Polson Pops Concert was the best in years

Editor,

On May 24, the Polson High School music department performed the best Pops Concert I've heard from them in the past several years. Band Director Bob Mazurek and Choir Director Chris Bumgarner have again proven themselves to be assets of School District #23 to be greatly valued. Granted, there are a large number of very talented young men and women participating in music at PHS, but it still takes dedication and ability to put it all together as have Bob and Chris year after year.

Highlights of the evening, aside from stellar band and choir performances, were the awards presented to senior leaders of the musical units and to those students who qualified for the State Music Festival in Missoula. Participants in All-Northwest Choir and All-State Band and Choir were also recognized. The young men of the Concert Choir brought the house down with their rendition of a "For Men Only" medley complete with some very original "body language."

As a trustee of the Polson School District, I was again struck with the variety and depth of musical talent at PHS. The strong improvement of the younger students was noticeable in both band and choir, a tribute not only to the directors but, also, to the students themselves and the leaders of those units. It was, finally, refreshing to see such a large attendance. Maybe next year we can look forward to a broader range of the citizenry attending what has to be one of the most enjoyable events PHS stages — and there are concerts several times during the school year.

Bob Hanson

Dayton