Staff & Board
We believe in the power of great music to bring people together.
There is nothing like great music to bring together people from all neighborhoods, backgrounds, and walks of life. Discover the passionate team and board members committed to securing a bright future for Philly Pops.

Our Staff

Matthew Koveal
Executive Director
Matthew Koveal
Matthew Koveal is the Executive Director of the Philly Pops, where he leads a reimagined symphonic pops organization dedicated to accessibility, artistic excellence, and deep community connection. His leadership is grounded in a belief that great music should reflect and serve the people who hear it and he is dedicated to eliminating barriers to entry, forging strong local partnerships, and creating meaningful cultural experiences across Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.
After the abrupt shutdown of the former Philly Pops in 2023, Matt stepped in to help lead the displaced musicians through a period of uncertainty. Working closely with orchestra members, he helped found the No Name Pops, a resilient artist-centric ensemble built on transparency, collaboration, and public trust. Under his guidance, the orchestra has not only survived but thrived, quickly establishing itself with sold-out performances, new community initiatives, and a growing base of support, reclaiming its place in Philadelphia’s cultural life and preparing to officially return as the Philly Pops in 2025.
Beyond his executive leadership, Matt’s wide-ranging professional background includes orchestral management, concert production, audio engineering, education, and trumpet performance. He has worked with artists and institutions across genres, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Victor Wooten, John Prine, Renee Fleming, Ingrid Michaelson, The Flaming Lips, Mason Bates, Kevin Puts, OneRepublic, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and Jack Black.
Matt has served in key production roles for events across the country, including as Production Manager for the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival in New York. As an avid proponent of music education, he co-founded Agora Brass, a pre-professional ensemble providing opportunities for young musicians and composers, and is a founding member of Equity Arc, a national organization dedicated to creating a level playing field for talented BIPOC musicians in classical music.
Matt serves on the board of Network for New Music, a contemporary music ensemble in Philadelphia, PA. He holds an M.M. in Trumpet Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder and a B.S. in Music Education from Messiah University. His principal teachers include John Thyhsen (former Philly Pops’ principal trumpet), Dr. William Stowman, and Justin Bartels.

Alyssa Pagano
Brand Director
Alyssa Pagano
Alyssa Pagano is the Brand Director of the Philly Pops, where she shapes the orchestra’s visual identity, voice, and presence. Whether designing concert graphics, planning a marketing strategy, or curating the perfect meme, she brings color, clarity, and creativity to every aspect of the brand ensuring the spirit of the Pops resonates on every screen and every stage.
Born and raised in Delco, Alyssa graduated from West Chester University in 2021 and has built her career as a designer and creative thinker across all industries — from finance and e-commerce, to entertainment and healthcare. She thrives on problem-solving, motion design, and finding the most efficient and impactful solutions — a skill she loves to put to the test outside of work with strategic board games and escape rooms.
She believes great design should not only look good but make people feel something — and she’s passionate about making the Philly Pops feel fun, accessible, and unmistakably Philly.

Frank Smrcka
Administrative and Artistic Coordinator
Frank Smrcka
Frank Smrcka is an experienced arts professional with a strong background in artistic operations, event coordination, and performer relations. He has worked closely with musicians, guest artists, and conductors through his roles at The No Name Pops, The Philly POPS, El Sistema, and the BWU Bach Festival, where he coordinated artist logistics, supported live event rehearsals and performances, and ensured seamless artistic experiences. Frank’s passion for the performing arts is complemented by his academic background in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship, with a minor in Voice, from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music.

Keith Obaza
Director of Production
Keith Obaza
Keith Obaza is a production management professional with over 15 years of experience working alongside arts and broadcast organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area. His career started in radio broadcasting and soon made the transition into live event production, focusing on jazz and orchestral ensembles. His work spans a wide variety, such as capturing four European tours with the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County, recording interviews with Henry Rollins, Marshall Allen of the Sun Ra Arkhestra, and Dave Bazan (among others), and producing award winning content during the pandemic as one of the first arts organizations to return to performance. He currently resides in South Philadelphia with his family, dog, two cats, and an ever expanding collection of vinyl.

