The end of the year is nearing, and Orchestra and Band are beginning to prepare for one of their final concerts of the year, the Spring Pops Concert. Held for two days in May, each group will perform a handful of tunes to welcome the season of spring. Usually, the groups perform a variety of songs relevant in today’s pop-culture, but once in a while, they’ll mix in some classics. This event is unique in the fact that it’s held outdoors at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. Instead of being confined within the seats of the PAC, audience members will be able to create their own viewing experience. All attendees are welcome to bring a picnic-blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the show; if you’re not in the mood to bring or make food, you can also purchase snacks and desserts at the event!

On May 22, Band 1, Orchestra 2, and Band 3 will start off the show with an exciting program. As a sneak peek, Band 1 will be playing a tune from Moana, so be sure to attend to make your karaoke dreams come true. As for Orchestra 2, its performance will include a classic Elvis Presley song that you “Can’t Help Falling In Love” with. Keeping audience members on their toes, the group will also perform a medley of well-known tunes from the popular movie La La Land. Ending the night, Band 3 will change the mood and finish with a more classical program including Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” while still highlighting the excitement and beauty of the season. However, the pieces mentioned here are just a mere glance into the unmatched experienced that awaits attendees.

Concluding the event on the second night, May 23, Orchestra 1, Band 2, and Orchestra 3 will leave you mesmerized. Orchestra 1 will start off by bringing back childhood memories with a medley from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and, in respect to the older audience members, An American in Paris. Changing it up, Band 2 will shine the spotlight on everyone’s Broadway favorites from Hamilton and bring an upbeat vibe to contrast the previous fantastical tunes. Finally, Orchestra 3, who is being a bit secretive on its program at the moment, will undoubtedly  finish the concert by leaving the audience wanting more.

In addition to being an interesting concert, this event holds the opportunity for performers and attendees to create myriad of memories. For sophomore Sydney Chang, the concert is a great way to “get some laughs” while also “being able to enjoy nature” with close friends as she recalls a memorable moment when she and some friends befriended a few of the arboretum’s residential peacocks at last year’s concert. Junior Matthew Gao agrees, “I think Pops Concert is an excellent way to end the school year because the setting is quite relaxed compared to the large sound-reflecting hall of the PAC.” Overall, this concert is bound to be a great experience for everyone.

Photo courtesy of ARCADIA MUSIC CLUB