Harmonic melodies filled the performance halls of Viewpoint School on Saturday, Feb. 1st as four Poly Upper School students joined talented students from across Southern California for the annual California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Honors Music Festival.

Now in its fourth year of participation, Poly was proudly represented by instrumentalists senior Ollie Arteaga-Johnson and sophomore Naomi Trebi-Ollennu, as well as vocalists freshmen Annie Delbridge and Lily Pak. These students joined over 300 peers from 19 independent schools in an intensive week of rehearsals, culminating in a final performance at Viewpoint’s Carlson Family Theater. Accompanied by Middle and Upper School Performing Arts teachers Megan Foley and Eric Lifland, Poly’s four musicians dedicated hours to rehearsing a thoughtfully curated selection of musical works.

Lifland, reflecting on the importance of the festival, shared, “These musical gatherings are important because they give you a chance to make music in large groups—bigger groups than any one school can provide, and an opportunity to meet students from all around Los Angeles, sing for guest conductors and have an intensive weekend of music-making.”

The choral ensemble performed a diverse repertoire, including “There is a Balm in Gilead” arranged by William L. Dawson and “Glow” by Eric Whitacre. Meanwhile, the instrumental ensemble presented its own selection of classical and contemporary works, demonstrating the depth of talent among the participants.

Through their experience, students had the opportunity of learning from conductors such as California State University Long Beach professor Tyler Berg, Cal Poly Pomona professor Ernest Harrison and University of Southern California professor Phoenix Delgado.

With another successful festival behind them, Poly’s musicians eagerly anticipate their return next year, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities and to connect with others through a shared love of music.