The Villages Pops Orchestra is a 65-member performing ensemble comprised entirely of residents of The Villages, FL.  In 2011 a group of 12 string players, led by violinist Emilie Hickman, formed “The Villages String Orchestra”, setting the stage for what would become the current  organization.

Many of today's members were professional musicians, but others rarely played since their school days. All members and the group’s conductor, Kerry Nichols, are volunteers.