The Middle School Symphony (MSS), Jazz Band, and Madrigals traveled to Anaheim to compete in the Anaheim WorldStrides Festival on Friday, April 10th, 2026.
Every other school year, the three groups travel to Anaheim to compete in a highly competitive competition with bands, orchestras, and choirs from high and junior high schools all around the country. This year, they brought back six trophies, including three Adjudicator Awards, Outstanding Orchestra, Instrumental Sweepstakes, and the grand prize, Festival Sweepstakes. Each group is scored on a scale of 100, and a rating is given based on performance; 85 and above for junior high is the requirement for Gold, and all three groups earned this rating this year.
After the performance on Friday, the three groups got to enjoy a day at Disneyland on Saturday before the award ceremony.
“I loved having free time and getting to go to Disney with all my friends and how we were able to room with students from other ensembles.” Madrigals Alto Bella Xiong ’30 said.
Double bass player Sebstian Corman ’29 performed in two different groups at the competition.
“Playing bass in both Jazz Band and MSS was really unique.” Corman said. “The technique and general approach to playing these is very different, so it almost feels like I am playing a different instrument.”
Symphony pianist Isaac Fujikawa ’29 reflects on their performance in a new space compared to the school rooms.
“The biggest factor of differentiation between rehearsing and performing at the festival was the newer environment, which had different acoustics, sounds, and ‘vibes’ than our own orchestra room.” Fujikawa said.
Associate Principal Violist Bella Cho ’29 is proud of MSS’s growth throughout the school year.
Cho ’29 said, “Looking back on our performance, I’m really proud of what we accomplished,” Cho said. “Despite some challenges during the performance, we managed to persevere and finish together.”