Sharla Feldscher
Director of Public Relations, Board Member
Sharla Feldscher
Sharla Feldscher’s creative energy and media savvy have made her a standout in the public relations field since 1980. With a specialty in entertainment and music PR since 1992, she is proud to have worked with the Merriam Theater for 16 years, the Philly Pops for 10 years including five years as Peter Nero’s national publicist, the Mann Center for 10 years and many others. With great involvement in Philadelphia, she was co-chair of the Media Committee for Jazz Philadelphia, a board member of the Philadelphia Music Alliance, Police Athletic League of Philadelphia and Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and more. Sharla is proud to be named to the Philadelphia Public Relations Association’s Hall of Fame as well as the Overbrook High School Hall of Fame and to have received many other honors including the Woman of Distinction Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal, the Sarah Award from Women in Communications and the Sally Berlin PAL Spotlight Award.

Vince A. Leonard, Jr.
Librarian
Vince A. Leonard, Jr.
Vincent A. Leonard, Jr. is a versatile producer and composer whose works have been premiered both nationally and internationally. His compositions are published by Arrangers’ Publishing Company, Educational Programs Publications, and National Music Works.
A respected author in the field of music technology and notation, Leonard has co-authored several widely used texts, including Recording in the Digital World, Finale: An Easy Guide to Music Notation, Sibelius: A Comprehensive Guide to Music Notation, Musical iPad, and The iPad in the Music Studio.
In 1996, Leonard co-founded Invinceable Entertainment and 3 IPS Studio with producer and engineer Jack Klotz, Jr. Together, they have released two acclaimed CDs: Magic Up Our Sleeve and On the Brink of Tomorrow.
His compositional credits span film, radio, television, and stage. These include the feature film Running on Empty Dreams, music for the Captain Courteous radio series, and theme and event music for TUTV (Temple University Television). He has written extensively for theater and corporate media, and has orchestrated world premiere productions including Redwall (Opera Delaware), Elliot and the Magic Bed, Isabell and the Pretty Ugly Spell, and The Little Princess (Upper Darby Summer Stage).
Leonard is also recognized for his work as a copyist/engraver and arranger, having collaborated with artists and ensembles such as Peter Nero, the Philly Pops Orchestra, the No-Name Pops Orchestra, Doc Severinsen, the London Symphony Orchestra, Chuck Mangione, Jeff Tyzik, Leslie Burrs, and on musicals by Duke Ellington, Alan Menken, Kurt Weill, and Mitch Leigh.
As an educator, Leonard is active in clinics and workshops nationwide. He serves as an online course creator and facilitator for VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, contributing to the development of music educators across the country.

Mackenzie Criss
Marketing Intern
Mackenzie Criss
Mackenzie is a recent graduate from Rowan University, earning a dual bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising, as well as a CUGS in Pr and the News. She is passionate about music and wants to pursue a career in the music industry, focusing on Public Relations and Marketing.

Tom Petree
Financial Consultant
Tom Petree
I consider myself fortunate to have been able to lend my support and meager talents to the successful rebirth of this fine organization. My background has been in accounting and as a partner in a small regional CPA firm, I have seen many (too many) start-ups that never made it out of the infancy stage.
Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, I attended Lower Merion High School and graduated from Drexel University in 1970. I studied the piano for too few years but was always drawn to the “logic” that is built into the development of music but, more importantly, the soul that needs to be part of the music that we all learn to appreciate. I am always reminded of a quote from Martin Luther – “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”
Since my first introduction to the management and musicians of the then “No Name Pops” in early 2024, I have developed strong personal relationships with members of the organization and have always been willing to lend my support whenever I could. I am currently Co-Chair of the Finance Committee and a volunteer Financial Consultant. My main financial focus is the establishment of Policies and Procedures and Accounting Practices that will help the Philly Pops achieve their goal of presenting absolutely fantastic musical performances to the good people of the Philadelphia area and beyond and attract participation from the general public as well as from private and public foundations and governmental entities.

