Annual Pops Concert scheduled for February 23 ...

The Waukon High School Music Department will be hosting its ninth annual Pops Concert Saturday, February 23 at the Waukon Middle School gymnasium. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with concert time at 7:30 p.m. Musical groups include the Waukon Middle School and High School Jazz Bands, Middle School Choir, JV Choir, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, a select group of sixth grade singers, as well as the Barbershop and Sweet Adeline Quartets. The Pops Concert is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Allamakee Music Boosters. It replaced the Spaghetti Supper nine years ago and has proven to be a very popular change by all involved and all who attend the event.

“The students have been working so hard for this concert,” stated JoAnn Sherman, Waukon High School Band Director.  “Students have been working on their solo and ensemble performances since before the holiday break. The drumline and jazz bands will have the audience rocking and swinging in their seats. This concert is a ‘do not miss’ event each year!”

Jazz Band numbers will include some swing with “Choo, Choo, Ch’Boogie” and “The Answer is in the Blues,” some ball music with “April Eyes” and some funk with “Some Juice for Bruce.” “The Drumline will light up the gym with lots of energy and driving rhythms,” adds Sherman. “We’ll close with the high school band on the ‘50s piece, ‘Rockin’ Robin’.”

Sarah Palmer, Middle School and High School Vocal Director, stated, “This year, you will hear a medley from ‘Grease’ and various music from ‘The Greatest Showman’. We had our show choreographed by a former show choir student from Luther College. My Waukon students are working hard to improve their dance technique. This year’s choreography is unlike what they’ve done before, and they are enjoying the challenge.”

Palmer adds, “Our final piece, ‘A Million Dreams,’ is a choir department favorite. It features a variety of soloists. I’m very impressed with the large number of students auditioning for these solos. When you have so much prepared talent, it makes it hard to choose. The chamber choir will perform a classic hit, ‘Africa’ by Toto. We also have a large number of solo and ensemble acts. The students again blew me away with their hard work, preparation and displays of unique talents.”

The money raised from this event has been allocated in the past by the Allamakee Music Boosters to help purchase items such as drum line equipment, risers, pianos and various pieces of equipment for all grades, as well as providing scholarships for students attending camps. The Pops Concert is open to the public for a fee that includes refreshments. The general admission seating is on a first come, first served basis in the bleachers and chairs in the back of the gym.

There are tables remaining for groups of 10 to reserve for the show. Anyone who would like to host one of these tables for 10, or who would like more information, may contact Shelly Lydon at 563-568-8670 or by email at WaukonMusical@live.com. More information about the event can be found in the advertisement on Page 4A in the February 13 print edition and e-edition of The Standard.