Atlanta Pops Symphony Orchestra

COI|date=April 2008Unreferenced|date=April 2008Importance|date=April 2008Albert Coleman, a French immigrant, began working at WSB Radio in Atlanta, Georgia in 1944. At the time- he saw a need to gather what he considered to be the best musicians to form a Pops Symphony. The Symphony was to play for radio dates, public concerts,and free performances to benefit the arts, the area youth, and aspiring musicians.

The Pops Symphony was established in 1945 and was run by Mr Coleman for the next 55 years. The symphony was known throughout the southeast. Most of the concerts in Atlanta were free to local audiences and thousands attended. Albert was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame for his contributions to both the orchestra and the multitude of young artists whose careers were assisted by him.

Albert Coleman retired in 1998 and between 1998 and 2002 the orchestra performed under guest conductors such as George Carere and John Head for mainly private events. In 2002 Mr. Coleman officially named John Head a former Atlanta Symphony Principle Trumpeter as his successor and Musical Director and conductor of the Atlanta Pops Orchestra.

Under John Head- the Pops Symphony has broadened its original musical goals to include coiporate events as well as school clinics and concerts and entire community concert series. The orchestra is also planning to perform an even wider variety of programs that will include church concerts.

Albert Coleman passed away in December 2007- but as he intended- the Atlanta Pops symphony will continue to feature a broad range of guest soloists and emerging talent.