The mission of the orchestra is to provide the Rappahannock region with accessible music, which includes classical orchestral favorites, Broadway music, movie themes, contemporary popular music, chamber music, and educational programs for adults and students. The Rappahannock POPS Orchestra, Inc., formed in 1999, is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization of more than 100 professional, semi-professional, highly talented amateur, and student musicians. Over the course of their tenure, the orchestra has reached approximately 75,000 audience members at performances throughout the region; given approximately $5,000 to local school music programs; have granted scholarships to approximately 30 high school students for further music study; have 12 students who rehearse and perform with the orchestra each year; engage approximately 25-40 volunteers yearly for support purposes; maintains a board of approximately 15 members with a volunteer staff of 7 for daily operations. The orchestra has grown from a budget of $5,000 to approximately $75,000, giving 6 concerts per year – two of which are free to the public and all of which are free to students under age 18. To date, the orchestra has performed in Washington, DC, Fredericksburg, VA, Stafford, VA, Spotsylvania, VA and Orange, VA. The Rappahannock POPS Orchestra is about to begin its 16th season under the direction of newly hired Music Director, James Ford. The POPS is excited to see the new and ingenious ways that Maestro Ford will lead the orchestra moving forward. The Orchestra will be have four full orchestra performances and two performances by small groups made up of Orchestra members. These performances will be scheduled throughout the Fredericksburg region and will include James Monroe High School, Riverbend High School, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library and Mary Washington Hospital as venues.