By Katie Anderson
Editor-In-Chief
Every year, the MBUSD All-District Orchestra and Band Festival transforms the auditorium into an enriching music experience. This year’s performances highlighted students from all five elementary schools, MBMS, and Costa where they gathered to showcase their months of preparation. For many, the performance is a tradition that marks their journey throughout MBUSD’s music programs.
The first event of the month was the orchestra, who performed on Feb. 5, with inclusive focused pieces included “Golden” from “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” a hit with the younger kids. Younger groups played simpler selections like the fifth graders’ “Five-Note Fiddler” that uses fundamental notes to introduce foundational skills. The middle schoolers brought their own flair with pieces like “Rosace”. For many Costa students, seeing the younger grades playing pieces alongside them felt unexpectedly emotional.
“It was a great experience. I think, especially because it was my senior year. I was really feeling the emotions a lot more, because I remember being in that as a fourth grader, and now, as a senior, it just felt very full circle,” said senior cellist Lachlan Murphy. “I hope that I was able to show the younger musicians in the crowd what they can achieve.”
Later in the month, the band performed on Feb 19. They carried a different but equally powerful emotional impact. The concert progressed through grade levels with younger musicians performing back to back with older ones, highlighting the tremendous growth that occurs from year to year.
“It was all of the emotions,” said senior Karishma Dhawan. “Honestly, it was kind of prideful seeing my friends up there performing. It made me reminisce because I know how much progress and how much work you have to put in for the progression of each grade.”
Both concerts ended with the same symbolic gesture: Every grade level, 200 to 300 students all onstage, coming together to perform. The finale was a beautiful representation of MBUSD’s entire music program, with graduating seniors beside beginners shown to be examples of what hard work and dedication can build.
“They really emphasize that it’s not about us,” violist Dhawan said. “The point is for younger grades to see what they can achieve. This concert is really about inspiring them.”
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