We are the leading ensemble-based classical music education program in the capital region. We empower young people to transform their lives through music and community.
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World-class music education for youth in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Events
Summer Programs
Date July 20th
Monday
Time
9:30 am
July 31st
Friday
3:30 pm
Takoma Elementary School - 7010 Piney Brand Rd. NW
Bon Voyage Concert & Reception
Date June 28th
Sunday
Time
2:00 pm
UDC Theater of Arts, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Youth Orchestra Concert
Date June 7th
Sunday
Time
5:00 pm
UMD Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts - 8270 Alumni Dr, College Park, MD
DCYOP Talent Development Program Concerts
Date May 31st
Sunday
Time
1:00 pm , 4:00 pm
Sitar Arts Center, 1700 Kalorama Rd NW #101, Washington, DC
DCYOPrelude Concert
Date May 30th
Saturday
Time
2:00 pm
Takoma Elementary School - 7010 Piney Brand Rd. NW
2026 Spring Concerts
Date May 16th
Saturday
Time
11:00 am
May 17th
Sunday
1:00 pm
UDC Theater of Arts, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Generations Concert
Date May 12th
Tuesday
Time
7:30 pm
Atlas Performing Arts Center - 1333 H St NE, Washington, DC
DCYOP Chamber Concert
Date May 2nd
Saturday
Time
2:00 pm
Takoma Elementary School - 7010 Piney Brand Rd. NW
3rd Annual Community Day
Date April 25th
Saturday
Time
10:00 am
Takoma Elementary School - 7010 Piney Brand Rd. NW
The nation’s youth orchestra.
10 ensembles
30 faculty
16 instruments taught
700+ students per year
200 schools in 100 zip codes
79 small group classes every week
Ensembles
DCYOP offers nine different ensembles designed to meet students at every stage of their musical journey. From our beginner string and wind ensembles to our most advanced full symphonic orchestras, our young musicians are given the support and training they need to thrive both on and off stage.
Beginner lessons
DCYOP offers group lessons for students as young as 4 ½ who are picking up a new instrument for the very first time. With the help of a trusted adult as their practice partner, students learn the fundamental basic skills that will enable them to graduate into one of our beginner ensembles after at least one year of participation.
More Opportunities
In addition to our main-site programming, DCYOP offers additional training and performance opportunities to exceptional students, especially for young artists of color and students who may need extra support to pursue their musical studies at the highest levels. Through our Talent Development Program and the Washington Musical Pathways Initiative, of which we are a founding partner, students have access to an extended support network of staff, faculty, and artist-mentors, who are here to help them achieve their full potential.
One of the primary things that the orchestra teaches is humanity and how to be, how to live in this world that is at times full of conflict, full of confusion. But how to move through that gracefully, confidently, and securely in your own sense of yourself while connecting to or doing your best to connect with other people.
