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2018-2019 Student Parent Handbook
Welcome to the DC Youth Orchestra Program! The DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) is the leading ensemble-based classical music education program in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Founded in 1960 by Lyn McLain at the request of DC Public Schools, the mission of DCYOP is “music for young people; achievement for life!” DCYOP offers group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for students ages 4 ½ to 18. The program consists of ten ensembles including the renowned Youth Orchestra.
DCYOP derives its success from a strong emphasis on musical achievement and excellence. The only requisite to join is a desire to learn. Each week, 41 renowned faculty teach over 100 classes to over 500 students at DCYOP’s main site at Eastern High School. DCYOP has four additional after-school programs at title one elementary and middle schools in DC.
DCYOP distinguishes itself through its inclusivity. The program welcomes all students that wish to participate, regardless of background, socioeconomic status or ability. DCYOP strives to make its program affordable to all by offering multiple tuition programs. This enables children from diverse backgrounds to experience the joy of learning and making music together.
For over 50 years, DCYOP has been a part of the Washington community by fostering the musical development and changing the lives of over 50,000 youth. The first youth orchestra to perform at the Kennedy Center, DCYOP has toured 23 countries, played for numerous US presidents and foreign diplomats, and worked with esteemed musicians such as Gustavo Dudamel, Yo-Yo Ma, Aaron Copland, Lorin Maazel, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Marvin Hamlisch. The program has received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (formerly Coming Up Taller) and the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Arts Education. The Catalogue for Philanthropy selected DCYOP as “one of the best small non-profits in the Greater Washington region” for is 2016-2017 award year.
DCYOP is a 501c3 organization and thanks its private and public supporters for making this program possible.
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General Information
Offices:
DC Youth Orchestra Program Eastern Senior High School 1700 E. Capitol Street NE Washington, DC 20003
PHONE: (202) 698-0123WEBSITE: www.dcyop.org
Room W145, Saturdays only. DCYOP’s weekday workspace is in NW DC.
Office Hours:Weekday Meetings: By Appointment Only DCYOP is available via phone
Tuesday – Saturday 9:30 am – 4 pm DCYOP offices are closed on Sunday and Monday
AdministrationElizabeth Schurgin, Executive Director
[email protected] Huang, Development Associate
Social MediaLike us on Facebook at Facebook.com/dcyop Follow us on Twitter or Instagram at@dcyopmusic
Program StaffEvan Ross Solomon, Program and
Artistic Director [email protected] Vales, Music Director
[email protected] Coleman, Assistant Program
Director [email protected] Hattemer, Program Coordinator
Family CommunicationDCYOP regularly communicates to its families about program news, events, closures, and other important information. DCYOP communicates through the following means:
● Email – This is the primary method of communication. Please make sure that DCYOP has your most up-to-date email. Please adjust your spam filter or firewalls so that you can [email protected] emails.
● www.dcyop.org – Our website is a great source of all information regarding schedules, program information, jury evaluation material, and more. Be sure to check it frequently!
● US Mail – This is used rarely and only for specific correspondence and when necessary. Please inform the DCYOP office of any address change.
● Phone – DCYOP staff is available during office hours to help you with any questions.● Newsletter – DCYOP publishes a quarterly newsletter. Called “The Score,” our newsletter
includes student features, recent accomplishments, and upcoming events.
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Emergencies, Delays and Closures
DCYOP follows the DC Public School (DCPS) closing policy. If DCPS is closed for weekend activities, then all DCYOP events are cancelled. If DCYOP needs to close, DCYOP will notify families via social media and email.Important program information will be communicated, including emergencies, delays and closures in the following order:
● Twitter: @dcyopmusic *● Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/dcyop *● DCYOP website: http://www.dcyop.org● DCPS website: http://dcps.dc.gov/portal/site/DCPS/● Phone: Call (202) 698-0123.● Email: Sign up to receive email alerts on the DCYOP website.
*Quickest way to receive information about emergencies, delays or closures.
DCYOP Mission Statement
Music for young people; Achievement for life!
To achieve our mission, the DC Youth Orchestra Program adheres to the following goals:1. Provide quality music instruction and performance opportunities for young people in the
DC metropolitan area across its full diversity;2. Develop a youth orchestra capable of competing successfully at the national and
international levels;3. Instill in our students the discipline and focus necessary to succeed academically as well
as musically.
