Get to Know DCYOP Archives - DC Youth Orchestra Program

Get to Know DCYOP – KellyAnn Nelson

Posted on April 19, 2025April 19, 2025 by DCYOP Staff

At the vibrant core of the DCYOP is KellyAnn Nelson, our passionate Director of Development whose love for music education shines through every endeavor. A choral music educator by training, KellyAnn’s connection to the world of young musicians is deeply personal and profoundly inspiring.

“My heart lives in the world of music education,” KellyAnn shares. “Working to ensure that this amazing community has the resources it needs to create impactful experiences for young musicians is completely thrilling. Also, my colleagues are the best.” Her enthusiasm is infectious, reflecting a genuine commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.

KellyAnn’s role goes beyond fundraising and development; it’s about weaving a rich tapestry of community and legacy. She delights in connecting with our DCYOP alumni spanning 65 years, hearing stories of how the program has shaped lives in diverse ways. “Alumni of all ages consistently point to the skills they learned here: how to listen, make decisions, collaborate, embrace new experiences and perspectives, create beauty, and participate in a community,” she explains. These lessons, she notes, have been pivotal in their growth, success, and happiness in all of life.

The DCYOP experience is more than music; it’s about friendships, mentorships, laughter, travel, and unforgettable concerts. Each generation carries forward this legacy, enriching their community and themselves. “Each generation of DCYOP students becomes part of this legacy, carrying these skills and this community with them as they grow within and beyond the program,” KellyAnn reflects.

Celebrating DCYOP’s 65th anniversary is a milestone that KellyAnn holds close to her heart. “It’s a chance to celebrate the generations of students, teachers, parents, and artists who have built the DCYOP community– and to connect each new generation to what comes next!” This celebration is not just about looking back but also about inspiring the future.

Adding a touch of fun to her inspiring profile, KellyAnn reveals a quirky fact that even her coworkers might not know. When asked what fun fact to share, her kids insisted on something far more impressive than her marathon-running or Carnegie Hall conducting experience: “I can touch my nose with my tongue.” Truly, she’s a wizard among us.

KellyAnn Nelson embodies the spirit of DCYOP– dedicated, inspiring, and deeply connected to the transformative power of music. Her work ensures that the program continues to be a beacon of creativity, community, and growth for young musicians today and for generations to come.

Get to Know DCYOP – Joanna Ramirez

Posted on October 22, 2024October 22, 2024 by DCYOP Staff

This month, we’re introducing you to another one of our amazing instructors, Joanna Ramirez! Joanna is a multi-instrumentalist and music education all-star who recently joined our regular Saturday staff teaching sectionals and music theory, and has also played a key role in helping establish a new DCPS site for Prelude, DCYOP’s after-school program, at John Lewis Elementary School, where she is a full-time music teacher.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Hyattsville, Maryland. I am a very proud product of Prince George’s County!

How did you get started on your instrument?

I initially played alto saxophone in elementary school but after a poor experience, I had decided to give it up. My older sister was in the marching band in high school, and she was also a first chair violinist in the orchestra. I admired my older sister and her friend group a lot, so even though I had given up music after elementary school I knew that I wanted to be in the marching band when I got to high school. It’s important to note that my high school is a visual and performing arts high school, which means that the more elite ensemble required an audition for entry. During my sophomore year in high school, I was granted the opportunity to join the beginner band because I had no playing experience, and I spent that year learning how to play the saxophone. The director of the VPA Band, Mr. Antony Townes, encouraged me to audition for the magnet program and thankfully enough, I passed the audition! However, he made it very clear to me that I would be switching to the oboe and that it would require a lot of hard work and dedication. I spent my junior and senior year in high school learning how to play the oboe and doing my best to keep up with the high-level musicians in the ensemble. While I admit that there was definitely a learning curve, that experience lit a fire under me that I felt was necessary for me to grow as a musician and as a person.

Did you always want to become a professional musician/teacher? What was your path (did you play in youth orchestra growing up, study music in college, have you pursued other careers, etc.)?

I never thought that I would end up being a music educator! In fact, when I started my undergraduate career at Howard University I went in as a criminology major. After my freshman year, I had a conversation with a dear friend of mine, Christian Adkins, who was the drum major of the marching band at the time, about the reason why he chose to study music education. Everything that he said really resonated with me and he encouraged me to go talk to Dr. Benita Gladney, the advisor of the music education department. I had a conversation with her over the summer, and I immediately knew that I wanted to be a music educator! I knew that being a criminology major was very under stimulating for me and as soon as I began my music classes, it felt like what I should have always been doing.

How long have you taught at DCYOP and what is one of your favorite memories?

I am currently the music teacher at John Lewis Elementary School which has an after-school music program thanks to the DCYOP. Last year was my first ever year as a music educator, and thankfully enough I was able to establish a relationship with the DCYOP through the after-school program. I did sub as needed for different sessions on Saturdays, but this year is my first year as an educator on their staff for the Saturday program!

Deciding on a favorite memory is difficult because there are so many different things that I can choose from! I will say that my favorite outcomes were being able to meet and work with DCYOP Program Manager, Tim Provost, and having students stick with the program no matter how hectic things got throughout the school year.

What do you like most about teaching?

