POPS in Schools crafts the music leaders of tomorrow with mentorship from the music leaders of today.
Launched in 2015, POPS in Schools is an EITC-Certified Program that enhances music education for approximately 3,000 students in the School District of Philadelphia by embedding Philly POPS Teaching Artists in schools to coach and mentor students.
"The POPS is reaching the next generation of Philadelphia musicians and art lovers, while providing the school district with greatly needed resources."
- Philadelphia Mayor James F. Kenney
During the interruption in 2020, the POPS created POPSinSchools@HOME, quickly meeting the demand for at home study materials and inspirational videos for students during the crisis.
Visit POPSinSchools@HOME
Arts in Education programs are developed around collaboration, professional development, and deep, lasting relationships. While the POPS has long been active in a more general way through its companion program POPS Outside, POPS in Schools will build ongoing programs with both students and teachers in an effort to provide music education enhancements to a school district that has had ongoing funding issues with its arts programs.
POPS in Schools began on June 9, 2015 with a presenting partnership with the School District of Philadelphia for the All-City Jazz Festival. Hosted by a graduate of SDP’s Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), Jacqueline Constance, the program includes Central High School, School of the Future, Franklin Learning Center, CAPA, Julia R. Masterman High School, Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP), Kensington CAPA and The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush. POPS in Schools will continue to visit these schools and provide choreographed educational activities.
