APOPScalypse Strikes Edina High Band

Bringing the apocalypse to was a unanimous decision.

The traditionally "arduous process" of coming up with a theme for the annual was little more than a single question this year, according to Concert Band Director Paul Kile.

"It came time to talk about it and I just asked 'Are we all OK with calling it APOPScalypse?'" Kile recalled. "Then came the collective 'Yay!'"

Given the year 2012—and its link to the end of the Mayan calendar—Kile said a number of students had hoped the 59th annual student-run variety show would focus on apocalyptic scenarios. This story behind this year's show is pretty simple: Something apocalyptic has gone wrong in Edina, but true to the band's nature, the show must go on.

"Neither rain nor sleet nor apocalypse will stop the band from performing," Kile joked.

Senior Elaine Rock said students have really embraced the change in formatting this year.

"The first at is kind of almost a behind-the-scenes look at the show," Rock said. "And the second act is more of the classic POPS show people expect."

The changes extend to the stage used during the show as well, with a much larger, higher riser setup employed than in previous years.

As for the music being performed this year, the list includes LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," Mikhail Glinka's "Russland and Ludmilla Overture" and the iconic "The Lord of the Dance." A live, four-piece band (comprised of Concert Band members, of course) even plays REM's "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" during one of three production numbers.

"Our repertoire is really great this year," senior James Neville said. "It's just a lot of really great pieces that we get to play, aside from all of the exciting skits we participate in."

And there are plenty of skits. Everything from a rap homage about Cinnamon Toast Crunch to ballroom dancing to a juggling extravaganza is packed into the show. Senior Shannon Awes said that variety allows band members to get out of their comfort zones.

"They're finally showing us what they can do and revealing the different talents they have," Awes said. "Everyone just has a ton of fun with it."

"It's going to be fun, it's going to be exciting," Rock said. "The audience will not be bored."

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If You Go:

What: APOPScalypse, the 59th Annual POPS Concert

Where: 's Fick Auditorium

When: 7 p.m. on Feb. 23-25

Cost: $6-$13. Tickets can be purchased online at www.edinabands.com, at the Edina Performing Arts Center Box Office and at the door.