The 2025 Pops Concert took place on Thursday, May 22, wrapping up a phenomenal year for Arcadia High School’s orchestras. In addition to the Premier, String, Concert, and Symphony Orchestras, the Pops Concert also featured performances from the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. Relive the magic of the night with this recap!

Premier Orchestra opened the night with a medley featuring songs by the hit band, the Jonas Brothers. They followed with a calming performance of Bella’s Lullaby (from the 2008 film Twilight) and closed their set with an audience favorite—”Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter.

Next, the String Orchestra began their performance with “Cupid,” arranged and conducted by String Orchestra bassist Angela Tan. They continued with memorable tunes from the 2016 Star Wars franchise film Rogue One, and concluded with “New York, New York”, paying tribute to our spring tour this past April. 

Concert Orchestra was next, showcasing a wide variety of genres. Their set included the opening theme from the anime Attack on Titan, a medley from the Academy Award-winning film La La Land, and music from a movie that resonates with students of all ages—High School Musical.

Symphony Orchestra closed the night with a series of unforgettable performances. Symphony Orchestra violinist Hannah Dau arranged and conducted a medley from the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, stunning the audience with her leadership and creativity.

Following that, two guest conductors took the podium—an opportunity earned through the annual Orchestra Benefit Dinner auction. The first guest, Jenny Liu, conducted the iconic James Bond piece “Skyfall" by Adele. The second, Dr. Eric To, led the orchestra in Kanye West’s Flashing Lights, with an added twist: his son, Aiden To, along with Symphony Orchestra violinist Zuni Ng, rapped live during the performance.

The finale, “Highlights from Jurassic Park,” brought together both the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. Conducted by none other than Ms. Chen in an inflatable dinosaur costume, it was the perfect high-energy, lighthearted ending to the year’s final concert.

After the performance, students gathered in the PAC courtyard, taking photos, celebrating, and creating lasting memories.

“I had so much fun during the pops concert, and for it being my last concert in high school ever, it was definitely special,” said senior Chloe Liewald. “The pictures in the courtyard after the concert added to this wholesome and sweet moment that I will cherish well beyond high school.”

“My first pops concert was a really fun experience overall,” said freshman Derek Wang. “It was my favorite concert of the year, and this was one of the only concerts where we were able to sing with the orchestra while we were watching in the audience.”

The Pops Concert is always a high energy concert, with special lighting and well-known repertoire. This year’s concert was an exceptional and unique experience that delighted all students and audience members. Congratulations to all students for a successful year, and see you next year!