The American Pops Orchestra performed for students throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley as a part of Artsbridge’s Artists on Tour Program. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Luke Frazier, a hometown native, Parkersburg South graduate, and founder and music director of American Pops Orchestra, returned to the area to share his talents and give back to the community that he still calls home.

Frazier grew up in Wood County, and furthered his education at West Virginia University and Ohio University.

He founded the American Pops Orchestra in 2015. Maestro Luke Frazier is dedicated to bringing American popular music to diverse new audiences in dynamic ways. As part of his “Educational Outreach Tour,” Frazier and APO, along with student musicians from WVU and Ohio University, performed “The Little Engine that Could” based on the American folktale by Watty Piper.

The story is used to teach children the value of optimism and hard work. It incorporated many well known musical numbers such as “Locomotion,” “Ring My Bell,” “Time After Time,” and “Midnight Train to Georgia.”

Performances were held in Pleasants and Wood counties, and at Peoples Bank Theater in Marietta for Waterford, Phillips, Washington Elementaries, Warehouse Academy and Oak Grove Christian School. Over 2,000 students viewed the presentations.

The American Pops Orchestra performed for students throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley as a part of Artsbridge’s Artists on Tour Program. (Photo Provided)

American Pops Orchestra’s mission is “producing family friendly arts and cultivating music education resources as a way of inspiring the next generation of great musicians and vocalists,” said Frazier.

“We are very fortunate to have Luke’s support and commitment to share his outreach program with the Mid-Ohio Valley. We are grateful for the quality entertainment provided to our school students,” said Artsbridge Education Coordinator Paula Oliverio.

The American Pop Orchestra was the fourth installment of the Artsbridge Artists on Tour Program. Artsbridge will complete the program for the 2024-2025 school year in February as The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati presents a portrayal of Harriett Tubman and the Underground Railroad for area seventh and eighth grade students.

Artsbridge programs are made possible through funding provided by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, Ohio Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, the McDonough Foundation, Fenton Foundation, WVCFCU, City of Vienna, City of Parkersburg and by contributors to the Artsbridge Fall Fund Drive, GiveLocalMOV and donations made throughout the year.

“We are so appreciative of all the help and assistance provided to Artsbridge,” OIivero said.

The American Pops Orchestra performed for students throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley as a part of Artsbridge’s Artists on Tour Program. (Photo Provided)

The American Pops Orchestra performed for students throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley as a part of Artsbridge’s Artists on Tour Program. (Photo Provided)