Aliso Niguel Orchestra Raises Funds for Trip to Carnegie Hall

The Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra raised more than $10,000 during their Tuesday night performance, which will help fund their trip to perform at Carnegie Hall.

The ANHS Orchestra is one of four groups performing at the New York International Music Festival. Musical bands or orchestras are accepted after auditioning. ANHS will be performing with — Dublin High School Concert Band, Iolani School Wind Ensemble and Guam Territorial Band

More than 900 attendees came to support the students during their fundraising performance at Soka University's Performing Arts Center. Guests were treated to the familiar strains of "Amazing Grace" along with works by Mozart, Vivaldi and other classical composers. 

ANHS Orchestra teacher and conductor Albert Jeung said the group was able to perform at the center "through the graciousness of Soka University."

“This is a really nice concert hall [here at Soka University]. We really like it and it sounds amazing in here," said orchestra member Megan Morse.

Parent volunteer coordinator, Nancy Powers, said the students were excited and appreciated the opportunity to perform at Soka.

"Mr. Jeung has compared [the Soka Performing Arts Center] to some of the greatest concert halls [in the world]. He's really excited to play here," Powers said. "Having a teacher like Mr. Jeung has been the best experience, I think, for all of [the musicians]. The kids come in as freshman and think, 'I'm not sure how long I want to play violin.' And then they find out that they just love [Mr. Jeung]."

According to Jeung the full orchestra consists of more than 300 students.

"Quality parents, quality kids — that's all I can say," Jeung said. "Quality wants to be with quality. Everybody wants to be with quality, so it expands and expands. We've got great kids." 

Jeung added, "All I try to do is better myself every year. I don't ever think, 'This is it, I'm as good as I need to be. I think every year I look in the mirror. I go home in the summer and think, 'Well what can we do to make this program better?' Because if something's not happening in the program, I need to be the first one to look in the mirror and say, 'What can I do better?'"

Powers contributed the orchestra's success to its leader.

"They can't help themselves but continue year after year after year," said Powers. "That's why he's built this program from his original start of 25 kids to over 200. He has one of the largest high school orchestras in all of California."

Lorelei Auld has two children in the ANHS Orchestra. She and her husband will chaperone the students during the New York trip.

"[The ANHS Orchestra] builds character, it builds responsibility and directs [the musicians] in a really positive way that shows diligence and continuation of studies," Auld said.

Both student musicians and parents feel the orchestra is very important and look forward to the future.

"I think the orchestra is important for discipline and [the kids] have fun. They are just good kids having fun. I think most of all, the music can bring out a person's personality. And [playing music] relieves stress," said Volunteer parent Alison Hwang.

"Mr. Jeung is so passionate about orchestra and he always knows what to say to help us out. He has so much energy.  I didn’t love orchestra until I was in his class and I had him as a teacher," said Orchestra member Alex Mardock.

"We’re really blessed to be in such a great orchestra," said musician Lauren Benner. "I talk to everybody about how we’re going to Carnegie Hall and they’re just amazed."

To help the ANHS Orchestra get to Carnegie Hall, click here.