Anticipated whispers filling the auditorium quickly fade out as the house lights dim and the Bella Voce choir arrives on stage. They are kicking off the annual Pops Concert with a medley of Rumor Has It and Someone Like You by Adele.

While other concerts throughout the year consist of performing classical choir pieces, the Pops Concert has the choirs singing many modern songs and popular music, all being 100% chosen by students. Choir director Hilary Morton let all 110 choir members have full control over the show, even taking over the behind the scenes tech. “Students choose music, they choreograph their numbers and take ownership of the show. They take over technical aspects as well,” said Morton.

The increased freedom for students also brought an interesting challenge in working together to make a great concert, along with the inclusion of choreographed movement. “It takes a lot of time to clean and shape these songs with the added element of movement,” said Morton. “Dancing comes natural to some, but not all of them, so we learn a lot of basic dance steps before we begin to see the technique level of the groups”.