Tenth Annual Pops Concert scheduled for February 28 ...

The Waukon High School and Middle School Music Departments will be hosting the 10th annual Pops Concert, this year on a Friday night, February 28 at the Waukon Middle School gymnasium. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with concert time at 7 p.m. The Pops Concert features high energy musical numbers from the 1950s through today.

Nearly every musical group at the Waukon Middle School and High School participates in this concert. Groups performing will include the jazz bands, a small group of sixth grade vocalists, and all choral groups in grades 7-12. The Pops Concert is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Allamakee Music Boosters. It replaced the Spaghetti Supper ten years ago and has proven to be a very popular change, according to all involved and all who attend the event.

“I’m very excited to have our jazz band perform this year,” states JoAnn Sherman, Waukon High School Band Director. “This group has been willing to tackle improvisation and swing music. We will have several soloists and some featured pieces as well. They should provide a good show for our audience. They will be performing ‘Come Out Swinging,’ ‘A Bari Cool Chart,’ ‘Apocalypse,’ and ‘After the Rain.’”

The entire grades 7-12 mass choir songs will include “Shallow” from A Star is Born, “Don’t Stop Believin’” originally sung by Journey, and “Footloose.” The grades 7-12 Men song selection is “Barbara Ann,” originally sung by the Beach Boys, and the grades 7-12 Women song selection is “What About Us,” a ballad originally recorded by Pink.

“You will not believe the choreography on Footloose,” states Sarah Bieber, Waukon High School Vocal Director. “The kids have been practicing singing and dancing since the first week of January. These high school students will perform some of the hardest dance moves seen at Waukon High School. Be ready to be blown away by outstanding vocal soloists, amazing dance moves, and out of this world choreography. This 10th Annual Pops Concert promises to be incredibly entertaining; a show not to be missed.”

The Middle School Jazz Band will also be performing “Tyrannosaurus Charlie” and “Hog’s Breath Café,” all under the direction of Tim Lund, Director. A small group of sixth grade students will be performing “Let It Be” from the Beatles, directed by Sarah Schacherer.

The money raised from this event has been allocated in the past by the Allamakee Music Boosters to help purchase items such as musical instruments, risers, pianos and various pieces of equipment for all grades, as well as well as providing scholarships for students attending camps. A Tastefully Simple Bakeless Bake Sale will be going on at the concert as well with numerous items offered for a free will donation.

The Pops Concert is open to the public for a per person fee, and refreshments will also be available. The general admission seating is on a first come, first served basis in the bleachers and chairs located in the back of the gym. There are a few 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, is asked to contact Shelly Lydon at 563-568-8670 or email Shelly at WaukonMusical@live.com. Submitted photo.