By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
MOUNT ULLA — Daniel Trivette has created his own version of the popular Pops at the Post concert for the West Rowan community.
The West Rowan High School band director said he had so much fun performing with the Salisbury Symphony during the annual event that he decided to create a similar experience for his students. His version of the concert is called Pops in the Park.
“ This is not your average concert,” he said.
In addition to performances from the jazz bands and percussion ensemble, the chorus and band will be performing songs such as Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida,” Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” Enya’s “Only Time” and Kansas’ “Wayward Son,” Trivette said.
Sophomore Richard Kyles said the wind ensemble’s rendition of music from “How to Train Your Dragon” will leave the audience with goosebumps.
“It’s going to be awesome,” he said.
Senior H.A. Hoffman said the concert is a unique twist to an old favorite.
“I think it’s great because we’ve always done a pops concert, but we were inside so it’s cool we’re doing it out in public,” he said.
The concert will give the audience a movie-like experience with video projecting on a makeshift screen set up behind the band.
Junior Katherine Carter said that adds another level of difficulty for performers, but she’s up to the challenge.
“Working with the movie is new for all of us because we have to adjust the music to fit the scenes,” she said.
Carter said the pops concerts is a good way to wind down the year.
“It gives us something to look forward to,” she said. “It also gives us a chance to make a lot of people happy because music moves people.”
Trivette said he’s hoping to make Pops in the Park an annual event.
And he said the audience can expect a special treat at the end of this year’s event.
“I won’t spoil the surprise, but we’ve been working hard on it for months and are very excited about it,” he said.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.
Twitter: twitter.com/posteducation
Facebook: facebook.com/Sarah.SalisburyPost

If you go
What: Pops in the Park
Who: West Rowan High School band and chorus
When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, chorus begins at 7 p.m.
Where: Cleveland Town Park 
What to bring: Lawn chairs, blankets 
FYI: Concessions and raffle tickets will be on sale during the event