Audience ‘Hooked on a Feeling’ at Pops Concert

Ki Joon Lee and Ava Caleca|June 5, 2019

Ki Joon Lee

Concert Chorale and Portola Singers performs “Hooked on a Feeling” as the opening piece of the action packed evening filled with numerous productions.

The annual Pops Concert took place in the performing arts theater on May 29 at 7 p.m., with all of the choir ensembles performing a wide spectrum of musical genres from pop rock songs such as “Hooked on a Feeling” to modern musical songs such as “Come Alive” from The Greatest Showman.

The ensembles kept the audience entertained with special props and costumes, as well as dance routines not often seen in a choir performances. Student performers participated in their performances by clapping to the beat, and wearing eye catching costumes with bright colors and patterns. The concert featured seven group performances and ten solos overall.

“My favorite part of the concert was our opening song ‘Hooked on a Feeling,’” concert chorale member, soloist and sophomore Avery Shinners said. “When the audience saw all the glow sticks we had on, they were so surprised. The choreography was also really fun.”

The lights were dim for the beginning of the concert, when concert chorale performed “Hooked on a Feeling,” the group wore all black with various colored glow sticks. For the Greatest Showman finale, soloists wore circus-themed outfits adorned with top hats and feathered headpieces. Other performers wore an array of brightly colored outfits.

Preparing for this concert bonded passionate singers together as they independently planned group performances from choosing the song to practicing the dance routines. Likewise, solo artists had the opportunity to showcase their unique interpretation of a song of their choice and deliver the emotions to the audience. In addition, some of the soloists teamed up with other performers to cover duets, which are not traditionally performed at previous concerts.

The concert ended up lasting around two hours; however, it left the audience members wanting more. The vocal program plans to continue the Pops Concert with more diversity next year with two ensembles being added.

“This [Pops Concert] was produced more like a show choir, like a musical would be produced. We had lighting, costumes and choreography. So, it’s the biggest, most fully-produced concert that we do throughout the year. This concert is the moment we really go all-out and make it really fun,” music teacher Adrian Rangel-Sanchez said. “I think the singers in groups and solo singers have grown so much throughout the year, and this concert is proof of that.”