“Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “A Chorus Line” and many more musicals were brought to the Monmouth College campus during the Monmouth College music department event “Pops on the Prairie.” 

On Saturday, April 19, the Monmouth College Winds, along with associate profesor of vocal studies Perry White’s vocal studio, held “Pops of the Prairie.”  This was a musical event that highlighted some great works of music coming from the classic shows and performers on Broadway. 

The night began with a great piece from the Monmouth Winds.  “It’s Broadway” showcased some of the most famous shows to hit Broadway, including “Cats” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”  Then it was time for White’s voice studio to perform. Ellen Duffin, Brittany Alston, Jessie Carpenter and Adrienne Schultz, known as The Belles, took the stage to bring us back to the 1950s with songs such as, “Shaboom” and “Mr. Sandman.” 

After the great performance from The Belles, it was once again the Monmouth Winds’ turn to take us back to Broadway.   The Winds continued with selections from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.”  Amanda Rush, Joey Mason and Nick Munson, all from White’s voice studio joined the Winds to portray the characters of Christine, Raoul and the Phantom.  This was a unique portion of the concert because the audience got to see the two groups join together.  After that great performance, Brittany Alston shared her own beautiful voice, singing “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess.” Finally, the culminating performance of the night went to both the Monmouth Winds and White’s voice studio in a piece showcasing the music from “A Chorus Line.”

Sophomore Chase Tarleton commented on the concert, saying, “I thought the band played very well…I enjoyed the Andrew Lloyd Webber music.”

Conductor for the Monmouth Winds, director of instrumental activities Stephen Richter commented on the performances and the night as whole, stating,  “I was so pleased to have the Monmouth Winds perform so well with their colleagues from White’s voice studio. This will definitely become an annual event for the Monmouth Winds. They performed with professionalism and great musicality... I am so proud of each of them.”

Even though this was the last big performance of the year for the two groups, look for them next year as they continue to make beautiful music together. 

Return to Home -- Return to Features