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Music

The music program at Whittier Christian High School is a vibrant and worshipful space where students explore the power of sound, expression and shared performance. It includes opportunities in instrumental ensembles, vocal performance, worship team and music theory, giving students both breadth and depth as they grow in musical ability.

Our music instructors are accomplished professionals who guide students with care, encouragement and high expectations. Students perform regularly at school events, chapel, community concerts and regional festivals. These experiences build skill and confidence while also forming community and joy.

Student musicians are also invited to use their gifts for God’s glory, whether leading worship during chapel or performing in ways that uplift and inspire others. The environment is one of growth, collaboration and excellence, rooted in the belief that music is a divine gift worth cultivating with humility and heart.

At WCHS, music is not an elective or activity. Music is a tool and a core expression of our mission to equip young people to think and live biblically. Through harmonies and hard work, our students learn to steward their talents and honor God in every performance.

Our Work

Tykus, Tykus ECHO

PERFORMER –
ENSEMBLE – Tykus is a unique piece written for unaccompanied mixed voices. It is a Double Choir piece, meaning that the group is split up into two separate choirs that weave together with each other to tell a story. This piece, written by Lithuanian composer Vaclovas Augustinas, tells a vague mystical folk story of an adventurer who entices a maiden but quickly has to leave for battle when he senses danger all around him.

When I Fall in Love

PERFORMER –
ENSEMBLE – When I Fall In Love is a famous 1952 jazz tune which was used in the Howard Hughes film One Minute to Zero, and was later popularized by Nat King Cole in 1956. This Kirby Shaw arrangement for acapella choir captures the smooth and reminiscent feelings of being in love.

ECHO Acapella Ensemble, Spring 2024

PERFORMER – David’s Lamentation by Joshua Shank
ENSEMBLE – Taken from the Biblical text of II Samuel 18:33, American composer Joshua Shank evokes a sense of heart wrenching grief, anger, and pain in this piece entitled David’s Lamentation. “When David heard that Absalom was slain he went up into his chamber over the gate and wept, my son, my son, O Absalom my son, would God I had died for thee!” At the loss of King David’s son, he weeps and cries out, ending with barely a whisper of sadness.

Jazz Ensemble, Spring 2024

PERFORMER – Caravan, by Duke Ellington arr. John Berry
ENSEMBLE – This arrangement was performed at the first annual Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival, sponsored by the Southern California School band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). This festival was held at the Riverside Community College’s Coil School for the Arts. Our students were adjudicated by Grammy Award-winning jazz musicians and jazz educators. Caravan is a well known jazz standard composed in the 1930’s, and has been arranged countless times through the decades. This arrangement in particular uses a combination of Afro-Latin and Swing rhythms.

Jazz Ensemble, Spring 2024

PERFORMER – Little Sunflower, by Freddie Hubbard arr. Mike Story
ENSEMBLE – Also performed at the first annual Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival, this arrangement of the classic tune set the jazz standard in a funky style. Little Sunflower was originally recorded in 1966 in New York and was written as in the Latin, Bossa Nova style.

TITLE - David's lamentation, Spring 2024

PERFORMER – Caravan, by Duke Ellington arr. John Berry
ENSEMBLE – This arrangement was performed at the first annual Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival, sponsored by the Southern California School band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). This festival was held at the Riverside Community College’s Coil School for the Arts. Our students were adjudicated by Grammy Award-winning jazz musicians and jazz educators. Caravan is a well known jazz standard composed in the 1930’s, and has been arranged countless times through the decades. This arrangement in particular uses a combination of Afro-Latin and Swing rhythms.