The Reading Pops Big Band was formed as the “Band within the Band” when the Reading Pops Orchestra was doing dinner concerts in the late 1990’s.  Members of the woodwind section doubled on saxophones!  This asset of the Pops has also been advantageous when appearing with guest soloists/artists, allowing more opportunities in repertoire choices, especially during Berks Jazz Fest events.   The Reading Pops Big Band now performs separately from the orchestra in opportunities such as side by side programs with middle school jazz bands, and sharing this art form with the community for other events.

The Big Band performs music from the Swing Era all the way up to more contemporary jazz charts, including Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Sammy Nestico, and Neal Hefti, even arrangements from Broadway shows and pop radio tunes!