The combined bands and orchestras deserve a standing ovation for their Pops by the Pond concert because of how they masterfully guided the audience on a musical journey through iconic Hollywood films.

    After the concert began in the indoor facility with the “Star Spangled Banner,” the orchestra then immediately transported the audience to the glamourous world of Hollywood when the beginning notes “Hollywood Blockbusters” sounded. The hopes of Jim Lovell, the main character of Apollo 13, wove throughout every note of that part of the medley. All of the excitement crescendoed with the music itself.

    Then, the audience was taken back in time to 13th century Scotland, the time in which Braveheart took place. The tension of the “Battle of Bannockburn” hovered above the audience as the orchestra played the vision of courageous, Scottish warriors battling the English for their lives and their freedom.

    After the violent battles of Braveheart, the audience boarded the Titanic and cruised to the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. While the orchestra reverently played “My Heart Will Go On,” the audience couldn’t help but fall in love all over again with the tragic story between Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt. It was as if the audience was sucked into the movie while the orchestra set the mood for the romantic yet perilous events. When the orchestra played the final notes of “Hollywood Blockbusters,” a thunderous applause filled the space of the indoor facility. Their performance was spectacular.

    Following “Hollywood Blockbusters”, orchestra teacher Tara Cesario waved her baton in the air like a wand and cast a spell that teleported the audience to the wonderful world of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The percussion details added a magical element to the piece, which made listening to the music a spellbinding experience. Each instrument in the orchestra made their own musical magic and greatly contributed to the splendor of the piece.

    The journey then took the audience from Harry Potter’s hometown to across the pond in America with “Stars and Stripes Forever.” The flutes soared through the trills effortlessly while the audience clapped along to the beat. Their overall performance of this song deserved fireworks.

    After celebrating America with John Philip Sousa, orchestra guided the audience back to a time when pirates ruled the seven seas with melodies from Pirates of the Caribbean. There wasn’t any section that overpowered the other, making this piece well-balanced and enjoyable. Any fan of the films would have enjoyed this epic performance because of how the orchestra was able to recreate the motion picture in the ears of listeners.

    Next on this musical journey, the audience became a part of the militia in colonial America with the original movie soundtrack from The Patriot. This piece was difficult to play because the violins had complex runs and quick sequences of notes. However, they skillfully wove through each of them with little to no mistakes. Liberty and freedom rang through the air as the music continued.

    The orchestra ended the journey back in Plano with “Fight Song,” “Grandioso” and the “Alma Mater.” The music evoked a sense of longing to those who held Plano close to their hearts.

    The junior members would enjoy the magnificent melodies of these song for another year, but for senior members, it was the last time they would sing and play these songs that have been the anthem of their years at Plano as a collective whole.

    The Pops by the Pond Concert was truly magical because of the variety of music the students played.  Any person who enjoys music would agree.