About

Mission

Bend Pops Orchestra’s mission:

• to produce, present, and promote accessible and memorable music for the enrichment of the people of Central Oregon
• to bring music to under-served area populations
• to enhance school and community music education through free, open programs and presentations
• to support the education of our own musicians through our musician mission of providing a musical environment in which to grow and develop

History

In the spring of 2014, a small group of musicians who regularly played together identified the need for a community orchestra, providing opportunity for musicians from Bend and the surrounding communities to participate.  During the summer, a board of directors was formed and rehearsals were started.  The Community Orchestra of Central Oregon was born.  By the spring of 2015, the orchestra had 30 members, began giving performances, and was formed into an official 501-3C non-profit organization.

In the years from 2015 through 2019, the orchestra continued to grow.  The group performed an average of 6 concerts a year in Bend and the surrounding communities of Prineville and Madras.  Select ensembles from the group performed at many venues — hospitals, senior centers, independent living homes, and churches.

In the summer of 2019, the board re-envisioned the orchestra as Bend Pops Orchestra.  This rebranding has brought new purpose and excitement to the group and its audience.  The brand better reflects the orchestra’s true niche as the only “pops” orchestra in the Central Oregon region, playing a mix of many musical genres.

Bend Pops Orchestra is now entering its 10th season, and comprises over 60 of Central Oregon’s amateur, semi-professional, and professional musicians.  Our musicians are very active throughout the Central Oregon area, and many members are also active in the Cascade Winds Symphonic Band, the Central Oregon Symphony, the Cascade Horizon Band, and perform in the Central Oregon Symphony’s Music in Public Places program. 

Bend Pops Orchestra performs for audiences of all ages and tastes.  The group delights in fulfilling its mission to produce, present and promote memorable music for the enrichment of Bend and beyond, contributing to a vibrant cultural community in all of Central Oregon.