Instrumental Music

Last month, the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills was filled with energy as six bands took the stage for the Battle of the Bands—a musical competition with a meaningful purpose. Organized by Olivia Lakhani ’26, the event was part of her larger initiative, Healing Through Music, with all proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society.

“I’ve always wanted to put together an event like this. As someone who’s loved music for a long time, it felt like a dream come true,” Olivia said. “It was definitely a challenge, but seeing the turnout and knowing we were supporting such an important cause made it all worth it.”

But the event wasn’t just about music—it was about bringing students together from different schools for a common cause. The lineup featured musicians from high schools across Calabasas, Camarillo, Ventura, and beyond, turning it into a true community-wide effort.

For Olivia, the cause was especially personal. In 2022, she lost her grandmother to cancer, a loss that fueled her desire to use music as a way to give back.

“Ever since my grandma passed, I’ve wanted to do something meaningful in her honor,” Olivia said. “Music has always been an outlet for me, and I know how powerful it can be in bringing people together. Raising money for the American Cancer Society felt like the perfect way to turn something I love into something that could make a real difference.”

The lineup featured six bands, three of which included Viewpoint students:

• Urban Fallout – Olivia’s band, where she sings, songwrites, and plays rhythm guitar
• The Four and a Half – Featuring Viewpoint students Jishnu Mukherjee ’26, Jasper Hughes ’27, Thomas Hemmens ’26, Charlie Luborsky ’26, and Max Zou ’26
• Black Moon Lilith – Featuring Viewpoint’s Thomas Hemmens ’26
• Secondhand Embarrassment 
• Par-5
• SPAM

“We had over 220 people show up, and we ended up raising nearly $5,000 for the American Cancer Society,” Olivia added. “Each band was competing to raise the most donations throughout the night, and Par 5 ended up taking the top spot.”

Looking ahead, Olivia hopes to host another Battle of the Bands later this year, potentially expanding the event and securing additional sponsors. With a generous sponsorship from HIBYE Coffee and support from the Guitar Center Foundation, the future looks bright for Healing Through Music.

“I’ve learned so much from this experience—about planning, outreach, and the importance of trusting others to help,” Olivia said. “This was just the beginning.”

At a one-night-only show, Viewpoint’s Voices Now, our unique performance group of Upper School singers, delivered electrifying melodies and harmonies at the premier music venue, Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on Tuesday, February 4. Catalina Popescu, the club’s owner, generously donated 100% of ticket proceeds to support the music and arts programs at Viewpoint. 

"It's truly exhilarating to witness the students' reactions as they step into a venue that regularly hosts renowned artists,” said Bill Brendle, Viewpoint Music Director. “Seeing their faces light up with the realization that they'll soon grace that very stage is the most rewarding aspect of it all."

Under the direction and accompaniment of Brendle, our ensemble of passionate and driven vocalists performed a set of show-stopping solos, duets, and group numbers to a packed house. From classics like "Fly Me to the Moon” by Bart Howard and “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” by Stevie Wonder to contemporary hits like “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga and “Rainbow” by Kasey Musgraves, the set list featured a diverse range of musical styles and genres.

“Music has the power to heal, unite, and uplift. In times of tragedy and loss, it reminds us of our shared strength as a community.” said Brendle. “Our Viewpoint community came together for an evening of inspiring performances that celebrated the resilience and hope we find through music.”

Doors opened at 7:00 p.m. and guests filed in, greeted by the soft glow of candles on the tables and murmurs of excited chatter. Among the crowd were proud friends and families of Voices Now, Viewpoint faculty, staff, alumni, and music lovers, all eager to experience the magic of the evening. There was a palpable sense of excitement in the air as the sounds of clicking glasses and soft conversation blended with the anticipation of the show.

The 90-minute show opened with a group performance of “I Got The Music in Me” by Bias Bishell and arranged by Bill Brendle. Each voice blended beautifully, a mix of harmonies that seemed to float effortlessly through the air, captivating everyone present. The first half of the show was emceed by Seniors Carly Nelson’ 25 and Nathan Danese, and the second half by Juniors Chloe Brendle ’26 and Jake Roth ’26. The dynamic duos provided entertaining and humorous banter as they introduced each performance.  

Throughout the show, the students delivered a flawless mix of vocal arrangements, adding their own youthful spirit and musical craftsmanship. The audience couldn’t help but be mesmerized by their stage presence and talent. The night ended with a reprise of “I Got the Music In Me” and a special tribute to the eight Seniors in the Class of 2025. The director, musicians, and all of the singers took their bows to a roar of applause. 

