The BIG Band is composed of 18 musicians – saxophones, trumpets, trombones, drums, piano, guitar, and bass. The BIG Band plays swing, ragtime and jazz in the style of the Count Basie Orchestra and Harry James Band, but has expanded its repertoire into all kinds of popular music from Latin to blues and rock. The Philly POPS BIG Band members were chosen for their passion for popular music. Each is also a teaching artist, adept at instructing the next generation of musicians.

The new Philly POPS BIG Band debuted on July 4 with two performances during the City of Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America 2017 festival. In the morning, the ensemble played at the Celebration of Freedom ceremony and parade on Independence Mall. In the evening, the BIG Band opened the city’s Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks 2017 show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. NBC10 and Telemundo62 televised both performances.

BIG BAND EVENTS