Orchestra readies for upcoming pops concert

Orchestra is bringing contemporary tunes of several genres and catering to multiple age groups in their upcoming pops concert on Feb. 9.

“This concert is different because it’s not a traditional orchestra concert. It’s a lighter program, geared mostly toward kids, or the young at heart,” director Ann Osborne said.

The fresh and energetic music selection for the concert will include performances of pop songs such as Justin Timberlake’s hit, “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive,” several Disney tunes including songs from Brave, Beauty and the Beast, and the Little Mermaid, as well as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The performance also includes a full orchestra performance of a medley of multiple Harry Potter songs.

Osborne said she is excited for the community to see a new side to her orchestra with the varying genres of songs and performances, and she said she hopes that people will see a new light on orchestras. “I am excited because the music we are performing is a lot of fun,” Osborne said.

With the selections of popular music and movies, Osborne said she hopes that the music will draw in family crowds after a tour of Cedar Falls elementary schools. “The orchestra will be going to four of CF’s elementary schools to do ‘preview’ concerts on Monday and Tuesday, which we hope will make the younger students bring their families out to the concert on Thursday,” Osborne said. “Having a full audience of excited kids and adults would be wonderful.”

However, the excitement extends beyond just Osborne and into her students as well.  “I am excited for this concert because I personally prefer contemporary music more than the classical stuff that is usually associated with orchestra music because I don’t get to play it often. It’s nice to change things up a bit,” junior concert master Meron Abebe said.

Junior Arlo Hettle shared Osborne’s hope that the selections will excite a new reputation for orchestras. “This concert is cool because it breaks the whole stereotype that all the orchestra does is play classical music,” junior Arlo Hettle said. “If you think that orchestra music is boring, or you like any of those artists, you should definitely come see this concert.”

“The orchestra pops concert is different than our other concerts because of the atmosphere created by the music,” Abebe said. “It’s more fun and exciting to perform all these songs the audience will recognize, and I think it’s more fun for the audience as well.”

The orchestra pops concert will take place Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cedar Falls High School auditorium. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.