Fine Arts Week started strong with a thrilling performance from Symphonic Band on March 19 at lunch in the outdoor theater. Visual and Performing Arts department chair Desmond Stevens led the group in a series of classical songs that students had been preparing since late January.

Band is composed of many members that each have something different to bring to the table which they get to showcase during Fine Arts Week.

“Band has an array of colors we get to use in terms of sounds, so strings tend to be more homogenous and tend to have an older set of literature,” Stevens said. “Band literature tends to be a lot newer, and there are a lot more colors we are able to express ourselves with.”

Symphonic Band is unique because of its diversity of sound, which provides songs that many can enjoy. During the performance, Symphonic Band played a total of two songs; “Galop” and “The Strongholds of En Gedi.” Each of them felt empowering and strong with a variety of sound which band notably provides.

“I think Fine Arts Week is really special because it showcases all the talent of the different students at Portola, and it also allows them to have a platform for their artistic talent,” sophomore Allison Shi said. “I really think fine arts is important because it is a creative outlet for people.”

The symphonic band made good use of its various instruments such as the winds to provide an upbeat and energizing performance that was diverse and unique in its sound. Symphonic Band gave a strong performance, setting the bar high for the rest of the fine arts performances.