Music Department in the Allamakee Community School District to host 17th annual Pops Concert February 27

The Music Department in the Allamakee Community School District will be hosting its 17th annual Pops Concert Friday, February 27 at the Waukon Middle School gymnasium. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with concert time scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Pops Concert is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Allamakee Music Boosters, and it features high energy musical numbers from the 1950s through today. Groups performing will include the high school and middle school choirs, high school and middle school jazz bands, drumline, featured soloists, song and dance skits, and emcees. Every year, music students enjoy getting ready for and performing in the Pops Concert, which allows them to play some of their personal favorite songs, present solos, or perform other pieces that they would otherwise not be able to play.

The musical event is directed by Fifth Grade and Waukon High School Band Director JoAnn Sherman, Waukon Middle School and High School Vocal Director Molly Woodard, and Waukon Middle School Band Director Tim Lund.

“These brilliant directors work together to make the Pops Concert lively and entertaining for the audience who are watching, and for the students who are performing,” shared Waukon High School Music student Marcus Gebel. “The other music students and I are very grateful to have amazing directors who encourage and challenge us. Without our directors, we would not be able to improve our performances, sing, or play our favorite instruments.”

The high school jazz band and drumline have been practicing diligently for several months and will be performing swing jazz songs and regular jazz songs. There will also be improvisational soloists during these songs to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. In addition, the drumline will fill the gymnasium with the sounds of tenor drums, snare drums, and bass drums. The student body loves it when the drumline plays Cowbell, an electric and quickening drumline song.

Band Director JoAnn Sherman says, “The students are working hard to prepare for this concert. It is one of the highlights of the year for many students. There are so many pieces to organize - from solo acts, choreography, and rehearsal schedules - when everything finally falls into place, and we get to perform for our family and friends, the adrenaline takes over. This concert is so full of energy. It is well worth an evening out to see it in person.”

The Pops Concert is open to the public for general admission seating in the bleachers and chairs located in the Waukon Middle School gym. No school activity passes or booster club passes will be accepted. Tables, which can seat up to ten people, can also be sponsored. Table sponsors can decorate their tables, provide snacks/desserts to their guests, and invite family and friends to join in on the memorable night. To reserve a table, contact Michele Huinker at 563-380-3467 to leave a message, or email at acsdmusicboosters@gmail.com.

The money raised from this event has been allocated in the past by the Allamakee Music Boosters to help purchase items such as new instruments, drumline equipment, risers, pianos, and various pieces of musical equipment for all grades, as well as provide scholarships for students to attend music camps. A Waukon Indian Keychain/Ornament Sale will be going on at the concert as well.

In case of inclement weather forcing postponement of the initially scheduled February 27 date, the back-up date for the Pops Concert performance has been scheduled for the next night, Saturday, February 28 at 7 p.m.