Honor Groups Performances Bring Experience Back to Poly

Poly musicians across divisions are earning regional and statewide recognition, with students selected for honor groups that bring together top young performers from across California and beyond. From marching in the Rose Parade to singing in statewide vocal groups, these opportunities highlight both individual dedication and opportunities to strengthen Poly’s music community through experience.

Upper and Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher Dr. Megan Foley and Upper and Middle School Music Teacher Eric Lifland say honor groups differ from standard school ensembles because they place students among diverse groups who perform at advanced levels. “We always want students to challenge themselves to go and learn through the process of auditioning,” said Megan. “You’re also playing in a larger group. Many of Poly’s ensembles are smaller, so it’s a great opportunity to learn.” Eric added, “We love to  sing together at Poly, but when we go to these events, it's a chance to participate in a different type of choral singing.”

Among this year’s honorees is Maynard L. ’29, who performed alto saxophone in the 2025 Rose Parade after a successful audition. “Since I was a kid, I had watched the Rose Parade marching down Colorado Boulevard,” he said. “As my saxophone skills grew, I applied to be in the honor band and was allowed the privilege to march. To me, it was connecting with my community and the globe and sharing my talents to brighten someone else’s day.” Preparing for the event required weeks of rehearsals from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day and memorization of all music. Maynard described the six-mile route as both physically and mentally demanding, saying the experience taught him resilience that he now applies to daily life. 

Several Upper School musicians were selected for the 2026 California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Honor Choir and Band. Participants included Anastasia A. ’26, Alexandra T. ’27, Elizabeth H. ’27, Caroline P.-F. ’28, and William P. ’28. The festival differs from audition-based ensembles. Students are recommended by teachers and then selected to participate in a combined choir, band, or orchestra that rehearses intensively for a day and a half with guest conductors before performing a concert. CAIS festivals also provide a pathway for students who may be newer to honor ensembles.

Students described the CAIS experience as both intense and rewarding. Caroline P.-F. ’28 said, “Performing with the CAIS Honors Choir was an incredible opportunity to challenge myself musically and connect with talented students across Southern California. We had just two days to come together as a 120-person ensemble from 10-11 different schools and create something cohesive. These programs offer a unique chance to grow as a musician while representing Poly alongside some amazing student musicians in Southern California.”

Alexandra T. ’27, who attended the festival for a second time, said it was an opportunity to deepen her leadership at Poly. “I continue to share my experiences and learning with the Poly community as a Co-Vice President of the Vocal Ensemble and through contributing to that group. As an ensemble at Poly, we've been working on finding a blend in our voices and trying styles of choral singing in addition to group musical theatre pieces, so my experience has given me more insight and made me more equipped to add to the Vocal Ensemble.”

William P. ’28 highlighted the thrill of performing in a large ensemble after mostly playing solo repertoire. “It was a truly unique experience to perform with students from schools across California,” he said. “As a flutist, I usually perform solo, so collaborating with other musicians was especially enjoyable and rewarding.” He hopes to encourage peers to pursue similar opportunities through groups such as Jazz Band.

Two Upper School musicians also achieved statewide honors. Sofia F. ’26 was chosen for the 2026 All-State Jazz Vocal Ensemble, a 16-member group selected from hundreds of auditions. Chloe L. ’27 earned a place in the All-State Orchestra as a violist, performing alongside more than 100 of the state’s top student instrumentalists. According to Megan, Sofia is the first Poly student ever accepted into that vocal ensemble during her tenure. Both students prepared extensively outside class, balancing personal practice with school ensembles.

And in the Middle School, Seventh-grade student and soprano Ashley O. ’31 was recently accepted to the Southern California Vocal Association Junior High Honor Choir, after an audition process that included singing scales, sight-reading, and echo singing difficult patterns. The honor choir will perform at Portola High School in Irvine on May 2.

Poly’s youngest honoree is Shawn C. ’33, a Lower School student selected for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Elementary Honor Band. The opportunity was recommended by his clarinet instructor, who believed it would give him valuable experience performing in a full ensemble setting. Because Shawn had not previously played in a large group or participated in several weeks of structured rehearsals, the preparation process itself became a meaningful learning experience. He greatly enjoyed both rehearsals and the final performance, describing the program as rewarding and motivating. 

Representation in statewide and regional honor groups demonstrates that students are thriving artistically while developing discipline and collaboration skills. As Maynard L. ’29 put it, the lessons extend far beyond performance, “Overall, I use the lessons taught to me by the Rose Parade in my everyday life by practicing grit and never giving up. I hope to inspire and teach younger kids in Poly to pursue arts and show how if you put your mind to something, you can do it.”