On Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in South’s main gym, the band and orchestra will be having “Pops and Pastries,” their biggest fundraiser and first performance of the year. It’s only $5 for a student ticket and $25 for a single adult.
When entering the gym, you should expect to see tables lit and set with snacks and drinks, to create the whole “theater dinner” vibe. You’ll hear the two orchestras performances along with productions from concert and jazz band. They will perform staples from classical music, pop, and jazz led by director of bands Christopher Takis.
“We try to make it as entertaining as possible for the audience to enjoy listening to,” Takis said.
As it’s the band and orchestra’s biggest fundraiser of the year. “Pops and Pastries” will include a silent auction with all proceeds going back to the organizations to raise money for instruments, equipment and more.
“Along with buying tickets, we have people who donate items silently,” Takis said. “Online people place a bid and the winner takes the prize home and all that money goes back to us.”
After spending the first quarter of the school year preparing and working towards their first performance of the year. The students are filled with excitement and anticipation to perform in front of the gym.
“We’re not a typical class where you come in and hand in homework, our concert cycles are kind of like our unit tests,” Takis said. “So I think people are really excited to perform for the first time in front of their friends and family.”
For Viggo Jewell ‘25, who’s performed in this fundraiser concert before, it’s always a fun event. The performance is high-spirited and spotlights the talents of the musicians playing, while also creating an inviting atmosphere.
“It may not be the most perfect performance or the best one that you’ve played at, and that’s okay, but the point is that just play and have fun and that’s what we do,” Jewell said.
With success from previous years and in hopes of replicating it, performers from the band, like Eva Wieczorek ‘26, are excited to showcase their talents once again in this year’s fundraiser.
“I want to bring in that professionalism feeling of when bands are playing,” Wieczorek said. “Just sitting down, knowing what you have to do and getting it done.”
Join the band and orchestra “Pops and Pastries” on Nov. 9, in the main gym for a night filled with spirit, enjoyment and a lively performance all players and members enjoy. All students and adults are invited, and encouraged, to come to support because all proceeds go back to the band.
