Each fall, Boston College hosts Pops on the Heights, the Barbara and Jim Cleary Scholarship Gala. The community unites for a spectacular evening featuring the Boston Pops Orchestra, a special guest performer, and student performance groups such as the University Chorale and the “Screaming Eagles” Marching Band.
Joseph Gilhooly
One undergraduate student is chosen each year as the Pops on the Heights student soloist. The selected student has the opportunity to perform a piece of their choosing during the gala, backed by the Boston Pops Orchestra. This year, that lucky student is one of the Lynch School’s undergraduates—Joseph Gilhooly '27 (Applied Psychology and Human Development).
When Gilhooly found out that he’d been selected as this year’s student soloist, he was in shock. The audition process was both demanding and competitive; after preliminary virtual auditions last spring, finalists auditioned live for a panel of judges. Gilhooly chose to sing “Stars” from the 1987 musical Les Misérables for his audition. He performed this piece again at the Pops, where his family from New Jersey—also fans of the musical—watched from the audience.
Applying the skills he’s cultivated in both in his Lynch School classes and in his involvement with the BC Theater Department, Gilhooly knew how important it was to prepare properly for this performance. Training with a vocal coach became part of his weekly routine. Once he felt confident with the melody and rhythm, he was able to dive deeper into the meaning of the song.
Joseph Gilhooly performing at Pops on the Heights
"Performing with the Boston Pops was absolutely surreal. All the months of preparation and confidence-building allowed me to simply enjoy the moment and share my love of music with thousands of others. I don't know if I will ever fully wrap my head around the scale of that night, but I am already looking back on it fondly!"
This year’s featured guest performer shares Gilhooly’s connection to Les Misérables. BC proudly welcomed Hugh Jackman, who starred as Jean Valjean in the 2012 film adaptation of the musical, to the Heights.
Gilhooly knew he would be sharing the stage with Jackman, and hoped that the Grammy Award-winning star would also sing something from the musical. His hopes became a reality when Jackman stunned the audience with a reverent “Valjean’s Soliloquy” in between numbers from The Greatest Showman and The Music Man.
“My learning through the Lynch School informs my singing, and vice versa. I’m excited to continue learning in my senior year and beyond. I always want singing and theater to be a part of me”.
—Joseph Gilhooly, ’27
Joseph Gilhooly
Reflecting on his time at the Lynch School, Gilhooly is particularly appreciative of his professors hands-on research involvement. He feels gratitude for the opportunities that have been presented to him through his work with the Murray Center for Student Wellness. As he prepares for graduation, he knows one thing for certain—he wants music to continue to be a central pillar of his life.