THE EVOLUTION OF POPS CUP

Who exactly invented Pops Cup is still shrouded in mystery, but it dates back to 2013. Former Executive Director Cindy Lee (Pops Class of 2015) recalls how it all began: “It started out as rehearsal break activities/games (group Rock Paper Scissors, eating competitions, some sort of catwalk competition, other silly activities that in retrospect, don’t make sense but I think they got laughs at the time) to earn points, meant as a way to get people who don’t normally interact with each other to interact during rehearsals to make new friends. The winning section got this horribly ugly trophy crafted from toilet paper rolls, an empty tissue box, a solo cup, aluminum foil, and duct tape patterned with Justin Bieber’s face, as well as bragging rights.”

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A revamp of the friendly competition and the award itself surfaced in 2016 with Hannah Lynn (Pops Class of 2018), whereby each section of the orchestra earned points for gathering together and posting fun photos.

So what are the current rules? Each Social Director changes some of the particulars, but the essential elements are that:

1. You must have a certain percentage of your section present at a social event or gathering

2. You have to post a photo to provide evidence that you met with your section

3. Points are awarded based on the people present or other specific criteria

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At the end of the semester, the victorious section wins possession of the Pops Cup. But as Hannah notes, it is more than a competition:

“Pops Cup embodies everything that Pops stands for as an organization. It promotes community, friendship, musicianship, and lighthearted competition. In an orchestra setting, getting to know your stand partner and the few people who sit near you is expected, but Pops Cup allows the entire section to bond through the shared interests of music and section unity. I met some of my closest friends through the annual Pops Cup competition. In the end those relationships have proven to be worth much more than winning the event altogether.”