Ventura High School’s music department hosts their spring concerto concert

VHS’s Wind Honors and Strings Honors performed a full orchestra on May 15 for the annual spring concert series held in the school’s main auditorium. 

Music director Paul Hunt said, “Students [were] able to select their own senior solo pieces.” The musicians performed two pieces, including Call of the Wild by John Psathas, which is 25 minutes long and includes three movements and features Nicco Boccali ‘26. Call of the Wild is a piece inspired by Psathas’ family history, heritage and life experiences. The second piece, Gods of Olympus, by award-winning composer Oscar Navarro, was played. Navarro previously conducted a concert at VHS Feb.13, 2025. The order of the pieces played consisted of Call of the Wild, then Gods of Olympus. Hunt said, “It is also the first time we’ve been able to perform the Gods of Olympus in their entirety.”

Hunt said, “The first step is to choose the music. After that, we choose a team of musicians and student leaders to produce the concert. Everything from title, lighting, logistics, emcees, storylines, promotion, artwork are done with the team. The groups rehearse the music.”

Logan Braver ‘26 is the lead lighting, video designer, programmer and operator for the concerts. This year is the first time live music will be accompanied by LED lighting and sound effects. Braver said, “In terms of making the show happen- a lot goes into a production like this. Usually on shows like these, you have a team of about 50 people, all spread into different departments of lighting, audio, video, rigging, etc.” Braver said, “I’ve been working in the event production industry for about 8 years.” 

Hunt said, “We’ve got local media aware of the event. I send emails to the music programs throughout Ventura USD, and the district communications department sends it via social media and parent square.” Posters advertising the concerts featured artwork by Leah Enerva ‘27.

The music department also had two concerts prior. On May 7, VHS Jazz Black, Cabrillo MS jazz bands and Anacapa’s jazz band II performed. The concert performed on May 13 included Strings I, Wind I, Percussion Ensemble and VHS Jazz Gold. These concerts are the last ones performed by the music department before summer break.