“From our home to yours”: Highlights from this Year’s Virtual ‘Pops On the Heights’
by Eleni Krupinski ‘21, Kyle Ronkin ‘21, and Julienne Martinez ‘21
Every September, thousands of people gather in BC’s Conte Forum to enjoy a selection of live performances by the Boston Pops Orchestra, the University Chorale of Boston College, the Screaming Eagles Marching Band, and a headlining artist in a dazzling night of music and celebration. “Pops on the Heights” is the biggest fundraising event for financial aid at Boston College, raising over $80 million for student scholarships each year.
This year, the annual tradition looked a little different, given the current guidelines on social distancing and large gatherings. “Pops Off the Heights” was held on Friday, September 25th in a new and exciting virtual setting. Registered guests were directed to a link where they had the opportunity to enjoy an evening of live-streamed and pre-recorded content, to experience the same magic of the in-person event in a safe online environment. “While planning the virtual version has been different in so many ways, we were thrilled to have representation from all of the groups who typically participate in Pops” said Elizabeth O’Connor, Director of Programs and Events at the BC Alumni Center.
The gala was headlined by singer, songwriter, and actor, Josh Groban. With multi-platinum albums, a Tony nomination for his performance in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, as well as multiple film and television appearances, Groban has had a renowned career as an artist. He is also the founder of the Find Your Light Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing children with a quality arts education that aims to foster cultural awareness through art.
Alongside Groban, the event will also featured two student soloists, Tiffany Brooks ‘21 and Olivia Constantino ‘21, accompanied by Keith Lockhart on piano as well as members of the Boston Pops. Tiffany and Olivia are both actively involved in the arts on campus and have had the opportunity to develop their talents throughout their time at BC.
“Through Chamber Choir with John Finney, I’ve learned a lot about singing techniques, especially with smaller groups,” said Olivia. As a member of the University Chorale and Chamber Choir, Music Director of the Common Tones, and an executive board member of the Music Guild, Olivia is no stranger to an extensive rehearsal process. Her sophomore year, the Common Tones recorded and released their first EP, Fifteen Seasons and as music director, she had the opportunity to work behind the scenes and assist with the production and mixing of the music. Olivia was excited to see how her efforts, rehearsing on Zoom throughout the summer, would culminate in the recorded performance for “Pops off the Heights”. There is a “weird excitement” in the air, said Olivia about this amazing opportunity.
Tiff expressed the same excitement while talking about her performance. “I knew I wanted to perform at ‘Pops on the Heights’ since Freshman year, and, since I am a senior this year I thought I would give it a try. You miss a hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.” Tiff has been acting and singing from a very young age: “I did my first show when I was in third grade and fell in love with it. I loved being able to sing, dance, and act all at the same time” she recalled. Throughout her time at BC she has been able to hone her talents through multiple theatre productions, chorale performances, and theatre classes. This year Tiff is the President of the BC theater Council of Majors and Minors and the Production Manager of BC’s Musical Theater Wing.
Following Olivia and Tiff’s performances, Pops also presented cameos from BC alumni Chris O'Donnell '92, H'17 and Steve Pemberton '89, H'15, MA'19. The night’s finale featured the Screaming Eagles Marching Band and the University Chorale of Boston College, a performance made possible by director John Finney, David Healey and Chris Andaloro whose hard work has been instrumental in the preparation process for the event.
Even through a virtual setting, in its 28th year, “Pops on the Heights” continues to support the mission of bringing our community together to help shape the future of young students across the globe.