Pops Concert 2017

Smells Like Teen Spirit

From a standing ovation for a Palo Alto High School choir student's rendition of “I Will Always Love You” to the teacher lip sync battle, the 2017 Pops Concert was one for the books.

Not only was it the first Paly Pops Concert in the newly constructed Performing Arts Center, but it was also the first in partnership with Rise Together Education, a Paly non-profit that helps high-achieving low-income students.

The Pops Concert is an annual tradition that showcases soloists, small ensembles from all of the choir classes, as well as the larger groups including Spectrum and Madrigals' singers, according to Najar.

According to choir teacher Michael Najar, the theme Sounds Like Teen Spirit, was a an homage to the 1990s.

"We have done decades in the past but we have never done the 90s and I am a child of the 90s, or at least I was in college during that time, and I have very fond musical memories," Najar said.

Choir President, senior Taylor Duncan, explained the reasoning behind choosing the theme.

“In celebration of our seniors and them being the last 90s class, our theme circled back to the decade,” Duncan said.

The entire choir sported flannels, washed jeans, and even overalls reminiscent of the fashion trends synonymous with the 90s.

Sophomore choir member, Jessica Weiss, emphasized the hard work that goes into organizing a successful concert.

"It's a long, hard process and there's a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into making it a success," Weiss said. “This year the concert ran really long and that wasn't great, but it's so hard to cut acts and make the whole thing run smoothly. So if I could change anything I would want it to be shorter.”

The concert was especially memorable for Duncan, as well as other seniors that will soon bid farewell to their choir companions.

“My favorite moment was when I got to sing a duet with my best friend Joao DePina,” Duncan said.

Najar echoed similar sentiments, saying that the most enjoyable part of the concert was watching his students grow as singers.

"It's such a pleasure to hear talented young voices and watch them work on their craft in front of an appreciative audience," Najar said. “They choose their own songs and they work on it.”

“My favorite part would be cheering for my friends after they do a solo and getting to hang out onstage and enjoy the show,” Weiss said.