Check out the full set list below:

1. Voices Now

I Got The Music In Me - Bias Bishell, arr. Bill Brendle

Soloists: Lily Davis ‘25, Julian Dans ‘25, Julian Thicke ‘28, Jordan De Maria ‘25, Sadie Kieffer ‘26, Nathan Danese ‘25, Jake Roth ‘26, Megan Shaw 25’, Shoshana Lindon ‘25, Carly Nelson ‘25

2. Julian Thicke ’28

“Bored” - Laufey

3. Samson Harrington ’27

(vocal and trombone)

“But Not For Me” - George and Ira Gershwin

4. Ash Chesed ’27

“Dreamer” - Laufey

5. Racheal Chun ‘27

“A Thousand Years” - Christina Parri

6. Jamey Tsugawa ’27

“Rainbow” - Kasey Musgraves

7. Sadie Kieffer ’26

“Creep” - Thom Yorke

8. Sadie Kieffer ’26 and Ella Crenshaw ’26

“Heaven” - Ella Crenshaw ’26

Trumpet solo - Sadie Kieffer ’26

9. Ella Crenshaw ’26

“Meant For Each Other” - Ella Crenshaw ’26

10. Marley Blumel ’26

“We Can’t Be Friends” - Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh

11. Megan Shaw ’26

“From The Start” - Laufey

12. Chloe Brendle ’26

“Don’t You Worry ’Bout A Thing” - Stevie Wonder

13. Chloe Brendle ’26 and Jake Roth ’36

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” - Ashford & Simpson

14. Jake Roth ’26

“Let’s Stay Together” - Al Green

15. Kaelin Schetter ’25

“Street By Street” - Laufey

16. Shawn Ching ’25

“Fly Me To The Moon” - Bart Howard

17. Jordan De Maria ’25

“Always Remember Us This Way” - Lady Gaga

18. Shoshana Lindon ’25

“L’amour de ma vie” - Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

19. Julian Dans ’25

“All The Things You Are” -  Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein III, arr. Bill Brendle

20. Lily Davis ‘25

“Since I Fell For You” - Buddy Johnson

21. Nathan Danese ‘25

“A Wink and A Smile” - Ramsey McLean and Marc Shaiman

22. Nathan Danese ’25 and Carly Nelson ’25

“You’re All I Need To Get By” - Ashford and Simpson

23. Carly Nelson ’25

“Something’s Got A Hold On Me” - Etta James, LeRoy Kirkland, Pearl Woods

Background singers - Lily Davis ’25, Shoshana Lindon ’25, Kaelin Schetter ’25

24. Voices Now

“I Got The Music In Me” (Reprise) - Bias Bishell, arr. Bill Brendle

"Voices Now offers more than just music; it's a glimpse into the vibrant spirit of our school,” added Brendle. This performance allowed newcomers to witness something truly special and distinctive, immersing themselves in our rich community to discover what sets us apart from the rest." 

Congratulations to Voices Now:

• Marley Blumel ’26
• Chloe Brendle ’26
• Ash Chesed ’27
• Shawn Ching ’25
• Rachael Chun ’27
• Ella Crenshaw ’26
• Julian Dans ’25
• Nathan Danese ’25
• Carson Eith ’28
• Graham Eith ’28
• Lily Davis ’25
• Jordan DeMaria ’25
• Samson Harrington ’27
• Daphne Huffman ’26
• Sadie Kieffer ’26
• Shoshana Lindon ’25
• Carly Nelson ’25
• Jake Roth ’26
• Kaelin Schetter ’25
• Megan Shaw ’26
• Jamey Tsugawa ’27
• Julian Thicke ’28

In a music season opener, Viewpoint’s Upper School Wind and Jazz ensemble took center stage at the Carlson Family Theater (CFT) for their first Concert of the school year on Tuesday, October 15. 

The show commenced with a dynamic performance by the Wind Ensemble/Pep Band, featuring “Elements (Air)” by Brian Balmages. Next, the Senior Conductors for Pep Band showcased their versatility with a series of popular pieces, ranging from “Funkytown” by Steve Greenberg, and “Hawaii Five-o” by Mark Stevens, to “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder, and “September” by “M. White, A. McKay, and A. Willis. They smoothly transitioned between genres with “Land of 1,000 Dances” by C. Kenner and A. Domino, “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane, and a standout rendition of “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow, B. Sussman, and J. Feldman.

