SURPRISE POPS BAND HISTORY

The Surprise Pops Band had its origins as a small group of 6 -8 musicians who gathered in a garage to play music.

They were organized in 1976-1977 as the Sun City Polka Band by Clancy Wolf. Over the years the band grew in size to the almost 100 members it is today.

The band name has changed several times and became the Surprise Pops Band when it began its association with the City of Surprise.

Members of the band come from all walks of life. Some are former music educators or music professionals.

Others are music lovers who are enjoying playing again in retirement.

Past and present directors are:

Clancy Wolf 1976 - 1991

Chuck Mahaffey 1991- 2000

Dave Leppanen 2000 - 2009

Larry Swanson 2009 - 2019

Larry became the band director in 2009 when Dave Leppanen retired.

Larry studied music at Harvard, Boston University and Western Illinois University.

He has degrees in music composition, theory, education, and percussion.

After studying under the principal percussionist of both and Boston Symphony and the Boston Pops Orchestra for many years he turned his skills to directing bands in junior high and high schools.

Eventually retiring to Sun City West, he played in many musical groups.

Clark Chaffee 2019- present

Clark has a diploma from the Interlochen Arts Academy and has earned music degrees from University of Michigan and Northern Illinois University.

He was the Director of Orchestras, Chamber Music, and Guitar at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL.

As a performer, Clark is primarily a percussionist.

His professional performing experience includes being a member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus; timpanist for the Chicago Civic Orchestra, Elgin Symphony, Rockford Symphony and others; drummer for the University of Michigan Big Band; drummer/vocalist for jazz bands and his own jazz quartet.

Since moving to the Phoenix area in 2013, Clark has been an active teacher, performer and clinician.

In addition to his role as conductor of the Surprise Pops Band, he conducts the West Valley Wind Ensemble, is Principal Viola in the Sun City Chamber Orchestra and is music director for the Sun City All Stars Jazz Band.

He performs regularly (drummer/vocalist) in several West Valley jazz ensembles including the Sun City Stomperz (classic Dixieland).

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