By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
For the Whitewater community, the mid-winter deep-freeze effect will be left out in the cold at the Whitewater High School auditorium on Feb. 9 during the 50th Anniversary Pops Concert.
Food, fun, and fabulous performances by Whitewater Middle School and High School singing and instrumental groups are guaranteed to warm the hearts – not to mention legs, arms and fingers – of all who attend.
WMS science teacher Mike Stutzman and dean of students Mark Maas will add wit, sparkle and unpredictable antics as co-emcees.
Maas reported that they were emcees for the Pops Concert several years ago but for some unknown reason were not invited back the following year. Fortunately (or maybe conveniently), Maas said he doesn’t know what the reason was.
The Pops Concert is the major fundraiser for the Whitewater Music Parents Association. The proceeds support students attending music camps, senior scholarships, honors camps, and additional needs of Whitewater schools music programs not covered by the regular budgets.
The Whitewater Music Parents Association officers include Rick Blucher (President), Jennifer Smith (Vice President), Julie Caldwell (Secretary), and Geetha Samaranayake (Treasurer).
Committee chairpersons include Penny Portman and Renuka Gunawardena (Silent Auction), Kristine and Peter Zaballos (Corporate Sponsors), Debra Sheers (Friends and Family), and Ed Parker (Market Day).
Corporate and Business sponsors also support the efforts of the Music Parents Association. The 2013-14 sponsors include: AJR Metals, Binnig & Dickens Insurance, The Coburn Company, Dalee Water Conditioning, Edward Jones, Estes Forwarding Worldwide, First Citizens State Bank, GMA Printing, Harrison, Williams & McDonnell, LLP, Ketterhagen Motor Sales, Olm & Associates, The Sweet Spot, Tainted Luv and Tincher Realty.
Certain to hit all the right notes again this year, the Silent Auction will add to the fun of the afternoon.
Penny Portman reported that an exciting array of Silent Auction items have been donated, including: monthly food items for a year, gift cards, deluxe pedicures, beauty supplies, decorative basket, CDs of photos from school theater productions and tickets University of Wisconsin-Whitewater shows and registration for camps.
Get in on the action
The 50th annual Whitewater schools POPS Concert slated Sunday, Feb. 9 with food service starting at noon and the concert starting at 1 p.m. will serve as a fundraiser for the Whitewater Music Parents Association.
This year’s event will feature a finale medley from “Oliver,” a piece that was performed at the very first POPS Concert. The choirs will join together for the finale and be joined by members of the Friends and Family Choir.
Anyone who would like to sing in the finale that has been a part of the music program throughout the past 50 years are asked to contact Lori Heidenreich, WHS choral director by Saturday, Feb. 1 at (262) 472-8174 or lheidenreich@wwusd.org.
Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for seniors and free for children in 12th grade and under. Middle School groups (8th Grade Choir, Jazz Band, Show Choir and the 8th Grade Band) will begin the show, followed by the high school groups (Mixed Chorus, Symphonic Band, Senior Choir, Jazz Band, and Music Master Ensemble.)
In addition to a variety of food and desserts available for purchase the silent auction will be back this year. Members of the community are encouraged to take part in great food, silent auction items and fun music.
“You will find yourself tapping your toes or singing along. Help us celebrate the golden anniversary of the POPS Concert,” Heidenreich said.
Pick up a copy of this week’s Whitewater Register to see what school district staff have to say about their years performing in the Pops Concert when they were kids.