The student-run jazz combo “The Four and a Half”, consisting of Charlie Luborsky ’26 on bass, Thomas Hemmens ’26 on guitar, Max Zou ’26 on piano, Jasper Hughes ’27 on drumset and Jishnu Mukherjee ’26 on sax performed between the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble performances. They did a fantastic job.

Closing the night, the Jazz Ensemble performed “Maiden Voyage” by Herbie Hancock, “Back Porch Swing” by Drew Zaremba, and “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” by Victor Daniel. It was great to hear some student soloists during the three jazz numbers.  

Just one week later on Tuesday, October 22, the Upper School Concert Choir, Voices Now, and Orchestra students offered a diverse musical journey that transcended generations and cultures.

Voices Now opened the show, delivering captivating performances of 1940s classic “Java Jive” by Ben Oakland and Milton Drake, a new arrangement of the Brazilian classic “Água De Beber” by Antonio Carlos Jobim, and the iconic “Somebody to Love” by Freddie Mercury. Following this electrifying set, the Concert Choir took the stage, singing “Loch Lomond” by Jonathan Quick, “Dream Ship” by Susan La Bar, and “Ripple” by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

After a brief intermission, Upper School Orchestra members played three selections, including “Prelude from the Brook Green Suite” by Gustav Holst, “Lullaby” by William Hofeldt, and “Graveyard Shift” by Chris Thomas. For the finale, the Concert Choir and Orchestra united in harmony for “Gloria In Excelsis” by Antonio Vivaldi.

“Although these concerts were both early in the year, I am very proud of the hard work the Upper Schoolers did to pull these concerts together so quickly,” said Dr. Kristin Herkstroeter, Music Department Chair. “I look forward to a great musical year with the Upper School musicians.”

Immediately following both concerts, our performers and families gathered outside the theater for a reception with sweet treats and hot beverages, generously provided and served by our VSSA volunteers. 

For Nathan Danese ’25, this past summer marked a major milestone in his musical journey. Through Viewpoint’s Summer Experience Program, now known as CareerPoint, Danese interned at Los Olivos Recording Studios, where he had the opportunity to record one of his original songs, “Fallout,” and release it on several streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

“My interest in actually partaking in music started during my sophomore year when I was cast in ‘Grease,’” Danese shared. “It was sort of a spur-of-the-moment decision. I didn’t know I could do it, and I didn’t know that I would have so much fun doing it.”

Encouraged by friends and experiences at Viewpoint, Danese began performing his original songs at events like Coffee House and the Board of Trustees’ annual dinner. CareerPoint, Viewpoint’s summer program that helps rising Seniors discover professional passions and career pathways, allowed him to take his music to a new level.

“When I got into the studio, I knew we had to experiment,” Danese said. “We added drums, guitar, and backup vocals, and suddenly it was a completely new song. It went from a ballad to a pop song.”

"We went through the full process, from developing his song to a professional release,” said Beto Hale, owner of Los Olivos Recording Studios. “He was incredibly motivated, always asking questions and bringing in ideas. It was inspiring to see his enthusiasm and commitment.”

Over a series of three recording sessions, Danese worked with Hale and his team to transform “Fallout,” experimenting with new layers and refining the sound until it was ready for release.  

“I brought in Julian Dans ’25 to play piano, bass, and record backup vocals. He also helped with arranging parts of the song,” Danese said. “Alexa Jeong ’25 even created the cover art. It was amazing to see all these different pieces come together, and it felt like something we could all be proud of.”

With 88 monthly listeners on Spotify, “Fallout" is a testament to Danese's dedication and collaborative spirit. Looking ahead, he hopes to stay involved in the music industry behind the scenes, exploring roles in songwriting and marketing, while continuing to pursue his passion for film.

“It’s rewarding to see the final product out there, but I’m most excited by the creative and collaborative process,” Danese shared.

“This program gives students a taste of what the real world is like,” Hale shared. “They learn that you have to work really hard to reach even the most basic level of competency. There are no shortcuts, but if you love what you’re doing, it doesn’t feel like work.”

Congratulations to Nathan Danese ’25 for reaching this significant milestone in his musical journey! We look forward to seeing where his creativity and dedication take him next. 

If you are able to host a Viewpoint senior this summer, please contact CareerPoint Program Manager Anneke Emerson at Anneke.emerson@viewpoint.org.