Fall String Concert 2026

Arcadia Orchestras opened the season with an amazing performance at the Fall String Concert, captivating the audience with an evening full of beautiful music. This year's theme was titled “Folkways: Music Around The World”, which was reflected in each of the orchestra’s pieces with their unique melodies from various cultures and backgrounds.

Opening the night was Premier Orchestra, playing a traditional English fiddle melody “Sailors Hornpipe”. A recognizable tune conveying daily life on ship, this piece drew listeners in with its lively, upbeat sound. Next, they played “Heleluyan”, a Native American creek hymn that was based on the struggles faced on the Trail of Tears. Its aspiring harmonies filled the audience with hope while connecting them to a unique culture from a rich community. They finished off their performance with  “Li’l Liza Jane”, a brisk, lively American folk song that was passed down from southern plantations. After Premier was Dana Middle School Orchestra, impressing the audience with their pieces “Brigid’s Fire”, “El Toro”, and “Radetzky March”.

Next to the stage was String Orchestra, playing the Russian folk song “Korobushka”. It is far more recognizable as the theme music for the popular game Tetris, entertaining the audience with its fast paced tempo and sharp accents. Their second song was “Dia De Los Muertos”, a traditional Mexican tune that celebrates the holiday Day of the Dead. Clapping rhythms and a special col legno portion made this piece especially exciting. Following String Orchestra was the Foothills Middle School Orchestra. With their new conductor, Mr. Chang, they performed “Horizon West”, “Calypso Sea”, and “Force of Nature”. 

Next up was Concert Orchestra, playing a three part arrangement of “American Folk Song Suite”. Movement I: “Shenandoah” celebrates the beauty of nature and Native American culture, enchanting the audience with fluid legato that shapes the music throughout the changes in dynamics. Movement II: “Sourwood Mountain” alludes to the titular Appalachian folk song, contrasting with Movement I through its swift, graceful melody and rapid staccato. Movement IV: “Turkey in the Straw” closed Concert Orchestra’s performance with an energizing and comical melody that called back to old minstrel shows from the 19th century. After Concert was First Ave Middle School Orchestra, with their new conductor Mr. Summers. They played “Elegy and Dance” and “Finale”.

Last to take the stage was Symphony Orchestra, opening with “American Salute”. This recognizable World War II tune is a spin off of the traditional folk song “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”. A classic staple in orchestra repertoire, this piece effortlessly captures the American spirit during war. The next two pieces, “I Lift My Eyes to the Mountains” and “There is One God in the Universe”, hold a special place in conductor Mo. Chen’s heart. Written by and dedicated to her father, who passed away on July 26 of this year, these pieces honored traditional Hakka music and culture. Beautifully performed, they served as a heartfelt reminder that music connects people of all different cultures in one universal language.

To close the night, Symphony Orchestra performed Bela Bartok’s collection of Romanian Folk Dances. Movement IV: “Buciumeana” is based on a slow folk dance that originates from Bucium, Romania. It opens with a melodious violin solo that develops into a slow, enchanting tune, drawing the audience in. Without pause, it morphs into Movement V: “Poarga Romaneasca”, a fast paced and energetic tune that models traditional polka dance. Its bright and cheerful tone contrasts drastically with Movement IV, while also providing the perfect transition into Movement VI: “Maruntel (L’istesso tempo)”. This short and sweet piece maintains the upbeat tempo from Movement V, providing a crisp break before jumping straight into Movement VII: “Maruentel (Allegro vivace)”. This final movement brings up the tempo even further, filling the concert hall with energetic notes and quick melodies. The entire movement builds up to a dramatic ending, closing this year’s first concert.

Our 2026 Fall String Concert was a smashing success! All of the orchestras executed their pieces with skill and passion, treating our audience to a night full of diverse folk songs. Spirits were high as students left the concert hall, celebrating their outstanding performances that promised a great year of music ahead.