The Pops Concert—a recurring staple of entertainment that brings passionate, talented and hardworking musicians to the spotlight of Northview High School, ushering in the exuberance of springtime and cheer. But how does a show like this start? How does it become the Pops Concert we all know and love?
The Pops Concert is a much anticipated event at the high school, and offers an exciting array of modern pop hits, student favorites and classic oldies right to the center stage, combining talented singers and instrumentalists in a spectacle of music fitted for any age.
The festivities and spotlights for the two nights of Pops come with a tremendous amount of preparation. Jack Phillipson, choir director, choir teacher, and planner of the concert takes on most of the planning that goes into making Pops pop.
“Almost a year in advance we were scheduling the dates for the following year,” Phillipson said. “Then, usually, specific song choices and all that starts at the end of February when we start to really dive in. So we get almost two and a half months of planning.”
This work may seem daunting, but Phillipson’s dedication and passion for Pops is what keeps the gears turning. It’s a longtime tradition, and Phillipson couldn’t be prouder to keep the concert alive.
“We gotta be going on about thirty to thirty-five years of spring Pops Concerts,” Phillipson said. “Judy Pellarito, the teacher that was here before me, was teaching for 28 years, and as long as I know she had been doing one. This is year seven for me, and this will be my eighth Pops Concert that I’ll be doing since I was student teaching in 2018.”
While Phillipson works magic in the background, the student stars of the stage are working just as hard behind the scenes.
“The students take a lot of responsibility when it comes to prepping their own featured acts,” Phillipson said. “And a little bit more than most performances because we have elements like lights, a live band, and choreography, which each get their own many hours of planning.”
Sophomore Ian McPherson has a special spot in the Pops Concert with From the Top Acapella and first place winner of International Championship of High School Acapella (ICHSA) in Ann Arbor. McPherson also sings for the varsity choir, Varsity Voices.
“I’m really excited for From The Top’s song, ‘Problem’,” McPherson said. “We’ve got a big split of different parts and the baseline is really really fun.”
For McPherson, the riveting choruses and rhythmic performances aren’t the only things to look forward to with Pops. The connections and friendships during rehearsals add a layer of comradery to Pops.
“I love being with all the people,” McPherson said. “Being able to stand next to all the people and feel good singing—it fulfills a part inside me. It’s great.”
Sophomore Ian McPherson poses for a photo outside of the Fishbowl. McPherson sang for Varsity Voices and From the Top, both of which are featured in the Pops Concert. Photo credit to Zach Fassler.
Senior Rachel Haagsma, sings in Bella Voce and is showing her talents for the last time at her fourth Pops Concert. Even though it’s her last, Haagsma remains excited for her final concert.
“We’re doing an acapella version of ‘Landslide’ by Fleetwood Mac that I’m really excited for,” Haagsma said. “[Pops] has a lot of different music, so all throughout the year we’re learning how to use our choral tone. It’s a lot more upbeat.”
Even through all the hard work, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, especially for seniors like Haagsma. Graduation is right around the corner, and the flowers are blooming fast.
“Since it’s the end of the year, everyone is so close to being done already,” Haagsma said.
And the student’s aren’t the only ones looking forward to the springtime that Pops seems to bring. Jack Phillipson is also highly anticipating the feeling of that first show.
“Just the energy that the Pops Concert brings,” Phillipson said. “Early May, it’s the seniors’ last week of school, we can smell summer around the corner, and the pop music and the high energy and the dancing in the springtime is just such a celebration of the year that we’ve had.”
The Pops Concert will have its two shows on May 6th and May 7th at 7:30PM. Be sure to show up and support the Wildcat choirs!
The Concert sounds exciting. If I lived in Gr Rapids,I would be there. Thanks for your article!