Educational Outreach

Founded in 1999, the Rappahannock POPS Orchestra has made music educational outreach central to its many activities within the community. It is the orchestra’s vision that the Rappahannock POPS Orchestra be synonymous with the word education. We believe that fostering the musical and artistic development of our students is the most important work we can do. At this time, the orchestra provides a large number of education opportunities for students in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline County. These include:

“Play with the POPS” program

This program provides students with a chance to rehearse and perform with the orchestra. Students with less experience are invited to rehearse with the orchestra. Each season the POPS awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors and/or current college students that are actively involved with the POPS and looking to pursue a degree in music.

Kiddie Concerts

The orchestra performs “Kiddie” concerts each year at local schools to introduce young people to orchestral music;

Sensory-Friendly Concerts

A new outreach initiative for 2016-2017 is to perform sensory-friendly concerts for children with autism, learning disabilities and developmental disabilities;

Donations of Funding for Education

The orchestra has donated thousands of dollars to local music programs, including monies to support specific music programs in Fredericksburg Public Schools;

Donations of Time for Education

Orchestra members have given masterclasses and clinics for students at local schools to support individuals and ensembles.

Our Goal

Our goal is to reach every member of the community. As the first professional orchestra in the region, The Rappahannock POPS continues to use its position to develop, nurture, and strengthen ties with the surrounding communities. In doing so, the RPO hopes to shape and influence the future of musical education in classrooms and neighborhoods for many years to come.