Written by Meghan Teo, AUSD Communications Intern
The Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) Spring Concert, held on Thursday, May 14 at Alhambra High School, brought together the Middle School Honor String Orchestra and Middle School Honor Band for an evening of music. This year marked the second time the event has featured both groups performing together in the auditorium at Alhambra High School, along with jazz musicians from AHS. The concert featured individual sets from both ensembles before culminating in a powerful combined performance.
AUSD Superintendent Dr. Denise Jaramillo opened the concert with congratulatory remarks, acknowledging the music directors, honor students, and board members before a nearly full auditorium of proud families and friends. The superintendent also emceed the concert, which began with the Honor String Orchestra, whose performance ranged from Astor Piazzolla’s classical “Libertango” to Ryan Tedder’s modern pop hit “Counting Stars.”
The Honor Band followed, filling the stage with lively percussion, flutes, and an unexpected visitor: a surprise shark attack appearance during their performance of the “Theme from Jaws,” complete with a shark costume and a movie-worthy scream. As the Honor String Orchestra prepared to rejoin the band, Alhambra High School’s Jazz Band took the stage for interstitial music, captivating the audience with saxophone and trombone solos.
Then came the moment the audience had been waiting for: the combined performance of the Honor Orchestra and the Honor Band. Honor Band Director Dave Batti took the microphone to thank his students before introducing the first combined performance of the night: “Critical Impact” by Brian Balmages.
“I get energy off the kids,” explained Batti, who officially retired six years ago but continues to lead the Honor Band after 42 years with AUSD. “It’s tricky: the Honor Strings work at Ramona, the Honor Band is at Marguerita. Meeting once a week, we’ve only had about 20 rehearsals. But the students are focused. They come back after school to play. It’s awesome.”
Marguerita Band Director Andrew Henkin echoed the sentiment. “I keep doing it because I love the kids and seeing their growth year after year,” Henkin said. “Some of these kids have been here for four years now, and they’re so much better. It’s truly a beautiful thing.”
Their pride was reflected on stage, where students performed with joy and passion. They leaned into every crescendo, smiled at each other between movements, and soaked in every moment.
Emma Ma, a four-year guitarist at Garfield Elementary, reflected on her final Spring Concert. “Honor band is a great experience,” she said. “There are so many other sounds and chances to experience other concerts or meet new people. I remember not being as good in sixth grade, but now I feel like I can play anything. I’m excited to continue my journey in band as a high schooler.”
As the final note faded and the audience rose to its feet, the performers took their final bow, smiling with pride. For the musical directors and all of the students, the concert was a celebration of growth, community, and making music together.
