By Angela Lee
Podcast Editor
Holiday Concert
The wind and string ensemble blended into a melodic tune, performing “Sleigh Ride,” and other holiday classics at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse in the annual Holiday Concert “Merry and Bright” on Dec. 9.
Brighter Side Singers, Choreo, Concert Choir, Elementary Chorus, Emerald Voices, Honors Orchestra, Junior Chorus, Oak Avenue Chorus, Rams Choir, Symphonic Orchestra and the Fifth Take Horns performed songs in English, Spanish, Swahili, Yiddish and Latin.
The vocal performers began their preparations for the Holiday Concert as soon as the Fall Festival was over, with daily rehearsals during class time. Brighter Side had additional evening practices. Choir teacher Tammi Alderman hired alumni and guests to choreograph songs and work with all TCHS and Oak Avenue Choirs. The district accompanist, Dr. Nick Carlozzi, collaborated with Alderman to harmonize each song through piano melodies and other instruments.
“Our final song on the concert, ‘Hallelujah,’ featured all of the singers, instrumentalists and any choral alumni who are at the concert,” Alderman said. “It was a beautiful and exciting way to kick off the holiday season.”
The Holiday Concert has been a TC tradition for over 60 years. At its most climactic point, the show had over 400 student performers take the stage.
Health Science Tour
Art teacher Diane Chang Ho introduced photos of major historical sites in London and Edinburgh during a presentation for the 2027 Spring Break Health Science Tour. Students will spend nine days traveling to the UK to explore art, health science and museum studies.
The Health Science Tour uses science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to focus on global learning and cross-disciplinary discovery. The program runs in partnership with Sport Medicine teacher Anthony Garcia, Art teacher Chang Ho and EF Educational Tours.
Participants do not need to be a TCHS student or in an art or health class. The program hopes to include students who are interested in art, culture, health and global studies. Moreover, students will also strengthen independence, confidence and problem-solving skills through travel.
During the tour, students will participate in art and health science workshops and explore local culture through guided tours, performances and hands-on learning experiences that highlight both tradition and innovation.
“Together, we aim to help students see how creativity, wellness and innovation intersect across cultures,” Chang Ho said. “Travel is one of the best classrooms you can experience. If you’re curious about the world and passionate about creativity, health or
culture, these tours can open doors to lifelong friendships, inspiration and personal growth.”