Pops Concert to highlight music from the 1950s and ’60s

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

If last year’s show is any indication, fans of vintage pop music will be in for a treat Tuesday night at the Charles City High School Vocal Pops Concert.

At least Charles City High School Vocal Music Director Derek Sturtevant seems to think so.

“Last year we had a 1970s and ’80s theme and this year we are continuing that idea with the 1950s and ’60s,” Sturtevant said. “The best part of these concerts is that the songs really resonate with different groups of people — they may be the songs they remember from growing up.”

Songs from the era will include performances of “Stand By Me,” “What a Wonderful World,” “California Dreamin’,” “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “I Will Follow Him” and “Sweet Caroline,” among many others.

The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the North Grand Auditorium, and will feature performers in grades 9-12. This is the second year that the high school music department has done the Pops Concert.

“We decided to add this concert as a contrast to the other concerts that we put on throughout the year,” Sturtevant said. “It’s great to expose the students to songs that they might not know. This is also a chance for the choir department to raise some money for the ‘extra’ purchases like robes and equipment.”

The emcees for the evening will be students Aaron Montemayor, Kaydon Cormeny, Nathan Shultz, Madison Lincoln, Anastasia Baldus, Olivia Wolfe and Ruby Peterson.

There will be special musical presentations by high school vocal groups “2JazzedUp” and “Rhymes With Orange,” as well as performances by the concert choir and the Comet Chorus.

Sturtevant promised several special surprises and a little comedy fun, including some Charles City teachers participating in a round or two of “The Newlywed Game.”