Fred Barton began orchestrating for the Indianapolis Pops in 2004, and was soon named Senior Orchestrator. For over ten years, he created new settings for show tunes and pop songs, as well as stand-alone instrumental specialties, all of which were played by major orchestras in the best concert halls around the US and Canada.

While specializing in classic Broadway, Fred also created dynamic new symphony orchestrations of music by Elton John, Billy Joel, the Beatles, the Carpenters, Stevie Wonder, and many other pop acts and writers of the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Fred has been Music Associate for many of the Indy Pops’ annual Yuletide Extravaganzas, while arranging and orchestrating for stars such as Maureen McGovern, Sandy Patti, Angela Brown, Anne Hampton Callaway, and Liz Callaway. He was Vocal Director for the Indy Pops’ concert production of GUYS & DOLLS.

Other talents for whom Fred provided orchestrations with the Indy Pops include: Florence Henderson, Ashley Brown, Beth Leavel, Hugh Panaro, Christina Bianco, Farah Alvin, Michael Cavanaugh, and Tony DeSare. 

Fred also appeared onstage as a performer in the Indy Pops’ production POPS GOES BRITISH, performing songs of Noel Coward, Ivor Novello, and Lionel Bart. Fellow cast members included Judy McLane, Ted Keegan, Gwendolyn Jones, and Jennifer Schrader.