By Sandy Choi, Community Engagement and Digital Media Manager For Michael-Thomas Foumai, an Indigenous composer from Hawai'i, writing works like Paniolo Credo specifically for student ensembles is a deeply personal mission that reflects. By Sandy Choi, Community Engagement and Digital Media Manager As we return to the University of the District of Columbia's Theater of the Arts for our end-of-season concerts, two of our own violinists.YO and YP Principal Conductor, Kenneth Whitley, reflects on returning to Spain with the YO thirty years after their last visit and the power of music to build cultural bridges By Sandy Choi, .
Follow us
Services
Founded in 1960 at the request of DC Public Schools, DCYOP has been an integral part of the Washington, DC community fostering the musical development of more than 50,000 youth. The first youth orchestra to perform at the Kennedy Center, DCYOP has toured 20 countries, played for US presidents and diplomats, and worked with esteemed musicians such as Copland, Maazel, Rostropovich, Hamlisch, Gustavo Dudamel, Yo-Yo Ma, and Kevin Deas.
In a matter of only two years, the DC Youth Orchestra Program has managed to help me not only become the musician I dreamed of becoming but has shaped me both as a person and a student. In addition to shredding my fingers from practicing, I learned not only how to function in an orchestra but what it meant to actually BE in one.
One month before starting my senior year in high school, I was on an airplane bound for Japan with the DC Youth Orchestra. I could not imagine then how deeply my musicianship, sense of community, and love of learning would be influenced by being a member of DCYOP. The ripples of formative experiences in the program continue to resonate in my life.
Join us at this free family-friendly concert on the Great Lawn at The Parks at Walter Reed to enjoy some amazing live music and wish our Youth Orchestra!buen viaje! and Boa Viagem! as they prepare to kick off their summer 2022 tour of Spain and Portugal. Learn more about where we will be performing and why touring is such an important part of the DCYOP experience on our blog.
Reviews (6)
Lisa Davis
Dec 25, 2019
Maria Alva
May 29, 2019
Kwame Kankam-Boadu
May 14, 2018
Rabiah H.
Jan 25, 2017
Clayton & Jennifer Ward
Dec 21, 2016
We love the DC Youth Orchestra Program! Our four kids have participated over the last six years, from the intermediate level orchestras up through the top level youth orchestra. They have also been involved in the chamber music program, and the two youngest attended the summer chamber music intensive twice. Three of them have competed in the annual concerto competition.
They have learned an amazing amount of repertoire, and their musical abilities have increased significantly through the DCYOP. They love their conductors and sectional teachers, and have made many friends that they keep in touch with outside of rehearsals. We love the multicultural atmosphere and the opportunities to perform in many different venues through out DC, and we are excited about the upcoming international trip!
They have learned an amazing amount of repertoire, and their musical abilities have increased significantly through the DCYOP. They love their conductors and sectional teachers, and have made many friends that they keep in touch with outside of rehearsals. We love the multicultural atmosphere and the opportunities to perform in many different venues through out DC, and we are excited about the upcoming international trip!
Zeev W.
Nov 29, 2016
