Brian Schmidt – Executive Director
Brian currently resides in Fredericksburg, VA and serves as the Executive Director of the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra. Since joining the POPS in 2016, the orchestra has seen a steady increase in ticket sales, community involvement, and fundraising. That same year, Brian helped found Fredericksburg Chamber Music Initiative (FCMI) which is a community music education organization that aims to create a younger, stronger classical music community through opportunities for young musicians to get together, create music, and get involved.
As a music educator, Brian has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Mary Washington as the String Ensemble Director. He has also served as the orchestra director at Mountain view High School, and AG Wright Middle School in Stafford County. Brian also runs a private violin studio out of his home.
An enthusiastic performer, Brian performs regularly with the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra as well as the Fairfax Symphony, Maryland Symphony, and Richmond Symphony. An avid chamber musician, Brian is a member and manager of the Fredericksburg String quartet. The group performs recitals and lectures at local universities and performing venues as well as many weddings and events. Brian also served as the Interim Concertmaster for the UMW Philharmonic during the 2017-2018 season where he helped lead the orchestra through a star-studded season as well as a west coast tour.
Brian received his Bachelor of Music from the Ithaca College School of Music where he studied violin performance with Nicholas DiEugenio and Susan Waterbury. Brian is currently studying with Holly Hamilton of the National Symphony Orchestra. His Previous teachers include Jay Christy, Margaret Karp, Dale Stuckenbruck, and Roberta Stalzer.
Staff
Karen O’Donoghue – Winds Personnel Manager
Charles Stout – Strings Personnel Manager
Tina Gemmill – Concert Program Coordinator
Priscilla Scott – Music Librarian
Catriona Kimball – Music Librarian
Chris Abeel – Marketing Director
John Schranz – Facilities Manager
If you would like to volunteer your time for the pops in any way, please email the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@rappahannockpops.org.