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Category: Staff Profile

Get to Know DCYOP – Sylvia Garcia

Posted on by DCYOPAdmin

A professional headshot on an off-white background of DCYOP staff member Sylvia Garcia smiling. She wears a beige blazer, black shirt. She has dark, straight hair.

How did you first hear about DCYOP?

I first heard about DCYOP when I was in high school. As a Maryland native, the organization has always been on my radar. I remember having classmates who participated in DCYOP programs, and although I wasn’t directly involved myself, I always admired the incredible work being done and the unique opportunities DCYOP provided to young musicians in our community.

What inspired you to work in development and fundraising?

I used to think development wasn’t the right fit for me because I’m naturally introverted. As I learned more about arts management, I realized just how essential development is to making the arts possible. I like to say, “There would be no stage without the contributions.” That understanding really inspired me. Working in development and fundraising also felt like a great way to challenge myself and grow beyond my comfort zone.

What do you enjoy most about working at DCYOP?

What I enjoy most about working at DCYOP is the passion and dedication of the team. Everyone here is truly committed to advancing DCYOP’s mission and supporting young musicians. There is a real sense of collaboration and shared purpose, and it is inspiring to be part of a community where everyone cares so deeply about making a positive impact.

What keeps you motivated in your work?

I stay motivated by keeping the mission at the forefront of everything I do. Knowing that my efforts help support young musicians and create meaningful opportunities for them is incredibly rewarding. Since I am still fairly new to DCYOP, I have not yet experienced the orchestra or programs live, but I am looking forward to seeing the impact firsthand. I know that witnessing the results of our work in action will be a huge motivator for me.

Outside of work, what are some hobbies or interests you enjoy?

I have recently taken up gardening, which I am really enjoying. I also love to read, bake, and embroider. And of course, I still make time to play my saxophone whenever I can.

Get to Know DCYOP – KellyAnn Nelson

Posted on by DCYOPAdmin

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 Nelson of DCYOP, wearing a green shirt and black cardigan, speaks animatedly with two adults in a casual indoor setting.

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.