Jeffrey R. Smith
Assistant Conductor
Jeffrey R. Smith
Jeffrey R. Smith graduated with a Music Composition degree from Ithaca College, after which he moved to NYC where he was musical director and/or keyboardist for several Broadway and off-Broadway shows. After a few years in New York, he returned to his home city of Philadelphia to become the conductor for the Grammy-nominated and Emmy-winning Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale. Now based in Philadelphia, Smith often plays piano or keyboard for the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly Pops. His vocal and orchestral arrangements and compositions have also been performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly Pops, as well as various other ensembles across the country. He recently began conducting orchestral concerts of video game music touring around the country, most notably as music supervisor and principal conductor for Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons and Symphony of Seasons. Smith is Artistic Director of the newly-renamed Philadelphia Youth Choral Ensembles (PYCE), home of the Philadelphia Boys Choir, Philadelphia Girls Choir, and Commonwealth Youth Choir. He has led the boys choir on numerous concert tours throughout the US, Europe, Africa, South America and Asia, most recently to India and Ghana. Under his direction, the choir has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Ballet, Opera Philadelphia and the Philly Pops; they have performed in prestigious venues around the world including Carnegie Hall, the Vatican, and the Singapore Esplanade; and they have made several appearances on local and national television, including annual performances on Good Morning America and The Today Show.
Our Board

Brooke Beazley
Board Member
Brooke Beazley
Brooke Beazley is an accomplished cellist and educator who has performed and recorded with many orchestras and various artists including Natalie Cole, Grover Washington, Jr. and many others. Her love for the cello began at the age of nine, and she received a Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance at UNC School of the Arts. She began her professional career as a cellist with the North Carolina Symphony, and, after moving to Philadelphia, she performed with The Philly Pops and Opera Philadelphia. As a proud union musician, Brooke has performed and/or recorded with Orchestra 2001, Chamber Orchestra First Editions, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Delaware Symphony, Harrisburg Symphony, Kennett Square Symphony, Ocean City Pops, and Lancaster Symphony, and has shared the stage with various artists including Yes, Electric Light Orchestra, Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Mel Tormé, Rosemary Clooney, Grover Washington Jr., Frank Sinatra Jr., Brian Wilson, and many more. In addition, as an educator, Brooke maintains a private cello studio in her Exton home, where she teaches students of all ages and abilities. As an administrator, Brooke is the Program Director for SWAN4Kids.org, a non-profit organization in Lancaster that provides free music lessons, performance opportunities, and mental health mentoring to children affected by parental incarceration. Brooke serves on the board of the Regional Orchestra Players Association, an organization that provides support to professional orchestral musicians who play in large and medium-sized budget orchestras with union contracts.

Dr. Aronte Bennett, PhD
Vice President
Dr. Aronte Bennett, PhD
Dr. Aronté Bennett is an Associate Professor of Marketing and the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Villanova University’s School of Business (VSB). She received her BS and MBA from Florida A&M University, and her Ph.D. from New York University. She offers courses on consumer behavior and conducts research on marketplace access, vulnerable consumers, and brand image. Away from campus, Aronté is actively involved in local charities. She is a past President and current member of The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc, (JLP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to training women volunteers and leaders, and sits on the Board of Directors of the Fund for the Water Works, an organization dedicated to supporting the Fairmount Water Works.

