About The Pops Orchestra
“Top notch, crisply professional, educational, and fun!”
Since its founding in 1975, The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota has produced critically acclaimed musical attractions for enthusiastic audiences of all ages. As one of the top performing arts groups in a unique, culturally rich community, the Pops Orchestra attracts full-time residents, Suncoast “Snowbirds,” and vacationers to its concerts, proving to be a cultural and economic asset to the Greater Sarasota community.
The 65-piece orchestra consists of many of the community’s finest professional musicians, community music makers, music educators, and high school and college music students, reflecting the diversity of its audience and patrons.
“The orchestra is terrific! I love your interaction with the audience.”
The annual four-subscription concert season features musical genres such as patriotic, Broadway, Hollywood, jazz, big band, jukebox, Motown, and holiday selections. In addition, the Pops Orchestra performs community concerts to honor veterans, welcome international sporting events, and feature outstanding local young musicians through its annual summer camp. The Pops partners with other area arts organizations, providing concerts for special occasions in the Suncoast region. Local and national guest artists frequently join the Pops, bringing additional energy and excitement to the stage. Each concert season is designed to entertain, invigorate, and project the Pops Orchestra’s passion and enthusiasm for popular style music, featuring something for everyone.
Robyn Bell began her tenure as the Pops’ conductor and artistic director in 2011 and is the orchestra’s 5thconductor. Previous conductors include Arlene Stein, Pat Stenberg, Dale Jensen, and Ken Bowermeister.
Our Audience Has Plenty to Say
Our audience members are the best! After every concert we are flooded with raves, suggestions, and requests. Robyn Bell reads them all always thinking how we can deliver even more of what you love.
Audience comments are all over this website. Look for the orange italics! Even this word cloud is built of audience comments.
Whose Lives Do We Impact and How?
Audience Members
Residents, snowbirds, and vacationers all appreciate the highly interactive, entertaining shows. We often incorporate requests and always deliver programs with their needs and preferences in mind.
Musicians
Many highly skilled musicians choose other careers, but still have both passion and talents that must be expressed. Music educators are enlivened by the opportunity to perform for audiences and this enriches their classroom work.
Students
Exceptionally talented young musicians often need more challenges to reach their potential. Rehearsing and performing side-by-side with adults gives them a heightened perspective of what is possible.
Community at Large
A community is deeply arts-focused when producing artists and performing musicians are found in all walks of life. If we aren’t one ourselves, we live with, beside, or know someone who is. Our orchestra shines a light on our musical neighbors and allows us to enjoy their talents.
The Pops!
“Music You Love,
Musicians You Know.”
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
And Our Partners
