In 1953, the Brandywine Pops Orchestra was started by W. W. “Chick” Laird as part of his Winter Music Program headquartered at Breck’s Mill. At that time, it was named the Breck’s Mill Orchestra and was under the direction of the late    J. Robert King. When Breck’s Mill closed to performing groups, the orchestra moved to Wilcastle Center (now part of the University of Delaware) and from that time to the present, has had several rehearsal sites and conductors. Over time, the orchestra changed its name to The Brandywine Pops Orchestra.

Rehearsals are held at Springer Middle School on Shipley Road in North Wilmington on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.  Normally, the orchestra performs in December and May at area retirement communities and other public venues.  The repertoire typically includes light classical, patriotic, Big-Band and Broadway Show music.