Dr. Jack Carr
Board Member
Dr. Jack Carr
Dr. Jack Carr is a graduate of the Malvern Preparatory School (1966), Temple University College of Music (1970: Bachelor of Music Education; 1974: Master of Music Theory) and finally Immaculata University (1997: Doctorate in Educational Administration).
In the Spring of 1974, Dr. Carr was given the opportunity to establish the Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP), where he was a teacher, Assistant Principal, and finally Principal, during his tenure of 43 years. GAMP has continued to be one of the premier Magnet Schools in the School District of Philadelphia for over 50 years.
In May, 2013, as he was retiring from The School District of Philadelphia, Dr. Carr was offered the Principalship of the Philadelphia Performing Arts: A String Theory Charter School. Dr. Carr was the leader of this new high school from 2013 until June, 2018. String Theory is located in a beautiful 8-story edifice at 1600 Vine Street in Philadelphia. Since 2018, Dr. Carr has been a Consultant for the String Theory Charter School organization, serving as an advisor for all staff while offering 55 years of experience to the CEO and her cabinet.
Dr. Carr was asked to join the Board of the newly reorganized “Philly Pops” known as the “No Name Pops” in the Fall of 2023. On June 22, 2025, Dr. Carr along with his brother, Dr. William Carr, will be hosting the Second Annual Fundraiser for the Philly Pops. At the Fundraiser, the Philly Pops name will be returned to the organization. Jack is very proud to be associated with the new Philly Pops and is passionate in supporting Matt Koveal and these very talented musicians as they reclaim the name and continue to delight Philadelphia audiences for many years in our metropolitan area.

Sharla Feldscher
Director of Public Relations, Board Member
Sharla Feldscher
Sharla Feldscher’s creative energy and media savvy have made her a standout in the public relations field since 1980. With a specialty in entertainment and music PR since 1992, she is proud to have worked with the Merriam Theater for 16 years, the Philly Pops for 10 years including five years as Peter Nero’s national publicist, the Mann Center for 10 years and many others. With great involvement in Philadelphia, she was co-chair of the Media Committee for Jazz Philadelphia, a board member of the Philadelphia Music Alliance, Police Athletic League of Philadelphia and Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and more. Sharla is proud to be named to the Philadelphia Public Relations Association’s Hall of Fame as well as the Overbrook High School Hall of Fame and to have received many other honors including the Woman of Distinction Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal, the Sarah Award from Women in Communications and the Sally Berlin PAL Spotlight Award.

Jonathan Fink
Vice President
Jonathan Fink
Jonathan Fink was raised in Eugene, Oregon and moved to Philadelphia in 1983 to attend the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts where he studied with Lorne Munroe. Jonathan is Assistant Principal Cello in the No Name/Philly Pops as well as a contracted member of the Harrisburg Symphony. Jonathan has performed with numerous commercial acts including Merv Griffin, Steve and Edie, The Smothers Brothers, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Who, Idina Menzel, Kristen Chenoweth, The Eagles and many many more.
Jonathan has been an active Non-profit board member first with Project 400, as well as The Kensington Food Co-op and more recently he is serving his first term as Vice President of the No Name/Liberty/Philly Pops Board.
Jonathan is also a top producing Realtor® with Compass of Philadelphia and has been the preferred Realtor® for the music community in Philadelphia for 20 years.
In addition to his musical endeavors, no biography of Jonathan would be complete without mentioning his passion for general aviation and humanitarian efforts. Jonathan owns a restored 1960 Beechcraft Debonair. As a private pilot he frequently performs “Charity Flights”, providing free air transportation on private aircrafts to needy people facing medical challenges or having other compelling human needs.
Jonathan lives in Fishtown, his daughter Hannah recently graduated from Montclair State University with a BA in Musical Theater, his son Benjamin is proud to work for Popcorn for the People after completing his college education in Health Sciences at Drexel University. Jon’s wife Marjorie is a professional musician and Vice President of the AFM local 77 in Philadelphia.

