The Rappahannock POPS Orchestra, formed in November, 1999, is a non-profit organization of more than 70 professional, semi-professional, and highly talented amateur musicians. The mission of the orchestra is to provide the Rappahannock region with accessible music, which includes classical orchestral favorites, Broadway music, movie themes, contemporary popular music, chamber music, and educational programs for adults and students. In the fulfillment of this mission, the orchestra has sponsored a variety of guest artists, from professionals to students, and has provided educational services to local schools through an extensive outreach program. I believe that over the past ten years, the orchestra has become an integral part of the community, enhancing the quality of life of every person it reaches.
It is my personal vision that the Rappahannock POPS be synonymous with the word education. I believe that fostering the musical and artistic development of our students is the most exciting and important work that the orchestra can do. At this time, the orchestra provides a large number of education opportunities for students in our area. This includes:
“Play with the POPS” program provides students with a chance to rehearse and perform with the orchestra. For each performance, students receive a $50.00 scholarship payment. Students with less experience are invited to rehearse with the orchestra;
The orchestra performs “Kiddie” concerts each year at local schools to introduce young people to orchestral music;
The orchestra has donated thousands of dollars to local music programs, including monies to support specific music programs in Fredericksburg Public Schools;
Orchestra members have given masterclasses and clinics for students at local schools to support individuals and ensembles at local schools; I have conducted masterclasses and orchestral rehearsals at local schools as a guest artist to support music ensembles at local schools.
Our goal is to reach every member of the community. To that end, the orchestra performs an annual Memorial Day concert that is free to the public and which honors men and women who serve or have served in all branches of the United States military. This concert typically draws over two thousand audience members. In addition to this performance, our subscription series concerts throughout the year are designed to engage and excite every listener.
It is not possible to sustain the efforts of this organization without the support of the community. Whether through direct financial donations, or gifts-in-kind, the orchestra is dependent on the generosity of businesses and individuals to accomplish its mission. In the past, we have been sustained by a large number of diverse groups, such as: James Monroe High School; University of Mary Washington; PNC Bank; Mary Washington Hospital; The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce; The Rappahannock Youth Orchestra; The Free-Lance Star; Fredericksburg Academy; Spotsylvania Middle School; The Fredericksburg Park Authority; The Fredericksburg Country Club; The Elks Club of Fredericksburg; Riverbend High School; Battlefield Homes Real Estate; Countrywide Real Estate; as well as numerous small businesses and donations from individuals. I am proud to report that the orchestra has one-hundred percent participation in its fund raising efforts by each member of the board, and that about seventy percent of the orchestra members are also donors to the orchestra, many of whom donate their performance fees back to the orchestra to ensure its continued survival.
I hope that you will consider supporting the Rappahannock POPS Orchestra in its mission to bring music to the broader community – a mission that remains undiminished in over ten years of consistent performance.
RAPPAHANNOCK POPS ORCHESTRA
Kirk Edward Wilke, Music Director
The Rappahannock POPS Orchestra is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Contributions are fully deductible.
©Rappahannock POPS Orchestra | PO Box 1662 | Fredericksburg, VA 22402 | 540.775.4452
