Dirk Hillyer had been putting musical groups together since he was 12 years old (his whole family would gather around the piano and entertain guests on a variety of instruments). His various configurations consisted of folk singing groups, rock groups, children's theatre accompaniment and a very popular "Tijuana Brass" style band for proms and debutante balls. He also joined a local classical orchestra when he was 13 years old which began a life's interest in serious music along with pop. So when former Mayor, Peter Torigian asked Hillyer in 1998 if he could organize his own orchestra, the response was "sure...it will be fun! We'll make a 'pops' orchestra with a little light classical and lots of american standards, movie music, Big Band greats and lets include the kids!"

Since 1998, the Hillyer Festival Orchestra has entertained thousands of people at Salem's July 4th celebration! They are becoming a hit on Boston's Esplanade Hatch Shell Series and they love their faithful Peabody crowd. Dirk Hillyer has performed for Keith Lockhart, Carol Channing, Luciano Pavorotti, Anthony Newley, Bobby Vinton, among others and has performed in Europe on several tours. Don't miss this excellent and entertaining pops director and his fabulous orchestra!