The Ocean State Summer Pops Orchestra is Rhode Island’s only pops orchestra. The original Orchestra was formed in 1993, and performed for six seasons under Music Director Stephen Toro. During those six seasons, the Orchestra’s dedicated musicians gave 35 concerts throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and recorded two CD’s. The original orchestra disbanded at the end of the 1998 season.
In early 2002, a group of musicians from the original orchestra gathered together to plan the formation ... view more »
The Ocean State Summer Pops Orchestra is Rhode Island’s only pops orchestra. The original Orchestra was formed in 1993, and performed for six seasons under Music Director Stephen Toro. During those six seasons, the Orchestra’s dedicated musicians gave 35 concerts throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and recorded two CD’s. The original orchestra disbanded at the end of the 1998 season.
In early 2002, a group of musicians from the original orchestra gathered together to plan the formation of a new group, which in 2003 became the revival of the Ocean State Summer Pops Orchestra. The Orchestra is dedicated to education and entertainment through music, and delivers orchestral and educational programming throughout the communities of Greater Rhode Island.
The Orchestra’s concert season begins in June and ends at Labor Day, and our repertoire includes a broad variety of light classical pieces, as well as movie and show music, marches, and other pops-style selections. Performance locations are varied, and have included city, town, and corporate-sponsored events, churches, private concerts, regional and national conventions, retirement facilities, fireworks displays, and other venues. Smaller instrumental ensembles are also available for special events.
Because this unique group only performs during the summer months, the Orchestra is able to draw on the talents of musicians who may otherwise not be available. The Orchestra is proud to include among its ranks members of the Rhode Island Philharmonic and Philharmonic Community Orchestras, the American Band, the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble, as well as the Brown University, RIC, URI, and Fall River Symphony Orchestras, and other area groups.
The Orchestra is also proud of our Student Musician Program. Each year, a select number of high school seniors are given the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra for the entire season in order to enhance their performing skills, and foster their musical growth. Student musicians are mentored by adults, and are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances throughout the season. Most of our student musicians intend to pursue music performance or music education as a major in college.
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