2012

1987 in Retrospect

The Union H.S. 2012 production of "1987 In Retrospect" showcased an episodic presentation of the music, the people, the culture and the historical significance of the year 1987, highlighted by Union High Schools' iconic W.G.I. Open Class Championship show "Mannequin."

The Relevance of Pop Music in the 20th Century:

“Often regarded as trite and simplistic, Pop Music has an important place in both culture and society among all ages. Pop music has its own merit and often involves an entire world view and life style associated with different cultures and sub-cultures.  We must not forget in order to provide meaningful and motivating connections between students and ensembles directors must realize that students prior experiences profoundly affect learning.

As a result a growing number of philosophers regard popular music as a vital and aesthetically rich field that has been marginalized by traditional aesthetics. They argue that popular music presents important counterexamples to entrenched doctrines in the philosophy of art.  Pop music is composed with calculated intention to influence the majority of its generation.”   

Repertoire

- "ALONE"  written by Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly. Made popular by American band Heart.
-  "SYNERGISTIC PARABLE" for wind band by David Sartor. Recipient of the ABA Ostwald Award.
- "BAD" by Michael Jackson.
- "I DREAMED A DREAM"  by Claude-Michel Schönberg. From the Broadway musical Les Misérables.
- "THE END OF THE WORLD"   by R.E.M.

LEadership

Drum Majors: Allen Pearcy & Cecily Yoakam

Design

Musical Arrangements and Original Music by Steve Vento, Charles Pisarra, & Danny Cole, assisted by Jack Mizutani & Iain Moyer

Visual Design by Alan Mueggenborg, David Arvin, & Lindsey Hansen