With the classical symphonies of violins and soulful blows of trumpets, the school’s orchestra and band students set the night ablaze as they staged the last musical performance of the year.  

All semester long, music teacher Mr. Robert Eisenhart’s orchestra and band classes prepared for their annual Pops Concert. Beginner, intermediate and advanced students put together performances of popular songs showcased in video games, movies and on the radio.

It has been a Pops Concert tradition to keep each song title a secret until it is performed. Throughout the concert, the audience is given anagrams to try and figure out what song is about to be played. Once the musicians begin playing their instruments and familiar melodies flood the auditorium, the audience immediately becomes aware of which popular hit is being performed.

“It’s so much fun to play the songs that we love listening to, and it’s just so special watching the audience instantly recognize the music that we’re sharing with them,” senior pianist and violinist Rachel Sang said. 

Performers say that in comparison to conventional orchestra music, audiences find the Pops Concert much more fun and engaging.

In past Pops Concerts, the ensemble has surprised audiences with songs like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and AC/DC’s “Back in Black.” This year, the orchestra and band performed more mainstream songs from notable movies and the radio, including Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Adele’s “Skyfall.”

“Throughout the year we typically play standard repertoire for our respective groups, but for this concert we’ll pull out famous music and popular songs,” sophomore violist and flutist Kevin Rodriguez said.

Some individuals consider orchestral concerts to be a complete snoozefest, but the performers hope that the Pops Concert has changed people’s minds. They believe the performance displays the wide variety of talent and potential that musicians in band and orchestra have. 

“Most people think orchestras play boring classical music,” Rodriguez said. “But we are capable of so much more. Orchestras are capable of so much beauty.” 

Rodriguez says the performance of each song masterfully conveys the skills possessed by the school’s band and orchestra students. 

The ensemble showcased the hard work and dedication they put into the production and its tedious preparation. Having worked long hours to prepare for the concert, seniors who participated in the production feel a great sense of pride towards their team.

“I love seeing the juniors step up to larger responsibilities,” Sang said. “Watching the underclassmen grow makes the toughest moments worth it a thousand times over.”

According to senior French horn player Alejandro Renteria, the bonds shared by the performers make the experience all the more special. 

“It’s funny in a way, seeing some of my closest friends all in one room, all making music and it just blends together,” he said.

Alongside the great deal of fun and excitement that resulted from the performance came a flood of sentimental emotions. Many underclassmen feel a sense of sadness, as various musicians are graduating this year. 

“I’m starting to realize that my favorite seniors are leaving,” Rodriguez said. “I hope that they come back next year to watch us perform.” 

The musicians feel a sense of accomplishment and are confident that their performances, and the preparation that went into them, will serve them well going forward.

“We have gained knowledge and experience to be able to help us put on a pretty rockin’ show,” Renteria said.