POPS Concert 2023

by Sarah Gephardt

Orchestra

Newfield Performed their 42nd annual Friends of Music “POPS” concert on Monday, February 13th where they presented scholarships totaling to 5,400 dollars to 9 hardworking and deserving students The concert started off with the Philharmonic Orchestra performing “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” with soloists: Kayla Sasso, Aamir Sheikh & Jashandeep Singh, starting the concert off in a whimsical mood. After that, the combined Philharmonic and Concert Orchestras performed “Selections from The Hunchback of Notre Dame'' with soloist: Aamir Sheikh,” Selections from Phantom of the Opera'' with soloist: Abbie Chen, and lastly “Themes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.'' Percussionists Juliana Negron, Alexander Shulder, and Dylan Taub accompanied all three pieces. Mr. Martinez added his own personal touch to the ”Selections from Phantom of the Opera'' performance where he wore a white half mask just like the play while conducting to pay his respects to a show that he respected and admired. A surprise for the final piece “Themes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens” included the orchestra having bows that lit up giving the appearance that they're playing with lightsabers, adding a creative and exciting touch to the great musical performance the orchestra worked tediously to perfect The three scholarship recipients from orchestra were Abbie Chen, Kayla Sasso, and Leah Landron for their hard work and impressive talents over these past four years

Chorus Band

The second part of the concert was the Combined Chorus performing “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” Conducted by Mr. Austin and Ms. Sposato. It should be recognized that our chorus teacher Mrs. Meichner is currently out due to surgery, making the performance an extraordinary feat that exemplifies the strength in the Newfield community in coming together during Mrs. Meichner’s recovery. The scholarship winners were Jules Mast, Eli Horowitz, and Heather Austin who all amazed teachers and classmates with their beautiful voices throughout their years here at Newfield

The Combined Bands performed “ABBA on Broadway” conducted by Dr Goldstein followed by “Grease!” conducted by Mr Austin The band scholarship winners are Ezekiel Smith, Sean Reynolds, and Cameron Unger who all are well known for their magnificent skills and efforts in band When asked “What piece are you most excited for?” Dr Goldstein responded with,” That’s very hard for me to choose because I love them all, and I love them all for different reasons I have to say, the piece I’m looking forward to the most is the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” at the end for the grand finale because we’re combining everyone together and it’s a very meaningful piece of music in the history of our country and Newfield High School ”

His very well spoken thoughts now bring us into the Finale performances by the Combined Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra & Select Vocal Ensemble The group performed patriotic music such as “Our America '' and the previously mentioned,” Battle Hymn of the Republic”. These pieces had challenges which were overcome by the groups such as high notes for sopranos in chorus and the difficulty of rhythms and controlling dynamics so the chorus can be heard. This Finale represented unity of the country including patriotism and also unity for the school with all the different groups coming together in order to present and flawlessly execute the perfomance. It was especially felt by the crowd as evidenced by their tears and applause. All performers should be incredibly proud of themselves and of the success of the POPS Concert!