Very soon, the school will host its annual Pops music show — a concert where students and teachers perform covers of popular songs in front of a live audience. The event gives participants the opportunity to go beyond traditional choir performances and step into the spotlight as soloists.. The organizer of Pops, choir director Ryan Casey, emphasized that all choir students take part in the concert by performing the opening and closing numbers as a group. In between, 16 student soloists and four staff members perform individual songs. “All of the choir students are in the concert,” Casey said, “They sing the opening song and the closing song.” This year, 39 students auditioned for one of the 16 solo spots. Auditions were held a week before winter break, after which three invited judges selected the soloists. “I have three judges that come over to my house and choose the soloists,” Casey said. Preparation for the concert takes several months. During the break, Casey writes arrangements for the live band that accompanies the performers. Throughout January, the band rehearses independently, while the soloists and choir members rehearse with Casey. Joint rehearsals take place a few days before the concert, followed by sound and lighting checks the day before the show.
Great attention is paid to the stage comfort of the participants. Casey believes that a major focus of Pops is ensuring performers feel comfortable on stage.“I help them make any needed changes to the melody and/or key so they feel very comfortable,” Casey said. He also works with students to manage stage anxiety. “I encourage them to take deep breaths… There are a lot of little tricks you can do.” One of the most difficult parts of organizing Pops, Casey said, is turning down talented students.
“It is always hard to tell students that they did not make the show,” he said.
For many participants, Pops is a meaningful personal experience.
Senior Mikayla Becker said she prepared for her audition for about three weeks and found singing with a backing track to be the most challenging part. However, performing in front of an audience was easier than she expected. “Once I started I wasn’t nervous at all,” Becker said. Becker will perform “The Subway” by Chappell Roan, a song she said she genuinely enjoys singing.
Sophomore Quinn Rousseau notes that finding the right song requires time and attention.
“Finding a song that fits is really hard,” Rousseau said. He added that the audition itself was less stressful than many expect.“The audition process was way more simple than most expect,” he said. Rousseau will perform “Black” by Pearl Jam, a song he said holds personal significance.
[Grade?] Willow Lalimo believes the most difficult stage of preparation was also choosing a song. He considered more than 10 options before making a final decision. However, the auditions themselves didn’t cause him any anxiety, “I thought it would be more stressful but it was actually really easy.” Lalimo said.
He will perform “Creep” by Radiohead, a song recommended to him by Casey.
According to Casey, Pops offers participants more than just performance experience.
“Participants gain confidence,” he said. “If you are able to go on stage in front of 650 spectators and sing with a live band, you will find it easier to cope with many difficulties in life.”
Soon, audiences will see the results of months of preparation as students and staff take the promises of a night of music, courage and confidence. Don’t miss out!
