Get to Know DCYOP – Tim Provost

Meet the newest member of the DCYOP administrative team: Tim Provost! Tim is our new Program Manager but is no stranger to DCYOP. An alum of the program and former teaching artist, Tim is a natural fit for his new role on the program team.  Read on to learn more about Tim’s interests, his favorite DC spots, and how DCYOP has impacted his life.

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Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Hyattsville, Maryland in Prince George’s County!

 How did you get started in music and what kind of work did you do prior to joining the DCYOP team?
My primary instrument is the upright bass, which I started playing in my elementary school’s orchestra in 4th grade. I went to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and majored in Music Education. Before my work with DCYOP, I taught for various music programs around Baltimore City including the Bridges Music Program and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program. I also gigged as a bassist, gave private lessons, and worked as a substitute teacher for Baltimore County public schools. Over the years, I’ve collected many more string instruments and learned to play them (probably too many), but it all started with the bass. I don’t get to play the bass as much as I used to, but I still try to play an instrument every day. Playing the DCYOP’s upper orchestra bass sections recently has been really great for me musically!

What do you do at DCYOP in your new role and what are your general responsibilities?
My new role at DCYOP (which I am incredibly excited about!) is Program Manager. In this role, I work with DCYOP teachers and staff  to put together schedules, set up classrooms/rehearsal spaces, assist with events, and facilitate after-school programming. I get to work with practically everyone in the program, which is fantastic!

What was your path to DCYOP? Why did you decide you wanted to work here?
My time with DCYOP started when I was still in high school. I was advised by all of my music teachers (and even a few complete strangers who I met while playing bass) that the program was amazing and that I should join. Then, after graduating college, I reconnected with the program as a teacher.

Seeing the program both as a student and teacher helped me appreciate just how much good the DCYOP does through music. The DCYOP team is incredibly dedicated to helping students across the region grow both as musicians and as people. I am very passionate about this kind of education, and I am honored to be a part of the program’s work.

What is one of your favorite DCYOP memories as a student?
There are so many! Of all of them, I think getting to travel to Italy with the orchestra was probably the best. I had never been out of the country or on a plane before that trip, so the opportunity to travel was life-changing in and of itself. Being able to play music while traveling made it even more meaningful, and I will remember that experience for the rest of my life.

Who is one of your favorite performers? Why?
I really love watching Chris Thile play. He’s what inspired me to start playing mandolin, and his live performances always leave me stunned. I’ve never seen somebody as in-control of their instrument as he is. I’ve been lucky enough to see him live twice at Wolf Trap, and both times were incredible.

What is one of your favorite pieces of music? Why?
The piece that comes to mind for me is Mahler’s Second Symphony. It’s a gigantic piece scored for a huge orchestra, including a choir at one point, and it’s completely over-the-top. Every movement is intense and emotional in one way or another. The bass parts are also excellent, which helps! I got to play this piece with my local community orchestra when I was 16 and it knocked me off my feet with both its beauty and its intense difficulty. I’ve loved it ever since.

What are your interests outside of music?
I honestly spend most of my free time either playing music or looking up instruments, so it’s always hard for me to think of other hobbies! I love to read and play with my pets, and my wife and I like to cook together. I also play video games whenever I have a bit of extra free time. I’ve been a huge Nintendo fan for as long as I can remember.

What is your favorite place in DC?
The Smithsonian museums are always incredible to me. My parents would take me to see them most years for my birthday and I never get tired of them. The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are also a favorite of mine. It’s a great park and is gorgeous in full bloom.