A Holly Jolly Musical Sleigh Ride

By Brandon Koo Dec. 11, 2025

Ryan Park Art

As the doors swing open to the band room of Rian Rodriguez, Visual Performing Arts Department, the vivid soundscape is impossible to ignore—the brass warmups blaring and the vocal scales filling the room. The collage of notes is a kind of organized chaos that only happens when three major music groups work together—a collaboration between Band, Choir and Orchestra. 

“I feel more connected because I am working with people I normally never rehearse with. It feels more like one big team instead of separate groups,” Sophomore and violinist Logan Lee said. 

Audience members heard the combined sound of Band, Choir and Orchestra together for the first time this school year on Dec. 3 when the three groups performed for Christmas in the Quad. Orchestra and Band performed the Christmas classic, “Sleigh Ride” together, and all three groups came together for “Christmas on Broadway,” which became the centerpiece of the performance.  

Since the beginning of November, each class has been rehearsing the music, but getting all of the students to perform together smoothly was a tremendous challenge, requiring both preparation and patience to coordinate a single rehearsal. Uniting more than 100 students introduced difficulties that no sheet music could prepare for.  

“Performing in a symphony orchestra with choir differs from performing in a string orchestra; musicians must adjust their dynamics to make sure each part is executed on time,” Junior and Second Violin Section Leader Yashika Agarwal said.  

Yet, it was necessary for all groups to practice together as it allows Rodriguez to maintain consistency in the tempo. Rodriguez carefully planned each practice session to make the most of the limited time; Band and Choir focused on their sections separately throughout the week, so that when they came together for the single combined rehearsal, every moment could be used efficiently to synchronize the groups and create a harmonious performance. 

Choir has been committing itself just as thoroughly in their separate practice sessions. Their most challenging song has been “Toyland” with its specific vocal moments that require precision and unified sound. Students spent considerable time repeating certain sections to polish each entrance and match the tone of Christmas on Broadway. It is the part of the set that challenges the musicians the most, but also the one where progress becomes the most obvious as practice adds up. 

Despite the complexities, Rodriguez describes the experience with more enthusiasm than exhaustion. He hopes that listeners will not just hear the music but sense the unity behind it—the way individual effort transforms into something powerful when shared across so many performers. More than anything, he wants the audience to experience the impact of live sound and leave inspired by what students can create together. 

“What I love most about this performance is being able to hear the energy of a hundred people performing the same music together. There is a personal element to it that makes the whole thing exciting and alive,” said Rodriguez.  

Band will be having their own concert on Dec. 10, and another joint concert with all three classes will be held on Dec. 11. The joint performance is not just a holistic showcase of the campus’ musical talents, but also a representation of the groups’ dedication and hours spent practicing, resonating in every measure sung and note played. 

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About the Contributors

Brandon Koo

Staff Writer 

Brandon Koo is a sophomore at Leland High School and a staff writer for The Charger Account. He can be found on the tennis courts practicing, working out, or listening to R&B in his room. Brandon also enjoys going on sunset walks or taking bike rides on the hills.

Ryan Park

Artist

Ryan Park is a junior at Leland High School who is an artist for The Charger Account. When he is not residing at the gym, he likes to mess with his cats and read manga.