The All City Orchestra concert, featuring regional orchestras from the elementary, middle, and high school, was held on May 21. This event gathered many groups of individuals who have spent the whole year practicing their instruments.

Due to the large quantity of performing groups, the concert was split into two different time periods. The first group performed at 6 p.m., and the second show began at 7:30 p.m.

The second show put the spotlight on graduating orchestra members. The stage was decorated with celebratory balloons, and the seniors were given many chances to make their final mark on CPHS.

A thank you speech, delivered by senior Abi Wilson, was given to CPHS Orchestra Director Aaron Zemelko. “You have made a tremendous impact on each and every single one of us,” Wilson said. “Sticking with orchestra was the best decision I have ever made and I completely owe it to you.”

Some seniors were given the opportunity to conduct a number in the concert. “Conducting really meant a lot to me, especially because the song I conducted was from my favorite game as a child, Super Mario Galaxy,” senior Jeffrey Fisher said. “Getting to conduct it as my final piece of the year and with the orchestra was a surreal feeling, seeing all the people around me that have meant so much to me playing something that meant just as much. It all brought me to tears.”

Near the end of the concert, seniors passed around a microphone at the front of the stage. Stating their names and their future plans, the orchestra members in the graduating Class of 2026 were given one last applause to close out their high school careers.

The All City Orchestra concert was extremely important to many performers at the event, and was the bittersweet end to many fond memories.