Summer Programs
DCYOP’s summer programs are back for Summer 2026!
DCYOP will offer two summer programs for students of all levels of experience. Programs will take place at Takoma Elementary School (subject to change), located at 7010 Piney Branch Rd NW, Washington, DC 20012, and will run from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm each day.
Orchestra Explorer Program for Beginners – PROGRAM FULL
This program is a one-week exploration of orchestral music for beginners who have never played an instrument (1st–3rd grade) or for Current DCYOP Level A/Continuing Level A Students.
It will consist of:
- Explore, learn about, and try instruments from different instrument families
- Explore orchestral music alongside visual arts
- Explore music and movement (dance/yoga)
- Screen-free outdoor play
- Program dates (curriculum repeats; each session limited to 12 students, click week to register):
July 20–24, 2026 · 9:30am–3:30pm – PROGRAM FULL
July 27–31, 2026 · 9:30am–3:30pm – PROGRAM FULL - Tuition: $450/week (tuition assistance may be available)
- Early drop off at 8:00am is available for an additional cost of $50/week
- A non-refundable $50 deposit is due at the time of registration
- Registration open until April 3oth!
Premiere Youth Ensemble Intensive – Registration is open now for public and current DCYOP students!
Orchestral string, wind, brass, and percussion students will work with DCYOP faculty and conductors to sharpen their musical skills, expand their repertoire, and build friendships.
This two-week intensive is designed for members of the following ensembles:
- Young Artists Orchestra
- Sinfonia
- Concertino
- Debut Orchestra
- Wind Ensemble
- Premiere Winds
This session will consist of:
- Small group instrumental instruction with DCYOP faculty
- Large ensemble “Symphonic Experience” with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion
- Music theory and musicianship classes
- Workshops with guest presenters
- Final concert for friends, family, and community
- Program dates (2-week session)
July 20–31, 2026 – 9:30am to 3:30pm (limited to 60 students) - Tuition: $900 (early bird tuition $855 through 3/1); tuition assistance may be available
- Early student drop off at 8:00am is available for an additional cost of $50/week
- A non-refundable $50 deposit is due at the time of registration
- Registration open until April 30th!
Registration for Current DCYOP Students Available Here
If you are new to DCYOP, here is your registration process:
For new intermediate students seeking enrollment in the Premiere Youth Ensemble Intensive this summer, we ask for a short video to be sent to our Program team demonstrating your child’s current musical skill. This is not an “audition” to get in or not, it’s simply a process to ensure every youth is placed in the group that will help them succeed and grow the most.
Your placement video can be filmed on a phone (as long as we can see and hear you playing clearly) and should include:
- Two scales, using as many octaves as you know, and
- One solo piece that reflects your current level of playing (this can be something you’re working on with a private teacher or at school).
All of the Video Submission Instructions and the Form can be found here: https://form.jotform.com/250293969184166
You need to film and upload your video to the link inside the Video Submission Form by April 25th. But our program team will review videos as they are received and provide further registration details right away. So, if you want to capture the 5% early bird discount, get your videos before the end of February.
Final date to receive placement videos is April 25th
If you have questions, please contact or program manager Tim Provost at [email protected]
