Pops! Goes The Concert

The threat of rain and poor air quality drove the 7th annual Staples High Pops Concert indoors yesterday.

The move from the Levitt Pavilion to the school auditorium was unfortunate.

But the show must go on. And it did — in the traditional spectacular, wow-’em-with-talent-and-creativity fashion.

Pre-concert music featured groups like this. Colin Morgeson (piano — and “06880” intern), Josh Deitch (drums), Tegh Singh (guitar, rear), Jeffrey Pogue (vocals) and Whitman Teplica (guitar) rocked out “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

Small vocal and instrumental groups, the Jazz Ensemble, Choralaires and Symphonic Orchestra played eclectic sets. Individual talents were showcased; so was the tight, well-honed work of larger groups.

Ben Herrera offered a stunning “You’ll Be Back” from “Hamilton.” “Now you don’t have to pay $1,500 for a ticket,” MC David Pogue said.

MC David Pogue — the proud father of 2 Staples music graduates, and one more next week — kept the show moving with his trademark humor and educational asides. As he noted often, it was almost as if the audience was under the stars.

Shanti Wimmer, backed by the Jazz Ensemble, sang a sultry version of Al Jolson’s “Avalon.”

Well, they were. The stars of the night were scores of Staples students, doing what they love, for a town that appreciates them and their wonderful teachers.

(From left): Rohan Wadhwani, Curtis Sullivan, Ethan Walmark, Max Ardrey and Ben Herrera, performed Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time.”

James Dobin-Smith, accompanied by Andrew Maskoff on piano, offered Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

Host David Pogue brought the magic of the Levitt Pavilion into the Staples auditorium.

The Staples music educators who make magic happen. From left: Phil Giampietro, Caitlin Serpliss, Jeri Hockensmith, Luke Rosenberg. Missing: Carrie Mascaro. (All photos/Dan Woog)