From Oct. 6 to 10, Arcadia Orchestras hosted grade-level socials, where students across all orchestras met others in their grade. These socials allowed students not only to talk to friends in the same orchestra as them, but also to meet other students across the whole orchestra program. 

In the beginning, they grabbed snacks while talking with friends. The room was bustling with energy and excitement as the council got the games ready and the students got their food and drinks. This was not only a great time to hang out with friends, but also to meet new people who were the same age. After that, they played games such as gaga ball, where you try not to get the ball in between your legs. If the ball did go in between your legs, you would take out one hand each time the ball went through until no hands were left. The students laughed and tried to keep the ball from going between their legs. The social ended with another game called “psychiatrist”. One person in the group would step out while the group decided on an action to do, and the person would step back in. They would ask questions, and the people in the group would do the move or say a certain thing while they answered the question. The person who stepped outside would then try to guess what the action/word was in under three guesses.

As the end of lunch was growing closer, the excitement in the room began to die down. The students reluctantly packed up as the bell rang to signal the end of lunch. The students left the orchestra room with new friends and great memories. 

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Later on in October, the Arcadia High School (AHS) orchestra room filled with spooky vibes for the Halloween Big/Little Social. During lunch on Oct. 28, Bigs and their Littles gathered in the orchestra room for free snacks and fa-BOO-lously fun activities. 

At check-in, each Big and Little were given packets of air-dry clay for their first activity: clay ghost making! Each pair tested their teamwork and creativity, working together and giving their ghosts their own personal flair with sculpted accessories and googly eyes. Afterward, everyone got on their feet to participate in Shipwreck, a game where “captains” Alice Sun and Nicolas Lim gave commands and eliminated players based on those commands. For instance, the command “tarantula” had pairs rushing to group with seven other people to spin in a pose to emulate this creepy creature. Though only a few people ultimately emerged victorious, this game was a great opportunity for students to interact with each other and practice thinking on the fly. 

By the time the lunch bell rang, the Halloween Big/Little Social turned out to be a spooktacular success. Bigs and Littles alike were able to strengthen their bond and form lasting memories, all while celebrating the season of haunting!