DCYOP Core Values
ExcellenceWe believe that achieving excellence - as an individual musician and in an ensemble - is a transformative experience – building skill, pride, humility, and self-esteem.AccessibilityWe make ourselves accessible to young people who feel compelled to be a part of an orchestral music experience without respect to economic means or social circumstances. We believe that an accessible organization opens young minds and hearts to diverse aesthetics, different histories, arrays of cultures, and experiences that they would not have otherwise.DedicationSuccess in music is like success in life. It requires dedication to self and others, dedication to growing one’s skills, and dedication to the success of others who rely on you.TransformationWe believe that playing music is transformational - that the experience unfetters the soul, hones sensibilities, and empowers the mind in all other types of learning. We believe that participation in the DC Youth Orchestra Program empowers our young musicians, their present families, and the families that they will someday raise.
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About the Program
WHO WE SERVEWith strong financial and public school access barriers, DCYOP is the only preK-12 program that seeks to make high quality ensemble music education available to all students, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or ability. This inclusiveness distinguishes the program from other youth music education organizations in the Washington metropolitan area. Our students currently represent more than 200 schools, 100 unique zip codes, and a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
A child’s musical learning can cost a family more than $2,000 a year in instrument rentals, lessons, and program fees. As this child advances and the training becomes more specialized, the cost becomes even higher. Through a community of supporters, DCYOP fundraises over$800,000 per year to reduce the cost of tuition for its families. Fees are offered at a sliding scale and instrument rentals are provided to families receiving tuition assistance. On average, DCYOP fundraises 70% of its annual budget. While the actual cost per child is just over $600 a semester, DCYOP’s fees range from $25 – 395.
OUR PROGRAMSAs the leading ensemble-based classical music education program in the Washington, DC region, DCYOP offers group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for students ages 4 ½ to 18. DCYOP’s main site is located at Eastern High School and serves more than 500 students each Saturday. Students participate in group classes, ensemble rehearsals, and performances each semester. The program offers more than 100 classes and seven ensembles, including the renowned Youth Orchestra.
Ensembles: Ensembles include Debut Orchestra (introductory strings), Premiere Winds (introductory winds), Sinfonia 1 and 2 (beginner strings), Wind Ensemble (beginner woodwind, brass, and percussion), Young Artists Orchestra (intermediate string orchestra), Repertory Orchestra (intermediate full instrumentation), and Youth Philharmonic and Youth Orchestra (advanced full instrumentation). All students participate in at least one concert each semester throughout the DC community. Past concerts have taken place at the National Gallery of Art, THEARC, the Kennedy Center, Atlas Theater, and Washington National Cathedral, amongst other venues.
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Young Musicians Academy: Offered at DCYOP’s main site at Eastern High School, DCYOP’s Young Musicians Academy provides 200+ young people each semester with instrumental group lessons.
Chamber Music: To further enhance students’ musical learning as well as to provide a platform for leadership development, DCYOP also offers a chamber music program for its intermediate and advanced students at its main site on Saturdays, which includes a small chamber orchestra called the Young Virtuosi. These students have given concerts at the National Museum for Women in the Arts, the Kennedy Center, the Argentinian Embassy, and the Chilean Ambassador’s residence.
Children’s Orchestra: Because DCYOP realizes that not all students have the transportation and parental involvement to access programming at its main site, DCYOP also offers free school-based programs at four Title 1 elementary and middle schools across the District. This El Sistema-inspired program aims to enhance students’ interest in learning, strengthen their connection to school, and improve their academic and social skills through intensive classical music education.
Summer Program: To provide the opportunity for year-round learning for its students, DCYOP offers a two-week summer chamber music program for students ages 6 to 18. DCYOP may also offer other summer programs aimed at beginning and introductory students.
Our Curriculum
DCYOP's curriculum consists of seven progressive levels.
Levels A and B (Introductory): Students with no prior experience start in our Young Musicians Academy (YMA). YMA provides introductory group lessons and is divided into levels A and B. Level B students participate in an ensemble rehearsal in addition to the group class. Because winds and strings have different learning trajectories, DCYOP separates these instrumental groupings at first: Debut Orchestra (strings level B) and Premiere Winds (woodwinds, brass, and percussion levels B).
