Penn Orchestra Hosts Elementary Pops Concert

Fifth graders from across the district visited Penn High School this week for the annual Elementary Pops Concert, an energetic introduction to available instrument options ahead of Instrument Selection Night.

Members of the Penn Orchestra took the stage to perform well-known, crowd-pleasing songs. The performance was designed to spark excitement about music and give students a firsthand look at the kinds of ensembles they could join in middle school and beyond.

At one point, Penn musicians lined the front of the stage to demonstrate the various instruments available to beginning students in sixth grade, including strings, woodwinds, and brass. Students were able to see, hear, and compare each instrument as they consider both orchestra and band options in middle school.

The concert also featured two memorable special moments. Assistant Orchestra Director Ashlyn Graham surprised the audience by dressing as Mira from K-Pop Demon Hunter while the orchestra performed the fan-favorite song “Golden.”

Later, Director of Orchestras Zac Coudret conducted the How to Train Your Dragon theme while dressed as Toothless, delighting students with both the music and the dramatic flair.

The Elementary Pops Concert serves as an exciting kickoff to instrument selection season and helps students envision themselves as future Penn musicians—whether they choose band, orchestra, or both.