“In a matter of only two years, the DC Youth Orchestra Program has managed to help me not only become the musician I dreamed of becoming but has shaped me both as a person and a student. In addition to shredding my fingers from practicing, I learned not only how to function in an orchestra but what it meant to actually BE in one. From having lunch with my fellow “colleagues”—I was granted permission by my teacher to at last use this fancy term— to seeing my horizons expand from composing to listening. Music is, in itself, a language. This language is so powerful that it brings people of all different backgrounds and pasts together to do one thing. And that one thing is to play together. This program isn’t just about being the best player in your section, or even getting into the Youth Orchestra for the sake of being the “best”. In these past two years, I’ve created lasting friendships that are sure to last. Improved to skills I still can’t believe I’ve developed. All while joining my family of music I call DCYOP.” Allan O., current student

 

Since 1960, the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) has fostered the musical development and transformed the lives of over 50,000 youth.

As a learning organization, DCYOP continually evaluates our students’ progress and the short and long-term impact of our programs on their lives and communities. To support this, in 2014 with the support of ChildTrends, DCYOP developed a logic model to work in harmony with its curriculum. DCYOP’s logic model, like its curriculum, is a living document (see below).

DCYOP evaluates its impact on a student, family and community level each semester through its jury evaluations, pre and post-test surveys, and quasi-scientific data through its school partnerships.

LogicModel2015a