Warren, PA – Music filled the air in downtown Warren on Thursday, June 26th as the Warren Philharmonic and Warren County Summer Music School hosted their 8th annual Pops by the Fountain concert.
 
Held by the fountain along Second Avenue in downtown Warren, the free event featured student performers from the Warren County Summer Music School alongside professional musicians, all under the direction of Bryan Eckenrode. The evening began with the sound of bagpipes playing "Highland Cathedral", echoing down the street and drawing in families and community members.
 
“It’s such a unique experience, it's magic—seeing students playing next to professionals,” said Eckenrode, who also serves as a teacher at the summer music school. “It really is such a wonderful collaboration between our organizations, and it gives these students memories that will hopefully last a lifetime."

"It really is so much fun for us to see the students perform with trained professionals," added Denise Pearson, Director of Warren County Summer Music School. "It's an experience that they can't get anywhere else."
 
The concert included performances from the school’s instrumental students, choir, and dance classes. The evening featured a variety of musical selections, closing with a medley of patriotic favorites.
 
For many students, the experience was a highlight of their summer.
 
“I think it's really cool, because I was playing with professionals, and it's like I kind of get to be one of them for a bit," said percussionist Alix Peterson.
 
Fellow percussionist Aiden Zawacki agreed stating, "Yeah, it was really fun to play with someone who has professional experience. I just thought it was so cool."
 
The Pops by the Fountain concert has become a tradition in Warren, often seen as the unofficial kickoff to the community’s Fourth of July festivities.

This year marks the 36th season for the Warren County Summer Music School and the 75th for the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra.  
 
For more information about the Warren County Summer Music School, visit here.
 
For more information about the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, visit here.