About Us

The Michigan Pops Orchestra is the oldest student-run, student-directed collegiate pops orchestra in the United States. The organization was founded in 1995 by Warren Hsu, a University of Michigan student committed to enhancing musical diversity across campus. He advertised the orchestra as one that performed music that students wanted to play and that no other orchestras on campus were programming. Hsu also wanted to give Ann Arbor residents unfamiliar with orchestras an opportunity to have orchestral experiences in a fun and exciting atmosphere. And this day, Hsu’s initial motives are still Pops’ biggest priorities. Now, Michigan Pops Orchestra plays two concerts a year at the Michigan Theater for audiences to enjoy.

Members of Michigan Pops come from all parts of the University of Michigan community. Most musicians are not music-majors. A majority of our music directors have been graduate students in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Today, we have over 100 members, and we are managed by an executive board of 14 students.

The Michigan Pops Orchestra is an official University of Michigan student group. We are housed under the University Activities Center, UAC.

Mission

The Michigan Pops Orchestra prides itself in providing opportunities for U-M students to continue playing their instruments. Pops believes that making music is much more fun when orchestra members know each other and encourages a fun and social atmosphere through frequent social events. Pops is committed to presenting fun and exciting concerts to the U-M and Ann Arbor communities, offering a variety of music that appeals to the music lover in everyone.