Levels C and D (Beginner): Level C and D students continue their participation in ensembles and group classes, taking part in Sinfonia 1 and Sinfonia 2 (strings level C and D) or Wind Ensemble (woodwinds, brass, and percussion levels C-D).
Intermediate: Students in Young Artists Orchestra (a string ensemble for ages 12 and younger) and the Repertory Orchestra (an orchestra will full instrumentation for students ages 13+) continue developing technical, musical, and ensemble skills. Young Artists and Repertory Orchestra students rehearse for three hours a week and receive instrument-specific coaching from DCYOP’s faculty.
Advanced: DCYOP has two advanced orchestras: the Youth Philharmonic and the renowned Youth Orchestra. Youth Orchestra and Philharmonic students rehearse for three hours a week
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and receive regular coachings from some of DC’s most esteemed musicians. Students in these ensembles perform a variety of concerts throughout the school year at venues including the Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral, and the Organization of American States.
The Youth Orchestra is an actively touring ensemble, going on three international tours in the past four years. This past July, the Youth Orchestra was the ensemble-in-residence at the Musica Riva festival in Riva del Garda, Italy, where they played four distinct concert programs.
Placement
New students are matched to their skill-appropriate level following a placement audition. Students may advance to the next level up to twice a year through our jury evaluation system. Evaluation criteria includes technique, musicality, solo pieces, and sight reading. All students may request to receive written feedback.
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Program Structure
Youth Orchestra – Mariano Vales, Music DirectorThe Youth Orchestra (YO) is DCYOP’s most advanced ensemble. YO performs repertoire from the standard orchestral literature and is comprised largely of advanced high school students.
Youth Philharmonic – Richard Scerbo, ConductorThe Youth Philharmonic (YP) is an advanced training orchestra geared at elevating students’ performance level, ensemble skills, and musical confidence.
Repertory Orchestra –Amylia Barnett, ConductorThe Repertory Orchestra (RO) is an intermediate full orchestra for students ages 13 and older. The Repertory Orchestra performs music from the standard orchestral literature and well as works from non-classical genres.
Young Artists Orchestra – Lauren Scott, ConductorThe Young Artists Orchestra (YA) is an intermediate string ensemble for students ages 12 and younger. The Young Artists Orchestra introduces advanced ensemble instruction and focuses on challenging and diverse repertoire.
Sinfonias 1 and 2 – Elise Cuffy, ConductorBeginning ensembles for levels C and D strings.
Wind Ensemble– Angela Underdue, ConductorBeginning ensemble for levels C and D winds, brass, and percussion.
Debut Orchestra – Rachel Pereira, ConductorIntroductory string ensemble for students in level B. Students focus on note reading, music theory, and ensemble basics in preparation for Sinfonia 1.Premiere Winds– Brittney Allen, Conductor
The Premiere Winds is a beginner ensemble for woodwinds, brass, and percussion students in level B. Students will focus on note reading, music theory, and ensemble basics in preparation for Wind Ensemble.
Young Musicians Academy – Beginner group classes. Levels A and B.
Rehearsal Schedule
Ensemble RehearsalTime
Sectional/Group classtime
Rehearsal Location
Youth Orchestra 9:00 – 12:30 10:30 – 11:30 Third Floor - E307Youth Philharmonic 11:00 – 1:00 9:30 – 10:30 Fourth Floor - E407Repertory Orchestra 9:00 – 11:00 11:30 – 12:30 Fourth Floor - E407Young Artists Orchestra 9:00 – 11:00 11:30 – 12:30 2nd Floor AuditoriumWind Ensemble 2:15 – 3:15 1:00 – 2:00 2nd Floor AuditoriumSinfonia D Level 1:00 – 2:00 2:15 – 3:15 Third Floor – E307Sinfonia C Level 2:15 – 3:15 1:00 – 2:00 Third Floor – E307Debut Orchestra 11:30 – 12:30 10:20-11:20 2nd Floor AuditoriumYoung Musicians Academy
N/A Varies Third and Fourth Floor
Student Evaluations
To measure student progress, at the end of each semester, DCYOP holds jury evaluations. The purpose of jury evaluations is to measure student progress and assess program delivery. Because of this, DCYOP requires that every student participates in an evaluation every semester.Collective evaluation results enable DCYOP staff to make program updates and improvement. In addition, by going through the process, students gain confidence and pre-professional training.
