultural Club John and Sue Prange Terumi Saito Jochen Schumacher Alex & Sandy Scott Scott A Shuping Anson and Marilyn Wong PLATINUM CLEF ($500+) Anonymous Jeffrey Hendrix Edward D. Jones Jane A. Lynch GOLD CLEF ($200+) Judy Kaufman Lorraine Leiser Naomi Uchiyama SILVER CLEF ($100+) Renée Bodie Sam Chang Masako Inage Debrah Jiang Chiharu Nagai Paul Porto Thomas Prigorac Jonia Suri Joseph Whittaker BRONZE CLEF ($25+) Raquel Bruno Kenneth Hanawa Ryosuke Iga Jeannette Pease Joyce M Wrice Taro Yamanashi

* Deceased List current as of 09/26/2024 The Soka Performing Arts Center deeply appreciates the support of its sponsors and donors, and makes every effort to ensure accurate and appropriate recognition. Contact Renée Bodie, General Manager at (949) 480-4821 to make us aware of any error or omission in the foregoing list.

SUPPORT SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

DONATE TO SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Your support helps ensure Soka Performing Arts Center fulfills its purpose: to engage, educate, and elevate the human spirit. Your gift supports the programming of world-class performances, provides transformative educational outreach experiences, and opens the opportunity to build engagement with our community by sharing the joy of live music.

Click here to donate

CREATE YOUR OWN SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE

Our subscription and renewal program provides you with even more flexibility in our season packages*. With our enhanced program, you now have the power to curate your very own unique experience.

• 15% Discount for a 3 performance package • 18% Discount for a 4 performance package • 20% Discount for a 5+ performance package *full details online at soka.edu/pac

OUR PARTNERS • Blueport Jazz and Dr. Jim Merod • Philharmonic Society of Orange County • Pacific Symphony • Parnassus Society SOKA PAC MANAGEMENT TEAM Renée Bodie General Manager & Artistic Director John Morgan Box Office Manager Antoinette Rossman House Manager/Assistant to the General Manager Jaime Spataro Marketing & Communications Manager Steve Baker Production Manager Aadya Agrawal Stage Manager Jarmil Maupin Internal Events Manager

Piano Tuners Kathy Smith Lead Tuner Ron Elliott David Stoneman David Vanderlip

@SokaPAC @SokaPAC SokaPerformingArtsCenter Website soka.edu/pac

SOKA UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA BOARD OF TRUSTEES Soka Performing Arts Center resides on the beautiful campus of Soka University of America.

We thank the SUA Board of Trustees and the SUA Leadership Council for all of their support.

SUA BOARD OF TRUSTEES Stephen S. Dunham, JD | CHAIR Vice President and General Counsel Emeritus, Pennsylvania State University | Baltimore, Maryland Tariq Hasan, PhD | VICE CHAIR Chief Executive Officer, SGI-USA | New York, New York Andrea Bartoli, PhD President, Sant’Egidio Foundation for Peace and Dialogue | New York, New York Matilda Buck Benefactor | Los Angeles, California Lawrence E. Carter, Sr, PhD, DD, DH, DRS Dean, Professor of Religion, College Archivist and Curator, Morehouse College | Atlanta, Georgia Andy Firoved CEO, HOTB Software | Irvine, California Jason Goulah, PhD Professor of Bilingual-Bicultural Education and Director, Institute for Daisaku Ikeda Studies in Education, Director of Programs in Bilingual-Bicultural Education, World Language Education, and Value-Creating Education for Global Citizenship, College of Education, DePaul University | Chicago, Illinois Clothilde V. Hewlett, JD Commissioner of Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, State of California | San Francisco, California

Karen Lewis, PhD Sondheimer Professor of International Finance and Co-Director, Weiss Center for International Financial Research, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Luis Nieves Founder, Chairman Emeritus AUL Corp, Benefactor | Napa, California Isabel Nuñez, PhD, MPhil, JD Professor of Educational Studies, Dean of School of Education, Purdue University Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne, Indiana Gene Marie O’Connell, RN, MS Health Care Consultant, Associate Clinical Professor, University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing | Corte Madera, California Adin Strauss General Director, Soka Gakkai International-USA | Santa Monica, California Yoshiki Tanigawa Benefactor, Soka Gakkai | Tokyo, Japan Gregg S. Wolpert Co-president, The Stahl Organization | New York, New York Edward M. Feasel, PhD President, Soka University of America (ex-officio member) | Aliso Viejo, California

SUA Leadership Council Edward M. Feasel, PhD President Chief Academic Officer Professor of Economics

M. Robert Hamersley, PhD Dean of Faculty Professor of Environmental Biogeochemistry

Archibald E. Asawa Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Chief Financial Officer Chief Investment Officer

Hyon J. Moon, EdD Dean of Students Title IX and Section 504 Deputy Coordinator for Students

Katherine M. King, PHR Executive Vice President of University Community Chief Human Resources Officer Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator for Faculty, Staff and Others Michael Weiner, PhD Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Professor of East Asian History & International Studies Kevin Moncrief, PhD Vice President for Mission Integration Bryan E. Penprase, PhD Vice President for Sponsored Research and External Academic Relations Professor of Physics and Astronomy Tomoko Takahashi, PhD, EdD, LHD Vice President for Institutional Research and Assessment Dean of the Graduate School Professor of Linguistics and Education David Welch, JD Vice President University Counsel

Michelle Hobby-Mears, MBA Associate Dean of Students Director of Student Activities Andrew Woolsey, EdD Dean of Enrollment Services Martin Beck, MA Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications