South Jersey Pops Orchestra

Our Orchestra: The 60-member South Jersey Pops Orchestra is an all-volunteer community ensemble that presents concerts each fall and spring. The orchestra provides musicians 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. Our Concerts: We hold four concerts per year, including October or November, December, March and May. Adults are charged $10 for admission; children 13 and under are admitted free. Our Music: The orchestra performs music of various genres, including Classical Music, 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. 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 1976, 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. This season marks the first under the baton of our fifth conductor, Robert Bradshaw. Join Us: The South Jersey Pops welcomes musicians, including high school and college students, who are prepared to improve their skills, and skillful musicians whose example can encourage and inspire their colleagues. Auditions are required for certain sections. Please contact us for more information. Rehearsals are Monday evenings, 7-9:30pm at Marlton United Methodist Church, 2 Marlborough Ave, Marlton NJ. In addition to the orchestra, we also have a growing "Oktoberfest" band, which is a German "oom-pah" style band.