Our Orchestra
The 55-member South Jersey Pops Orchestra is an all-volunteer community ensemble that presents concerts each fall and spring. The orchestra provides musicians of all ages an opportunity to express themselves musically in a friendly environment and provides its audiences an opportunity to enjoy live music close to home at moderate cost. The orchestra’s member musicians pay annual dues to help defray the organization’s expenses.
Our Concerts
We are pleased to announce our 2012-2013 concert season.
Fall 2012 Concert - 3pm Sunday October 28th, Shawnee High School, 600 Tabernacle Road, Medford NJ
Holiday 2012 Concert - 3pm Sunday December 9th, Lenape High School, 235 Hartford Road, Medford NJ
Spring 2013 Concert - 3pm Sunday May 19th, Lenape High School, 235 Hartford Road, Medford NJ
Admission is charged for adults; tickets are $7 and available at the door or can be purchased in advance online. Children are admitted free.
Our Music
The orchestra performs music of various genres: light classical, Broadway, film, patriotic, big band and pop.
Our Organization
Organized as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, the orchestra is governed by an 11-member board. Its volunteer members share the administrative duties. The orchestra provides a scholarship for graduating high school seniors who perform with the ensemble and has performed a benefit concert for Samaritan Hospice.
Our History
Frank Salicandro (1917-2008), known as Medford’s Music Man, founded the orchestra as the Burlington County Pops in 1969. When Mr. Salicandro, who conducted the ensemble for more than 30 years, stepped down, his daughter, Gia Walton, succeeded him. In 2006, Sylvia Bookbinder, a member of the orchestra since 1975, took the podium. In 2012, she decided to return to the orchestra’s percussion section and Robert Schiavinato was appointed as the orchestra’s fourth conductor.
The Salicandro family continue to support the orchestra by generously lending from their extensive music library.
Join Us
Click here to learn more about joining the orchestra.