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The POP Firebird Brass Band and String Orchestra were invited to perform when St. Francis de Sales School hosted the University of Notre Dame bus tour. Our brass band greeted the visitors with a fanfare, conducted by POP Teaching Artist, Naomi Gonzalez.

Play On, Philly! (POP) is an innovative education and social initiative that offers opportunities for personal development to children through the study of music. POP seeks to enrich the lives of Philadelphia youth by providing daily tuition-free musical instruction in communities that have little access to music education. The POP philosophy is that shared musical experiences promote the academic, social and developmental skills necessary for future success in life.

Established in 2011 at St. Francis de Sales School in West Philadelphia, POP started with 110 youth, ages six to thirteen, with the goal of making a significant and sustaining impact on their lives. In 2012, POP established its second site at Freire Charter Middle School, expanding its reach to close to 230 students. During daily three-hour after-school sessions taught by the region's most talented Teaching Artists, students take group instrumental lessons as well as choir, general music, chamber music and orchestra. Play On, Philly! strives to engage the entire community through partnerships, community events, visits from guest artists and a season of performances across the Philadelphia region. For more information visit www.playonphilly.org