Pops Concert History
The first Pops Concert was presented in the 1950s by the Edina-Morningside High School Band under the direction of Butler Eitel. The tradition has continued and grown over nearly 50 years — through other teachers, two high school buildings and hundreds of Edina students.
The present day Pops Concert is presented and performed by the Edina High School Concert Band. Under the direction of William A. Webb, the Edina Concert Band consists of approximately 85 students in grades 11 and 12. The Edina High School Jazz Ensemble also plays at the concert. Pops rehearsals begin in early January and continue through the opening in late February.
With every concert, students perform several pieces, ranging from major works for band to light novelty music and everything in between. Student members of the band announce all of the numbers, sing all of the vocal parts, perform all of the dances and collaborate on the overall theme of the concert.
Whereas the very first Pops Concerts were developed around music from one Broadway show, performances today include musical and thematic influences from a wide variety of different sources.