POPtoberfest hit the stage for its 16th annual show with yet another lineup of talented musicians in the RHS auditorium on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Hosted by the RHS music department, this year’s dazzling show included more performances of beautiful ballads than in any other year.
“This event is incredibly special and provides the students here with more chances of getting their voice and talents out to the public with their own style of song,” Choir Director Matthew Swiss said. “This is an opportunity to feature a different kind of music and to start the year singing on day one.”
POPtoberfest is wildly loved by Randolph because it features popular songs, which the students themselves choose. This year’s setlist included songs from Laufey, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Billie Eilish and other well-known artists.
“Kids love to sing ballads,” Swiss said. Performed songs included “Goddess” by Laufey, performed by senior Aishvi Mehta and “Rearrange My World” by Daniel Caesar and Rex Orange County, performed by sophomores Isabella Bello and Aidan Danner. Junior Nehchel Phalora also played an R&B ballad, “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys.
The Treble Choir underclassmen started off strong with the altos and sopranos performing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” which revved up the audience with its lively beat.
“I loved all the Laufey,” said Katherine Toms, an audience member and RHS math teacher. “I also loved the Rickroll at the end,” she said, in reference to the part of the performance that Choir Teacher Ann Kelly called her “grand secret surprise.”
A few RHS choir alumni returned to campus to either watch or participate on the stage. Alumna Amaia Biggan (’24) said, “That was the biggest A Capella group I’ve seen at this high school. I thought that was a very impressive POPtoberfest.”
ABBA songs were featured toward the end of the show, as the Randolph Theater Department will be performing them in the spring musical, “Mamma Mia.” Songs including “Lay All Your Love on Me” and “Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie,” featuring junior Cara DeConto, sophomore Samantha Walker and freshmen Sadie Slicks and Sabrina Urriola, was a fun way to promote the spring musical and providing an exciting conclusion to POPtoberfest.
The show ended on a joyful note, with the Symphonic Choir singing “You Raise me Up” and the iconic “Never Gonna Give You Up,” which had the whole audience clapping along.
Not only was the show fun for everyone, but it was also a sentimental evening for senior choir students, as this marked their last POPtoberfest before they graduate. “I’m going to miss the opportunity to sing with my friends but I’m excited,” senior Hannah Hutchinson said.