Jim Gardner
Board Member
Jim Gardner
Jim Gardner joined WPVI-TV Channel 6 on June 1, 1976, a month before the nation’s bicentennial, as a reporter and noontime anchor. By November, he was anchoring the 5:30 p.m. news and on May 11, 1977, six days before his 29th birthday, Jim became anchor of Action News at 6 and 11, where he stayed as a local media icon for 45 years and has been a fixture in countless homes in the Tri-State area for generations. Over the years Jim has covered every Democratic and Republican presidential convention from 1980 through the virtual conventions four years ago, and has interviewed every president and major presidential candidate from 1976. Gardner has also traveled to the scene of breaking news all across the world. But he will best be remembered for providing the human soundtrack of life in the Philadelphia region for almost five decades. Jim retired on December 31st, 2022. He then hosted and produced a podcast called “Jim Gardner, More To Explore.” Gardner was the second-longest serving news anchor in United States television history and, the longest tenure of any on-air personality in Philadelphia.
Jim Gardner received his B.A. from Columbia University in 1970. Jim lives in Villanova with his wife Amy and has four adult children.

Joseph Hochreiter
Treasurer
Joseph Hochreiter
An Environmental Scientist (hydrologist) of 50-years, Joe started his career at the US Geological Survey before consulting as an environmental scientist and Principal in each of three successive engineering firms. Joe lives in suburban Bucks County with his wife, Eileen.
He has served in governance at social-service, educational, and arts non-profits starting in 1985 with the Red Cross, where he managed Disaster Services and founded Bucks County’s first mass-care Homeless Shelter. He is Past President of the Board for the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County and has been in board leadership at The Counseling Center of Bucks County and Bristol Riverside Theatre (professional Actors Equity theatre).
Joe worked with Don Liuzzi in creating the All-City Orchestra’s first-ever international student tour (Italy) in 2015, and served on the Board of Joe Conyer’s non profit, Project 440, created to support the entrepenurial aspirations of music students in the City’s public schools.
Since March 2021, he hosts the program ‘Free Form Philly’ on non-profit internet radio (www.TAVN.org; Free Form channel), a genre-blending music show that also highlights musicians calling Philadelphia home. He periodically interviews new and seasoned professional musicians in Rock, Americana, Jazz, Classical, World and Blues. He also serves on this Colorado station’s Board.

Chris Holliday
Board Member
Chris Holliday
Chris’s 40+ years of experience has included his professional career growing an engineering practice centered around public transportation vehicles, their specification and procurement. Additional professional roles included leadership and staff development, strategic planning and the execution of those plans. Concurrently, Chris worked with social, cultural and professional organizations in both committee and governance roles.
His work in non-profit governance has included professional societies, cultural and social organizations. He served in Board, Officer and President roles with the Engineers Club of Philadelphia, and in volunteer and governance roles with numerous social and special interest clubs around Philadelphia, including Brandywine Soaring Association and the Delaware Valley Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America.
Chris’s focus in his volunteer roles is on the building solid and enduring governance platforms for organizations navigating the changing ways that people access and participate in affinity and cultural organizations.

Andre Houser
Board Member
Andre Houser
Andre Houser is the President and CEO of Houser Audio, LLC and a distinguished audio engineer, technical director and Audio visual integrator whose career spans national and international television, concert halls, and major events. Houser’s expertise has supported legendary artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Ray Charles, Prince, and Jill Scott, among others, and supported events including the NFL’s Super Bowl Experience, the Army-Navy Football Games, and Philadelphia’s “Welcome America” Celebration.
A former Navy electrical engineer and Institute of Audio Research graduate, Houser’s technical mastery and passion for audio excellence have earned him industry-wide respect for his expertise as a trusted name in audio, contributing on product development for leading manufacturers like Sennheiser and Midas.
Driven by a passion for education and community service, Houser has organized training seminars for nonprofit organizations, mentored aspiring engineers, and has regularly volunteered to speak at schools and career fairs to inspire young people to pursue careers in music and technology. In 2018, he founded a nonprofit dedicated to promoting music education and career exploration in the arts. His lifetime contributions to the industry and community were recognized in 2022 with an Honorary Doctorate from McFormalsdale Christian University.
Today, Houser continues to lead Houser Audio’s evolution with the company’s focus on Audio/Visual Consulting, Design, and Integration. In between major projects, he remains committed to advancing excellence in sound, supporting charitable causes, and cherishing time with family and friends.

