Music
Aragon music students feel a sense of pride in the program and their accomplishments. Aragon students are here because they that want to be here to make music with other interested students. They want to accomplish something at a high level of excellence and in the process they are able develop lasting friendships and have fun!
The music program at Aragon appeals to students of varying abilities where everyone is welcome and appreciated. You might be a beginning student who is just starting in music or you might be someone who was involved in music in the past, stopped and would now like to pursue your passion again. Perhaps you are already an advanced player or singer who would like the opportunity to perform top high school and collegiate level literature in a professional performance setting. The Aragon music department is a place that works with everyone to help make their dreams a reality. We believe you will remember your time with the music department fondly for your entire life.
The Jazz and Band programs are led by Mr. Kevin Gallagher. The Orchestra and Choral programs are led by Mr. John Chen.
To stay up to date with Aragon Music, visit and "Like" the Aragon Music Boosters' Facebook page.
View the External Music Website
2025 Spring Highlights
Tri-M Chapter of the Year
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Music Honor Society Advisory Council just announced that Aragon High School Tri-M Chapter 3534 is the winner of the 2024-2025 State Tri-M Chapter of the Year Award for California! The Tri-M program is completely student-led and this year's senior and junior officers have gone above and beyond their call of duty to ensure that the AHS chapter truly embodies the mission of the program: to Lead, Serve, and Perform.
Best Communities for Music Education
Aragon High School was honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students. Aragon High School’s Music Program has received this designation for eight consecutive years.
SupportMusic Merit Award Recipient
Aragon was also named one of only 87 schools to receive a SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) from The NAMM Foundation! The SMMA Award recognizes individual schools (public, private, parochial, or charter) for their support and commitment to music education. It is a "school-only" distinction awarded as part of the Best Communities for Music Education program.
CMEA Festival
Congrats to Aragon Director of Choirs and Orchestras John Chen and all three Aragon Choirs on their performance at CMEA Festival the weekend of May 10. Each choir scored a Unanimous Superior which is the highest rating possible.
State CMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival
Two Aragon Student Chamber Ensembles advanced to the State level and competed at the State CMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival on May 3. Both groups earned the Gold Award with a Command Performance, a recognition that goes above the highest possible rating.
Please congratulate the following outstanding musicians: Senior String Quartet: Jonathan Wong, Yonghua Liu, Maya Patnaik, Hannah Li, and Junior Piano Trio: Mina Hwang, Laura Wang, Kana Ueno!
State CMEA Festival
The Aragon Chamber Orchestra gave their first-ever performance at the State CMEA Festival on April 25, earning the highest distinction in orchestral performance at the high school level. This is an invitation-only festival featuring very demanding repertoire.
Golden State Choral Competition
Aragon Chamber Singers also made history by competing for the first time in the Golden State Choral Competition, another invitation-only event, on April 22. They earned the Best Foreign Language award for their performance of the neo-baroque anthem sung in German, "Lobe den Herren."