Another Enthusiastic Spring Show 2008

On April 3rd the entire student body of Arcadia High School, and their parents, were treated to another enthusiastic and fun filled concert by Orchestra I (Freshman) and Orchestra II (String) in the North Gym; Concert Bands I & II also participated.  Orchestra I started out the evening with Allegro (Sonata No. 4 in d minor), Double Eagle Polka, and Serenade for String Orchestra. Next came Orchestra II with March from Moorside Suite, An African-American Air, and finished with Mantras. The selections from both Orchestras were well received by a very appreciative audience.  Read full story ....

Freshmen Orchestra's Long Beach Festival Success

On March 19th, the Freshmen Orchestra (Orchestra I) traveled down to the southern end of the Long Beach Freeway and into that City’s Annual Festival. The Freshmen Orchestra played in an outstanding fashion that belied their youth, impressing the judges (to the pleasure of Maestros Forbes and England), thereby receiving ratings of Superior, which is higher than Excellent or Very Good. Read full story.

AHS Symphony Orchestra Inspires at 2008 Vertical Concert

The Arcadia High School Symphony Orchestra raised the musical performance standard another notch on March 26th at the Annual Vertical Concert in Pasadena High School Auditorium. Director Thomas Forbes conducted the unusual, very distinct, and some times eerie sounding, “The Winds of Poseidon” by Robert W. Smith that was inspired by the 3,000+ year old epic “The Odyssey” by Homer. Through the clever utilization of the Ocean Drum and esoteric Whirl Tube, one could hear the water lapping the shore line, feel the wind on their face, and believe they were about to look into the “…purple wine-colored Aegean [sea]”. Read full story.

Arcadia High School Orchestra's 14th Annual Benefit Dinner

It was another outstanding success for the three combined Arcadia High School Orchestras and their 14th Annual Benefit Dinner on February 23rd. This year’s theme, “Mardi Gras Magic”, was well accepted by appreciative parents, fans and all music lovers in attendance at the appropriately decorated (gold, green and purple) Arcadia Community Center. Read full story and view photos.

Orchestra I at Disney’s California Adventure

Orchestra I’s (Freshmen) performance at Disney's California Adventure (DCA), on February 9th, was under the baton of Maestro Rick England. Messrs Tom Forbes and Mike Danielson rested their batons for the day and handled the truck driving and stevedore duties instead. ... Read full story and view photos.

Join Arcadia Music Club Membership Now!

The Arcadia Music Club provides the financial support that is necessary for our students to have the opportunity to be a part of an exceptional instrumental music program. The Club aids in raising and managing the funds to purchase uniforms, musical instruments, instrumental instruction, coaching, and many other costs associated with a program of this size. One way you can help is by becoming a member of the Arcadia Music Club. Visit the Membership page for more details.

Orchestra Sweeps 2007 Heritage Festival

During Spring Break, under the tutelage of Directors Tom Forbes and Rick England, 190+ members of Orchestras I, II & III traveled to compete against dozens of schools and thousands of students at the Heritage Festival in Orlando, Florida. Divided into two groups, Arcadia won in every category entered, including the four top prizes: Festival Sweepstakes, Outstanding Orchestra Group, Sweepstakes Award - Instrumental, and Adjudicator's Award.

Spaghetti Dinner 2007

THANK YOU to those of you who helped with the 40th Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Recognition Show held on Saturday, January 20, 2007. We couldn't have done it without your support!

There were featured performances by the Drum Major, Guard, Percussion, Princesses, and Pep Band. Also, there was a "Drill Down" — a drill competition for the whole band — and a pictorial remembrance of the season as the band says an emotional farewell for the year.

At this 2007 Spaghetti Dinner, Apache Marching Band was invited by the 2008 President of the Tournament of Roses, CL Keedy, and his Music Chairman, Tony Delgatto, to perform in the January 1, 2008 Rose Parade! We are proud to have been chosen as one of the eleven bands from all over the world, to participate in the 2008 Rose Parade.