Student orchestra performing themed, theatrical concerts that combine classical and pops repertoire with student-written scripts, music, and films.
- Joining
- Audition
- When
- Usually recruits in fall
- Meets
- Weekly rehearsal on Tuesdays
About
The defining difference between Pops and other musical groups at Harvard is our combination of student-written scripts and music, original films, and eclectic repertoire to concoct concerts that are less concerts and more theatrical music productions. Each of our concerts is themed (for instance: British murder mystery, Western, time travel), and is filled with acting, singing, and of course, playing. We have three concerts each year, each with its own unique plot, script, and program. Our two full shows in the fall and spring are held in Lowell Lecture Hall, while our shorter winter concert is in the SOCH. The best way to understand Pops is by watching some of our work! You can watch our past concerts, or look through our photos and other media.
How to join
- Audition — You perform for the group, often with a callback round.
Details
- Status
- Recognized
- Dues
- No dues required
- Experience
- No experience required for arranging, student conducting, script-writing, acting, lighting design
What they do
- Accompanying silent films
- Popscast: Cereal, a five-episode musical mystery (fall 2020)
- Performing classical repertoire, standard pops works, and student-written arrangements and original compositions
- Student-written scripts and music and original films
- Three themed concerts each year, each with its own plot, script, and program
- Themed theatrical concerts with acting, singing, and playing
- Three concerts each year: full fall and spring shows in Lowell Lecture Hall and a shorter winter concert in the SOCH
- Guest professors acting in shows
In the news
- ‘Through the Looking Glass’: Transported to a Whimsical Wonderland with Harvard Pops OrchestraThe Harvard CrimsonNov 10, 2025
- ‘Pops and the Island of Misfit Professors’ Review: An Exhilarating Musical AdventureThe Harvard CrimsonApr 12, 2022
Sources
- The Harvard Pops Orchestra: Conductor - THE HARVARD POPS ORCHESTRAClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- The Harvard Pops Orchestra: Contact Us - THE HARVARD POPS ORCHESTRAClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- The Harvard Pops Orchestra: Members - THE HARVARD POPS ORCHESTRAClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- The Harvard Pops Orchestra: Leadership - THE HARVARD POPS ORCHESTRAClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- The Harvard Pops Orchestra: Videos - THE HARVARD POPS ORCHESTRAClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- The Harvard Pops Orchestra: Our Story - THE HARVARD POPS ORCHESTRAClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- The Harvard Pops Orchestra: Audition - THE HARVARD POPS ORCHESTRAClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- THE HARVARD POPS ORCHESTRA - The Harvard Pops Orchestra: HomeClub website · seen Oct 29, 2026
- The Harvard Pops Orchestra: Member Policies - THE HARVARD POPS ORCHESTRAClub website · seen Oct 12, 2026
- Instagram: @harvardpopsorchestraClub's social account · seen Oct 5, 2026
- Harvard Pops Orchestra Audition Interest FormClub recruiting page · seen Oct 12, 2026
- ‘Pops and the Island of Misfit Professors’ Review: An Exhilarating Musical Adventure | The Harvard CrimsonThe Harvard Crimson · seen Sep 30, 2026
- ‘Through the Looking Glass’: Transported to a Whimsical Wonderland with Harvard Pops Orchestra | The Harvard CrimsonThe Harvard Crimson · seen Sep 30, 2026
- Wikipedia: List of Harvard College undergraduate organizationsOther website · seen Oct 1, 2026
- The Harvard Pops Orchestra: Concerts - THE HARVARD POPS ORCHESTRAClub website · seen Sep 30, 2026
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