Earlier this month, University High School (UHS) held its second annual Legends Choir Concert, where students and faculty alike took to the stage to impersonate their favorite artists. For two nights, participants entertained audiences with covers of music icons such as Queen, Barry Manilow, and Alicia Keys. Performers were tasked with acting, singing, and dressing exactly like a legend. They were accompanied by a professional band and some UHS student musicians.
Visual and Performing Arts teacher Rob Blaney established the Legends Concert back in 2012 when he taught at Woodbridge High School (WHS). It is now in its second year at UHS. “I love the concert because it gives students the opportunity to express themselves differently than when singing in a choir,” says Blaney. “It provides a platform for them to sing and act like a legend, which hardly ever happens.”
One notable act from this year was senior Maya Breen, who sang Édith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose in its original French language. Maya learned French just for the song and pulled it off beautifully.
The Legends Concert was a great success not only for its singers, but for viewers as well. The entire audience danced and sang along to beloved hits like Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and Miley Cyrus’ The Climb. As a former WHS student myself, I know just how much fun these concerts can be and how hard the students work to make it a magical night for audience members. Attending one of their events is a fantastic way to spend your evening and to show your support for the school’s arts program.
The UHS performing arts department is already gearing up for its next performance — beginning on March 7th. The musical Evita will feature a 30-person cast and 20-piece student orchestra. There is also a Broadway Rocks concert scheduled for May 2nd and May 3rd, which will include collaborations with Vista Verde Middle School, Rancho Middle School, and acclaimed Broadway performer Ivan Rutherford.
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