Joseph Place, Music Director
Ryan Gastonguay, Associate Conductor
Darrell Rowader, Choral Director
Paul Manz, Director Emeritus
Local musicians created the Prescott Pops Symphony in 1992 with a mission to provide opportunities for the performance of light-hearted orchestral music during the summer months. It was first incorporated as a non-profit organization in May of 1996 as the “Prescott Summe
r Pops Symphony” led by Conductor Emeritus Paul Manz. Over the years, attendance and ticket sales for Pops concerts tripled. In response to this popular demand, the Pops dropped “Summer” from its name and became the “Prescott Pops Symphony” in 2007. Adding to the summer performances, the Symphony grew to support five major productions throughout the year, including two annual concerts featuring a full chorus and renowned soloists. During its tenure, the Pops has performed close to 100 concerts for appreciative Yavapai area audiences. The Symphony performers, all volunteers, range from 50 to 80 local instrumentalists and 40 to 60 vocalists at various concerts, plus local guest soloists and conductors. Membership always includes from 10-15% youth participants from area intermediate and high schools, engaging with the Symphony’s mission to support young musicians in the area. Over the years, the Pops has partnered with other performing and support groups such as the Yavapai Symphony Association, the Yavapai Symphony Guild, the Yavapai College Master Chorale, and the Prescott Chamber Orchestra. The Pops continues to provide quality performances at low-cost ticket prices for the community. Support for the Symphony, through monetary and in-kind donations, provides ample opportunity for participation by the areas’ talented musicians.
