DC Youth Orchestra Program

The DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) is the region’s leading ensemble-based music education program. With the mission “music for young people; achievement for life!” DCYOP’s goals are to provide quality music instruction and performance opportunities for young people across the DC metropolitan area's full diversity; develop a Youth Orchestra capable of competing successfully at the national and international levels; and instill in our students the discipline and focus necessary to succeed academically as well as musically. Today DCYOP offers group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for 700 students ages 4 ½ to 18, with a commitment to serving to under-represented communities through expanded tuition assistance and tuition-free, on-site satellite programs at DC Title I schools. DCYOP’s students represent 250 different schools, 100 unique ZIP codes, and a range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Founded in 1960 by Lyn McLain, 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 22 countries, played for U.S. presidents and diplomats, and worked with world-renowned musicians Aaron Copland, Lorin Maazel, Mstislav Rostropovich and, most recently, Gustavo Dudamel, Joshua Bell, and Yo-Yo Ma. DCYOP has received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award and the District of Columbia Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Arts Education. DCYOP serves as a model for community, uniting students from different backgrounds – race, education, geography, income and gender – with a shared passion. Through our orchestras and ensembles, young musicians develop the character of respectful team players. Through the study of a musical instrument, students develop confidence and creativity that empowers them to tackle life's challenges