With the last day of class fast approaching, what better way to celebrate the end of another semester than sitting on Karlen Quad enjoying some of everyone’s favorite poplar music?
“Pops is a concert on last day of classes—the afternoon concert on last day of classes—where wind ensemble and members of concert band play popular music,” sophomore music education major Minna Stelzner said. Specifically, “soundtrack music with student conductors,” sophomore music education major Stephen Abeshima added.
“The purpose of Pops is three fold: it’s final for wind ensemble, the final conducting test of the advanced conducting class, and also a way to celebrate with the community on campus the end of classes and the school year and we do it with popular music,” Dr. Gerard Morris said.
Morris continued to describe it as an event where “kids frolic about, and birds perch on our shoulders.”
At least that is how he imagines it, he added.
Pops on the Lawn is an old tradition started by Bob Musser.
It’s a “tradition that’s been going on for many, many years, certainly over a decade, if not longer,” Morris said.
The concert will consist of score music from many popular movies including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, the Incredibles, Up, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sweeney Todd, Phantom of the Opera and Nightmare Before Christmas.
It is essentially “John Williams vs. Michael Giacchino vs. Hans Zimmer vs. Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Andrew Lloyd Webber loses…” sophomore trumpet performance major Gavin Tranter said.
The event will surely be enjoyable as it always is. It is an excellent way to celebrate the end of classes. Bring a towel or a chair, and enjoy the sunshine and talented musicians!
It will take place at 4 p.m. on Karlen Quad on May 7. Should the weather be unfavorable, it will take place in Schneebeck Concert Hall at the same time.
