A West Virginia University School of Music student recently played for world leaders as part of the American Pops Orchestra's program commemorating the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Jacob Schear, a junior Music Performance major specializing in the French horn, auditioned and was selected to play in the orchestra after learning about the opportunity from School of Music Assistant Professor Albert Houde.
The concert was held July 11 at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and featured students currently studying in the United States, performers from all 32 NATO countries and guest soloists. The group, hosted by the American Pops Orchestra, came together as the NATO Symphony Orchestra to celebrate unity through musical performance.
"It was incredible to get to play alongside such amazing musicians from around
the world,” Schear said. “There was such a broad range of literature, and I was
thrilled to be able to represent my country. The ability to showcase what I've
worked on for years was a dream come true."
Jacob Schear, Courtesy: American Pops Orchestra
The American Pops Orchestra was founded by West Virginia University Music Performance alum Luke Frazier in 2015 to "build community through the preservation, promotion, and reimagination of American popular music." The orchestra gained national recognition through televised performances, including “WICKED in Concert” in 2021, hosted by Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. Patti Labelle, Ariana DeBose and Josh Groban are some of the many artists who have joined the orchestra in providing free musical experiences across the United States.
The orchestra partnered with the Atlantic Council for the NATO 75th Anniversary performance. NATO world leaders and representatives from the U.S. State Department and the White House attended the one-night-only concert.
The NATO 75th Anniversary Performance, Courtesy: American Pops Orchestra
Schear is from Leesburg, Virginia, and said the opportunity allowed him to experience Washington, D.C., in unique and exciting ways. Along with performing, participants were invited to tour the Library of Congress and visit the National Cathedral, Kennedy Center, and Smithsonian Instrument Collection. Schear also met with West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and received a private tour of the U.S. Capitol building where he witnessed a live Senate vote.
Schear with West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, Courtesy: American Pops Orchestra
"Witnessing the Senate floor while the senators were taking votes was crazy! I never thought I'd see those people anywhere other than television," Schear said. "On top of that, performing in the Library of Congress was an experience like no other; the whole building was crowded with important people. My favorite part of it all was getting to play alongside one of the American Pops horn players, Michael Hall. Getting to fit in with the professionals is what I strive for. All in all, the event was one of the best experiences I could ask for."
To learn more about the American Pops Orchestra, visit theamericanpops.org. For more information on the Music Performance program, visit music.wvu.edu.