Who we are
The Golden West Pops has been playing as a group since September 2003 under the direction of Pollyanna Gorman. It has performed primarily “Pops” band music with various styles and venues. Anything from Ragtime to Rock with some show tunes, patriotic music, and Show classics thrown in.
Our 50-member group reaches a vast audience throughout the area through the international language of music. We perform for schools, festivals, patriotic events, summer concerts, and even a football game or two. Our Spring/Summer season is followed by a short Fall season and then Christmas where we enjoy playing a more formal concert.
The Golden West Pops has accumulated a list of successful performances that would make many a professional band envious. Through the years, the Golden West Pops have received invitations to perform in many regions of Southern California. Some of these sites are:
4th of July Fireworks Show at the Huntington Beach Pier
Orange County Fair Grounds
Garden Grove Friday Night Car Show
Tustin Boys and Girls Club
Bella Terra Annual Christmas Celebration
Oktoberfest in Laguna Beach
Enderle Center Annual Car Show
Disneyland Community Arts Showcase
Huntington Beach Central Park Summer Concert Series
San Juan Capistrano Historic Park
Segerstrom Performing Arts Plaza Invitational Performances
Guest of the Orange County Symphony
Knott’s Berry Farm – Performance in the Park
City of Orange – Field of Valor
City of La Palma – Hometown Heroes
USS Iowa – Music Under the Guns
About the Players
Golden West Pops conducts rehearsals at the Costa Mesa Women's Club, and it draws approximately 40 volunteer musicians from across Southern California . While occupations and musical experiences vary among its members, they all have a serious interest in providing a high quality performance for their audience.
Members are engaged in diverse employment ranging from homemakers, lawyers and engineers, teachers, medical professionals, students, business owners, and retirees to name a few. All members share a common love of music and the wish to enhance their skills by playing many styles and venues. We have fun while keeping with the traditions of “concert bands” from long ago.
Golden West Pops Flute Choir
In 2018, the Golden West Pops invited small groups to perform at their Holiday concert. With eight flutes in the section, I saw the perfect chance to form a flute choir and share something new with the audience. We started with three songs, featuring piccolo, C flutes, alto, bass, and contrabass flute.
When COVID hit in 2020, rehearsals stopped. Once small, distanced gatherings were allowed, we met in my backyard—6 feet apart, masks when possible—and even performed on my front lawn. At that time, we had only 3–4 members.
Having always dreamed of a flute choir, I kept it going. As membership grew, we began performing at a local church and expanded our repertoire, focusing on fun, familiar music. We now perform 6–7 times a year. Needing a conductor, Pollyanna Gorman, musical director of the Golden West Pops, joined us, adding her expertise and style.
Today, we play for churches, senior centers, and community events across Orange County, from Long Beach to Laguna Beach. Our members come from five different concert bands, and we’re always looking to grow. I’m grateful to make music with these talented musicians and hope to see you at a future performance! Click on “More Information” below to send us a message and book us!
Carol E Franchi
Ensemble Coordinator
Piccolo/C Flute/Alto Flute