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'''Brandywine Pops Orchestra ''' The Brandywine Pops Orchestra is a community arts group in the Wilmington, Delaware area performing popular classics, pops, show tunes and American favorites. The orchestra is made of volunteer musicians from Middle School age to well past retirement age. During the school year, they rehearse on Monday nights at Springer Middle School in North Wilmington. In December and May they present concerts. Part of their mission is to perform in the community for people less able to attend concerts in traditional concert halls or venues. Concert goers are not charged. Several places where concerts are presented are retirement homes and community centers. Ticketed concerts are performed at the Springer Middle School.

The Brandywine Pops is a 403(b) non-profit community service organization. Membership is open, without audition, to all musicians who play an orchestral instrument and are proficient in reading music. They particularly welcome home-schooled and high school students who may not have a school orchestra. The orchestra is supported by contributions from members, patron donations, ticket sales and grants.

'''History '''The Brandywine Pops Orchestra was started in 1953 by Chick Laird. It was connected with DuPont Corporation employees and was then named The Brecks Mill Orchestra. Over time it has had a number of conductors, all prominent musicians and/or educators in the Wilmington and Brandywine area. They include Chris Arrots, Peter, Evelyn Swensson and now Dr. Michael Larkin.

Current Conductor Dr. Michael Larkin was selected as conductor in July 2014. He has a long musical career as a conductor, singer, composer and music festival adjudicator. He continues as music director of the New Ark Chorale and as director of music ministry at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. He has served as chairperson of the Vocal/Choral Department and as an artist faculty voice teacher with distinction at the Music School of Delaware. At the Music School of Delaware, Dr. Larkin founded and conducted the Select Choral Ensemble and conducted the Delaware Youth Symphony.

Dr. Larkin holds a bachelor of music degree in choral music education from the University of Delaware and a master of music degree in vocal performance from the Catholic University of America. From Temple University, he received a doctor of musical arts degree in music education with a concentration in conducting. He has developed an international reputation as a composer with more than 300 published compositions.