East Valley Pops bringing big sound, big support to Mesa’s young musicians

Instrumental music students from about a dozen Mesa public elementary schools are getting ready for a musical treat Friday, March 6. That’s when they’ll hear a live performance by a 65-piece orchestra — and see their own music programs benefit financially — when the East Valley Pops Orchestra presents a special concert at Mesa High School.

“It’s something we really look forward to, a highlight of our season,” Julie Mahoney, EVPO’s longtime conductor and music director, said in a release. “We’ll be playing tunes the kids will recognize — movie themes, cartoon favorites, even video game music. And then we’ll award thousands of dollars in financial support to band and orchestra programs at several Title I schools that could use a boost.”

EVPO’s members come from a wide range of musical backgrounds. Some, like Mahoney, are retired music educators; many are hobbyists who first discovered their love of music in public school programs decades ago. All share a dedication to performing an ambitious concert season that runs from December through March, with weekly rehearsals beginning in October.

The orchestra has three public concerts remaining this season, all beginning at 7 p.m.:

• March 12 – Good Life RV Resort, Mesa (free admission)
• March 24 – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Mesa (free admission)

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the East Valley Pops directs all donations toward supporting young musicians. Last year, the group performed two school concerts—one in Mesa and one in Gilbert — and awarded $28,000 to participating schools.

“We know the financial support makes a real difference,” Mahoney said in the release. “But just as importantly, for many of these students—mostly sixth-graders—this will be their first time hearing the power and color of a full orchestra. It’s an experience that can spark a lifelong connection to music, just like it did for many of us in EVPO.”

Visit eastvalleypops.org for more information.

Mesa public elementary schools planning to attend March 6 concert include: Adams, Field, Jefferson, Lincoln, Longfellow, O’Connor, Robson, Sirrine, Taft, Whitman and Whittier