The HS Advanced Band and the Blue Note Jazz Band performed the 2024 Pops Concert on May 2. The Pops Concert was a very special occasion for Michael Ganus, SIS band director because this was his last high school band concert as he is departing from SIS this year.  During this concert, the HS Advanced Band performed various pieces, including soundtracks from movies and TV shows, as well as pop songs.

Some songs that the HS Advanced Band played include “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars, “Studio Ghibli Medley,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. Blue Note performed two main pieces, “Tank!” and “The Way You Look Tonight.”  For each song, there were different stage lights and posters, capturing the audience’s attention. After the concert, students took photos with each other and their families.  

“I thought the Pops Concert was really successful this year, and it was a creative comeback for our school,” Dana Chung (11), this year’s student conductor, said. “I would like to thank Mr. Ganus for giving me an opportunity to lead a really big band and giving me an opportunity to express my own musical interpretation in songs.”

Adding on to Dana’s positive message, Mr. Ganus wanted to give his students a very special message. 

“First of all, when you work hard together as a team, you bond, and I bonded with all of you, and you’re very important to me,” Mr. Ganus said. “You’re more than just my students; you are part of my family, so I’m going to miss you all very very much, but here’s my big takeaway: whatever you put into something is what you get out of it, so when you put your heart into something when you give it all, you get a lot out of it. I’ve given you guys a lot of my heart, and I’m so excited and thankful for what I’ve gotten out of it.”