Popcert is an annual event celebrating the musical talents of our school. This year, it was definitely less crowded than in previous years, but still a fun time. Similar to many before, there is a relative variety of genres performed. Continue reading to hear from the entertainers and what they have to say about this production!
“Pink Pony Club” performed by Isabella Chia Reyes, Sev Deritter, and instrumentals by Eddi W Raymond, Ambur Patel, Allex Todorov, and Sebastian Grodski.
- Why did you choose this song?
I’m president of the GSA, but more than that I’m part of the queer community and pop music has long ties to queer culture, so I wanted to pick a song that reflected that. With its lyrical and musical complexity and themes I felt that it was a good pick for a performance, and I feel that “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan really encapsulates the spirit of Popcert.
- What was it like to be on stage?
It was fun. The theater was small, but I didn’t have much in the way of stage fright so it felt the same as any other speech or presentation.
- What was it like watching the other performances?
That was the best part. I’ve gone to every Popcert since I started high school and I was glad I was one of the earlier acts so that I could sit back and watch all of the other performances. It allows you to appreciate the effort that students here have put into honing their musical skills.
- What was the most memorable part of Popcert 42?
Getting to watch and enjoy it one last time. And that I was able to encourage my friend to do it again for themselves next year. My favorite performance of the night to watch was probably “Hotline Bling” as performed by Abhay Viswanatha. He’s got a great stage presence and he’s also just a really nice guy.
“Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore, Performed by Kelly Dudonis
1. Why did you choose this song?
For popcert we are usually suggested to sing an upbeat pop rock song so I thought “Ain’t it Fun” by paramore was a good fit.
2. What was it like to be on stage?
It was really fun When I’m on stage it is usually with other people so it was an exciting new experience to be up there by myself.
3. What was it like watching the other performances?
Watching the other performances was a lot of fun and I think everyone did a really good job.
4. What was the most memorable part of Popcert 42?
I think the most memorable part is being backstage and listening to people performing the songs and hearing how much the audience loved it.
I didn’t see a lot of the performances because I was backstage, but out of the ones I did see, I think “Don’t Worry About a Thing” performed by Chloe Yacoub was my favorite to watch. She did a really good job and had a lot of energy.
“You Stole the Show” by Sienna Spiro Performed by Marina Abadir
- Why did you choose this song?
While I was choosing songs, I saw this song on Instagram reels and I realized her voice was so good. The song hit me and gave me goosebumps. I thought, maybe if I sang this song, it would give me those same vibes. It was such a powerful song because of its meaning. It gave me a sense of power because of how strong the voice was.
2. What was it like to be on stage?
First, I did not want to go because I felt like there was going to be so much people. I saw people before I went on stage and I realized it was people I know, so I felt fine and wanted to go on stage. When I got to the stage, it was all black, so I felt like I was in a room by myself even though there was people that I knew. Once I heard the people in the audience, I realized that this was real life.
3. What was it like watching the other performances?
It was really nice because I realized a lot of them have beautiful voices, not just okay, but really good. It felt like a Broadway show and flowed naturally, making the performances fun to look at.
4. What was the most memorable part of Popcert 42?
The most memorable part was sitting next to my cousin. This is because I really really love my cousin, so being able to have her in my presence is just so nice and comforting since we’re so close. It just hits different when I’m with her, because she makes everything better.
5. What were your favorite performances?
“Don’t you Worry About a Thing” by Chloe: I loved the background of the song, because it came from an elephant singing. I loved elephants when I was younger, because I thought they could sing, like in the movie Sing. When I saw the elephant sing in Sing, it made me have fun moments because of how she was singing and the elephant itself. I took that moment feeling when Chloe sang it. And even though she’s not an elephant, it still reminded me of that moment. I had that same amazing feeling when she sang. When I looked into the meaning, the purpose is to not worry about a thing because life will take you as you go. It makes me feel like I could be myself without worrying. Also, I love high notes because they can go very loud and it makes me feel that the song is really good. The rhythm is major, making everything feel big and happy.
Charlotte’s Mean: She has a really good voice. It’s one of those songs you’ve got to really look at, so you’ve got to pay close attention to the details in her singing.
Carlos Echeverry, singing and instrumentals in Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses Tyler Carroll, Each Other by Foul Play, Basket Case by Green Day, Sunday Morning by Maroon 5, Hold the Line by Toto
1. Why did you choose this song?
I chose these songs because they are the most exciting to play with my friends.
2. What was it like to be on stage?
Being on stage is so much fun, it turns a little performance into a real show.
3. What was it like watching the other performances?
Watching the other performances is always really cool because it’s interesting to see everyone’s taste, style, and how much they’ve improved.
4. What was the most memorable part of Popcert 42?
Singing the last song with everyone is always the best and most memorable part.
5. What was your favorite performance?
Abhay Viswanatha’s performance was the best hands down.
Social Cues by Cage the Elephant, Performed by Noel Rodriguez
1. Why did you choose this song?
Purely vibes and whether or not it could fit my tone
2. What was it like to be on stage?
Not too different from the first with the same exhilarating feeling
3. What was it like watching the other performances?
Felt nice to watch how far the others came
4. What was the most memorable part of Popcert 42?
Hearing the reactions after the performance and the following day
5. What was your favorite performance?
Sweet child of mine
Going to Popcert for the last time was a great experience. The smaller audience this year honestly served as a plus and might’ve made it even more enjoyable as there wasn’t really any noise to distract you from the performances. Hopefully, more people can find the time to watch next year, though. Below you can see pictures taken of Popcert!
Image Credits: RHS Photo Club