Aiming to share their love for music, Senior Pedro Esquivias, Sophomore Benjamin Clarke, Senior Trae Lizalde, and Senior Nickolas Gorgalas will represent the UC High Music and Audio Engineering Club in a Christmas-themed hardcore band performance, infusing holiday classics with a heavy twist, on December 16 at lunch in front of room 231.
According to Clarke, “The performance is going to consist of taking some type of classic Christmas song and making it super metal on a Christmas-themed stage”.
Club Vice-President and Guitarist Lizalde believes the performance will capture the Music Club’s mission to provide a space where students can not only create, but also collaborate and learn from each other’s diverse talents. “This twist reflects Music Club’s signature style, where creativity and individual expression are always the priority. We want to help our musicians as much as we can while also giving the school the best performance possible,” said Lizalde.
The lineup for the event includes “Pedro Esquivias on vocals, Benjamin Clarke on drums, Trae Lizalde on guitar, and Nickolas Gorgalas on bass,” according to Esquivias. Gorgalas added that the group “…is going for a nu-metal, almost political vibe,” blending their favorite genres to make a powerful, artistic statement.
This performance highlights Music Club’s commitment to creating art that has a purpose and resonates with the audience. According to Lizalde, “Everyone performing is excited to bring their talents on the stage, in such a unique way where we are mixing holiday spirit with, heavier musical elements, and political undertones”. He added, “This will be an unforgettable performance, because of how we’re doing so many things, we’re celebrating the holidays, sharing our love for music, all while explaining the current state of our world”.
According to Club Adviser and Teacher Mathew Burke, “For the students in Music Club, music is more than just entertainment – it’s a form of connection, and a way to reflect on the world, and themselves”. “We’re choosing to add political undertones to this performance to show that Music is more than entertainment to us, even during the holidays, its thoughtful, and a reflection on the world we live in,” said Gorgalas.
As finals approach, the December 16 performance is shaping up to be more than just a holiday show; according to Lizalde, “it’s an opportunity to recognize the power of music and how it communicates in a way words don’t”. “This performance and Music Club as a whole,” said Clarke, “is a way for me to express my love for music, not to brag or show off.” Clarke added, “Through this performance, I hope to show that anyone can make music, and maybe inspire someone watching to pick it up.”
Clarke believes “…everyone should try music or some type of art form,” and that Music Club is the perfect place to do so. “When people are new to music, they often don’t know where to start, but Music Club introduces students to it, giving them a foundation to start playing and learning,” Clarke explained.
Club Adviser and Teacher Mathew Burke has worked to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students can explore and experiment with music. Burke, himself an accomplished musician, has used his expertise to guide students and give them access to high-quality resources. “We have a full recording studio, instruments, mixing tables, and everything needed to make and play all types of music, and most importantly, it has people who know how to work this equipment who can teach you as well,” explained Clarke.
The Music Club invites everyone to join them on December 16, outside Room 231, to experience the energy and passion that makes the club special. Lizalde explained that this holiday performance not only brings seasonal cheer but also showcases the power music holds to unite, inspire, and support people in a meaningful way for the community at UC High.