Michael Kellerman
President
Michael Kellerman
Based in Philadelphia, Michael is currently Interim Transformation Director at Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia. Formerly Interim Executive Director for WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, Interim CEO for Intercultural Family Services in West Philadelphia, and Interim Executive Director at Fairwinds – Nantucket’s Counseling Center, Michael specializes in executive change management and crisis leadership for charitable organizations facing critical periods in their organizational life cycles. A shift to this specialty took place when serving as President and CEO of the Village, which merged with Silver Springs in 2019 to form Gemma Services during his tenure. Michael continues to consult with the current leaders of these organizations.
As a consultant, Michael has worked with: Esperanza US, a Philadelphia-based poverty alleviation conglomerate; Center City District (CCD), Philadelphia’s business improvement district; and Ballet Austin, one the country’s largest and most innovative Ballet companies. Prior to this work, Michael was Director of Philanthropic Partnerships with the Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, DC, where we worked with senior global program leaders in Environmental Conservation to create partnerships with philanthropists, foundations, and governments across the globe.
In Austin, TX, Michael was an Adjunct Professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin; Strategic Development Counsel at KUT, Austin’s NPR Affiliate; and Vice President of Austin Habitat for Humanity, in addition to earlier posts in the performing arts. Michael was also a classical music critic and features writer with the Austin Chronicle.
Michael earned a Master of Public Affairs at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, where he focused on public finance and economics, and holds a BA from The New School University in New York

James Kelsh
Board Member
James Kelsh
Jim Kelsh is a retired corporate executive. He graduated from Temple University with a BS in Communications and worked for Comcast for 25 years, including as a Senior Certified Sales Trainer and Senior Sales Manager. Jim has served in numerous leadership positions on boards of no-profits, and fraternal organizations. He grew up in Havertown and is a product of the Haverford Township Music Training program. Jim sings with the Philly Pops Chorus, and is an accomplished actor, singer, and director.

Ron Kerber
Board Member
Ron Kerber
As a Philadelphia based saxophonist, woodwind specialist, and arranger, Ron Kerber’s career has crossed genres and styles. Ron was formerly saxophonist, composer and producer for recording artists “Pieces of a Dream”. He has also recorded with Melody Gardot, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, Bruno Mars, Lou Rawls, Kool & The Gang, and Teddy Pendergrass among others. He has toured with Burt Bacharach, Rod Stewart and Diana Ross, and has performed with Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli, Herbie Hancock, Hugh Jackman, Ben Folds, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Tony Bennett, Lang Lang, Manhattan Transfer, Rufus Wainright, Randy Brecker, Michael Buble, Idina Menzel, Kristen Chenoweth, Leslie Odom Jr., Jennifer Hudson, Jane Monheit, New York Voices, Kurt Elling, The Temptations and Johnny Mathis among others.
Ron is a member of the reborn Philly Pops, after performing with Peter Nero and the Philly POPs for twenty-five years. He has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra 2001, The Royal Ballet, The Russian National Orchestra, and is a member of the filadelfia saxofone fourtet.
Ron was a faculty member for the University of the Arts’ School of Music for 35 years, having also served as Associate Dean of Performing Arts. He has served on the Board of Trustees of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and as President of the Philadelphia Chapter. He continues to be active in the Grammy process serving on several committees for the Academy.

Stephanie Rhein Lippincott
Board Member
Stephanie Rhein Lippincott
Biography coming soon!