Evaluation panels are made up of two to three professional music teachers from the greater DC area and/or current faculty members, conductors, and staff. They provide feedback and determine whether a student is prepared to move to the next level of the program. Evaluation requirements are available online beginning in March.
Every student moves through DCYOP’s curriculum at his/her own pace. Some of the levels are designed to be multiple semesters, and therefore students will not advance from one level to the next every semester. Because of this, DCYOP has three different evaluation ratings: Advanced, Pass, or Unsatisfactory Progress. A pass is a great accomplishment and means that the student is “on course.” On average, each semester, only 20% of students levels C+ receive a score of “Advanced” and move to the next level.
For students in the Young Musicians Academy, teachers will conduct the evaluations during class time. Students in the Sinfonia Orchestras, Wind Ensemble, Young Artists Orchestra, and Repertory Orchestra are given individual appointments on a scheduled evaluation day.
When students reach the Young Artists Orchestra or the Repertory Orchestra, they will have the opportunity to audition for DCYOP’s first advanced orchestra – the Youth Philharmonic. Once in the Youth Philharmonic, students will have the opportunity to audition for the Youth Orchestra.
For questions on the jury evaluation system, please contact [email protected]. 7
DCYOP Student Expectations and Policies
Being a member of the DCYOP family is both an honor and a great opportunity. Most importantly, being a part of DCYOP or any musical ensemble is a team effort. In order for an ensemble to function properly and achieve its musical goals, every member must be dedicated to playing their part. By being a member of DCYOP and one of its ensembles, each musician agrees to uphold the following responsibilities:
● ATTEND all rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances.● Arrive ON TIME for all rehearsals, performances and other events. Students are
expected to be ready to play 5 minutes before scheduled rehearsal time.● Arrive FULLY PREPARED to every rehearsal having practiced your music.● Put forth your BEST EFFORT AND ATTITUDE and respect the music, your
fellow orchestra members, and DCYOP.● Come to all rehearsals with your instrument, music, music stand, and necessary
accessories (pencils, extra strings, rosin, reeds, mutes, cello stops, etc). DCYOP does not provide loaner instruments nor sell musical accessories. Lost music must be downloaded and printed from the DCYOP Music Database, per the lost music policy
● Behave RESPECTUFLLY AND MATURELY at all rehearsals, classes, performances and DCYOP events.
The following unsatisfactory conduct may require a meeting with parent/guardian and may result in disciplinary action or dismissal:
● Absenteeism or excessive lateness● Failure to arrive prepared to rehearsals or classes● Failure to uphold expectations or disrespectful behavior
Attendance Policy:● Students are expected to attend every rehearsal, sectional, and class. In the case of an
emergency or unavoidable absence, please notify DCYOP as soon as possible by submitting the following form: https://form.jotform.us/52032795813153
● Attendance at concerts and dress rehearsals is mandatory.● Students are permitted a maximum of three absences per semester with prior notice.
Students are not “entitled” to three absences; they are permitted them only when unavoidable.
● Missing more than three rehearsals is grounds for seat demotion, orchestra level demotion, and/or not performing in upcoming concerts. Chronic absence is grounds for dismissal from DCYOP.
Tardiness Policy: It is vital to the success of each rehearsal and class that students arrive on time and ready
to play. Students are expected to be in their seat and prepared to play at least 5 minutes before rehearsal or class begins.
Two cases of tardiness is equivalent to one unexcused absence
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Lost Music Policy: Music is available from the DCYOP Music Database for download and printing. Access details will be e-mailed to families.
Responsibility: All musicians/parents/guardians are responsible for regularly checking DCYOP’s website and personal email for messages and announcements from DCYOP administrative and artistic staff. Please make sure that your correct email address is on file. DCYOP relies on email to communicate with its families.
Courtesy and Respect for Each Other: All DCYOP musicians and their parents/guardians are expected to behave respectfully and politely towards one another, towards their conductor and teachers, the administrative staff, and board members. Courtesy and respect is expected at rehearsals, performances, and in any DCYOP activity or event.
