School Spotlights

In commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Viewpoint School’s Office of Community Life presented “The Music of Movements” on January 22 - three powerful performances that explored the ways that music has shaped social movements throughout history.

“Music has the power to heal our hearts and touch our souls, providing comfort and hope during and in the aftermath of challenges, tragedies, and … change,” said Patricia Jackson, Chief Belonging and Community Officer. 

Held in the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC), the event featured two student assemblies. Kenyon Ebole-Gordon ‘26 offered an introduction for the Upper School assembly, then Morgan Taylor ‘30 introduced the performance for the Middle School. Each group enjoyed the music of legendary artists like Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, and Bob Marley. Our guest performers from More than Music, Inc., also included historical context to illustrate how songs have served as tools for activism, unity, and healing.

The programs opened with a moving performance of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” setting the tone for a journey through different genres that have shaped history and inspired change. The musicians introduced freedom songs, congregational hymns that were repurposed during the American Civil Rights Movement to inspire and empower activists, before transitioning into jazz, where they explained the power of improvisation as a metaphor for resilience and adaptability.

The performances also included protest music featuring Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land,” using each song to highlight themes like irony, resistance, and advocacy. Before each piece, the musicians provided insight into how these songs conveyed messages of social justice, helping the audience understand their significance beyond the music itself.

Following the school assemblies, parents/guardians, and faculty gathered for an evening reception in the Fletcher Family Library (FFL) before attending the final performance. The night provided an opportunity for conversation, reflection, and a shared appreciation for music’s role in shaping history.

Each performance ended with a show stopping rendition of Sam Cooke’s "A Change is Gonna Come" by Biff Gore of NBC’s The Voice.

“Just one day prior, we recognized and commemorated the ninth annual National Day of Racial Healing (NDRH), first observed in 2017 by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as a call to action for racial healing for all people - the core of racial equality,” said Jackson. “On this day, and always, we reflect on what we can do to better understand each other, free of judgement, while building strong bridges to the future.” 

What a night for Viewpoint Athletics! Both our Varsity Girls Soccer and Varsity Boys Basketball teams delivered nail-biting, peak performances yesterday, February 12, progressing to the second round of CIF SS playoffs in the postseason. 

In an intense match against Santa Ana High School, the Varsity Girls Soccer team went into double overtime with a tie score. In the second half of overtime, Charlotte Young ’27 delivered the game-winning golden goal, securing the team’s spot in the next round of Division 5 playoffs.

"Our mindset going into overtime was to stay composed and stick to our game," said Coach Zaira Fonseca. "We went over many scenarios at practice, including what to do when we need a last-minute goal. Seeing Charlotte’s goal go in was a perfect example of it all coming together. I’m so proud of this team!"

The Varsity Boys Basketball team kept fans on the edge of their seats during their game against Capistrano Valley High School. Down by one point with just three seconds left on the clock, Wesley Waddles ’25 made a layup at the buzzer to win the game, and advance to the next round of Division 2AA.

"I believe it’s safe to say we were all elated with the result of Wesley’s buzzer-beating layup," said Head Coach JJ Prince. "A beautiful memory for all to remember in the Paul Family Athletic Center."

The second round of CIF SS playoffs for our Boys Basketball and Girls Soccer teams is tomorrow, February 14. The girls will host Shadow Hills at 3:00 p.m. on Ring Field, while the boys are on the road to Riverside Poly for a 7:00 p.m. game time. Go Patriots! 

Viewpoint’s winter sports teams are in the postseason! Our Varsity Girls Soccer and Varsity Boys Basketball teams both qualified for CIF SS playoffs. Both games are tomorrow, February 12:

• Girls Soccer will host Santa Ana High School in the D5 playoffs at 3:00 p.m. on Ring Field. No tickets are required.
• Boys Basketball will host Capistrano Valley High School in the D2AA playoffs at 7:00 p.m. in the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC). Tickets are required for this game and can be purchased here.

“We’re super proud of our soccer and basketball players for qualifying for section playoffs,” said Josh Frechette, Director of Athletics. “Both teams have shown incredible resilience and determination, throughout the season so let’s support our student-athletes as they give it their all in the playoffs.”

The second round of playoff games are scheduled for Friday, February 14, at a time and location to be determined. Congratulations to Head Soccer Coach Zaira Fonseca, and Head Basketball Coach JJ Prince, and both teams.

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