David Nelson
Board Member
David Nelson
David Nelson has made a career of freelance Percussion and Timpani playing in the Philadelphia area. He is Principal Timpanist of the No Name Pops, the Philly Pops and the Lancaster Symphony. He is a Percussionist with Orchestra 2001 and the Reading Symphony. David performs regularly with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Ballet, the Delaware Symphony, and also plays with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. In David’s travels he has performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic, Honolulu Symphony, Charleston Symphony, Savannah Symphony, New World Symphony (Miami, FL) and the National Repertory Orchestra (Breckenridge, CO).
As an Educator, David joined the Percussion Faculty at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in the fall of 2009. He teaches applied lessons, percussion methods classes, and directs the Steel Band. David was brought on as faculty and started a Percussion Ensemble at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2015. He taught at the Darlington Fine Arts Academy for 10 years instructing all ages in Percussion, has instructed many High School Drum lines, and performs many educational concerts throughout the Philadelphia region. He enjoys playing Percussion duo concerts for both children and adults with his wife Angela, who is Associate Principal Timpanist and Section Percussionist of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
David has recorded with the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Albany Symphony, NFL Films, and Orchestra 2001. Three of his latest Orchestra 2001 recordings were nominated for a Grammy award. He has also been asked to play Timpani and Percussion on the albums of L.L Cool J., Lana Del Rey, and R. Kelly.
David graduated from Temple University with his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Percussion Performance. He studied with Alan Abel, Glenn Steele, Jonathan Haas, and had additional studies with Cloyd Duff.
David is a Performing Artist for Zildjian Cymbals, Grover Pro Percussion, and Innovative Percussion.

Peter Scarpato
Secretary
Peter Scarpato
Peter Scarpato, Secretary of the Philly Pops’ Board of Directors, is a lawyer who worked as a senior executive in several insurance companies and spent 24 years resolving commercial disputes as an arbitrator and mediator. He has been singing and playing music for virtually a lifetime. For seven decades, he has followed his love for all things musical by performing in rock n’ roll, club and wedding bands, on-stage chorus performances in operas, and singing in the baritone and bass sections in seven choral groups. Now that he is retired, he has even more time to dedicate to music. He currently sings with the NNP’s Festival Chorus and Rittenhouse Sound, an acapella, barbershop style chorus, for which he also serves on the board. In fact, joining the Philly Pops’ management team makes it the fourth time he has served on the board of directors of a non-profit musical organization. Peter lives in Philadelphia with his wife of 43 years, Paula Weiss, and son Aaron. His daughter Rachel, her wife Jenna, and their son Adrian live in New Orleans.

Harriet Weiss
Board Member
Harriet Weiss
Community citizenship and a commitment to helping make it a better world for many has always been a driving force for Harriet Weiss. She has a master’s degree in social work from Temple University and was employed in the non-profit sector prior to her shift to the for-profit world. She has always been a “people person.” Her corporation, CRW Graphics, awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to employees and children of employees. Year after year, it was named a “best place to work” by Printing Industries of America.
Harriet attended public schools and then earned a B.A. from Temple University in four years, not missing a beat when her first child was born. She was pregnant with her second child when she paraded at graduation. Eleven years later she received her MSW. Her master’s thesis was on Accountability in the Not-for-Profit Sector.
Firmly believing in the importance of education, Harriet and her husband made the first major gift to Vital Connections, a United Way initiative to provide birth to pre-school training so that children are prepared to learn when in school. Funding for the program in no part of our state budget. Their wish was to enable all children to have a “bright beginning.”
Harriet has been called upon to speak on the topic of Women in Business. She has addressed groups at the Harvard Business School, Radcliff, and was recently a panelist for Bank of America’s presentation of Women in Business at Rowan University. She was selected as one of the 25 Women of Distinction in 2003 by the Philadelphia Business Journal, based on her commitment to professional excellence and community involvement.
She has served in numerous community leadership capacities including United Way, and was an active trustee of The University of the Arts, and Board member of CeaseFire PA. She is a member of the C200 and the Forum of Executive Women.
Aside from her professional career, Harriet’s most rewarding accomplishment is her 65-year marriage to a wonderful guy, two kids, three grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Larry & Harriet reside in Philadelphia.
Every voice matters.
When our musicians, leaders, staff, and patrons work together for the future of Philly Pops, there is no limit to what we can achieve. We’re making sure that each group has a seat at the table as we shape the direction of this new organization together.