Port High’s first live concert of the pandemic will be alfresco

Among the many events disrupted by the pandemic are musical performances, but Port Washington High School is not willing to let the year end without giving students a chance to take the stage, albeit a different stage than usual, for live performances.

Port Washington’s Veterans Park will be the venue for the Pops in the Park concert on Thursday, May 13, featuring band performances beginning at 6 p.m. followed by choir performances at 7:15 p.m.

It will be the first time Port High musical groups have performed for live audiences this school year.

Opening in conjunction with the concert will be the Port Washington High School Music Booster online auction, which begins at noon May 13 and runs until midnight Sunday, May 23. The auction site can be found at www.32auctions.com/PWHSMusicAuction2021. Proceeds benefit the school’s music programs.

The concerts come on the heels of a special, one-song performance by the school’s acclaimed a cappella group Limited Edition during Monday’s Port Washington-Saukville School Board meeting to celebrate the Best Communities for Music Education honor the district recently received from the National Association of Music Merchants.

This is the second consecutive year the district has received the honor, which recognizes efforts by both school districts and communities to make music education accessible to students.

About 5% of all school districts in the country and Wisconsin receive the honor annually.

“Our music teachers are extremely dedicated,” Port High Band Director Chris Clouthier said. “Additionally, the music department receives a tremendous amount of support from the district and the community. We have an active booster group, our performers are sought-after for community events and our Board of Education has been and continues to be very supportive of all our programs.

“This is a great place to make music.”