Choirpalooza is a show put on by Willard Middle School chorus every year as their spring concert. The May 16 performance was held at Lightridge due to the Lightridge theater’s larger capacity.  The extra space matters because the event featured twelve songs performed by 300 students, with six soloists.  Willard is a major middle school feeder to Lightridge.

“It’s a very fun experience,” said Willard seventh grader Jonah Edwards. “I really liked singing ‘PYT’.”

Erik Jacobs, the Director of the Willard chorus program, came up with the idea for Choirpalooza back when he was at Lunsford Middle School.  Past highlights a 2022 show that featured Michael Jackson songs and a 2023 performance that focused on Motown hits.

This year’s theme was Dance the Night Away, based on the Van Halen song of the same name.   

“I typically come up with the theme and its normally based around one song,” explained Jacobs. “I’ll be driving and I’ll be listening to a bunch of different music and when I hear a song that kind of inspires me.”

Jacob said he always enjoys the concert, but that it is a lot of work.

 “Honestly my favorite part of Choirpalooza is when it’s over,” said Jacob, “because it’s such a stressful time that when it’s over it’s such a relief.”