The PGHS Orchestra lit up the auditorium on November 7, 2025, with classical pieces like “St. Paul’s Suit” by Gustav Holst, “Serenade for Strings” by Mozart, “Tango Noir” by Reynard Burns, and “Dance of the Comedians” by Bedrich Smetana. The spectators absolutely loved the pieces, as they balanced the rhythmic feel and slow ballad parts.
After Holst’s four-movement composition, Xavier Morales-Gregory (10) took the baton from Dr. Warren to lead the orchestra for “Serenade for Strings”. Another student feature was first violin Grace Liu (9), who improvised a solo over “Tango Noir”.
After the Orchestra left, the PGHS Jazz band instantly took the stage. The crowd’s anticipation turned into excitement as the opening notes of the “Get Smart Theme” by Benny Carter rang out. The piece was both bold and playful, perfectly setting the tone for the night. Soloists Andrew Atanous (12) on trumpet, Matthew Pederson (9) on alto sax, and Kai Bishop (12) on trombone each brought their own vibes to the performance, earning cheers from the audience after every solo break.
Following the upbeat opener, the band shifted into “Tickletoe” by Lester Young, a swinging saxophone-led tune that showcased the sax section. Conor O’Brien (12) on tenor sax delivered a smooth and confident solo, matched beautifully by Kaito Kraus (11) on piano, whose quick yet graceful playing added a sophisticated touch to the piece.
The mood then softened with the gentle ballad “I Only Have Eyes For You” by Harry Warren. This number offered a welcome contrast, allowing the audience to settle into the warmth of the melody. It started with Matteo Nonemaker (10) on the guitar, carrying a very blue melody, and ended with Andrew Atanous’ solo, who once again took the spotlight. His trumpet solo carried up a sweet and emotional tone that captivated everyone in the room.
Without missing a beat, the band picked the tempo back up with “Moment’s Notice” by the legendary John Coltrane, a complex and fast-paced tune. Conor O’Brien and Kaito Kraus returned for solos, while Isaac Lee (10) kept the rhythm alive with impressive work on the drums. Their dynamic performance highlighted just how talented and well-rehearsed the group was.
Next came “Celebración” by Sammy Nestico, who is known for his compositions for Count Basie’s orchestra. The piece was bright, festive, and full of life, and just as its title suggests, added Latin spice to the repertoire. Both Conor O’Brien and Andrew Atanous soloed.
As the night continued, the jazz band launched into “Yardbird Suite” by the legendary Charlie Parker, one of the most iconic saxophonists in jazz history. The song’s rapid tempo and intricate melodies tested the group’s skill, but they handled it effortlessly. The soloists, Conor O’Brien, Kai Bishop, and Kaito Kraus, each added their own style and improvisation, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
Finally, the night came to a close with “The Jody Grind” by Horace Silver, an energetic mix of rock and swung jazz blues that perfectly wrapped up the concert. The high-energy groove had audience members tapping their feet and nodding along to the beat. The final solos by Conor O’Brien and Sam Klevan (10) on trombone, delivered a clever stop time solo and brought the performance to an unforgettable end.
As the last note echoed through the room, the crowd erupted in applause, cheering for the incredible talent and teamwork of the PGHS Jazz Band and Orchestra.
