On May 21, the State High Choirs took the stage for the final time of the year for the Spring Pops Concert. Led by Director Erik Clayton, various State High choir groups performed in a night that celebrated seniors and the year’s achievements.
Different from normal choir concerts, the Pops Concert features well-known songs and a switch from traditional attire. Seniors wear shirts with the colleges they plan to attend, and underclassmen wear Hawaiian shirts. Senior Rowan Brownson described the unique atmosphere.
“I feel like it just has so much energy and everyone just is so excited to be there and loves spending time together and looking back at old memories, but also singing fun songs,” Brownson said.
To start off the night, the ninth-grade choir performed a medley of “I Want You Back” and “ABC” by the Jackson 5. Next, the Treble Makers sang “Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen. The Cecilian Singers then took the stage with “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper. The lower-voices group OMA performed “Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream)” by The Chords, followed by Chamber Singers singing “Take On Me” by A-ha and Master Singers singing “Africa” by Toto.
Junior Anthony Shue noted the impact of singing pop songs.
“We’re singing pop songs so everyone knows the songs, and it allows people to just put in a level of passion that they won’t with any other things. It really just brings together people and that’s what makes Spring Pops so special,” Shue said.
The choirs then took an intermission while other celebrations took place. A record number of members who participated in PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) Districts, Regionals and States were recognized, along with senior Genavieve Clayton, who went to ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) Nationals. Additionally, choir officers were applauded for their efforts.
The main event of the night was celebrating the class of over 30 graduating seniors. Part of a long-standing choir tradition, the senior class presented Mr. Clayton with a mural filled with images that represented the past year. They also gifted him with a LEGO version of Leonardo da Vinci’s Flying Machine, paying homage to a song performed in a past concert. Genavieve Clayton gave an emotional speech to thank her father for his efforts.
A video was played that featured the seniors stating their favorite choir memories and what their plans are post-graduation. Junior Cecelia Sandoval-Strausz spoke about the significance of this year’s seniors.
“The seniors are just so amazing. There’s a lot of them. We’re going to lose so many amazing people. But we also have so many more amazing people who are rising seniors and I’m so excited to continue to grow with them and see them develop,” Sandoval-Strausz said.
Sophomore Autumn Swisher agreed with the impact of the seniors.
“I’m so sad they’re all leaving because they’re all such a big presence here in the choir and everything, and I love all the seniors I know. They’re so sweet,” Swisher said.
After the slideshow, all the choirs came together for two final songs, “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King and “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Brownson reflected on what the choir has given to her over the years.
“I feel like I’ve been very lucky with how much choir has meant to me. I wasn’t originally going to audition for Master Singers, but after doing it, I’m so thankful I did because it gave me so many amazing memories and taught me a lot that I wouldn’t have gotten from something else,” Brownson said.
Although the seniors will be greatly missed, the underclassmen are already looking forward to continuing traditions and building their own next year. Shue explained his feelings about the show and what it means for the future.
“Everyone here, even people that I didn’t know, I wanted to go up and I wanted to give ’em a hug because it was such a great opportunity. It really just shows you that we are just one big family,” Shue said. “It’s obviously very sad when a group of kids leaves, but I think I’m looking forward to what this next year can bring, a new crowd of kids going into choir. And I think a legacy will be put forth from these kids and I hope we can just make next year even better.”