To be honest, teaching feels very natural to me. Coming to work is not something dreadful for me, in fact sometimes I don’t even feel like I’m at work! Teaching music feels like something that I’m supposed to be doing, and it feels like I’m fulfilling my life’s purpose when I teach. While I have faced many challenges, such as funding, behavioral issues, and all the things that come with being an educator, I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to create unique ways to teach music and I’ve enjoyed being able to allow my students to experience music in different ways.

Who is one of your favorite performers? Why?

That’s a tough question for me to answer, but I would have to say that my favorite performers are my friends. I love watching my peers perform because it always reminds me of how far each of us have come in our musical journeys.

What is one of your favorite pieces of music? Why?

I know that I would be basic if I said First Suite in E-flat (by Gustav Holst)…but it truly holds such a special place in my heart! It reminds me of my time in high school and how different my life was back then. Other than that, I would have to say that my favorite piece of music is the finale of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. I’ve loved this since the first time I got to play it in high school! The timpani part was what always keeps me hooked!

What are your interests outside of music?

Truthfully, I don’t really have many hobbies outside of music, but I am trying to find some! I do enjoy playing tennis but I have to admit that I’m not as good as I was when I was on the tennis team in high school!

Where is your favorite place to go for fun/what is your favorite thing to do in DC?

Truthfully… I am always at work! I don’t usually have that much down time but when I do, I love to try out new ramen or pho spots!

Get to Know DCYOP – Ken Giles

Posted on September 20, 2024September 24, 2024 by DCYOP Staff

It is hard to imagine a program day that doesn’t start and end with Ken Giles in the building. A beginner violin and viola instructor at DYCOP for over 20 years, Mr. Giles is also a proud former DCYOP parent and a trained musician who performed with the likes of American folk legends such as Pete Seeger and Odetta. Read on to learn more about Mr. Giles’ fascinating life story, including his lifelong commitment to combining his passion for music with social justice movements. Where did you grow up?

I was born in Chicago, and lived in Galesburg, Illinois for elementary and middle school. I moved to Interlochen, Michigan for high school, but this was interrupted in 1965 when I was a U.S. Senate Page and lived in D.C. Then, back to Interlochen. I graduated in 1967 and went on to attend Swarthmore College. I came to D.C. permanently in 1971.

How did you get started on your instrument?

I played viola in elementary through high school, and came from a musical family – Mom played string bass; Dad played trombone; we all played in local community orchestra in Galesburg. Interlochen was very educational. Played a concert every week, lots of repertoire. Amazing students… some destined to be star performers. I was not a great performer, but I learned a lot.

Did you always want to become a professional musician? What was your path (did you play in youth orchestra growing up, study music in college, have you pursued other careers, etc.)?

Two important themes for me: music, especially how music can help change our society and improve things, and social activism for equality and peace. And I have always emphasized the connection between music and social change. Civil rights songs helped promote the civil rights movement, and “We Shall Overcome” became the anthem. I teach my students the classics, and also civil rights songs, labor songs, fiddle tunes, some blues/jazz. All kinds of music and the history of our society associated with the music.

When I first came to DC, I worked for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Then, inspired by DCYOP when my kids were there, I switched to music teaching.

How long have you taught at DCYOP and what is one of your favorite memories?

My two boys were students at DCYOP from 1986 to 1997…one played violin, the other French horn. I was so inspired by the music teaching and the community spirit that I decided to become a teacher. I took Suzuki training and child development classes, and got certified as music teacher at Shepherd Elementary School in D.C.. I started teaching at DCYOP in the early 2000’s. It’s the best thing I do.

What do you like most about teaching?

Helping younger folks play their instruments, and introducing them to all kinds of music… from classical to topical to folk to blues/jazz. And passing on to a younger generation what I learned in my 75 years.

Do you do perform/teach outside of DCYOP?

I still do group violin classes at Shepherd Elementary School (and occasionally recruit students to DCYOP), and I teach private lessons, many with DCYOP students. I sing with DC Labor Chorus – labor union songs, civil rights songs, topical songs. In the 1970’s-1980’s, I performed with the folk music band “Bright Morning Star.” We sang civil rights songs, peace songs, and environmental songs, and performed with Odetta, Pete Seeger, and Holly Near. It was music with a message.

Who is one of your favorite performers? Why?

Rhiannon Giddens is an excellent instrumentalist (banjo, fiddle), and singer/songwriter. She’s reviving the multicultural songs and dance tunes of Appalachian people (Black and White) from 100 years ago, and recently succeeded Yo-Yo Ma as leader of the “Silk Road” ensemble, an international group of musicians playing music from all over the world.

Pete Seeger was a mentor and friend to me. I learned so much about music and history… how music can change our society for the better.

What is one of your favorite pieces of music? Why?

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” is an optimistic anthem that is often called the Black national anthem, though I think the lyrics can be sung universally. My DCYOP chamber group performed “Lift Every Voice” last year.

What are your interests outside of music?

Civil rights (as a US Senate Page, I saw the Voting Rights Act pass in 1965); peace (longtime antiwar activist and conscientious objector); environmentalism (climate change; renewable energy).

Where is your favorite place to go for fun/what is your favorite thing to do in DC?

The Labor Day concert on the Capitol Lawn by the National Symphony. This year, they played some Duke Ellington music, and Christylez beatboxed while the NSO played Go-Go.