Bluffton University's annual Pops Concert, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, in Founders Hall, will offer a mix of music ranging from Broadway to Kid Rock. The concert is free and open to the public.
The evening will begin with jazz from the university's Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Adam Schattschneider, professor of music. The ensemble will perform "This Could Be the Start of Something," the composition and theme song of the late comedian, writer and television personality Steve Allen; "MacArthur Park," "Lullaby of Birdland" and "St. Thomas."
Accent!, Bluffton's all-male chorus, will present The Temptations' "My Girl," which was co-written by Motown legend Smokey Robinson; The Four Seasons' "Sherry"; and "Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue." Dr. Mark Suderman, professor of music, conducts Accent!, which will be accompanied by Anna Stembler-Smith on piano; Kevin Farmer, a 2008 Bluffton music graduate who has returned to pursue his teacher licensure, on bass; and James Brake, a junior from Ohio City, Ohio, on percussion.
Brake is also part of the Percussion Ensemble, which will perform an Ashley Regedanz arrangement of Kid Rock's "Born Free," as well as "Xylophonia" by Joe Green. Regedanz is a Bluffton senior from Spencerville, Ohio. Directing the ensemble is Dennis Crites, an adjunct faculty member.
On the bill for Bel Canto, Bluffton's all-female choir, are "Big Spender"; Jerome Kern's "Can't Help Loving That Man," from the musical "Show Boat"; and Ben E. King's "Stand By Me," arranged by the choir's conductor, David Sawatzky, an assistant professor of music. Stembler-Smith will also accompany Bel Canto.
The university Concert Band will present three numbers under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Boehm, professor of music. On the program are "A Hero's Destiny," featuring the band's brass and percussion sections; "Rhapsody for Euphonium and Concert Band," with guest soloist Tim Davis, band director at Kenton High School; and "Earthdance."
