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Dondero High School A Capella Choir Pop Concert
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The Dondero Pop Concert located in Royal Oak, Michigan is recognized for its innovative high school rock music performances. It stands as one of the pioneering instances in which rock music was sung and performed by high school choir students. In 1967, Rick Hartsoe was appointed as the choir director and began the inclusion of popular music selections in the Acappela choir’s repertoire. This concert was held annually in March from 1967 until 2006. Noteworthy solos at the pop concert included classics such as "Stairway to Heaven" and "Purple Haze" by Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, as well as "Hotel California" by the Eagles (Glen Frey of the Eagles was a Dondero alumni), and "If You Could Only See." The choir director, Rick Hartsoe, believed that students could learn just as much from rock music as classical music. He explained, "We're not looking for easy songs or fun tunes. We're looking for music that challenges us." Hartsoe also said, "Once we started doing this, we realized that it can be as hard or harder than the classics." The choir director Rick Hartsoe was known for his strictness and colorful ties.
Additionally, the "mini pop" concert was introduced as a second yearly event to satisfy freshmen choir and mixed choir members who also wanted an opportunity to perform rock music. Despite the lower musicianship levels, as there were no rigorous requirements for participation in the freshmen and mixed choirs, the mini pop still showcased memorable performances.<ref name=":3" />
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