On the evening of October 7, 2025, Dublin High School’s Band and Orchestras put on a performance at the annual Fall Concert. Usually, this concert is reserved for just one of DHS’ bands, the Jazz Ensemble, and some jazz combos (small groups of players for short songs). For the first time in many years, the Performing Arts Center heard every ensemble in the band and orchestra program.
All the groups had been rehearsing their music since the beginning of the school year, making this a great first event for the band program. The Wind Ensemble, DHS’ premier wind band, generally has more time to prepare, preferring to perform only at the Winter Concert in December. However, their performance at the Fall Concert was nothing short of extraordinary, demonstrating high levels of musical excellence.
The program started off with a bang, featuring Agam Singh, Michael Oliveira, Daylin Michetti, Sydney Majaya, and Cara Kong in a jazz combo. They drew in the audience, playing some classics like “All of Me” and “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra. Their performance also featured vocal highlights from Michael and Agam, each channeling their inner Sinatra.
Their performance was then followed by the Jazz Ensemble, playing the number Big Time by Gregory Yasinitsky. They followed up with I Remember Clifford by Benny Golson and finished with an older piece called Solid Old Man by jazz maestro Duke Ellington.
“I’m really excited for this final cycle of concerts. They also started a good amount earlier this year, which is both more accessible for the audience and more comfortable for us,” shared Akash Karthikeyan, a senior and violin player in the Chamber Orchestra, the highest level orchestra at Dublin High. His sentiment on the finality of the concert was shared by Naren Ganapathy Viswanath, a longtime flute and piccolo player for the band program. “This concert cycle has been really fun and it really is the beginning of the end,” he commented.
The Philharmonic Orchestra, Dublin High’s other orchestra group, took the stage after Jazz, playing the Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 and Selections from Folk Tunes and Fiddle Dance.
The Chamber Orchestra followed, beginning with Cécile Chaminade’s Danse Créole. They then transitioned to the transcendent Fantasia on a Theme by Vaughan Williams, overflowing and stirring with emotion. They finished with “March” from a Moorside Suite by the legendary Gustav Holst.
“I’d say I was pretty satisfied with our playing, and I really enjoyed playing the Moorside Suite. I think it really showcases the range of sound the Chamber Orchestra has, and of course it’s also fun to listen to and play,” shared Ryan Li, a cellist in the Chamber Orchestra.
He also noted that the Jazz Ensemble did a great job. “in particular Michael’s singing was incredible,” he praised.
Before the Wind Ensemble began, Spriha Trivedi, senior horn player, shared her two cents. “We have a bunch of classic stuff like Sousa and then some more modern stuff by Katahj Copley,” she shared.
Finally, the Wind Ensemble took the stage and began with a quintessential John Philip Sousa march, The Black Horse Troop. Sousa’s works were some of the first great American band classics, and the Wind Ensemble brought the piece to life. The piece is meant to mimic a horse’s gallop, which the ensemble recreated well. The ensemble then followed with a classic wind ensemble tune by Percy Grainger known as Irish Tune from Country Derry, another piece overflowing with emotion. Finally, as Spriha mentioned, the Wind Ensemble played AYO, a fresh and exciting piece by modern composer Katahj Copley.
The band program at Dublin High is unique in its ability to welcome all and create amazing experiences. Zaiah Carpizo and Emery Nguyen were in unison on this opinion. “Band is a really fun experience. I love the people in it as well as [Mr. Bainton] and it really helps build musical ability,” noted Zaiah. Emery built off of him, expressing his happiness for being accepted in the band community. “Band is a fun experience not just for the music, but for the people. They’re all really supportive and it makes me want to come back and get better to become the best version of myself,” concluded Emery.
These glowing reviews of the concert from the performers and attendees create an encouraging and positive outlook for the band program, which only leaves more to look forward to as the year continues.
Finally, band and orchestra director Mr. Bainton shared his thoughts. “”Our Fall Band and Orchestra concert was a great success and the perfect way to kick off our year of performances! I’m incredibly proud of how our students rose to the occasion- performing with focus, energy, and passion for their music. Their hard work in rehearsals was displayed on stage, and it was fantastic to see such a great audience turnout. This concert set a great tone for the year ahead, and I’m excited to see how our ensembles continue to grow and make music together throughout the year.”
Until then, Spriha’s final notes on the concert perfectly sum the event up. “Fall concert, hell yeah.”