Summer Programs
DCYOP’s summer intensive program is back for 2025! Orchestral string, wind, brass, and percussions students will work with DCYOP faculty and conductors to sharpen their musical skills in both small and large ensemble settings, expand their repertoire, and create new bonds and friendships. We also offer programs for young students who have not yet started an instrument yet and want to learn more about orchestral music and explore which instrument might be right for them. Read on for more details about program dates and times, tuition and financial assistance, and how to register. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Provost, Program Manager, at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Available Programs
Primo Orchestral Exploration Program
Premiere Youth Ensemble Intensive
Principal Chamber Music and Orchestra Intensive
Registration and Audition Information
Tuition
Available Programs
DCYOP offers a range of programs to suit students at all levels of experiences. All programs will take place at MacFarland Middle School, located at 4400 Iowa Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011, and will run from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm each day. Drop off will be between 9:00-9:30 am, and pick up will be between 3:30-4:00 pm .
Primo Orchestral Exploration Program
This program is a one-week exploration of orchestral music for beginners who have never played an instrument (1st-3rd grade). It will consist of the following activities:
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Explore, learn about, and try instruments from different instrument families
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Explore orchestral music alongside visual arts
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Explore music and movement (dance/yoga)
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Screen free outdoor play
Program dates (1-week sessions, music curriculum repeats) :
June 30th – July 3rd (closed July 4th )
July 7th – 11th
July 14th – 18th
Premiere Youth Ensemble Intensive
This program is a two-week intensive designed for members of the following ensembles:
- Young Artists Orchestra
- Sinfonia
- Concertino
- Debut Orchestra
- Wind Ensemble
- Premiere Winds
It will consist of the following activities:
- Small group instrumental instruction with DCYO Faculty
- Large ensemble “Symphonic Experience” of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion performing together
- Music theory and musicianship classes
- Workshops with guest presenters
- Final concert for friends, family, and community
Program dates (2-week session): July 7th- 18th
Principal Chamber Music and Orchestra Intensive
This program is a two-week intensive designed for members of the following ensembles:
- Youth Orchestra
- Youth Philharmonic
- Repertory Orchestra
It will consist of the following activities:
- Intensive chamber music coaching with DCYO faculty
- Large ensemble/orchestra with DCYO conductors
- Enrichment program exploring the music world from a different point of view
- Final concert for friends, family, and community
Program dates (2-week session): June 30th – July 11th (no classes July 4th)
Registration and Audition Information
Registration will open for current DCYOP students on December 14, 2024. Early-bird registration will be only for internal applicants and will last from December 14, 2024 – January 31, 2025. Registration will open to the public on February 1, 2025. Last day to register is April 30, 2025.
Students not currently enrolled in a DCYOP ensemble or class must submit a video audition in order to enroll in our summer program. Video auditions are due February 15 , 2025.
Current DCYOP students may register now!
Primo Orchestra Exploration Program – Week 1 (June 30th – July 3rd)
Primo Orchestra Exploration Program – Week 2 (July 7th – 11th)
Primo Orchestra Exploration Program – Week 3 (July 14th – 18th )
Premiere Youth Ensemble Intensive (July 7th – 18th)
Principal Chamber Music and Orchestra Intensive (June 30th – July 11th, no class July 4th)
Tuition
- Beginner $450/week ($360 tuition for week 1 due to holiday)
- Intermediate $900 2-week program
- Advanced $810 2-week program (reduced tuition due to holiday)
A non-refundable deposit of $50 is due at the time of registration.
Payment plans are available at the time of registration with three equal payments starting April 18, 2025, and continuing in May and June.
Last day to drop in order to receive a partial refund is May 15, 2025
Tuition Assistance and Payment Plans
DCYOP strives to make our programs accessible to every student who wants to learn with us. Tuition assistance is available to all eligible families on a sliding scale per the chart below. If your family qualifies you can apply for tuition assistance here. If you have further questions, please out to Rashida Coleman, Director of Students and Family Engagement at [email protected].
2025 Tuition Assistance Sliding Scale Chart
| Size of Family Unit | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $30,660 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $38,730 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $46,800 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $54,870 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $62,940 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $71,010 | $94,680 |
| Program | Full Price Tuition | Category 1 tuition | Category 2 tuition | Category 3 tuition |
| Beginner | $360 (week 1) | $50 | $100 | $225 |
| $400 (week 2) | $50 | $100 | $225 | |
| $400 (week 3) | $50 | $100 | $225 | |
| Intermediate | $900 | $100 | $200 | $450 |
| Advanced | $810 | $90 | $180 | $405 |
DCYOP also offers payment plans to help families spread out the cost of tuition. Options are as follows:
- (4) Four Month Installment Plan: payments due 4/18/25, 5/17/25, 6/18/25, 7/18/25
- (2) Two Month Installment Plan: payments due 4/18/25, 6/18/25
- No refunds