Respect for Property: DCYOP is a guest at Eastern High School. As such, we must respect our surroundings. Food and drink are not permitted on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th floors, in any classroom, or at rehearsals. All food and drink must be consumed in the cafeteria.
Only Eastern High School and DCYOP staff are permitted to move furniture. Furniture and equipment must remain in classrooms and rehearsal spaces at all times. Please do not remove chairs or desks from their classroom space. Computers are for Eastern High School students and faculty only. Please do not touch computers or other classroom equipment.
Remember to take all of your personal belongings with you when you depart. DCYOP and Eastern High School are not responsible for any lost items.
Elevator policy: Eastern High School’s elevator is not for regular use. Please use the stairs unless you are elderly, disabled, or have a large instrument such as the bass or floor harp.
Music Stands: Faculty, parents, and students are not permitted to move music stands from any space.
Rehearsal/Class Etiquette: During rehearsals and classes, DCYOP members are expected to focus their full attention on their musical work. Eating, doing homework, use of cell phones or other electronics, and all other non-musical tasks are prohibited. Students should remain seated and ready to play at all times other than assigned breaks. Leaving during a rehearsal is disruptive and should be avoided.
Personal Conduct: DCYOP students who demonstrate disruptive or disrespectful behavior may be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the DCYOP staff. If expectations are not met, DCYOP staff will contact the parent/guardian in an attempt to resolve the problem.
Pickup policy: All students must be picked up from their classroom or rehearsal room immediately following program. Please do not pick up your child outside of Eastern High School. DCYOP cannot be responsible for students who leave campus. If your child is 7 or under, we ask that a parent or guardian remain present for the duration of the program. DCYOP9
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staff remains in the building until 3:30 pm; pickups that happen after that time will be fined$1/minute up until 4 pm when DCYOP reserves the right to call the police.
Concerts: Participation in all concerts is mandatory. Students performing in concerts are expected to arrive promptly at announced call times for set up. Late arrivals and early dismissals are unacceptable at performances. At any venue, students are expected to maintain the same code of conduct they do during rehearsals and classes.
Registration credit: If you receive a refund more than 90 days after your payment, DCYOP cannot issue an automatic refund back onto the credit card. In this case you will receive a “family credit” which can be applied toward future tuition. This credit must be used within the next registration cycle, whether it is semester or year; after that point, it will no longer be valid. The family may request to receive the credit as a check instead. This request must be done at the time of the refund request.
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Concert Attire: The Proper concert attire for each DCYOP level and ensemble is listed below. From time to time, this may change per conductor request. Please refer to your “concert information sheet” for updated information.
YMA, Sinfonia 1 & 2, WE, YA, RO: White, collared, button-down shirt or blouse; sleeves must be mid-bicep length or
longer Long black skirts or slacks; knees must be covered when seated Black socks, black tights, or neutral tights Black, closed-toe flat or low-heeled shoes
YP & YO:
Women Men All-black dress, or black skirts or slacks
with all-black collared blouse; knees must be covered when seated, sleeves must be mid-bicep length or longer
Black socks, black tights, or neutral tights
Black, closed-toe shoes
Black Suit or Tuxedo: all-white, button-down, long-sleeved shirt, black slacks
Black socks Black shoes Black tie; bow tie or straight tie
2019 SPRING SEMESTER CALENDAR
26 - SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS
2 - REHEARSAL9 – REHEARSAL16 - REHEARSAL23 – NO REHEARSAL (DCPS WINTER BREAK)
2 - REHEARSAL9 – NO REHEARSAL (DC MARATHON)16 - REHEARSAL23 - REHEARSAL30 - REHEARSAL
6 – REHEARSAL13 – REHEARSAL20 – NO REHEARSAL (DCPS SPRING BREAK)27 – REHEARSAL
4 – REHEARSAL; LEVEL A CONCERTS - EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL11– REHEARSAL (NO LEVEL A); RO/YV/YP CONCERT, 5pm - THEARC18 –WE/YA/C/D/PW/DO CONCERT, YO CONCERT - UDC THEATER OF THE ARTS25 – MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
1 – JURY EVALUATIONS
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
